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.