To the editor:

I have always appreciated the online version of the Journal-World and the “breaking news” feature, which helps us stay informed on all the latest happenings in Lawrence. Usually, I also appreciate the “discussion” section in which people are free to make comments. However, I am wondering if you might want to consider a change in policy concerning these comments.

Several tragedies have occurred in and around Lawrence this summer. Within minutes of the news appearing on LJWorld.com, people are posting comments, usually anonymously, and very frequently laden with unnecessary speculation about the people involved, their motivations, etc. These are heartbreaking stories involving murder, suicide and vehicle fatalities. Is it really necessary to open these articles up for immediate and often thoughtless comment from the community at large?

Wouldn’t it be more considerate of the friends and families involved to just disable comments on certain stories?

I suspect that some people might object to disabling comments on some stories on the basis of their “rights” being violated. Online comments are not a “right.” They are a convenience made possible by modern technology. They are also an excuse, apparently, for people to make rude comments, personal attacks, or political diatribes at the expense of people who are already suffering.

Sarah St. John,

Lawrence