I think the libel issues are real.
But real problem is twofold.
One - most local newspapers dont have a real “web guy” - more often its the network or IT guy that handles the website...most reluctantly. It takes more of a web guy to implement a commenting system that really works - or just implement/integrate any of the better known forum systems.
Two - local papers are horrible at selling online advertising and are already giving away their traffic to syndicated “per-click” advertising. So - they either dont care or dont know what their missing.
All of the MediaNews-Gannett local papers have switched from TOPIX to Facebook for commenting and it has virtually extinguished all commentary. Ironic, as MediaNews-Gannett owns TOPIX as well.
The reality is TOPIX is still there - and the roboblogger regularly posts a smattering of stories from the local paper. The only difference is the comment form isn’t attached to every story.
There is a subtle difference in psychology in every form/commenting system. TOPIX allows out and out anonymous posting - no registration required. Predictably this leads to lots of “drive by” postings (the kind of stuff that opens the doors to libel) - Facebook is the opposite side of the coin. No anonymity.
The best solution has always been the “require registration to post” system. (like FR) That alone cuts out a lot of the drive by stuff you get with “no reg” systems. You have to pick username or “handle” and it follows you with every comment. People who take the time to register tend to want be accountable for their online identities - especially if they’ve taken the time stake out positions or political turf. Registrations are easily moderated, disruptors are easy to block.
In short - limited accountability is enough to keep people in line...and preferred to no accountability(like TOPIX) or total accountability.(like FACEBOOK)
Thanks your explanation makes sense. I guess the TOPIX does make drive bys easier even if you have to register. Some people kicked off come back under different names. No surprise they don’t see the benefit of the net even though they are on it. They can’t even keep the appearance of non biased reporting no reason they should understand a business model.