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Question of the day

Posted in:

* Folks have long asked for a “like” button on comments, but is there anything else you’d like to see added to (or subtracted from) this site? Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:35 pm

Comments

  1. more Oscar…

    Comment by obviously... Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:36 pm

  2. An edit function. Would be able to correct mistakes on a typed comment.

    Comment by Ole' Nelson Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:38 pm

  3. easier way to embed video/pictures in a comment (of course, I my inability to do it may not mean it isn’t easy).

    Comment by Montrose Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:40 pm

  4. Ole Nelson is spot on, would love an edit feature for bone heads like me who sometimes need to fix things we post like leaving words out.

    Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:41 pm

  5. I was going to suggest a FAQ on issues such as pensions and the powers of the Illinois AG, but realize that the commenters (usually “anonymous”) who should read wouldn’t.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:41 pm

  6. A way to quote previous posters’ comments.

    Comment by Sox Fan Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:42 pm

  7. Sending to ‘time out’ those that whine about Anonymous commenters. Only those who use their actual name (vs the anonymous commenters that think their handle is a real person) can hammer Anonymous’s… “.Anonymous” can be called out simply by using the time sent. OR, Rich ban use of Anonymous. Thanks for listening

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:44 pm

  8. Let my people gif.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:45 pm

  9. Ooh, I’ve got one!

    This is probably a cardinal sin I’m going to admit in the process of making the suggestion, but there are days that I don’t check the site.

    For today’s stories, the box at the top right with the list of stories is stop #1, and is great. But when I want to see posts from a day or two before, there’s no list like that.

    It would be great if somewhere there was a list of stories for previous days the same way there is for today’s stories. It would make it much easier to catch up.

    Comment by Just a Reader Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:46 pm

  10. Open up comments for subscriber content, including the fax.

    Comment by Conn Smythe Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:46 pm

  11. Edit feature would be nice. Sumtimes wee make speling and grammer misteaks and kant fix them.

    Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:46 pm

  12. Big oops. Anonymous at 3:41 was me. Computer crashed and lost a lot of fill-in functions

    Comment by very old soil Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:47 pm

  13. You are the paper of record for insider politics. A smoother search function and somehow opening an archive of long past subscriber posts would be helpful and fun.

    Comment by Not Again Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:48 pm

  14. Avatar pictures!

    Comment by Team America Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:48 pm

  15. An option to reply under someone’s comment with an email alert to the original poster.

    Comment by Boone's is Back Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:49 pm

  16. More cowbell.

    Comment by Nick Name Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:50 pm

  17. A link to the Cubs Twitter feed and more cat pictures.

    Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:51 pm

  18. Removing skillicorn’s Twitter feed from the side bar/scribble live. (Half-joking)

    Comment by Joey twoshoes Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:54 pm

  19. An edit function would be nice, as would the ability to “upvote/downvote” comments. FAQs on certain topics would be nice, but I recognize the editorial burden of creating/updating.

    I for one have done just fine here without pics, memes, and GIFs, and am sure I will be able to do so well into the future.

    Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:58 pm

  20. Agree with the search function and maybe an archive by day. It would be very cool to see a listing of pages in history that have gotten the most engagement.

    Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 3:59 pm

  21. The box at the upper right with the list of today’s stories is great. It’s my first stop on the site.

    I’d love to be able to see a similar list of previous days’ stories. There are occasions when a day or two goes by and I don’t visit CapFax. Catching up on previous days would be much easier with a list of stories from those days, without scrolling through the entire page 2.

    (Reposting comment. I got excited the first time and tried to convey that excitement with a punctuation used to show excitement.)

    Comment by Just a Reader Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:00 pm

  22. A copy of the “Rich Miller Manual of Banned Words”

    Comment by Tommydanger Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:02 pm

  23. I’ll echo the request for an edit feature, though I absolutely recognize it would need to have a timeout limit (maybe 180 seconds or so) as well.

    Comment by thunderspirit Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:03 pm

  24. i’ve always kind of wanted a timestamp on the updates. there are timestamps on the comments so to me, it’d be easier to follow which comments might have been before/after an update.

    Comment by namesnick Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:07 pm

  25. I know it was suggested in jest on Friday but limiting the amount of comments per user per article would sometimes come in handy.

    Comment by Zeep Bow Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:07 pm

  26. A button that would let people post a generic “but Madigan” or a “but Rauner” response to a post without actually having to do any typing. The post would show up only on that poster’s thread. The lack of rebuttal would feed the poster’s ego, and the rest of us wouldn’t have to read it. Win-win.

    Comment by Whatever Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:08 pm

  27. Add me to the list favoring edit function.

    2nd would be a pick a name requirement.

    Comment by Norseman Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:09 pm

  28. Not sure if wanted or needed but I like posting and reading at a sports nation website where

    One can post pictures; not sure if wanted

    Being able to mark comments as read and use a key (they use z) to scroll through unread comments; not sure if needed as some of those threads have more than 100 comments.

    Thanks.

    Comment by MickJ Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:14 pm

  29. Second update timestamps.

    I know it’s there, but upgrading the search function (larger, more prominent on the site) would be very welcome. I usually spend longer searching for the search than searching.

    Comment by lakeside Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:14 pm

  30. When a comment gets held or deleted for whatever reason (since we don’t know the trigger words), rather than just have it not appear, show “[Held for Moderation]” or something.

    Comment by Skeptic Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:27 pm

  31. Definitely agree with Ole Nelson about editing. And Boone’s is Back reply feature would be great.
    I also like the box in the upper right that Just a Reader likes. But I wish it would stay as a header somehow at the top of the screen. That might be tough to do and keep room on mobile devices though.
    And what happened to the Crain’s link? It wasn’t updated for awhile but now gone

    Comment by Been There Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:28 pm

  32. I like the new commenters link, but I would rather have a written message from Rich linked prominently on top. the dos and don’ts, and how to study up on things, how to comment, how to be collegial. there might be links you could list there to assist those who are not as up on topics to get people up to speed. this is a general topics blog, so not as easy as one topics blog, but I’ve seen extensive new participant instructions on one blog and it is quite helpful.

    Comment by Amalia Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:28 pm

  33. If it ain’t broke….but you asked

    –nested comments
    –like/upvote button for comments (and the ability to re-order comments in order of time v. most ‘popular’)
    –Hot links through commenters’ names to see comment history
    –less of the post on the front page; “continue reading” type of button so headline-reading requires less scrolling

    Comment by Lefty Lefty Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:29 pm

  34. How many clicks each specific article has. It seems the most popular blog posts have the most comments, but I would like to see if that’s true.

    Comment by Almost the weekend Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:30 pm

  35. Please stop the excessive blocking/limiting of comments.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:34 pm

  36. For the most part I think the commenting system is great. I don’t see how the ability to embed images or GIFs would improve the level of discourse.

    A better search function for past posts would be appreciated though.

    Comment by Red fish blue fish Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:36 pm

  37. Require all posters to register thier full names. No Anonymous posters

    Comment by Transparency Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:39 pm

  38. Echoing others, an edit, or a preview function. It’d cut down on the accidental anonymous posts.

    Comment by ChrisB Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:39 pm

  39. I realize that it is Rich’s Bar and his decision but I sure would like to know what I did to get banned.

    Comment by BIR R. PH Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:43 pm

  40. An accessible site that list quantities of posts made/deleted by any given commentator.

    Incidentally. I just wanted words address for Christmas Cards. LOL.

    Comment by BlueDogDem Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:43 pm

  41. I would like to see time stamps on the posts.

    Comment by Dave Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:46 pm

  42. ===Please stop the excessive blocking/limiting of comments===

    Nope.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:49 pm

  43. Can we get a laugh button? Sometimes when I read the comments I get sad. I want something that will help me get happy again. I think the laugh button wouldn’t only help the overall mood, but will also increase subscribers.

    A recent study found that laughter releases endorphins AKA feel-good chemicals. Who doesn’t like to feel good? I think the laughter button is key.

    Thank you for your consideration!

    Comment by Umbra Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:52 pm

  44. Scribble Live is a lot to scroll through on my screen - consider moving it to the right-hand side somehow, or make it expandable, more similar to comments in any given post.

    Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:53 pm

  45. Threaded comment streams, and ability to post Photos/GIFs

    Comment by ILPundit Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:55 pm

  46. An occasional AMA (Ask Me Anything), were any candidates, legislators, agency heads, lobbyists willing to do one.

    Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:57 pm

  47. I actually like that people cannot post photos/GIFs in comments. Would get too cluttered IMO.

    Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 4:59 pm

  48. I second the timestamps, at least for updates.

    Since comments have timestamps it would be nice to see if they came before or after updates to the original post.

    Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:02 pm

  49. Explanation for blocked comments and/or list of banned words, punctuation marks, subjects.

    Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:03 pm

  50. Better readability on mobile devices. The mobile version on this site doesn’t wrap text properly, and the regular site looks better even though I have to read it in widescreen mode.

    Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:07 pm

  51. ===Please stop the excessive blocking/limiting of comments===

    ====Nope.===

    I guess it depends who you are - not the quality or content of the message.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:23 pm

  52. Threaded view option, where one can see, expand & collapse comment reply chains.

    Implied in the above suggestion is the ability to reply to a specific post.

    A preview/edit/retract feature of some sort

    For previous days’ posts, having a selectable list like for the current day would be great for catching up

    Comment by Hieronymus Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:27 pm

  53. I absolutely agree about an edit function. I hate it when I misspell things or drop words and then can’t fix it.

    Please no gifs, avatars, images, etc. I like the clean, uncluttered comments section.

    I would also like the ability to change the order of comments, so that I can see the most recent comments first, rather than scrolling to the bottom.

    Comment by JoanP Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:28 pm

  54. 1. Strongly echo the edit comments option…some typos still haunt me.
    2. More White Sox coverage or favoritism please.
    3. Intrigued by the mailbag idea where Rich or somebody else answers the first 20 questions.

    Comment by Veil of Ignorance Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:34 pm

  55. Larger font size on the side links to news stories and other information. Recent change / new format uses a very small type face and is difficult to read.

    Previous format and print size worked well.

    Thank you very much!!!

    Comment by Central Guy Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 5:41 pm

  56. Something that only allows two Willie postings per thread - except Caption Contest or Q of D.

    Sorry Willie, but after 2 postings we know what you think…

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 6:07 pm

  57. ” OR, Rich ban use of Anonymous.” Totally agree.

    And this came from Anonymous.

    Comment by illini Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 6:07 pm

  58. Please bring back “Friday beer blogging.”

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 6:13 pm

  59. If this post had a “like” feature, I would like comments by Nick Name at 3:50 and Rich at 4:49

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 6:19 pm

  60. Actually, I like OW mostly. Except when he picks on Mrs Rauner.

    Comment by BlueDogDem Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 6:34 pm

  61. –A link to the Cubs Twitter feed and more cat pictures.–

    47 is just asking for it.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 7:29 pm

  62. I love the Ask Me Anything idea. But not just for politicians. Nope. Golden Horseshoe winners should get an hour in the box, OW, Slinger, Blue dog, Vman, Honeybear, RNUG. Gawd I miss Schnorf. They can write their own post and we can comment and ask questions. There’s a lot of untapped knowledge out there.

    Comment by Casual observer Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 7:35 pm

  63. In the Main Menu box to the right, remove “Burris.”. 😀

    Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 8:26 pm

  64. I’ll send you a list of names. lol

    Comment by A guy Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 8:53 pm

  65. A daily open thread.

    Watching the Sox tonight. Interesting.
    RIP John McCain. I wasn’t a fan of your politics. But you are nonetheless an American hero.

    Comment by blue dog dem Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 8:59 pm

  66. Plenty of others have mentioned an edit option, which is a good idea. I also think the ability to reply directly to a comment (threaded, maybe collapsable) would be nice.

    I also think that the ability to log in if you want to would be good. You could still allow anonymous comments for people who feel the need to do that, but a user could, if they wanted to, have a consistent username and have their comments more easily tracked across articles/threads.

    Comment by Doing Human Things Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 9:32 pm

  67. I second (or fourth?) the need for a list of banned words, punctuation, and other items causing removal. You could do George Carlin proud…

    I also support editing to correct typos, but I can see abuse of that…changing your arguments would make responding comments less sensible, so editing might not be possible. Perhaps you can offer self-removal of a comment (I’ve been known to be hasty or ignorant), but that also might be complicated and require a login.

    Comment by Jibba Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 9:42 pm

  68. @Jibba

    edit abuse could be limited by one of these:
    - an ability to edit a comment but the original remains with a strikethrough
    - being able to amend a comment with further info/clarification but not directly edit the original comment
    - “version history” for comments…showing if something has been edited and allowing people to view previous versions if applicable

    Comment by Doing Human Things Monday, Aug 27, 18 @ 10:22 pm

  69. Ain’t broke. Don’t “”fix”.
    Cheers.

    Comment by Chicago Bars Tuesday, Aug 28, 18 @ 12:25 am

  70. Date and time posted with each of your stories, and is there a way to shorten the long press releases that show up in their entirety in the scribble feed? Thanks.

    Comment by Two things Tuesday, Aug 28, 18 @ 8:41 am

  71. An explanation of why some commenters appear in red. Because they’re correct? friends? cronies?

    Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 28, 18 @ 8:54 am

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