Comment Policy

Why I removed the URL field

Over time, comment spam has become a real problem. The truth is, 90% of the comments I get seem more concerned with promoting the commentator’s web site rather than adding to the discussion. I considered removing comments entirely, but I hate to deprive people of the chance to add a helpful opinion. After giving the matter some thought I decided to remove the URL field so that people cannot use the comments to promote their own sites. They can still add to the discussion, but no more link juice. I have also removed the link from people’s names so that the policy is retroactive. Old CommentLuv links will still exist but I have discontinued that service going forward.

I don’t anticipate there being many comments after this change, but I can live with that.

Names

The best names are real names. I prefer that you use your first name and optionally your last name or last initial. Handles are acceptable, but not as good as real names. Handles that are interpreted as being primarily for advertisement or purposes other than identification are unacceptable. Any handle that I find objectionable or that I believe a significant number of people would find objectionable are also unacceptable.

Links

Most links will be deleted. Any comment  link must definitively add to the quality of the conversation and the comment itself must be considered to be of value.

The BIG Rule for Writing Comments

Be nice, helpful, engaged and fair.

General Comment Guidelines

• Any comment that I view as a personal attack, whether it is on me or any other target, is unacceptable.
• Criticism is acceptable, but make sure that it is constructive, well thought out and that it focuses on an action or situation, not a person.
• Stay on topic. If I feel your comment is unrelated to the article or just plain incoherent it will be deleted.
• Swear words should be used rarely and only with a good reason.
• I appreciate compliments, but a comment that just says I agree”, “great article” or “you rock” doesn’t really add anything to the conversation so it will be deleted. My heart will be warmed, but your comment will be gone.

About My Responses

I like to respond to comments, but please keep in mind that my time is limited. Blogging is my second job. If you don’t always get a personal response or an in-depth answer to a question it is either because I didn’t have the time or I didn’t have anything to say. I respond to as many comments as I can, but writing new articles comes first. I know that there are bloggers out there who respond to every comment. I admire them, but I just can’t do the same with my schedule. I do still love you.

Privacy Note:

I will not release your email address. Beyond that, consider this to be a public forum.