But I’ve noticed that things are starting to change. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the dark times, but there is a meanness that has crept into the comments section. And I’m not talking about trolls. These are normal readers who lately have been attacking each other, often times over really stupid shit (like correct usage of punctuation). They use the C word (I’m sorry I accidentally let that one slip through), they’re hostile, and they take every opportunity to correct me or each other over nonsense.
Now that I’ve sold a cartoon to THE NEW YORKER I’ve had several of you ask me to share some of my cartoons on this blog. No thank you. Why? I learned my lesson years ago when I wrote a spec DICK VAN DYKE SHOW episode for fun for this blog. At the time I specifically said I don’t want any critiques. Part of the exercise was to see what an actual DICK VAN DYKE SHOW writer would say and I promised to print his reaction verbatim — good or bad (happily it was very good). But I wasn’t looking for audience feedback. It wasn’t a script I was going to submit anywhere. Nor was I going to rewrite.
And yet, I got a flood of reader feedback. They didn’t like this, they didn’t like that. I should have done this instead. I should have done that. This joke didn’t work for some. That bit wasn’t funny. You get the idea.
So I know that even if I post cartoons and say I want no feedback I’m going to get fifty readers saying they don’t like the shading or the perspective or the anatomy is wrong or the joke would be better if I did a caption they suggested. I have cartoon mentors whose expert opinions I value highly and send everything. But to put my toons on this blog in this current atmosphere — I would be walking into a propeller.
The comment section is supposed to be fun. And civil. If I say I liked a movie and you didn’t, that’s fine. You’re free to dislike anything I like (okay, except maybe Natalie Wood). But to point out that you don’t like a movie because of how someone reacted to rape charges — you’re going to be deleted. And frankly, I don’t like deleting you ever and yet I’m doing it more and more. Even when I agree with your opinion (it’s just the tone).
So it’s time to reboot. Time to start playing nice together. Above all, this is a humor blog. You all know where I stand politically, but I’d say 90% of the time I keep politics out of it. And if you disagree with me politically you’re welcome to leave and find a blog that shares your views. God knows, they’re out there. My feelings won’t be hurt. But if you’re sticking around, just know I welcome your comments as long as (a) you leave a name and (b) you show the same respect to others as you would want them to show you.
I don’t think that’s too much to ask, do you? It's a new year, a new beginning. Let's start 2022 off right.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Ken
from By Ken Levine
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