Allowing Comments to Posts?
When I began this Blog on The Jesus Dynasty nearly a month ago while in Israel I decided to disable the “Comment” feature offered with the WordPress software we are using. Although I have had literally hundreds of reasonable reactions to the contents of the book, both pro and con, I have also, as one might expect, had my share of hateful and threatening messages. I wanted to keep the site free of such things. My experience is that religious fundamentalists can often, not always, tend to be quite nasty in tone and attitude when their beliefs are questioned or challenged.
Today one of my students said to me–Dr. Tabor, it is very sad that your Blog is getting no response at all–not a single comment! I assured him that our readership is high and active, but it made me begin to think about the matter of comments and whether I might decide to include them or not. One can always decide to “monitor” comments, but then there is a question of taking the time to make decisions on each entry, not to mention trying to reply to them all.
What I thought I might do with this post is enable the comment feature and get some feedback by regular readers of the Blog. Would you rather read my own thoughts, day by day and week by week, or would you prefer a more interactive site?
My thinking on all this was not to stifle thought or input, but to steer that sort of thing more toward the Yahoo discussion group, devoted solely to the discussion of my book. There I have had to carry one quite a few “battles” with unhappy and even rude readers, though I must say that the group as a whole has settled down to some very helpful and meaningful discussions by some highly informed contributors. I am rather inclined to stay with that decision, as anyone can read the posts at the Yahoo site, or if one chooses, join the discussion by signing up for the group. But just to get some feedback from readers of this Blog I am going to open this up and ask any of you who have views on this subject to offer them to the rest of us. So now we will see if the Comment feature works okay and whether any of you readers care to weigh in on this topic…
Thanks,
James Tabor
P.S. Comments to this post will be moderated so they might not appear immediately–or at all :-)
COMMENTS ARCHIVED BELOW ON THIS POST:
Dr. Tabor. It’s your blog. So blog here. You are doing a great job of entertaining wide ranging discussions at the Yahoo group. The blog is great just to keep caught up with you. I am very interested in your work on Paul and am looking forward to learning more. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Comment by Stan Kuback — July 27, 2006 @ 7:26 pm
There are, of course, pros and cons for allowing comments or not. On the whole, if comments are moderated, it can be a useful and worthwhile interactive experience. But if you allow unmoderated comments prepare yourself for an onslaught of ignorance that would make a 16th century village priest from the hinterlands of Swabia blush with shame.
Personally, I like the give and take of comments. And, frankly, most people won’t go to the discussion list to post a comment on a blog entry.
There’s my half cent worth. Whatever you decide- I know I will continue reading your postings because I always learn something from you.
Comment by Jim — July 27, 2006 @ 8:08 pm
I prefer just reading your blogs. I think your Yahoo discussion group can serve as the “open” venue.
Comment by Jill Prouty — July 28, 2006 @ 8:04 am
Dr. Tabor,
I have wanted to respond from time to time and have been frustrated that I could not. I never knew there was a Yahoo group dedicated to the book, but I’m not likely to join Yahoo for that privlege either. I really do hope you enable the comments but even if you don’t please at least enable the trackbacks.
Please allow me to make three quick suggestions.
1. Use the Akismet spam filter included with wordpress (Under plugins).
2. Use a “captcha” plugin that will make your readers prove they are human and not “robots” dumping spam.
3. For that extra layer of control there is a feature in WP with which you can require the first post by a given author to be approved by you; but that every post after by that person is automatically accepted (until you block them).
Comment by Thomas Black — July 28, 2006 @ 8:12 am
I myself use moderated comments as well. Even if on the whole I get more spam than discussion, I know some of the interaction in the community wouldn’t have happened at all if it did not happen behind the scenes. It’s a great way for clarifying certain minor matters without a new blogpost or sending an email to each inquisitive commentator.
best regards,
Chris Weimer
Comment by Chris Weimer — July 28, 2006 @ 9:09 am
Please, Dr. Tabor, i would prefer hearing just from you in your blog. I want to hear what YOU have to say, and i feel your comments probably reflect response to people in the discussion group. I don’t participate in groups at all and would probably stop reading your blog if comments were allowed.
Thank you, i’m learning a lot.
Comment by jp — July 28, 2006 @ 9:27 am
Jo,
I’m not sure why you would stop reading James’ blog if he allowed comments. Generally speaking, one can completely ignore comments simply by refusing to click on the “comments” link. Hence, you can still read his blog without reading any of the comments even if he enables them.
Comment by Jim — July 28, 2006 @ 9:43 am
Dear Dr James Tabor -
As a researcher, you have enormous knowledge to share. As an educator, you are incredibly generous with your insights. I feel as inspired by any of your monologues as I could ever be as an observer or a participant in any discussion in which you are involved. You have opened worlds of important, pertenent new facts to me. As in the yahoo group for example – even when they disagree with you or with each other, such arguments still stimulate thought. How can that be bad? I find it is often the well-argued case from which we often learn the most. Sometimes questions arise there that I would have liked to ask myself, but would have felt reticent to take the group’s precious time, or it may not pertain strictly to your book, TJD. Occasionally, even ordinary people ask extraordinary questions, and I would love to hear your answers. All of that is why I like the thought of comments to your blog, but it is admittedly selfish.
I cannot fathom how you conjure up the time to respond, in the depth you do and with such clarity, in the first place. You must never sleep. But if you are still inclined to interact with the people you have inspired (in which ever direction –pro or con), I would consider that additional opportunity to experience your opinions a lovely bonus. Despite the pressures of beginning another book (I cant wait) and completing your transparent bible translation, (and heaven knows what other adventures), if you were to accept comments on your blog site you could chose to reply if you deemed it was warranted and ignore others.
Some of us might, I think, also enjoy the opportunity to react openly to any subject you might raise without feeling embarrassed by any perceived lack of our own scholarship.
As for fundamentalist threats, I am always amazed at the way ignorance betrays itself in the company of open and curious minds. We must never be cowed by those who are afraid to think or learn new things. It is even (however remotely) possible someone with a rigid mind will be transformed by exposure to the fascinating facts with which you are so fond of surprising people. We can hope.
At any rate you might decide to have a trial period. If it becomes difficult, or untenable, nobody would blame you for shutting it down. As for those devoted exclusive blogophiles, nothing would change - the choice to read each others’ comments would be with each of us. Click or not. Frankly, I’d be curious – I’d click.
Thanks for all you have done to enlighten and inform and inspire. What a mission! Has the label “Taborite” been proposed? Or does that sound too messianic? Blog on! I’ll listen!
Lady B.
Comment by Barbara Washburn — July 28, 2006 @ 3:22 pm
I, too, was not aware of the Yahoogroups option. I reserve judgement on the need for the blog to accept comments until I’ve given the YahooGroups option a try. Conceptually, separating user comments from Dr. Tabor’s blog entries makes sense.
Comment by Dennis Ray — July 28, 2006 @ 8:29 pm
A blog without comments is not a blog, but a personal web page. A blog with monitored comments is a self glorification page wherein only ditto-heads are allowed to speak. What good is that?
It is understandable that when a person writes a book, which is intentionally controversial, that they wish to deflect all controversy by placing themselves in a sanitized bubble where the voices of criticism have been locked out of any discussion.
The Yahoo Discussion group is a free-for-all where people pick and choose their own topics and do not provide any legitimate discussions, other than their own braggadocio. Yet when a blog page addresses a particular topic and no one is allowed to dispute any of the points made therein, isn’t this like placing duck tape on the mouths of all its readers? Don’t you get a little suspicious that the author is more interested in mind control rather than honest discussion?
For instance, one of the topics that James Tabor discusses is “Picking and Choosing” his evidence. It is incredible to me that such a topic, which is a criticism of the author’s methodology, is shut out from all discussion. James Tabor does pick and choose, there is no question about that. But all James Tabor is doing is following a methodology that is popularly taught in our schools known as the “working hypothesis” method. This kind of methodology fosters picking and choosing. In other words, the method itself promotes that you present all the evidence that supports your hypothesis and reject all evidence that would contradict your hypothesis. Unfortunate for the reader, however, is that all you see is what the little man behind the curtain wants you to see.
This method is contrasted by what I call a true scholarly method, and that is to lay all the facts on the table, and let the facts tell their own story. Of course, we know that facts don’t assemble themselves without the creative selection process of the author. But one has to contrast the kind of book that James Tabor produces, and the kind that I am talking about, such as those by John P. Meier, who leaves no stones unturned and allows the reader far more choices of making up their own minds, than being stampeded into accepting one’s own particular theory.
But alas, James Tabor is not interested in such fine points. He wrote this book to draw a line in the sand. He is on a quest to find the evidence that Jesus died and was buried and that he will one day be able to prove it with scientific DNA evidence. Can you imagine the impact on the world if he succeeds? He will suddenly be the focus of every talk show in the world. In other words, he will be the one who has successfully disproved Christianity once and for all. The entire world will be turned upside down and James Tabor plans to be right in the center of it. So his book is like a double dare. It is exactly like drawing a line in the sand begging anyone to cross it – begging anyone to say, “this will never happen.” Ah, yes, James Tabor has set the world up for the biggest double dare and “I told you so” of all time. And he is calling all the shots.
So who out there is willing to put their “faith” on the line and say: “James Tabor will never find any evidence that Jesus body was not resurrected and ascended to heaven?” You want to know who the first to go on record to say this? It is I, Paul R. Finch!
Comment by Paul R. Finch — July 29, 2006 @ 9:54 am
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Paul, if I am not mistaken there are Blogs that do not allow comments and most are moderated. As for the Yahoo discussion group I think your characterizations are completely wrong and anyone who wants to read through recent posts will see that. Even that discussion is \”monitored\” but not to ensure conformity to my views or those of anyone else, but that people stay on topic and reflect common courtesy. Far from not inviting criticism I have patiently spent hundreds of hours in that forum dealing with all sorts of queries, including some from people who share your negative tone, inaccurate characterizations, and disrespectful and inaccurrate personal charges about my intents, motives, etc. I can not imagine any forum being more free than the Yahoo group has been. If you want to repost this message there I will be glad to respond in more detail. In the meantime I think sensitive readers will be able to ascertain what is going on here by your attitude as reflected in this post. But still, believe it or not, I have known you for many years, liked you very much personally, and I am actually glad to hear from you, just sorry you misjudge me in such a manner.
James Tabor
Dr. Tabor, I personally enjoy reading and learning from your posts here. I agree with the comment above — you are exceedingly generous with your knowledge and time. I think the Yahoo group is the forum for discussion and comments. It is true, the choice for us to read each other’s comments is ours in the click, but the choice to allow comments it seems would go back to the intent for creating this blog in the first place.
Comment by E Bateman — July 29, 2006 @ 9:56 am
Paul Finch is 100% wrong in his assertion that a blog without comments is not a blog and that moderated comments are self glorification. Some of the very best blogs have no comments allowed (for example, Jim Davila\’s Paleojudaica) and all the responsible blogs in the field of Biblical Studies have comments either moderated or restricted.
Why? Not for self aggrandizement, or in order to insulate the blogger- but because, simply put, there are a lot of people making use of the internet who are ignorant dilettantes. If one allowed unmoderated comments, one would simply be giving space to the most mindless of ideas.
If people with no training in the field of Biblical Studies want to rant, ramble, rave, and attempt to convince others to join them in the path of ignorance, that is their business. On their own weblogs.
I\’ve had a bit of experience with the loons, both on blog comments and email lists and if both are not tightly monitored one ends up with a pooling of ignorance the likes of which have not been seen since the monks gathered in their cells to discuss Aristotle while being utterly unable to read.
As to Mr Finch\’s not so subtle slander of Dr Tabor\’s work, nothing needs to be said to prove his claims false. Those who have read the book know the reasoned and balanced tone he takes. To show the inadequacy of Mr Finch\’s illfounded complaint that James doesn\’t allow dissension he need merely look at the facts: James allowed Finch to post.
I wouldn\’t have because I have no time for such persons and I certainly don\’t lend them bandwidth to spew their bilge. Ergo, James does indeed allow dissenting opinions.
James, allow comments or not as you see fit. But if you allow them, do be sure to moderate them. Otherwise you will find your blog a refuge for the fringe elements and dilettantes.
Comment by Jim — July 29, 2006 @ 12:01 pm
I find The Jesus Dynasty fascinating reading and look forward to your planned book on Paul. I don’t think it necessary to have a comments section on your blog. I’m sure other experts in your field contact you directly on matters of importance. If the blog is limited to updates on your travels, discoveries and discussions with others in your field, that’s just fine. I’m not interested in reading uninformed, subjective opinions by the masses!
Comment by Lester Vogt — July 30, 2006 @ 1:33 pm
Maybe your next book should be the “Evangelical Handbook of Hateful and Threatening Messages” so we can all see what the “Loving Spirit” of those who claim to be “Born Again” sounds like. In this way we can emulate their fine examples and share with them a home of heavenly bliss for eternity.
Comment by Elijah Hawk — July 30, 2006 @ 8:42 pm
I think the comments on the comments idea, pretty much speak for themselves. I agree with the thoughts that it is great that Dr. Tabor even takes the time to write these entries. For him to have to read through and deal with all of this kind of non-sense, on every post he takes the time to write, is time better spent elsewhere.
Comment by John — July 31, 2006 @ 5:29 am
Dr. Tabor, my vote is not to have comments on this blog. I have tried to sift through the threads and posts on the Yahoo group and grew weary of those promoting their own agendas and those obviously very illiterate in responsible Biblical scholarship. I know there are some very good posts by thoughtful people but it is hard at times to find them. So I rarely go to that group anymore. I would not like to see this blog become like the Yahoo group. JMHO
I do appreciate all you write here and it is like receiving a course or book free. You must have limitless energy to do all you do. Wish I had it!
Comment by Mary Ann — July 31, 2006 @ 12:22 pm
Thanks to Dr. Tabor for his wonderful book which has made it possible for a secular person like myself to gain a new appreciation of Jesus and his life and times. I have referred many of my friends to the book and will continue to do so. I look forward to his new book on Paul. Personally I value the information on Dr. Tabor\’s blog and would rather forego comments than have the blog discontinued.
Comment by David Jones — July 31, 2006 @ 1:54 pm
Thank you Doc Tabor for sharing what you know ,I enjoy reading your posts and look forward to your next book and I agree with Lester Vogt above, you have been very kind and willing to share what you have learned and those who have been on their own search are those who can realy appreciate what you share.
Comment by nancy wright — July 31, 2006 @ 2:17 pm
Dr. Tabor,
I enjoy the way you are sharing the information now. Your blog is fun to read and I am glad you are willing to allow us into your life. I enjoyed your book very much and the radio show you did with Scout and Skye, dear friends of mine. Thank you enjoy your research.
Comment by Star — August 2, 2006 @ 3:33 pm
Just reading through everyone’s comments about whether or not to open up the comment section took a bit of time!
Dr. Tabor, your blog is fine the way it is - a great place for your readers to continue to learn & be challenged. If you’ve got the time to monitor comments, great. If not, just blog away.
Comment by Diana — August 4, 2006 @ 12:58 pm