Quality Conversation, East Cobb-Style

When I pushed the button earlier this week to publish a story about what figured to be a very hot topic in the East Cobb community, I held my breath a little. 

I was right about how hot that topic -- Johnson Ferry Baptist Church's decision to disassociate with the Boy Scouts of America -- would become.

As the comments rolled in -- and at 80-plus and counting they're still rolling in several days later -- I was prepared to jump in and warn commenters not to be abusive toward one another or violate Patch's terms of use.

But I never had to do that, much to my pleasant surprise.

The reason was because readers of East Cobb Patch, at least those who commented on this story, took it upon themselves to set the tone for what became a vigorous, but generally civil discussion.

So this editor gratefully thanks her readers.

And I guess I shouldn't really be all that surprised.

What I've found in 2-1/2 years as editor of East Cobb Patch is that citizens here, if given the proper forum, will have their say, and let others do the same. There are some exceptions, of course, but many of the conversations here have been without rancor boiling over that you see on so many comment threads and message boards.

Even when it comes to cultural matters, including religion and homosexuality.

It's rarely that way. A few years ago, when I was an online editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, I had to occasionally moderate and approve comments related to Michael Vick's dogfighting charges.

It was a rather depressing task -- flagging a toxic stew of comments about race, sex and animal rights -- and almost as bad as that debacle of a season for the Falcons. But that's another topic.

I got an e-mail on Friday from one of the more active commenters on the Johnson Ferry story, and who lives out of state. Here's some of what he wrote:

We seem to be of somewhat different political persuasions, but share a common respect for dialogue and differing opinions. You mention in your brief bio that East Cobb has some of the best schools in the nation. That is readily obvious by the articulate posts on your forum. Sounds like you have a nice community and a town worth defending and enhancing.

If the tone and sensitivity and intelligence apparent on your forum were more pervasive at a national level, our country might be restored to its potential.

Again, all the props go to all of you who commented on this story. (And here's my bio information that he referenced.)

The whole point of trying to foster conversation like this is to encourage readers to keep coming back. Far too often, online forums drive people away with torrents of name-calling and personal insults.

Not only did you make my job easier by not having to referee, but you also make it very gratifying to serve in this capacity.

It's no surprise that the Boy Scouts story, along with another about a proposed senior complex next to East Cobb Park, are the most-visited stories, as well as those with the most comments, that we've had this week.

What I've also come to find while I've been editor here is that what resonates the most with East Cobbers are stories, news and events that go to the heart of the community.

It's easy to try and push your buttons on generic hot-button topics, and trump up discussion with items that frankly aren't very local. But you've shown me that going a little deeper into what's really happening in East Cobb is most meaningful to you.

I pledge to continue to do that, and to thank you once again for privilege of serving you.