Hi Mitchell,
As your email doesn’t really concern any personal info, I hope you won’t mind that I’m replying on the LPSF list so others can be aware of this additional context about what I’ve reported.
That’s very interesting that you experienced something similar with SFist! When and how did it happen? Did you see the same error message saying you were banned? Notice comments of yours having been deleted from the site? Do you know how long you’d been commenting there? Was it under a different name? I don’t recall noticing your comments on their articles, but it’s been a while now.
This seems like a story that other news outlets ought to be interested in. Unfortunately I’ve also had negative experiences with some of them! The SF Standard abruptly and without explanation eliminated public comments on their stories last summer. When I first contacted them, I was told they were revamping their site and would bring them back in the fall. That never happened, and then the person who’d told me this stopped replying to my emails (see correspondence with them attached below). Publicly subsidized local NPR radio stations KALW and KQED have mostly failed to substantively engage with me over my complaints about lack of viewpoint diversity in their coverage.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
···
On Jul 12, 2024, at 11:12 PM, Mitchell Halberstadt mitchell@mitchellhalberstadt.net wrote:
This has also happened to me. Worse still, I was never able to find any sort of contact (or other) info on how to inquire as to why this happened, or how to rectify the situation. Totally opaque!
I’d considered going to the address, but never got around to that – so your own experience is illuminating.
If you’re ever able to resolve this, please let me know…
Thanks!
Mitchell
On 7/11/24 11:39 PM, Starchild via LPSF Forum wrote:
Starchild https://forum.lpsf.org/u/starchild
July 12
Hello Joe,Trying again…
I just happened across an SFist article I decided it was worth ending my boycott in order to comment on, and got an error message saying I’ve been banned by SFist!
This definitely seems at odds with what you told me you believe to be the case.
Have you heard of others being mysteriously censored like this for no obvious reason, and none that was ever disclosed to me?
On Jul 3, 2024, at 9:07 PM, Starchild realreform@earthlink.net wrote:
Hi Jon,
Did you receive my last message below? Never heard back from you… Let me know.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Apr 30, 2024, at 2:28 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Still look forward to hearing your actual thoughts on my suggestions as well, or more info about how you plan to “take them into consideration”. Please understand how a vague, stand-alone response like that can come across as dismissive. That’s not your intent or the way you want to interact with readers, is it?
On Apr 30, 2024, at 2:26 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Jon,
I’m just asking for some number at which to reach an editor or editors at the Standard. Doesn’t have to be your personal number. But consider that a phone call can often communicate more information faster and more efficiently in a fixed amount of time than writing, sending, and reading emails!
But even a phone call is a poor substitute for actually talking with someone face-to-face. I would like to set up some kind of in-person meeting between Standard editors and members of our community to discuss coverage.
I hope you consider readers important enough to devote some time in your schedule to us, and not just look at us as an inconvenience or afterthought in the process of doing journalism.
Namaste,
((( starchild )))
On Apr 30, 2024, at 2:20 PM, Jon Steinberg <jsteinberg@sfstandard.com mailto:jsteinberg@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Starchild, I run an entire newsroom here, and have many colleagues to support. I don’t have time to take calls from our readers. But you are welcome to send me your thoughts to this address. Thank you.
Jon Steinberg
Executive Editor, San Francisco Standard
jsteinberg@sfstandard.com mailto:jsteinberg@sfstandard.comOn Apr 30, 2024, at 2:02 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Cool, Jon, I hope you will. What is the phone number where I can reach you and editors at the Standard?
I’d also like to have a real, two-way conversation, i.e. hear your thoughts about my suggestions, not just that they’ll be “taken into consideration". Unfortunately that kind of language can be seen as a kind of corporate brush-off tactic, as it can mean anything or nothing, offers nothing concrete, etc. Not saying that was your intention, but just saying.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Apr 22, 2024, at 9:04 AM, Jon Steinberg <jsteinberg@sfstandard.com mailto:jsteinberg@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Thanks Starchild. Will take these ideas into consideration!
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 22, 2024, at 8:20 AM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Thank you for finally getting back to me Jon. I know we’re all busy, but sheesh, repeated emails over many months – it makes it seem like the Standard doesn’t care about its readers.
While you’re figuring out a long-term approach, why not bring back comments in the meantime? And/or convene a formal panel or similar mechanism for reader input? Your message below gives no information and just leaves it completely vague as to any timeline or process.
Remy offered before to call and talk with me to give input, and indicated they’d be putting a group together. Are they still with the paper? I was told before that a new comments redesign would be launched in the early fall of 2023. Did someone make a decision to cancel this, and if so, who? Or what’s causing the hold up exactly? Seems like it should be a no-brainer to continue giving readers a voice.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
(415) 573-7997On Apr 21, 2024, at 9:40 PM, Jon Steinberg <jsteinberg@sfstandard.com mailto:jsteinberg@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Hi Starchild,
We have not made any decisions about reintroducing reader comments to our stories. It is something we will continue to consider, but no final decisions have been made. We aren’t ignoring you, we are simply very busy running a complex newsroom. Thank you for reading.
Best, JonJon Steinberg
Executive Editor, San Francisco Standard
jsteinberg@sfstandard.com mailto:jsteinberg@sfstandard.comOn Apr 19, 2024, at 7:47 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
We’re now over six months out since I first inquired about the disappearance of reader comments on the SF Standard website and was told they would return in a new form last fall. After a few replies from Rosalie and Remy, my follow up email inquiries to Standard employees have been met with stony silence.
It always strikes me as deeply ironic to receive this treatment from media people. Where would journalism be if all your sources treated you the same way?
I am glad to hear that the Standard will now have an office at SF City Hall. Perhaps it will be harder to ignore me if I show up there in person. But I continue to seek a response via email, or feel free call me at the number below so we can have a direct conversation.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Jan 3, 2024, at 12:45 AM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Remy and colleagues,
It’s now 2024, still haven’t heard back from anyone. If you’re reading this, please drop me a line.
((( starchild )))
On Dec 19, 2023, at 5:37 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Hello Remy and all, still waiting on a reply!
Is there any SF Standard holiday party happening?
Hope you all are enjoying the season, and look forward to hearing from you.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
(415) 573-7997On Dec 4, 2023, at 7:41 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Bumping this, as still no further reply (from anyone with the Standard).
Namaste,
((( starchild )))
On Nov 19, 2023, at 8:05 AM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Still no response, Remy! Does anyone else copied on this message know whether Remy is getting his emails, or have any info/update on reader comments at the San Francisco Standard, or the other issues I raised (scroll down for conversation history)? If you do, please share.
While I’m writing to you all, I’ll mention (again for some of you) that I’m available as a source to take your calls or email inquiries any time you’re covering a story and want to include a libertarian/pro-freedom perspective (which ought to be any time you’re writing about something that concerns individual rights or the size, cost, scope, or power of government!) If I can’t personally provide the quote or perspective you’re looking for, I may be able to connect you with someone in the libertarian community who can. Feel free to reach out to me any time at this email address or the phone number below.
Best wishes to all for a happy Thanksgiving!
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
Chair, Libertarian Party of San Francisco
(415) 573-7997On Nov 7, 2023, at 5:28 AM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Hello Remy,
It’s now November 7, well past “early fall”. I’ve seen no response to the last two emails I sent you October 7 and October 21 (below). What’s the story?
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Oct 21, 2023, at 3:34 AM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Remy,
Still waiting to hear back on this! Previously you wrote,
"We will be bringing back discussions/comments when we launch a new version of the site in the early fall. It will give readers even more of a voice and provide a much better user experience.”
That was welcome news. But it’s now late October, and still no reader comments on the website. Nor have I gotten a phone call from you, or seen any news about convening a group for reader feedback as you mentioned (hopefully to be part of an ongoing conversation integrated with the Standard’s operations, not just as a one-time thing, or to be kept at arms length from actual newsroom decisions!).
When can readers expect to have a voice at the Standard again? Please feel free to reach out to me any time at the number below, and if I miss your call, leave your direct number and the best time(s) for me to call you back.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
(415) 573-7997On Oct 7, 2023, at 11:59 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Hello,
Still no reader comments at the Standard, and I still have not received any further reply on this thread.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Sep 25, 2023, at 10:16 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Hi Remy,
Just following up on this thread from August. I don’t believe I’ve received any reply after my last message below. Given it’s almost October, I’m just wondering what the status is on bringing back reader comments. Also, any progress on convening a group of readers? How about chatting by phone? May I see the results of the reader survey you mention?
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Aug 11, 2023, at 6:21 PM, Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Hi Remy,
Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, I’m open to chatting in the meantime. At what number can I reach you directly? Please send, and I’ll call you.
Namaste,
((( starchild )))
On Aug 11, 2023, at 3:28 PM, Remy Stern <remy@sfstandard.com mailto:remy@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Hi Starchild,
Apologies for not replying sooner!
Yes, we would very much like to convene a group of readers to solicit feedback from. We haven’t organized that yet, but have plans to. (We recently conducted an online survey of our readers which was very helpful.) But if you’re open to chatting in the meantime, I’d be happy to give you a call. (Or if you’re more comfortable waiting until we get a group together, that’s perfectly fine, too.)
To answer your other questions:
- We probably won’t restore the old comments in the future. It will be challenging to re-import them into the new system and people don’t often go back and read the comments on older stories, so it’s unlikely to be worth the effort.
- No, we’re not a paper. We don’t have a print edition. We’re just available on the web as well as on platforms like Apple News.
- I’m the Chief Operating Officer at The Standard. I joined the company last fall. I’ve been working on our plans to take The Standard to the next level. We have a redesign coming in the next couple of months as well as a bunch of new features in the works. We’re also expanding the team to provide even better coverage of local issues.
Remy
On Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 5:47 PM Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Hi Remy,It’s good that the archived comments are preserved; they will be put back up when the new system is in place? As far as a phone call, sure. You’re welcome to call me any time at the number below. Even better than just one-to-one, if there is any committee or group at the Standard working on this stuff, I’d be happy to attend a group meeting or conversation. Or maybe you are the point person for the changes? What’s your role at the paper? (Or should I even call it a paper? Does the Standard have a print edition? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.)
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
(415) 573-7997On Jul 31, 2023, at 4:02 PM, Remy Stern <remy@sfstandard.com mailto:remy@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Hi there,
Yes, you will be able to register directly. You won’t need to use a third-party platform unless you want to. As for historical comments, we’ve archived them so we have a copy of them, but they’re not visible on the site at the moment.
I’d be happy to tell you more about what we have in mind. And I would love your input/feedback on what you like and don’t like. Are you available for a phone call this week or next?
Thanks,
RemyOn Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 2:28 PM Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Thanks for clarifying, Remy – I’m glad to hear this is temporary. Will the new comments system preserve independent registration (not make people use some third-party service like Facebook or Disqus in order to comment)? I hope so. What other details can you tell me about the planned approach?Are readers able to participate in the discussion for planning this or other changes affecting readers? If not, I encourage the Standard to involve us in the process – to give readers a seat at the proverbial table.
And what about reader comments that have already been written and published? Do those still appear on the pages where they were posted?
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Jul 31, 2023, at 2:22 PM, Remy Stern <remy@sfstandard.com mailto:remy@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Hi Starchild!
First off, thanks for being a reader!
We will be bringing back discussions/comments when we launch a new version of the site in the early fall. It will give readers even more of a voice and provide a much better user experience.
We’ve removed comments until then. Sorry about the inconvenience. But thank you for bearing with us and looking forward to having you participate in the new format once it’s live!
Best,
RemyOn Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 1:51 PM Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Thanks for your reply Rosalie. This is an unwelcome move. Who made this decision? Why? Was there any reader input in the decision-making process? How can it be appealed?Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))
On Jul 31, 2023, at 12:19 PM, Rosalie Tapavalu <rosalie@sfstandard.com mailto:rosalie@sfstandard.com> wrote:
Hi Starchild,
We no longer have a comment section on our website.
Instead, please feel free to email any thoughts or questions to info@sfstandard.com mailto:info@sfstandard.com and any tips to tips@sfstandard.com mailto:tips@sfstandard.com.
Thanks for reading!
Rosalie Tapavalu (she/her)
Editorial Assistant, The San Francisco Standard https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.google.com/url?q%253Dhttps://sfstandard.com/%2526source%253Dgmail-imap%2526ust%253D1714186087000000%2526usg%253DAOvVaw0s31Oo1hn1wZk7f10bjztT%26source%3Dgmail-imap%26ust%3D1714404016000000%26usg%3DAOvVaw2LBiwxsbVUCMxyOu2CzVTZ&source=gmail-imap&ust=1715115746000000&usg=AOvVaw39qoFxf8ZI064bv_0XjHRU | @sfstandard https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.google.com/url?q%253Dhttps://twitter.com/SFStandard%2526source%253Dgmail-imap%2526ust%253D1714186087000000%2526usg%253DAOvVaw0ZL8MnXjstamBmhF5asZk0%26source%3Dgmail-imap%26ust%3D1714404016000000%26usg%3DAOvVaw3_modW6PZkX7oAJo8fHESr&source=gmail-imap&ust=1715115746000000&usg=AOvVaw383X1p6I8StCCsdkcCdkVmOn Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 11:46 AM Starchild <realreform@earthlink.net mailto:realreform@earthlink.net> wrote:
Can’t find them on the SF Standard site.
Note: The subject line of my original email to the SF Standard above was something like “What happened to Reader Comments?"
