Comments and Moderation Policy

Hardly anybody reads this damned thing, but apparently I need a moderation policy.

UPDATE: Insults, veiled, in-jest, or otherwise, to other commenters will get your comment dropped silently. A gentle ribbing, a lightly teasing touch, might slide by according to my whim, but I'm changing policy here to indicate that I'm going to be pretty strict on this point. Your jokes don't necessarily read, and outright meanness isn't something I can tolerate. Like people, blogs only have one asshole, and I'm it.

I don't care if you agree with me. Dissent is fine, even encouraged. I won't necessarily get into an argument with you, but dissent is fine. You're probably reading my blog because you enjoy seeing other people's sacred cows get gored. Just you wait, I'll get to your precious sacred cows soon enough, so brace yourself. You're going to feel angry and cheated. Suck it up, or stop reading.

Pay attention to this next bit because it jolly well matters:

Being an insulting dick is not fine. Use your head. It's my blog, I don't have to put up with anything I don't want to.

It would be great if you could make a serious attempt to understand what you're commenting on. I realize that I am not always crystal clear. I realize that this is the internet, and expecting commenters to read the content is perhaps a rather high bar. Still, I request that you make the effort.

In general, if I elect to "ban" you (something I do maybe once every 2 or 3 years) it is not because I wish to suppress anything specific you have said. I believe firmly in open expression. I will, in general, moderate whatever you said through, will reply with the notification that you're banned, and will then allow you the last word.

I ban people not because of their ideas or dissent, because they appear to be simply trying to piss me off, and I have better things to do with my life than be pissed off with internet randos. So, the rule is roughly: take your shot, say your piece, and then we're done.

Thanks.