Inside #Nextdoor HQ: “To Comment or Not to Comment”

Nirav Tolia (CEO):

“Team, quick question. #Meta, #X, and #Amazon all allow comments on their LinkedIn posts. Why?”

Head of Comms:

“Because they believe engagement builds trust?”

CMO:

“And because customers, advertisers, and investors expect a voice.”

Nirav:

“Interesting theory. Counterpoint: silence.”

CFO:

“But sir, those are trillion-dollar companies. They still allow criticism, dialogue—”

Nirav:

“Yes, and look how risky that sounds.”

Intern:

“Isn’t #Nextdoor literally founded on neighbors talking to each other?”

(Room goes quiet)

Nirav:

“Let’s not bring history into this.”

Clown (Bubbles, new hire):

“Honk-honk! Even the circus lets the audience react!”

Head of Comms (nervously):

“Sir, our mission statement says ‘connection.’ Turning off comments might look… contrary.”

Nirav:

“Connection is a feeling. Comments are optional.”

CTO:

“So the plan is… no discussion?”

Nirav:

“Correct. We’ll post about trust, community, and transparency—quietly.”

Intern (whispering):

“Like a neighborhood block party where everyone’s told not to speak?”

Clown:

“Honk… that’s called a library.”

Nirav (standing up):

“Meeting adjourned. And remember—if #Meta, #X, and #Amazon jump off a bridge, we don’t follow them. We turn off the comments.”