The Gannett newspaper chain has instructed its daily newspapers to require Facebook registration of those who post reaction to articles on the newspapers' web sites. The expressed intent is to foster civility.

The tone of comments placed on reader forums at tennessean.com doesn't appear to have changed appreciably since the restrictive policy was adopted. The only change has been that readers who pay for "full access" subscriptions (a pay wall insures that there is no alternative subscription available), but who refuse to be coerced into joining Facebook, are not receiving their money's worth.

Gannett refuses comment on the policy. The TENNESSEAN merely reiterates Gannett's policy, refusing to print any letters to the editor questioning the wisdom of the decision.

I thought I found a "loophole" when I posted to the TENNESSEAN's reporters' blog using my Yahoo account for identity verification, but I was informed this a loophole that may soon be closed. That there is no hurry to do so only underscores my point that the requirement of Facebook registration serves only to censor thoughtful comment as is does little to nothing to increase online civility.

Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor/Media Critic
Stacy's Music Row Report
http://stacyharris.com

Bob: I think Ira Glass has you pegged there. I wonder if he heard you on RadioWest a few weeks ago, or does he know you? Good to have friends who know you and love you anyway.