New Comments Policy

Since I started this blog in 2007, I have been proud of the fact that I’ve allowed all voices to be heard in the comments section. I’ve always approved all comments that were on point and respectful. As readers have probably noted, I’ve recently even approved comments that were off topic and borderline disrespectful. That changed last night when I received a deluge of disrespectful comments directed not toward me, but toward one of the subjects of my posts. As such, I took the post down and decided to deliberate today over whether to start seriously moderating comments for the first time. Given that the disrespectful comments continued today, I am regrettably instituting a new comments policy, pursuant to which I will be moderating comments. As someone who is a strong advocate of free speech, it’s not a decision I make lightly, and I hope it is merely a temporary change. Thanks, and I hope that this will lead to a more respectful and productive exchange of information in the comments section.

-CM