Online comments changing format

Freedom New Mexico Web sites are converting to a Facebook application to help readers interact with newsroom staff and each other.

The change, from a platform called “Pluck,” is scheduled to take place this week at the Clovis News Journal, Portales News-Tribune and Quay County Sun Web sites.

“The idea is to make it easier for our online readers to share their viewpoints about current events, but also to encourage accountability with less anonymity,” Editor David Stevens said.

“Many of our readers have complained that anonymous comments online don’t encourage community discussion because they are too often mean spirited and quickly deteriorate into personal attacks.

“The Facebook format will still allow for anonymous comments, but we hope it will also encourage readers to use their real identities and offer responsible feedback about important local, state and national issues.”