RaceFans > Contact > RaceFans Comment Policy > Top ten tips for writing a great comment
RaceFans welcomes comments from readers old and new alike. The best comment received each day is featured as the Comment of the Day in the daily round-up.
To get the most out of commenting on RaceFans, here are ten quick and easy tips on how to write a great comment.
Read the article
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many comments can be answered with the words “it says in the article”.
Respond to the article
…rather than just the headline.
Read the other comments
Admittedly this isn’t always easy, especially if there’s several hundred of them. But if you’ve got a question to ask you may find someone’s already answered it.
Make it clear who you’re replying to
On RaceFans you can address your comments to registered users. This notifies them that they have been mentioned in a comment. For information on how to do this, see here:
Use the return key
Nothing puts readers off like a wall of text. If you’re putting effort into a long comment, take a moment to ensure it is spaced out into paragraphs to increase its chances of being read.
Avoid sarcasm
Sarcasm is easily detected in speech but harder to use in writing. If you don’t point out when you’re being sarcastic there’s a good chance others will take it seriously.
Avoid unnecessary acronyms
You can take it for granted everyone will know what ‘F1’ stands for. But beware of confusing people by using acronyms when they aren’t needed or when it’s not obvious what they stand for.
Use facts
When used in context you’ll find statistics, quotes, examples and relevant links to credible sources will make it easier for others to appreciate your point of view.
Don’t confuse facts with opinions
Not everyone may share your opinion. Complaining that other people don’t agree with you won’t get you very far. But explaining why you disagree is a great starting point for a discussion.
Don’t be Captain Caps Lock
No one likes being shouted at.
As an avid motorsports enthusiast with a deep understanding of the racing world, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. Over the years, I have closely followed events, analyzed race strategies, and engaged in insightful discussions within the racing community. My passion extends beyond the thrilling on-track action to the dynamics of online interactions, including commenting on platforms like RaceFans.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article "Top ten tips for writing a great comment" on RaceFans:
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Read the article:
- It emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reading an article before commenting. Many comments can be addressed by simply referring back to the content provided.
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Respond to the article, not just the headline:
- Acknowledges the common tendency to react based on headlines alone and encourages readers to delve into the article for a more informed response.
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Read the other comments:
- Recommends going through existing comments, especially when seeking answers or posing questions, to avoid redundancy and contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
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Make it clear who you're replying to:
- Discusses the feature on RaceFans that allows users to address their comments to specific individuals, promoting a more interactive and personalized conversation.
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Use the return key:
- Advises against presenting a dense "wall of text," highlighting the importance of spacing and paragraphing to enhance readability and engagement.
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Avoid sarcasm:
- Recognizes the challenges of conveying sarcasm in writing and suggests being explicit when using it to prevent misunderstandings.
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Avoid unnecessary acronyms:
- Cautions against overusing acronyms, stressing the need to ensure clarity, especially when the meaning might not be universally understood.
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Use facts:
- Encourages the inclusion of statistics, quotes, examples, and relevant links from credible sources to support and strengthen one's perspective.
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Don't confuse facts with opinions:
- Advises against assuming everyone shares the same viewpoint and encourages constructive discussions by explaining disagreements rather than merely expressing frustration.
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Don't be Captain Caps Lock:
- Highlights the negative impact of using all caps in online communication, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful tone to foster healthy discussions.
By adhering to these tips, RaceFans aims to create a more engaging and constructive platform for motorsports enthusiasts to share their insights and opinions.
