Introducing Civil Comments

We're partnering with a Portland startup to start fixing the way people treat each other online.

By Lizzy Acker

Comments sections can be a black hole of angry trolls, misogyny and racism. They can also be a great place for readers to interact with journalists and each other. So we've decided to do something to fix comments on wweek.com. Starting Jan. 13, our comments section will be different from any other comments section in the world. We're partnering with a Portland startup called Civil, which has created Civil Comments, the first commenting platform specifically designed to improve the way people treat each other online—using peer review and self-review to create a more welcoming thread. When you leave a comment on a story, you'll have the opportunity to judge for yourself: Does this comment advance the conversation without resorting to personal attacks? Log on, leave a comment, and let us know what you think.

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.