Terry Cowgill

Comment Policy

It goes without saying that I value my interaction with readers — both because it’s fun and, frankly, because readers often come up with more interesting things to say than I do. But lately it’s occurred to me that this blog is well trafficked and well established enough that a policy governing comments needs to be set forth. So here it is:

Comment Moderation

All comments of first-time commenters are moderated. This is mostly because of the incessant spam that clogs my comment inbox and the possibility that some of it (much of which would make even a sailor blush) will actually be posted. Spammers rarely use the same name and IP address more than once, so first-time moderation ensures that spam will not be posted. Typically, repeat commenters are not subject to moderation before posting. I think it adds to the spontaneity. But I reserve the right to change my settings and moderate all comments at any time.

Language, Style and Editing

One of the best features of any blog is that it can engender a healthy debate. As both the editor and author of this blog, I reserve the right to delete or edit any comment. It goes without saying that profanity and other inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Neither will persistent attempts to co-opt the debate, change the subject or cast aspersions on the intellect or motives of those with whom you disagree. Tirades that, in my judgment, add little or nothing to the debate will likely be edited or deleted. Potentially defamatory comments will be taken down immediately.

Format

With the notable exception of spammers, few of my readers post links in their comments. But in an attempt to deal with spammers, Wordpress automatically subjects to moderation any comment containing more than two links (spam almost always contains multiple links). So if you include more than two links, don’t expect your comment get up right away. Make sure to use short paragraphs, as white space makes text easier to read on a screen. Pseudonymous comments are permitted but discouraged.

Length

Research has shown that readers typically tire of comments that are more than 200 words long. Sure, you can scroll past a comment that looks like a bore, but I think most readers would rather not do that. Comments longer than 200 words are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. But rest assured I will never intentionally alter the essential meaning of a comment.

Valid Email Address

You must list a valid email address to post a comment. The comments of readers who list an invalid email address (or addresses that require a confirmation that I am not a spammer when I try to contact them) are subject to deletion.

Intellectual Property

After you post, your comments remain yours. However, by posting your comments on this blog, you are hereby granting The Lakeville Journal Company the right, for normal copyright periods, to use, alter, and/or display them in any way we see fit.

Note: The deletion, blocking or editing of comments on this blog is very rare. Since the blog went up in May 2006, I have had to take action against only two commenters.

This policy is subject to occasional change, so check back periodically for updates.

Thanks again for reading the blog and contributing to it. My readers are truly my greatest resource.

Thanks to Opti Niche Blog, which has a very thorough (and longer) comment policy from which I gleaned some relevant tips (with permission from the author, of course).