Up to this point, I haven't needed to have a comments policy. This is mostly because I don't intentionally seek out controversial subjects each day on which to comment. However, I sometimes have opinions about topics that generate disagreements.
I enjoy a good conversation. And I welcome those who disagree with me to this blog. However, I intend to keep a civil level of discourse. As such, I will delete any comment that I find to be libelous, obscene, in poor taste, confusing to other readers, or not directed to the topic. I also discourage ad hominem attacks either to me or to other readers, although if you can keep it clean and to the topic, I will generally allow them.
As an example of allowable and non-allowable ad hominem attacks, I deleted the comment in "The (Unscripted ) District Convention" in which a reader told me that I'm an idiot. But, I allowed the comment in which I was referred to as a "wish-wash Romney supporter." While I don't agree with that characterization, the reader stuck to the topic of the conversation without using fighting words or obscenities.
Also, I would request that, when you make a comment, you give some version of your real name as total anonymity encourages some to be more strident and less civil than they would be in ordinary conversation (or even arguments) with other people. If for whatever reason you don't want to give your name, please use some name other than "anonymous" so that we can tell people apart. I deleted a comment in which anonymous #1 was talking to anonymous #2 because it was just plain confusing.
I will also note that it is not my intention to have the last word on everything. Even though I read them all, I may or may not comment on readers' comments.
I do appreciate that you take the time to read my blog. I think these guidelines will make the experience more pleasant for all while still allowing for differences of opinion.
Liam Ferguson
