Why Ben Darnton Switched Off Comments On His Past & Present Facebook Page

Published on: 21 Sep, 2019
Updated on: 23 Sep, 2019

Bad language and nasty remarks about the town’s children’s climate protest march yesterday (September 20) forced the moderator of the popular Guildford Past & Present Facebook page to switch off its readers’ comments section amid criticism.

Ben’ Darnton’s introductory statement on his Past & Present Facebook page.

Page creator Ben Darnton, a well-known Guildfordian who runs Ben’s Records in Tunsgate, said: “I delete comments on the Guildford Town Past & Present Facebook page only when people use bad language. It’s a shame because several deleted posts made valid points but the authors felt it necessary to use bad language.

“I’ve had to do that during Brexit discussions, fox-hunting and gay pride events.

“Yes, I switched off when it became obvious things were kicking off. As all the administrators work full time we cannot edit and monitor every comment as its posted.

“I don’t think the administrators have had such a busy time since the numerous Traveller incursions earlier this summer. That attracted some very inappropriate comments.

“Sadly, we won’t be switching commenting back on anytime soon.”

One Past & Present reader, Alice Gurr, questioned why the comments were switched off, asking: “What happened to debate?”

Past & Present Facebook

Guildford Dragon editor Martin Giles said: “No one has a right to have their comment published whether it is on Ben’s page, in The Guildford Dragon NEWS , or in The Times, come to that. Publishers, editors and moderators decide what is lawful and appropriate.

“Ben has given his valuable time to create a FaceBook page that many people, not just in Guildford, enjoy and find informative. It is such a shame that a small number of his readers cannot exercise decency and self-discipline when making comments.

“Social media can be a great way of communicating, allowing everyone to have their say but all privilege comes with responsibility and there are manifest examples of what should be a liberating tool becoming oppressive, subjecting some participants to intolerant and aggressive attacks in print.”

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