Changes

There are a few changes -- some temporary, others permanent -- that I need to address.

First off, I'll be working on a film project for the next few weeks, and my ability to write (let alone think) about music will be somewhat compromised. But I'll be back on this forum at least once or twice a week, so please check in.

Second, and more importantly, NPR is making major changes to its commenting format. You will now have to register with NPR.org and create a public profile to participate in comment threads.

If you just rolled your eyes or groaned when you read that, or wondered how you'll maintain a sense of omnipotence when everyone knows who you are, there are a few advantages:

1. Comments will now be posted instantly, instead of waiting for moderation.

As your soon-to-be-former moderator -- one who often forgets to publish the comments until many hours after you've left them, only to accidentally leave in borderline-insane ones -- I think this is a good thing.

2. Commenting will now be possible on both NPR blog posts and stories.

Do you like Nick Cave, but also Nick Cassavetes, Nick Lachey and St. Nick? NPR will likely do a story on at least three of those people. You can comment on every single one of them. Sweet times.

3. Comments by users may be featured on the NPR homepage, as well as in the inset column of story pages.

NPR is now responsible for your 15 minutes of fame.

4. All users will be able to "recommend" stories.

Tired of stories about America's financial crisis and the upcoming election? Tell that to NPR. If enough people recommend stories, we can just listen to pieces about clowns, sex and rainbows. Fun! And, weirdly, less stressful.

5. Registered users will be able to connect with NPR.org staff and other users through their public profiles and the community home page.

Come find me on NPR's version of Facebook.

6. Users will also be able to participate in the moderation of comments through the "report abuse" links associated with user content.

Make a citizen's arrest on the Internet.

For more information, check out Dick Meyer's blog post about NPR.org's social-media changes.

You can register here. And if you're confused, click here. I hope this isn't too painful for anyone -- I think it will be an improvement.

Lastly, when my friend Miranda July used to live in Portland, we would make short videos in the summer to pass the time. I never thought they'd see the light of day, but they have, and with good reason. If you're so inclined, you can (sort of) view them here.

More soon. (More about music, that is.) Take care.

Carrie Brownstein

12:26 PM ET | 09-29-2008 | permalink

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