Is it just me, or does anyone else do this

while reading news articles on the internet? Probably spending too much time reading blogs, but even when reading a news article, I'll think of something to say to add to or challenge what I'm reading, and I start looking for the "reply" button so I can post a comment and hope to start some discussion.

I'm amazied that I can make the following statement. The Internet has changed my life in the fact that my horizons have become broader.

...the opportunity to connect the reader and the writer/spokesperson, if allowed! So many of the articles have no direct feedback, but provide only an email address to the writer. That introduces three significant blocks to effective communication:

1) A time delay between the question from the reader and the response from the writer of the piece

2) An automatic filter where the writer can give a canned response rather than one that addresses the specific question

3) And the last is a wall of defiance to ignore the questioner or shot back a discrediting response that avoids answering the question.

I would prefer that each article posted or accessible on the web be given a Blog type commentary section that is open to public scrutiny and open response among the readers. The author of the piece once it is made public has no right to filter or censor the response from the public. He or she can engage in the commentary and defend that way, but sending an email seems to have a greater opportunity of censure than provide anything productive in the way of communication.

I've never done that but probably will in the future since I read your post. Thanks a lot. Sigh!:-)

News will be all interactive just like in DU. Then I think allthe reporting will be more accurate.

I guess that great minds think alike!:hi:

Sites like DU are teaching people how to THINK again, instead of passively absorbing propaganda.

Incidentally, I read the online version of a major newspaper in Estonia (my parents were from there and I speak the language) and they actually want and expect readers to comment on the articles. There's a spot at the bottom of each article for posting a reply, and people respond to everything with their 2 cents worth.

Imagine if the WashPost did this!