Loomio
Mon 10 Jun 2013 10:59AM

Editing comments

DS Danyl Strype Public Seen by 44

The conversation was originally about a feature to avoid repetition of the notification when the same user changes the context box multiple times to correct typos or add missed details.

The discussion has segued onto the topic of editing comments. There have been a number of opinions:

  • users should be able to edit their comments whenever they like and be trusted to use this power responsibly
  • users should be able to edit their comments during a given time window (eg 5min or 24 hours)
  • users should be able to edit their comments until another comment is posted on the same thread
  • users should be able to edit their comments whenever they like, but all changes are recorded in an edit history

Ben notes:

  • it's important to have an accurate record of a discussion where changes aren't hidden from view
  • it's not nice to get notifications about minor edits and typo fixes
  • it would be good for groups to be able to enable/disable comment editing

"Overall I'm hearing that people feel it would be good to have a way of fixing mistakes in comments, but it's important that this doesn't damage the integrity of a discussion."

Everyone seems to agree that the 'delete and repost' method of fixing typos we currently use needs replacing, with some method of comment editing. Some of us want the ability to edit limited, to protect the comment thread as an accurate record of deliberation (how the issue was shaped, and a decision arrived at), and feel an edit history creates more problems than it solves in this regard. @josefdaviescoates pointed out that 'delete and repost' annoys those who receive all comments as email, so the edit function needs to somehow deal with this.

JD

Josef Davies-Coates
Agree
Sat 13 Jul 2013 10:42AM

The members of our group are complaining that it is not possible to edit comments, and Loomio is getting bad all-important 1st impressions by sending far too much email (ie every time someone posts then deletes then re-posts a comment with mistakes)

RDB
Vote removed
JD

Poll Created Sat 13 Jul 2013 11:24AM

Make it possible to edit comments Closed Tue 16 Jul 2013 11:00AM

Outcome
by Josef Davies-Coates Mon 27 Feb 2017 10:26PM

Again, no clear consensus was reached on this, but we're getting there...

It is very easy to make a simple typo error and/ or to get markdown formatting wrong. At present the only way to edit a comment is to delete it and re-post it over and over. This process sends out loads of email to people which gives them a very bad first impression of Loomio as basically a spam engine.

I propose Robert Guthrie's existing branch implementation of comment editing be made live on loomio.org

Results

Results Option % of points Voters
Agree 36.4% 4 CT Z JD BJB
Abstain 18.2% 2 JV BK
Disagree 36.4% 4 AI NW MPR DU
Block 9.1% 1 DS
Undecided 0% 264 RG JL KC AT AC MB G DS N CR DMA S PS LG K JM ML SL JW TW

11 of 275 people have participated (4%)

JD

Josef Davies-Coates
Agree
Sat 13 Jul 2013 11:25AM

This would make loomio rock even more and greatly improve new users' first impression of the platform. No brainer.

RDB
Vote removed
BJB

Bradley Justin Burns
Agree
Sat 13 Jul 2013 3:01PM

Yes please. Very good for us itchy trigger-fingered people.

NW

Nicolas Wormser
Disagree
Sun 14 Jul 2013 9:23PM

My concerns with unrestricted edits of comments still remain. I think like @strypey than an history of edits will be confusing and add complexity to the process of the discussion, which in my opinion should be kept as authentic as possible.

MPR

Miguel Prados Rodriguez
Disagree
Mon 15 Jul 2013 10:45AM

Well I think that Loomio is not facebook, is a tool for deliberative democracy and you are able to change your position thanks to the process of deliberation, but what is not correct is to change "what you said" if is not a time limited edit option.

Z

zack
Abstain
Mon 15 Jul 2013 11:51AM

I agree with changing your comment BUT if you have any likes already to your comment they should be deleted. It makes sense to correct what you said but prior agreement with what you said will be gone.

Z

zack
Agree
Mon 15 Jul 2013 11:53AM

I agree with changing your comment BUT if you have any likes already to your comment they should be deleted. It makes sense to correct what you said but prior agreement with what you said will be gone.

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