Set the rules
Your participation charter sets the tone and establishes boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not. An essential foundation for moderation and a way to remind your audience of your media's values. Gender-based oppression, denialism, ableism… Rather than a catch-all "abusive language", Mediapart takes the time to detail point by point what certain terms that could justify sanctions mean.
Think about the marketing aspect
While asking your readers to create an account on your site to post comments reduces anonymity and generates more constructive feedback, it's also an excellent acquisition lever. For L'Obs, reader loyalty on paper format is proven. Digital is a different story. This is why it's worth keeping your comments section to increase visit frequency and site engagement.
Automate certain tasks
Using artificial intelligence can also help you boost reader engagement in comments. American television network Graham, for example, uses it to generate relevant questions related to the article's content. These questions encourage the audience to share their opinions and knowledge in the comments section, making it more dynamic and interactive.
To go further
- Readers have a different role in a media outlet depending on the place you choose to give them. Comments, participation in editorial meetings or dedicated platforms, some media outlets believe they also have things to say and added value to contribute.
- What if you opened your newsroom doors by involving your readers in your editorial processes? An idea tested by YouTuber Hugo Décrypte, Aude Favre from the YouTube channel WTFake, and the magazine Tortoise.
