How to participate at BlueOregon

Here at BlueOregon, we're committed to creating a place where folks interested in progressive politics in Oregon can have a meaningful conversation.

Unfortunately, over the last few years, we've seen a dramatic rise in anonymous "troll" commentary - from the left and the right. These trolls aren't interested in dialogue; they're interested in tossing stinkbombs. It can be pretty demoralizing when you spend time writing a thoughtful post or comment, only to see an instant visceral reaction from an anonymous jerk hurling unfounded charges, insults, and rhetorical nonsense.

Fundamentally, if blogs like BlueOregon are going to change our politics, the dialogue here has to create meaningful interactions between real people that can engage online and offline. Real engagement starts with real identities.

Our new commenting system is designed to use real identities to create meaningful dialogue. And to do that, we're using Facebook as our authentication system. Why Facebook? Because it's the only place on the internet where tens of millions of Americans use their real identities.

If you want to post a comment on BlueOregon or "like" comments or posts, you'll need to click the "Facebook Connect" button and allow Facebook to tell BlueOregon who you are. It's easy and fast.

Once you've done that, you'll be able to post comments.

You'll also be able to "like" posts and comments. This new feature allows you to provide feedback - virtual applause - when you don't have anything else to say. Use "like" liberally, whenever you see something interesting, funny, thought-provoking, or meaningful. Reward people who you'd like hear more from. Over time, with lots of BlueOregon readers using "like", the quality of the discussion will improve.

Fewer anonymous trolls. More meaningful dialogue.