Client news - Times Online::
4 May 2007 –Times Online has protected itself from offensive and illegal user submissions by enlisting user-generated content (UGC) moderation company, eModeration. The website was recently revamped and at the heart of the overhaul was the option for users to post comments underneath every article. eModeration will moderate the site 24 x 7 to ensure no offensive and illegal content appears on the portal.
Anne Spackman, Editor-in-Chief, Times Online, explains the motive for the site’s re-branding: “Our aim was to deliver a combination of news plus views. A crucial part of this was to create a ‘comment’ option on every news article, so readers from all over the world could voice their opinions.”
UGC, however, is not without its dangers and Spackman wanted to safeguard the new site: “We were confident that our readers would submit only legitimate and informed comment. However, it only takes one person intent on submitting something offensive or illegal to not only ruin the experience for the whole community, but also leave us in a perilous legal position.”
Times Online has some experience of moderation in-house, but to guarantee a swift response to its users, Spackman believed it was necessary to outsource: “In order to provide a fast and effective response, we needed 24 x 7 coverage and eModeration was able to provide us with this service. As soon as we contacted them, we received a swift, professional reply; and it was clear that they understood intrinsically our values and the issues we faced.”
eModeration assigned a team of highly qualified moderation professionals to Times Online and the relationship flourished: “We’re in regular contact with eModeration. It’s been a two-way process – we tapped in to our in-house experience, and eModeration highlighted some pitfalls and advised how we could use their expertise to avoid them.
“Ultimately, eModeration gives us confidence and removes the burden and worry associated with moderation. The company fully understands our needs and has dealt with them in a very efficient and professional manner.”
The Times Online was re-launched on February 5 2007.
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About eModeration:
eModeration is an international, specialist user generated content (UGC) moderation company. It provides a comprehensive moderation service to protect brands and sponsors; and also site users, whatever their age and location. The company edits or removes inappropriate content generated by users, such as racism, incitement to hatred, pornography, breach of copyright (including music rights), or potentially libellous material. eModeration’s service helps companies to comply with UK guidelines and US state and federal law, avoiding legal and moral issues arising from unmonitored, illegal content appearing on an online community or user generated space.
The company is headed by CEO, Tamara Littleton, a respected pioneer and authority on UGC moderation. Tamara has an established background in editorial quality control, fault escalation and process management gained from previous work as Product Delivery Director for Chello Broadband, Online Operations Manager for BBC Online and a history in consultancy and publishing. She is a member of the Home Office Sub-Committee, advising the British Government on moderation of communities to help safeguard children. She is also the Chair of e-Mint, the online community for community professionals, and an affiliate member of the International Watch Foundation.
Further press information:
Malini Majithia / Kate Hartley
Carrot Communications
Tel: +44 207386 4860