New Comment Policy

Blogger recently added the ability for blog administrators to moderate comments. I've not taken advantage of this so far because the comments here were going along pretty well. (thanks to 99% of commenters here.)

But regretfully, the return of a certain political faction (you all know who they are) makes it necessary to adopt a more rigorous control of comments. I've warned these offenders dozens of times over several months now that if they didn't at least try to behave, I'd begin to delete their comments. It was like talking to a 2 year old and about as effective. Frankly, I've finally lost all patience.

These fine folks were not the only violators of good taste and decorum here, but they were by far the prime instigators and the most prolific and offensive offenders.

Due to their inability to contribute anything remotely serious to the discussion, relentless harassment of the blog and fellow commenters, reckless attempts to smear their opponents, and having proved hundreds of times over that they just don't "get it" and apparently never will, I'm now moderating comments.

This will mean that comments will appear, but only after having been screened. As always, all comments will still be completely anonymous. They'll just make a short pitstop in the approval area before appearing here. Otherwise, nothing will change. Comments will still appear in the order in which they're received.

Most people should find my few guidelines pretty simple and easy to follow.

-- Comments should be on topic. I realize that sometimes new subjects are introduced within a thread, and in that case, the discussion can take a turn. That's ok as long as the diversion isn't some wild charge or smear or something with no relation to the topic at hand.

-- Avoid belaboring a point. Once you've made your point, maybe even twice, or if you must, three times, give it a rest. We know your opinion by that point and further repetition is only overkill, especially if it's something for which you have no proof. Unless you have something new to add or another way to prove your point, let it go.

-- Avoid personal accusations or allegations for which you have no proof.

-- If you don't have a user name with Blogspot, please at least invent one and fill it in when posting comments. Too many comments as "anonymous" are confusing and can get annoying and may lead to them ending up in the trash.

-- I am the judge, jury, and executioner here at the benign dictatorship known as The Inside Dope. I intend to be very liberal in my screening of comments, after all, this ain't beanbag. But if you feel that your comment was axed unfairly, send me an e-mail and try to change my mind, maybe I'll see things your way.

Though I'd much rather not go this route, eliminating the distraction and disruption of those obsessed with their own agenda to the point of dragging down everything else ought to raise the level of comments considerably. It's my hope that when people see that the blog is rid of such garbage, more people will feel comfortable contributing their thoughts, views, and comments.

A benefit is that this will also make it possible to allow me to open up comments to everyone once more, even those not registered with blogspot, an expansion of comments rather than a restriction. I'm hoping it will prove to be a very positive move.

I'll OK comments and get them up as soon as possible. We'll give this a shot, and next time you see headusher or his alter-egos, be sure to thank them. I only wish I'd done this long ago.

Any problems or comments on this policy? Contact me at theinsidedope@gmail.com