Nov. 26 panel discussion: Trollish Behavior and the Future of Online Comments

Online comments on news stories allow for immediate and often visceral feedback for journalists and the subjects of news stories. They can bring out the worst in behavior — especially when commenters can hide behind the protection of anonymity. Increasingly, though, news outlets are abandoning anonymous comment systems in favor of requiring commenters to identify themselves.

In “Trollish Behavior and the Future of Online Comments,” the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Madison Pro Chapter will host a panel of local journalists to discuss managing online comment sections, comment policies and anonymous comments.

Panelists include:

1. Dietram Scheufele, the John E. Ross Professor in Science Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Honorary Professor of Communication at the Dresden University of Technology in Germany. His research examines the role of social media and other emerging modes of communication in our society.

2. Tim Kelley, digital media manager at Madison.com

3. Jacki Witkowski, internet director at WKOW-TV

4. Kristian Knutsen, web editor with Isthmus and thedailypage.com

The event will be held 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26 at Union South (check TITU), 1308 Dayton Street, Madison.

RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Contact: Terry Shelton, Society of Professional Journalists, Madison Pro Chapter, [email protected].

SPJ is a national membership organization that promotes high standards and ethics among journalists, fosters First Amendment principles and advocates that journalism is a key element in representative democracy.

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