Herald Sun switches off comments on articles about AFLW
“Constant trolling, harassment and disgraceful commentary” has forced News Corp’s Herald Sun to switch off reader comments on articles about the women’s AFL (AFLW).
“Some of the comments that our athletes are subjected to are simply too vile to publish,” Lauren Wood, the paper’s AFL and AFLW reporter, said. “This explains why the privilege of commenting on AFLW stories has been removed.”
AFLW player Tayla Harris was trolled incessantly over this photo (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)
She noted commenting was a privilege, not a right.
Seriously, what an absolute disgrace. You really have to wonder what goes on in some people’s heads. Wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to name and shame some of these dickheads.
Hi Tim,
I totally agree with you. What a brilliant game the AFLW has turned out to be. This year has also developed into an even more flowing and higher scoring game. The trolls need to understand, AFLW is a different type of play and game. They work the ball up the field together – with shorter plays – they don’t rely on blazing away like the Men’s game. I have watched it all season as an AFL fan – and really enjoyed it – go AFLW – and poor call Herald Sun, you have literally let the “dickheads” rule! My guess is that the trolls impacting the AFLW sites – are the same people stock piling toilet paper!
Simple solution would be to turn off anonymous comments on these newspapers. Let people put their real names to theses comments and you’ll find these trolls will disappear.
To be honest all comments on mainstream media are appallingly negative and angry – irrespective of the story
Treat both codes equally I’d suggest. Switching off comments on woman’s games feels patriarchal. Invest in stronger moderation before publishing and apply standards to both codes.
Or switch comments of both codes off.
Agreed.