Downstate paper suspends comments on Web site

BLOOMINGTON -- A central Illinois newspaper wants everyone to cool down.

In what it's calling a "cooling-off" period, the (Bloomington) Pantagraph isn't allowing readers to comment on new local content on its Web site this weekend.

In a note, editor Mark Pickering says that in recent weeks, there have been too many comments that are offensive and include personal attacks that have nothing to do with stories.

"The problem is one of civility," he wrote.

He says the suspension is meant to remind readers that comments are allowed to foster a "spirit of community involvement and conversation."

The comments sections will be reinstated on Monday.