Given the number of complaints which have been lodged recently, I think it’s time to remind everyone of our commenting policy, as well as to (temporarily) blacklist some of the most often complained about/flagged commenters from this site.
We love open discussion and are loath to moderate comments, so rather than do that, we’re asking to hear some new voices. We hope that if you’ve got something constructive to say but haven’t done so in the past, that you’ll take this chance to let us know how you feel.
Effective immediately, we have blacklisted (and retroactively deleted) the commenting accounts which have had the most comments flagged by other users in the system in the last 30 days. Included in the list of blacklisted commenters are those who I have received the most complaints about from other readers. As always, blacklisting will continue at our discretion as we monitor comment flagging and reader complaints.
An excerpt from our Comment Policy:
Reminder: Personal attacks against other commenters are not permitted. You may question or argue about content, but not attack individuals. Comments that devolve into ad hominem attacks, intentionally bait others, or are deliberately disruptive may be deleted, and failure to respect fellow participants could result in removal or blocked access.
We will consider unblacklisting commenters after a 60 day moratorium from commenting on this site. If anyone currently blacklisted is found to create new account(s) to continue commenting on this site or otherwise getting around this, they will not be eligible for reinstatement at the end of the 60 days.
If you are one of the people affected and would like to be reinstated, please send us a note after 11/20/13 and tell us why we should let you back.
If you have problems with this policy: Our website, our rules. Thanks!
