You will be asked to review and moderate comments from other users before your comment goes into the queue to be reviewed and published. How it works: The system crowdsources the comment moderation process by requiring that a commenter votes on three of the other comments in order to have their comment posted.
Why we use peer review
We want Daily Maverick to be a community! And as we grow in numbers, we hope we can share the moderation load together. We're hoping that this peer review comments section will help accomplish a safe and valuable space where you can share well-thought-out ideas, experiences and new perspectives, and have constructive debates.
How the process works
1. Post your comment
Write your comment as usual and click Post Comment.
2. Automated checks
We also run your comment through automated moderation tools. If it picks up something that doesn't follow our comment guidelines (for example, hate speech), you'll be asked to tweak and resubmit it before moving on.
3. Review three comments from other users
Once your comment passes the automated check, you'll be asked to review three comments from other users. Your options are:
- Looks Good - Acceptable and adds value
- Not Civil - Insults, hate speech, personal attacks, name-calling, ad hominem arguments, external links, etc.
- Mis/Disinformation - Unfounded claims, conspiracy theories, or misleading information
After you complete your three reviews, your comment enters the moderation system.
What if my comment gets rejected?
If your comment is rejected, it simply won't be published. Our automated checks upfront are there to help you spot potential issues early, so your revised comment has a better chance of going through.
What if I don't want to review comments?
Reviewing three comments is required. If you don't participate, your own comment cannot enter the queue to be published.
What if I don't understand a comment I'm reviewing?
No problem. Ask yourself: Is this necessary? Is it civil? You don't need to understand the topic, just evaluate tone, civility, and whether it feels appropriate.
Remember
We welcome strong opinions and sharp debate but they must be expressed respectfully. Comments that undermine civil conversation or target users, journalists, or story subjects will be handled according to our policy.