Comments on: Youtube Comments: Necessary, But Add No Value

By: Joshua Riley Simmons

Joshua Riley Simmons — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:30:00 +0000

I agree that the vast majority of YouTube comments are bereft of value. It's like finding a gem in the rough. It's my opinion that the problem stems from the format of the discussion media being incompatible with its audiences. I think Google needs to rework the entire structure of YouTube comments to give them value — they need to not be "comments." Comments are as basic as a guestbook and belong in the 90s. (To drive the point home, I think the number of comment plug-ins available for blogs is a symptom.)

While I'm none-too-happy with the blog media euphoria over Twitter (analogy: cable media over election coverage), I think Twitter is a fantastic example of a new communication medium. They imposed artificial limitations which gave the service the unique appeal that it has. Since it's release, Twitter has seen itself at the center of international journalism and more!

There's also a lot to be learned from Slashdot and Digg, who've pioneered the mountains of social moderation with fantastic success.

All that is to say: perhaps part of Web 3.0 is the realization of Communication 2.0. BBS, newsgroups, and guestbooks are no longer adequate communication systems as we realize the vast untapped potential in the communication design space.

By: bradleybradwell

bradleybradwell — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:28:02 +0000

I disagree. I believe Youtube comments are very important to know what information your viewers are interested in. It would be nice however to have some sort of filter. I know they've already attempted to get rid of links in comments but maybe if Youtube took those negative reps a little more seriously and … I don't know….. Maybe suspend or even ban the user.

By: Kris Cain

Kris Cain — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:39:17 +0000

Yes, Youtube comments are certainly evil for the most part. It really surprises me how many people just leave nonsense comments and like you said racists, or just all around hater comments. It really makes you wonder about the time some people have on their hands and what they choose to do with it.

Genuine thanks, other comments, and real questions are fine.

By: StevieB’s Shared Items - January 27, 2009 at Lost in Cyberspace

StevieB’s Shared Items - January 27, 2009 at Lost in Cyberspace — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:06:34 +0000

[...] Youtube Comments: Necessary, But Add No ValueJanuary 26, 2009 [...]

By: Outsanity

Outsanity — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:31:33 +0000

I kinda like subtitles but on Animes.
I agree but one side says Freedom of Speech but worthless comments are really not needed to be seen.