The Renton Reporter is joining a growing list of newspapers that no longer will accept anonymous online comments.

We’ve debated the issue internally here at the Renton Reporter – and with our frequent commenters on our website – and our corporate Internet gurus have researched what is becoming a newspaper standard.

The standard is the same that’s been followed in print for decades: if you have an opinion to express, attach your name to it. If you want to take a dig at someone, attach your name to it.

Frankly, comment threads can deteriorate quickly into name calling, innuendo and outright nastiness that does nothing to foster a healthy debate. At times it feels like the Wild West has invaded our website.

Starting on Nov. 17, the Renton Reporter will introduce a new comment moderation policy through Facebook. We hope to improve your experience of reading and participating at www.rentonreporter.com with this new policy.

It’s not an endorsement of Facebook per se, but at present their comment system offers the best way to ensure an environment of decorum and mutual respect among readers who participate in news sites. That, we believe, is ultimately good for both our business and for Renton.

Any logged-in Facebook user will be able to comment on our stories to encourage and reward real identity.  Anonymous and negative comments will be curtailed.

Sound Publishing, our owners, is implementing the new system throughout its Washington state publications, placing us in this civil vanguard. Other papers that implemented this system include the LATimes.com and Gannett, Media General and American City Business Journals.

We realize that not everyone has a Facebook account, but with 800 million users worldwide, we’re confident its social media net is wide enough to capture most of our readers.

If you don’t belong to Facebook, please remember that you can still send us a letter to the editor. We are proud to publish a robust letters section. Please, just don’t forget to sign it and include your city of residence.

We hope this new commenting system improves your experience with rentonreporter.com. We encourage you to comment on our site. It’s a great way to continue community dialogue beyond the printed page.

A moderator will still keep an eye on the debate  and can exclude comments that cross the policy lines we have set.