Dear Readers,
Yesterday we took the unprecedented action of blocking all future reader comments on any online story on tirereview.com relating to the ongoing contract negotiations between Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and the United Steelworkers of America.
To be very, very clear, we took this step of our own accord. It was done because the level of discourse was well past being productive and enlightening. Name-calling, blind insults, political agendas and fact-challenged statements might be acceptable for a family Thanksgiving meal, but not in the comment sections of our website.
We pride ourselves on providing our readers with a legitimate forum in which they can speak their minds on important industry subjects. We like to think our readers appreciate that, as well, and would monitor themselves so as to not receive undue attention.
Unfortunately, we have seen a sharp increase in the bile level of comments made by readers – including some from people outside of the tire industry. At this point we feel it is best for all parties that we end reader comment on Cooper-USW news.
Readers can still post their thoughts on other news or articles posted on tirereview.com, provided, of course, such activities do not devolve in a similar fashion. We always reserve the right to block individual comments on a case-by-case basis.
From time to time we have blocked certain posts; those that make libelous claims, include “colorful” language and those that are blatant sales pitches get little or no air time (depending on how quickly we can act to remove the offending comment). But otherwise, we give our readers a pretty wide berth to offer their opinions.
We respect their ideas and input, just as we hope they respect our publication and website.
We trust this change will not be an inconvenience. If you wish to comment on our action, please feel free to use the comment feature below (yes, we get the irony) or email me directly at [email protected].
Jim Smith
Editor
Tire Review & TireReview.com
