Its true that I've gotten quite a bit more picky about what kinds of comments I'll let stand. I figure its my place so I get to make that call. If you don't like it - tough shit.
Perhaps it would also be helpful if I explained some of my thoughts about all that. I won't claim to be consistent, but here are a couple of general themes that have surfaced so far:
- I've recently set the controls so that if you comment on a post that's more than a day old, it will go into moderation. That's because the spammers tend to invade older posts. If there's a productive conversation going on in an older post I'll try to pay attention and approve comments as they come in. But generally I don't pay much attention to what's in moderation. So you're likely to stay there.
- If you come here to engage in dialogue - then I welcome dissenting opinions. But if you are simply trying to distract, annoy and/or insult, your comment will be deleted. And yeah, I get to make the call on what's distracting, annoying and/or insulting.
The truth is - I don't get a ton of comments on this blog. But I do put a lot of time and energy into this place and get a fair amount of visitors. I figure that the blog is a reflection of the kind of message I want to put out into the world - so I'm not going to let others define what that message will be.
Over the last couple of years I've learned a lot from interactions I've had and/or witnessed in the comments here. If you have something to add or want to challenge something I've written, I am more than eager to hear about it. But if you can't do that without distracting or insulting, then don't waste your time - or mine. I'm here to engage...not babysit and/or do battle with opponents.
Maybe you should just disable comments since my attempts to engage in dialogue just get deleted. I haven't distracted or insulted. But like you said, it's tough "sh*t" as you eloquently explain. Too bad you're not willing to engage over fiscal issues.
ReplyDeleteBob - you do nothing BUT distract. The fact that you don't see that is not my problem. So yeah, tough shit.
DeleteHow does wanting to engage on your fiscal points distract?
DeleteSP--I am a big free speech guy, but part of that is that I really think people should set rules for the places they're invested in and enforce them. This is your place. I don't blog, though sometimes I imagine I might, start, and then go back to being a commenter. Non-state actors setting and enforcing rules of discourse is an exercise of free speech.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the anonymity one can have on the internet has set the bar pretty low for what is acceptable, polite disagreement. People simply wouldn't say the things they say here (online) to someone's face--most people anyway. I think that's a problem in a lot of ways.
Debate without a moderator sucks. Moderating and censorship are two different things. The state is involved in a legal way, it's censorship. The state isn't, it's not. At least, that's about 95% of it.
This is really the only blog I engage on, because the tone is good.
I will go back to being sick as a dog now.
It was actually my conversation with you about moderation that got me thinking about this blog being a reflection of what I want to put out into the world. So thanks for the prompt.
DeleteSo sorry to hear you're sick!!!
I don't comment much on your blog, but I check in everyday because I love what you write and how you write it. It is your own work, therefore you have a right to moderate as you wish. Thanks. Betsy
ReplyDeleteI too check your blog everyday. I've always learned a lot from your blog. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. I'm glad you're moderating it.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for moderation of comments! Nothing should be in the comments that wouldn't be said in face-to-face conversation in someone's living room, in my opinion. In other words, disagree if you must, but be polite about it!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree!
DeleteI love your blog & I always read but seldom comment. This is your blog & you have every right and maybe even a responsibility to set the rules for acceptable discourse. I hope you will continue your writing which teaches me & sometimes delights me.
ReplyDeleteI love your place and usually check it at least once a day. Honestly, I usually read only the posts because I don't have much time to read blogs; but when I do take the time to read the comments, I appreciate reading stuff that enhances and/or expands on what you've written. I don't like wasting my time reading through bad-faith arguments or trollfuckery, so I appreciate your weeding that junk out.
ReplyDelete:-)
Your blog, your rules, Ms. Smartypants. I don't think anyone should have the right to highjack a thread. I'll behave here just as I would were I sitting face-to face with the person I'm responding to.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the "price of popularity!" I know that once my blog started attracting a lot of commenters, I ended up having to set rules and booting some people. I don't do much with blogspot, but I know WordPress has the ability to shut off comments after a certain time. If Blogspot has something similar, you might save yourself some headaches.
ReplyDeleteLOL Love it, Smartypants. Folks, better ask somebody!
ReplyDeleteYour house, your rules. I love reading your blog everyday. Even if I don't agree (which is rare), you always make thoughtful arguments and that is what keeps bringing me back here.
ReplyDeleteHear her! Hear her!
ReplyDeleteFew comments because we're usually left nodding vigorously, clapping our hands, or silently shedding tears of agreement.
We appreciate your hard work and brilliant insight. Thank you.
~@Political_Bill