Amen to Anon 2:44

You sir, have the very best observation thus far.
Please no more comedy from Standardbred Canada.
You (ie.SC) are becoming a laughing stock, and we (the bettors) have seen too much of that elsewhere.

either do it right and skip the censorship or give it up, as it is getting to be a joke

I do not like the forum.

this is a world order of censorship

I understand that comments are edited on occasion if they don't add anything useful related to the story, but it would be neat if there was a forum where we could discuss things related to the stories as well as off-topic subjects (or anything that doesn't have a story).

I have noted that my posts are once more being allowed and have noted that others whom were having problems getting posted are also being allowed. I hope this trend continues. Nothing is ever gained by hiding from the truth. I honestly believe that harness racing could once again be a real force again if we only face the truth. Honest horsemen and honest officials and it all starts with the officials it is up to them to see to it that all participants get the same fairplay regardless of what their name is. Fairplay on the racetrack means fairplay for those that wager on harness racing. Fairplay to free speech!

personally I fail to see why anonymous comments may be offensive to some readers. This is after all a forum for discussion, and the decision of whether to attach a recognizable name is up to the individual who posts.
Keep in mind this is an Internet Forum and unless SC requires all posters to certify login names by phone or some other means of verification there is no way to tell if someone is using a real name or using an alias.
Also there are myriad other reasons why an individual may not want their name posted if they are posting items critical of organizations or individuals involved in the industry , these include employment, stall space, or even the ability to access certain racetracks or enter horses.

didn't like the new site at first but it is really starting to grow on me

Too many comments that are not self serving don't get put up.

i think like the orc that this website is run by the great unbiased weg,legends of democrocy and freedom of speach.fair play to your leader mr ted smith the person of the world,who fears nobody but himself.I have posted messages on this site but none have been accepted

I do not care whether or not comments have a name or are posted anonymously. My argument is I have had comments that were edited, without even taking into account whether or not the post would make sense if the portion SC didn't like was removed (no bad language or nasty comments so I am not sure why a portion of it was removed at all...)Anyway it made my comment sound like I was a half-wit...and of course that was one I signed my name to!!!

So either post all or none of it, unless you are just editing some potty mouth out of a comment!

If you are ready, willing and able to post a comment on here or in any other discussion, you should have the fortitude to sign your name. If I talk to someone on the phone or in person, I identify myself. Why should I not on the internet? I post on another discussion site under my name and have been told that it is not safe to do so. That comment, in itself, is very discouraging in respect to our racing industry. People take far too many liberties when they post anonomously.
P.S. I, too, have experienced censorship on this discussion site. One of the letters that I sent did not appear and then the entire article was closed to comments.

Like Norman Hall, and many others who have posted I have found even well written and informed threads have often not been posted. I have spoken with others who submit, and have not been posted despite well thought out comments.

Also, why do only some stories have the opportunity to comment? Another poster noted that there was no opportunity to offer comment on the WEG/OHHA story. As such, I have sent comments to WEG - but shouldn't the story have a place for it?
I am not sure it matters if names are provided, how would anyone really know who is writing it?
SC shouldn't be scared of a little bit of criticism of standardbred racing, it could be healthy and ultimately provide for a better product if we listen.

Overall, the comments section is a good thing, but less censorship should be a priority - after all selective censorship will direct the discussion and give a false impression of what folks really think (SC effectively controlling the message). Check out some of the comments sections on CBC.CA or other media sites - many opinions are tolerated.

Why is should it be necassary to post a name? And those that do how does anyone know if it's your real name. This may be Canada but it certainly dosen't mean there isn't a price to be paid for telling the truth.. and believe me my family has paid a very high price for telling the truth. I doubt my comment will be seen anyway as I've posted many times and have been censored out and must say my comments haven't been offencive. I noticed the this site wants to hear only the truths it is interested in seeing. Why are we so afraid of the truth???

I LOVE THE COMMENTS SECTION. THE MORE INTERACTION THE BETTER FOR HARNESS RACING IN GENERAL. READING OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS AND REPLIES IS VERY EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING. I AM A LONG TIME FAN AND SOMETIMES BETTOR AND WAS REALLY DELIGHTED TO SEE ALL THE WONDERFUL COMMENTS ABOUT SOMEBEACH EVERY TIME HE APPEARED ON THIS WEBSITE. PERSONALLY, I THINK ALL COMMENTS SHOULD BE ANONYMOUS - HOW CAN YOU BE SURE THAT THE NAME ATTACHED TO THE COMMENT IS REALLY THE PERSON WHO SENT IT? I CAN SEE WHERE THIS COULD BE QUITE DAMAGING.

I don't think it matters whether a person signs their name or wants to remain anonymous. The main thing is, that people take the time to express their concerns on issues.

Anonymous is fine if you are going to make a general comment about the issue. If you take exception to what someone else has said or are going to make lofty claims that you are an owner or a big bettor and that you opinion matters more then put a name on it. I like the censorship too. I probably get about 1 in 5 through the screening process. This is probably a good thing.

"Freedom of speech" You post only what you want so I agree don't have this site if You wish "no negative comments" !!!!!!

If someone has a valid point to make or an opinion to express, what difference does it make whether that comment is made anonymously, under a pen name or if the writer chooses to have his name published.

This forum is a great thing if used constructively. When good opinions are censored because someone chooses not to seek the publicity then I guess it's the attention seekers who win.

I see value with comments being made by people who have an interest or stake in the industry, but not if it's done anonymously.

I believe that you should have 2 categories for comments; those with a name and without. If someone sends a comment with a name, then it should be posted and the sender of the comment would be liable for all libel and slander lawsuits. Standardbred Canada should have the right to censor anonymous comments that appear to be fiction or slanderous.

Why not name names.....maybe you we will get a response to positive critisism!...or negative!!...I know when when you praise someone on here naming names you print it....so let people take the criticism and answer for their failures. All in all freedom of speech is a must, if you allow it you won't need feedback as to what people think of this forum....the response you get in posts will let you know.

I think the new opportunity to post comments is a welcome initiative.
While newspapers require letters to the editor to be signed, anonymous comments are the norm in the Internet world. Most websites allow people to post comments about articles using a pseudonym, like "ticked off bettor", or whatever. That has its downsides, but you will get a better response and more frank comments that way.
As for censorship of the postings, that should be kept to a minimum. It is no business of SC's to try to determine if postings are "the whole truth and nothing but the truth" (and impossible to do anyway). A lot of rumour and gossip is inevitable, but also part of what makes it interesting.
Postings should only be censored for bad language and statements that are clearly libellous.

The first line reads "Standardbred Canada is asking for feedback on our new website commenting system", so here is my comment. I like the idea that we can express ourselves, whether it is signed or not does not matter. I would like to see a blog or comment site opened up so writers could comment with each other about ANYTHING that has to do with harness racing, and keep it open. The way it is now, if you meander just slightly off topic, it doesn't get printed. I realize that there will be a lot of negative comments, ( and even I get sick of them sometimes ) but harness racing is going down the tubes yet nobody listens to customers concerns. If people explained why they are sour on harness racing, maybe something could be done. We keep being told about having a positve outlook, but something has to be wrong, with betting down 43% in the last 7 years. I know that as a customer/bettor, I am more disappointed every day with the direction harness racing is going. Oops, it looks like I am meandering, I better sign off.

All postings should be accompanied by a full name in my opinion. Know one in Canada should be afraid of retaliation or victimization from freedom of speech.

If the Standardbred racing theater is that dysfunctional then there is a far greater problem than the censorship on this web site.

I believe that as long as the language used in the posting is not offensive the posting should be made regardless of opinion. Really isn't that what a posting venue is all about. To offer an outside opinion or view about what the writer wrote.

One thing I have noticed and do not agree with is the lack of a posting board on a lot of your articles posted regarding the recent contract dispute at WEG or the recent change in horse placings by the ORC at Western Fair.

Why no comment board on theses hot topic items?

I'm sure a lot of horse people would like to throw in their two cents worth of opinion regarding the action taken by the ORC.

It really doesn't matter if you post anonymous or not. There is some fact and some fiction, but for the most part SC I think has been generally impartial. Maybe some of the comments were not posted as they were a little too much fiction or possibly if it was a truth, this was not the forum for it. Maybe some of the comments you tried to post should have gone to a higher authority. I am strongly against censorship and believe all posts should be shown whether posted anonymous or not. In saying that, it has to be tough to decide what is a false accusation that may hurt someone's reputation and should not be printed.
One thing has to be kept in mind when posting to articles. The general public has access to this website also. There is a lot of information to be found about standardbred racing, good and bad. Some of your concerns should be taken to your OHHA rep or the ORC, I don't think there is a good portrayal of the sport when Joe Public reads through some of the comments. An example is the lack of support and trust that is portrayed through some of the comments to organizations or individuals involved in racing. There is a huge opportunity to use this site and the comments section to portray a positive, close knit group that wants Joe Public to come to the races and wants to give them the best show they possibly can. It is very easy to direct and use negative energy and very difficult to channel positive energy. A lot in the comments is negative, look for the positives more often and write about them. You need to start feeling good about the vocation you have chosen in life. Negativity breeds faster than positivity and negativity chases the bettor away.
Overall, I like the change to website, good work. Now let's try and find some really good positive things to write about like racing in the daylight of the afternoon instead of the gloom of the late winters night, all the charity work that gets done, things of that nature so when Joe Public sees it they can feel good about going to the races too.

Anonymous comments are fine (I guess)as long as they don't include "pot shots" or direct/indirect criticism of individuals and/or groups. One should be extremely cognizant of their wording and tone when commenting anonymously. Once again "I guess" anonymous comments are fine if you are throwing around ideas or handing out congratulations. The SC website will serve US no purpose if it becomes a "bashing" and "trashing" vehicle for people to vent their frustrations and/or jealousies.

What difference does it make if you remain anonymous? It’s not about attacking one another; it’s about voicing your concern and hopefully helping the industry. Who really cares about names, there may be some really valid concerns and that’s the important thing. There have been some really good opinions brought up by anonymous people and that’s required to grow this industry…leave as is, and DRIVE ON! Should I sign off Johnny T to make some viewers happy?

I also feel your Censorship is too strict...especially when negitive comment are made about the judges and the ORC.

I find it interesting that one who says, "Bottom line, if you cannot attach you name to what you have to say, you obviously shouldn't be saying anything." signed his/her comments Anonymous.

Then you find one to say "..names should be left up and you should not hide behind "Anonymous... who signs as Jesse B. I suppose if you are asked to leave a first name and a last initial, that can be considered 'middle ground' between anonymous and full disclosure.

I will only submit if allowed to as an anonymous contributor. No one needs to know who I am so they can form opinions about me personally because I don't always agree with their opinions. I think I have some valuable input from my perspective in and of the industry as a female owner who has been part of this industry for decades.

You're just not ever going to please everyone.

I like the direction that the site is going in, I do think names should be left up and you should not hide behind "Anonymous (not verified) SAID..." also I know this is not the direction you want this to go in but I would like there to be a little bit more freedom of speech. The two are really closely related because if you have to put your name up then you can stand behind your words.

My main concern in posting with a name attached, is retribution and harassment to an immediate relative, who works for the organization whose policies I'm criticizing.

If it wants to, any organization can make life difficult for an employee thru harassment and intimidation. Hence if SC bars anonymous postings, it really amounts to a muzzle on free expression. And many good ideas/thoughts will be lost.

Given that postings are moderated for glaring abuses, what real purpose does compulsory identification serve.
And finally, why would I want to endanger a relative's career path.

Why don't you call it the "pablum" site for sycophants of harness racing since you censor any of the real truths!!

Bottom line, if you cannot attach you name to what you have to say, you obviously shouldn't be saying anything..There is another site that welcomes slanderous and untruths with open arms! Just continue to post rhetoric there and leave the SC site for serious discussion and comments.

Félicitations pour votre site, mais je crois que vous devriez offrir une traduction en français. Merci!

I have tried to leave about 4 comments on here..This is a great forum....pleease lighten up on your censorship....freedom of speech is a good thing!

I think your censorship is too strict...what happened to freedom of speech!!! You post only what you deem to be suitable to SCA..Don't have this site if you wish no negative comments...

I believe I have much to say about what's good and bad about our sport. But I sadly don't have faith that my comments won't be used against me if I reveal my name.

And regarding the Toronto Star, check out their website where thousands of comments are posted - all anonymously through screen names.

I love the new site!! If people want to post anonymous, let them.
I find most comments interesting and the new site easy to get around!
Keep it up.

For those who favour permitting "Anonymous" commentary, it should be kept in mind that anonymous contributions can also be used to push the viewpoints of organizations as much as individuals. If a few like-minded people concurrently act, the whole situation may get distorted. On balance, I believe that, in general, we all should have the courage of our convictions and identify ourselves. I suppose exceptions would be if an individual provided inside information that might cost him his job.
A possible approach, would be to copy the Toronto Star. If someone offers a viewpoint they feel is worthy of printing, they telephone that individual to confirm he/she stands behind the letter. Graham Gilmour, Burlington. On.

If you are trying to create an informed, educated discussion group, then people should definitely sign their own name to their postings, otherwise you end up with a breeding ground for negativity, misinformation, and unproductive commentary.

I don't like this new web site.Bring back the other one.

i do not like it go back to the old site

If you have something to say you shouldn't be afraid to back the comment with your name.

I come on this site to read the wonderful news stories and stay up to date on the events surrounding the industry. Personally, I do not like to read the comments, rantings or gossip of uninformed individuals. There are other forums available for such discussions regarding the industry. I feel Standardbred Canada should continue to censor comments accordingly as a reputable news source and as a promoter of the sport.

I have made three comments, none of which were posted even though each time I posted with my name. Seems to me that there is a censor god in Standardbred Canada that does not like me. Maybe if it was anonymous my opinion might be heard?

I think every comment from an identified person should be published if it is intelligible and non-abusive. Let the reader determine whether the comment is appropriate or not.

The format needs to be improved, there should be an easy way to see all new comments, if a story is a few days old and gets a comment, most people will never read it or even know about it, there needs to be a way to organize it so that the main page shows to all the new comments so that it brings more readers.

And there should be more speed in approving comments, to allow discussion, not having to wait a whole day for comment approval.

Anonymous is fine like it is.

It would be interesting to hear from those who "don't care much for it" and "never liked it from the start" to explain why. You can't make anything better without knowing what might be wrong with it.

Its great. Its about time that everyone has some sort of say.

I THINK ANONYMOUS IS GREAT IF YOU ARE MAKING A POINT AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT for fear of retalliation. On the other hand if you have something to say about an individual get some guts and put your name up. Chris Curran.

I think it’s great! Does it really matter if there’s a name? There may be reason’s why people want to remain anonymous, but the important thing is their opinions are being heard. This is a way where TRUE and HONEST opinions are being heard. I believe these opinions will only help grow the industry. For example, take the OHHA article, those opinions may be from actual members, but are to afraid to pipe up at the meeting (don’t want to rock the boat)? This feedback could only help the sport…provided the industry listens. Plus, it's being filtered so it shouldn't get out of hand.

If you don't allow people to wright comments anonymously you'll get a lot less comments.

its good to have a site where, we the people who really love this business can voice their opinions, yet it seems that only positive comments make it past your guidlines--sadly as a realisits and i speak as a trainer, owner , breeder and racing official--this business is in serious trouble--please take all comments as they way they were intended--to better this industry.

I never liked it from the start, not that it will make any differnce, you will do what you want anyways...