One of the purposes of this blog is to create dialog, and the main way do this is through the comments section. I love and appreciate dialog when done appropriately. I have a wide range of readers, which in turn creates a wide range of viewpoints. I not only allow opposing views, but encourage them. I want to do everything that we can to create an open and comfortable atmosphere for discussion.

With that said, I expect all comments to be informative, polite, and respectful. Here are a few guidelines that will hopefully allow you to understand what I expect.

1. There will be absolutely no personal attacks or abusive comments. I simply will not tolerate it. Any comments that I consider libelous or slanderous will also be deleted.


2. Don't be a jerk.


3. Stay on topic. I have hundreds of posts covering many topics. If you want to leave a comment on a subject, find an appropriate post to leave it on. This is not something that I will be strict about, but I will delete/move comments if needed.


4. Use appropriate language. This does not mean that there is a list of certain words that you cannot use, but it should be done at appropriate times and in appropriate amounts. There is a time and place for certain words - make sure you figure out if it is the right time or place. I will also not tolerate any bigoted (racist, homophobic, misogynistic, etc) language, regardless of the content. I will not hesitate to edit or delete comments with inappropriate language.


5. I will allow images in the comment section, but only if they are related to the subject at hand and of appropriate content. If the image is either inappropriate or unrelated to the subject, it will be deleted.


6. I prefer names, but I will allow anonymous comments. But make sure that it is done respectfully.


7. Any comment/trackback that I consider spam will be deleted immediately.


8. This is my blog, and I decide what is appropriate and what is not appropriate. In turn, I have the right to delete or edit any comment for any reason. I apologize if this offends you, but you have the right to express your opinions on your own blog if you would like.

This policy is not in place to threaten or to limit discussion. It is simply here as a tool to create general guidelines for discussion. I have no desire to delete comments, and I hope that I never have to. Hopefully we can all work together to make this site be one of productive and informative dialog.