This Sunday morning let's celebrate FREEDOM despite the fact that it's disappearing in Kansas City and across the Internets.
To wit . . .
DESPITE HAVING TO PUT UP WITH SOME REALLY HORRIBLE D-BAGS . . . TKC PLEDGES TO KEEP THE COMMENTS UNMODERATED AND ANONYMOUS FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE WHILE MAINSTREAM MEDIA CLAMPS DOWN ON USER REPLIES!!!
This week in tech was typified by user comment crackdowns. Take a look:
Popular Science: Why We're Shutting Off Our Comments
CBC: Popular Science online comment ban explained
CNN: Have online comment sections become 'a joke'?
Forbes: Trolls Not Allowed: Rise Of Quality Online Comments
Closer to home . . .
THE KANSAS CITY STAR HAS EFFECTIVELY KILLED ONLINE USER REACTION WITH THEIR FACEBOOK PLOY TO CRACKDOWN ON COMMENTS!!!
Two reasons we never tried this @ TKC . . .
Jeff Zuckerberg is rich enough without me helping to build his empire on this tiny corner of the Internets.
And forcing a comment signature is kind of like forcing people to sign their votes in public . . . There's a reason our ballots in this nation are secret . . . It gives people FREEDOM. Accordingly, our FIRST AMENDMENT FREEDOM ALONG WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS DECENCY ACT makes so many crappy comments pretty much constitutionally protected. Even though I wish n-word guy would get it over with and just admit he has a crush on Ving Rhames and is unable to deal with it in a constructive manner.
Don't get it twisted, TKC HATES SPAM and it's deleted on sight and without mercy. In rare instances there have also been a few illegal comments that we've gotten rid of ASAP too . . . Still, freedom and free speech rules this blog and it's not moderated mostly because I've got better things to do and rarely check in on what you d-bags are arguing about . . .
The important thing here is that for as long as humanly possible, we're gonna hold out and hold the line to support people typing whatever crappy thing is on their mind.
Kansas City discourse isn't pretty but this blog helps provide readers with an unfiltered look at how this town really thinks which is often rather shocking, strangely racist, quirky, funny and surprisingly informative.
Two more things . . .
No, I didn't delete your comment . . . This is the Internet and not Ma Bell, Blogger.com isn't perfect and often comments are eaten.
TKC does a lot of things well . . . Maybe not preventing typos . . . But providing a place where Kansas City residents can challenge local government, biz propaganda and marketing is maybe one of the most important public services I can think of this side of Jordan Carver's cleavage . . . As Kansas City elected officials increasingly refuse to be held accountable for their actions, words or sexting . . . This blog is the last free speech zone in our wicked little cowtown with the hope to provide an open forum no matter how ugly rather than protect local lameness or smiling politicos. Natch.
Maybe two good points in this scree. That off season is going to be brutal.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony for letting everyone say what they want!
ReplyDeleteNow go write a REAL fucking story! You lazy ass Mexican! ;)
Good job Tony. I rag you a lot, but you show a lot of class with this. Kansas City (trash heap that it is) is better for having your blog, but I will still watch the insanity from the warm and cozy cloister of JoCo.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't mention how you edit comments. You edited several attached to the post about the school board town hall meeting where it was announced that Bingham would not be a Walmart----including one of mine. A certain Jackson county legislator whose haircut you never fail to mention reached out to you and you did her bidding like the little pussy you are. Her name was merely mentioned in that thread in a few comments, including others besides mine, yet you edited names out. That was just a minor instance that I knew about, but I've realized since that it happens regularly. Free speech....as long as no one asks you to change it, because you do and you will.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny listening to TKC trying to be serious about ballot secrecy when he supported the Rizzo ballot box coercion of so many Somali women. Tony, you're inconsistent.
ReplyDeleteTony edits and deletes comments on behalf of John Rizzo
ReplyDeleteSo that commenter can continue to ask various politicians' views on unsolicited bulk email?
ReplyDeleteCongrats Tony, don't agree with you sometimes but enjoy your take on things.
ReplyDeleteSomeone has to pander to the internet trolls.
ReplyDeletethis is a rough place but think of all the news making items that never would have been made public anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteJust keep it clean and nobody will get hurt.
ReplyDeleteWhile a lot of the time I agree with Tony just as many times I don’t agree with him. But freedom of speech allows him to speak his mind the same as it allows for me to do the same. But one as well has to remember this is Tony’s website and his to do with as he wants long as he isn’t breaking any laws. So one should both enjoy it and become enlightened or you go elsewhere if it bothers you that much. I enjoy the fact that many commenters will make a comment and I agree 100% with what they are saying. So that tells me I am not the only one who has that view on things. Chuck catches a lot of heat at times for his passion about crime, but let’s be honest is he wrong for being so? If 75% of the population would be as passionate and honest about seeing crime dealt with and crimes solved we just might not have as much crime along with all these killings.
ReplyDeleteAs for the n-word guy I really don’t think it is just one person but many people, just as Glazer has it in his feeble mind I am the only one anywhere who dislikes him. But attacking one for their honesty stated in a factual manner is a showing of hate and inability to accept facts or the truth. As for the n-word, my opinion is as long as the black race itself condones the usage of the word I will never speak out against someone else who does.
Many times I find the comments made absolutely hilariously funny. But as well some hinge on cruelty and semi sickness, but to each their own for the most part is my thought of the matter. What makes me laugh might not make the next person do so and vice versa. The political correct crowd is a huge part of what is ruining this nation but they will never admit it because they are too busy telling you what is and what isn’t allowed. I have blond friends who crack about their stupidity at times just as I remember when the polock jokes were very popular the ones that I knew who was Polish had fun with it as well.
In short being allowed to comment is a great way to share your opinion and seeing what others think on the matter. You can be negative about something without being hateful. Just too many get hateful rather than tactful.
It's all groovy!
ReplyDeleteSen. Dianne Feinstein, D.-Calif., thinks a proposed media shield law should be applied only to “real reporters,” not basement-dwelling, pajama-clad bloggers with no professional credentials:
ReplyDelete“I can’t support it if everyone who has a blog has a special privilege … or if Edward Snowden were to sit down and write this stuff, he would have a privilege. I’m not going to go there,” she said.
Feinstein introduced an amendment that defines a “covered journalist” as someone who gathers and reports news for “an entity or service that disseminates news and information.” The definition includes freelancers, part-timers and student journalists, and it permits a judge to go further and extend the protections to any “legitimate news-gathering activities.”
Under the definition proposed by Feinstein, a student working for a tiny college newspaper would get protection, but Matt Drudge, the owner and operator of the most successful news site on the Internet, might not.
As far as we know, the distinction Feinstein is making isn’t mentioned in the First Amendment. But what do we know? We’re just bloggers.
Tony: Very well stated, and right on the money. Public discourse and free speech is chilled at the KS Star. Period.
ReplyDeleteWho the hell reads the articles! Haha
ReplyDeleteWe would not have to comment if only your mother would beat your rotten little ass with a switch every now and then.
ReplyDeleteWhats important is everyone shows up to support and cheer on our mighty Chiefs! Nothing else matters.
ReplyDeleteAlcohol, pornography and a national lottery. WTF else do ya need!
ReplyDeleteTony supports corrupt politicians (Rizzo) and other losers who make him feel less like a loser...but that's okay because it's all our city's "investigative" journalists have going for their lazy approach to work.
ReplyDeleteTony, your "logo" of you and the finger, needs to go. It's pretty classless and you're better'n that..
ReplyDeleteToy Train!!
ReplyDeleteNew logo needs to stay it speaks for Freedom of Speech and if you don't like it 9:44 well look at the finger
ReplyDeleteAs long as we're just raggin' on fairies,jigs and jews, who gives a shit?
ReplyDeleteThose three groups ought to be used to it by now.
And while I am at it I now own Freedom of Speech that's right you losers I fucking own it, bought it with all the millions I made from King of Sting and my boxing movies, which are the best sports movies ever made because they star me that's who. I just fucking bought the Pitch I will show those losers to write the truth about me, I now own their asses. So now I will ban all you losers who dare to speak the truth about me and only allow posts I have written about myself and well maybe Hearne's.
ReplyDeleteOh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Arrowhead
ReplyDeleteWho Want Google Fiber 1gigabit speed in your Cities act now it very very super fast speed make it come to our town cities so act now to Get Google Fibertake over sucking cable internet and Satellite tv internet phone and more with Google Fiber
ReplyDeleteNice job Tony, thanks Superdave. welcome back, we missed ya.
ReplyDelete"Kansas City discourse isn't pretty but this blog helps provide readers with an unfiltered look at how this town really thinks which is often rather shocking, strangely racist, quirky, funny and surprisingly informative."
This blog is also a catharsis of sorts for those whose need to express thier opinion has no other venue.
Indeed, the ability to express our opinions, no matter how offensive it may seem to some who dissagree, is the first step, be it a long journey to concensus. Even the N Word guy, or guys, expressing their hatred are by that expression, diluting that same hatred. Once you have called someone a name, the ball is in their court and the response, or even better, lack of response is and must be considered by all. It is public discourse at it's finest and most honest.
Again, in my opinion, that honesty, coming by way of love or hate, agreement or opprobrium, does in fact, to some extent, force us to walk in another's shoes.
Your mom didn't do so bad Tony.
Freedom and titays. That is what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt with that picture. Jordan Carver has fake boobs
ReplyDeleteI used to read the star but they never let me comment. I may not like TKC all the time but I respect what he does and like the comments when they aren't too bad.
ReplyDeleteA blog site that relies on bikini babe photos to attract readers.....
ReplyDeletea blogger who gets some perverse pleasure from re-posting KC Star online stories before they appear in the paper the next day.....
a handful of recurring guest caricature writers (Alonzo "angry black man" Washington, Toni "white trash" Bones, Craig "legend in his own mind" Glazer, etc.).....
comments left by readers who are uneducated, semi-literate, xenophobic, racist, misogynistic, hedonistic sheeple.....
America, America, God shed his grace on thee.....REALLY!!!!
Fuck You 1:06
ReplyDeleteAhh stupid Dave. You're back.
ReplyDeleteI hope rehab helped, this time.just remember:"one day at a time"and meetings,meetings, meetings!
Tony, thank you for your blog. It is the public square in the Kansas City internet.
ReplyDeleteSuperDave's your comments were excellent and I don't want to try to top them. On days I don't see anything from the Bulk Mail Guy, the Rizzo Guy or the Cum in Her Face Guy, I worry if Tony's server is working properly.
We will be in trouble when guys like Chuck lose their passion and their courage.
1:18-that was deep man
ReplyDeleteVery profound.
Freedom of Speech to me means I can ask any and all of you if I can swallow your man gravy.
ReplyDeleteMy butt plug collection is to die for. I'd love to show you how I like to use them.
Journalism is on the list of worst possible degrees to get for finding employment. Tony didn’t need no stinking journalism degree and more people read his blog than most newspapers. Tony is on his way to becoming the Matt Drudge of Kansas City.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment from Super Dave. Good discussion here most times. Other times you guys are nuts. Go Chiefs!
ReplyDeleteI miss Mel Lazaruz's "Momma"...
ReplyDeleteOh, Francis Hobbes, you lovable slacker...
TKC readers are now taking themselves seriously under free speech provisions? LMFAO
ReplyDeleteHalf of the 40 readers are racists, 1 is the cum guy, and the remaining 19 are angry City Hall workers.
Free speech? OMG. I say, then let the graffiti artist defend himself based upon free speech provisions.
This group is Friggin amazing.
By all means please speak your minds!
ReplyDeleteMore titays please!
ReplyDeleteNice post Tony. Now what you have to tell people is that you have other people help you with this blog and all of us care very deeply about free speech. I know, you acknowledge the tipsters but it's time to grow the community and add on features. That's the goal for the future dude. But I agree, these other sites clamping down just doesn't make sense.
ReplyDelete(sound of LIGHTHING CRACK and THUNDER!!!!)
ReplyDeleteSILENCE, puny imposter @3:49!!! There is only ONE EXALTED XALTI,, and it is I,.mere mortal!!! Only I Instruct my prophet in his divine providence, and it is for ONE THING and one thing ONLY: to whip the rabble of commenters into a PUTRID and FROTHING FRENZY in.order to UP the COMMENT COUNT. There will be no "growing of community".or "add on features"! There will only be conjured and twisted points of views by spectres of characters in order to RAISE THE HACKLES of the once marginalized fringe population who have now found a voice via their KEYBOARD COURAGE!!!
Now be GONE, IMPOSTER who dares to refer to.himself as Xalti!!!! I cast ye to the depths of HADEEEEEEEDESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!
I love it man.
ReplyDeleteEvery time!!!
4:18 for the win!
ReplyDeleteI don't get it.
ReplyDeleteof course you don't. that is the whole point.u don't get that even your name makes you sound like an arrogant ass.
Deleteyeah, some of you haters don't even know how this place was built. but don't let information get in the way of your trolling.I guess that is what free speech is all about.
Delete1:06: And yet here you are.
ReplyDeletelet's wrap it up boys, enjoy the game. The Chiefs won!
ReplyDeleteTony,it seems as though xalti is feeling a little left out,looking for some recognition from you.why won't you give xalti props?
ReplyDeleteSuperDuperPooperScooper is a liar & a hypocrite. Ms. Anonymous would have you believe pussydom is bravery, even patriotism. 2:03 thinks if he 'accuses me' of being gay, we won't notice what a pussy he is. This what free anonymous speech is for. Pussydom, racists & bullies.
ReplyDeleteEvery time another teenager commits suicide, they carve another notch in their keyboards. All hail the first amendment. Its even dumper than the second.
Byron your crap gets real old, must be sad to be such a lonely person whose only thrill in life is to belittle people half way across the country who you don't know and for sure they don't want to know you.
ReplyDeleteYou add nothing to Kansas City and the metro area so just STFU and go away.
When Tony asks me to go away, I will. He has my email. Until then, when a Ms. Anonymous tells me STFU & go away, I'll just say NO!
ReplyDeleteBF no wonder your fucking family hates you. Hope you die a very slow long painful death. Only a full blown mental idiot would stay where nobody likes them.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech is one thing. Outright lies, slander, and character assassination are another. You would think Tony would understand that and not allow it. The comments on here are not all about public figures, but often about private citizens. Any sick, angry ex-employee can get on here and write any lie they want about anyone.
ReplyDeleteKiss my ass you son of a whore, slanderous accusations are about the only reason, I read Tony's KC for
ReplyDeleteThe Tiiiiiiiiitttttts!
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech is one thing. Outright lies, slander, and character assassination are another.
ReplyDeleteYou mean like what all our politicians do day in and day out? Wake up 1:31 what happens here is tame compared to what happens by our political parties on a daily bases.
Anon 12:25 AM
ReplyDelete"BF no wonder your fucking family hates you."
I disowned my family of origin, so if they hate me, I'll have to take your word on that, because I wouldn't know & I don't care.
I have a new family now that isn't founded in alcoholism & co-dependency.
9:50 you lying sack of shit you're on welfare and every other free fuck aid you can use to suck off the real working people. Really pisses me off I worked my ass off last night so commie asswipes like you can sit home playing on the computer 24/7 instead of being a man and getting a job. You didn't disown them they fucking threw your ass out.
ReplyDeleteI love TKC and the ability to say what's on your mind. I don't even look at the Scar anymore. Talk about a pussy rag!
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:20 PM
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're pissed off. I don't want assholes to like me. I'm not on welfare, I'm on disability. When you file your tax return, tell them you don't want any of the deductions you're qualified for, because you are a proud, stupid working man who doesn't want freebies from the government. Its not my fault you worked last night. I blame your parents.
By all means, we should use a post touting the free speech aspirations of this blog to tell people to STFU! You dickheads can't even see the contradiction.
ReplyDeleteGlaze bought the Pitch? I thought that rag was a nationally syndicated publication?
ReplyDeleteHey Byron STFU
ReplyDelete