Comments

Earlier this week I posted a message stating that I was considering removing the Anonymous commentator option from the Comments facility. Unfortunately, it appears that if I remove the Anonymous option this would also remove the "Name/URL" option.

This would mean that the ability to comment would be restricted to users registered with either Google, Live Journal, Wordpress, TypePad or AIM, and would therefore exclude a significant number of potential commentators.

As I do not consider that acceptable. I have reluctantly decided to leave the Anonymous poster option in place.

I would, however, request that regular posters voluntarily use the name URL option, and give themselves a name of some sort, so as to make the comment threads a little less confusing.

Thanks to all those who commented on this topic.

Anonymous comments

Over the last few months this blog has been targeted by spammers, who use the anonymous poster facility to attempt to post spam, much of it pornographic. I suspect quite a lot of it is automated as we get multiple attacks all of the same message.

As this blog is moderated, I am able to stop it getting through, however, it is becoming rather time consuming and often quite distasteful as some of it is quite "graphic".

Another problem with the Anonymous poster facility is that threads become quite confusing, in the same way as would happen if half a dozen people called Brian all started posting at the same time.

I am therefore considering withdrawing the Anonymous poster option from comments. People without Blogger identities will still be able to post, but they will need to give themselves screen names. Please let me know if anyone would find this an inconvenience, or would prevent them from commenting.

Thanks

Sarah

Comment Policy - Update

It has come to my attention that some of those who have left comments and opinions at this blog in the past have not been acting in good faith. Although I believe in free speech, I am no longer prepared to accept contributions from those who come here with malicious intent.

The Internet provides vast opportunity for people to express their views, however, this is my blog and I will decide who is allowed to speak here.

I, therefore, regret that, in future, I will have to be more restrictive as to what comments are approved, and will enforce the policy against ad hominem attacks more rigorously than I have been. Furthermore, certain commentators will no longer be welcome here.

I will not enter into discussion on this matter, if anyone finds that their future comments are not approved, they can attribute this to their prior activity both here and on other forums.

Genuine commentators remain welcome, those with ulterior motives do not.

Thanks for your cooperation

Sarah

COMMENTS POLICY

Those who wish to comment on posting - Please note

I will not be accepting any further comments which include personal attacks against any other commentators. If you have made a posting in the last 24 hours which has not been approved, please resubmit it minus the personal attack.

Also any posting including links to gruesome material, such as film of Kosher (or Halal) slaughterhouses, should be accompanied by an appropriate warning.

I am a strong believer in free speech, however, this is my blog and I require commentators to express their views with politeness and consideration for others.

(Some recent inappropriate exchanges, which were approved in error, have been removed.)

Thank you for your cooperation

Sarah