Although I am constantly revising the text on my About page, a few basics are always there. One of these is an invitation to comment on my posts.
I include this for several reasons. Basically I’m just trying to be friendly. And it’s interesting to get comments instead of just anonymous ticks on the hit counter. The most important reason, however, is that comments add interest, particularly when they are in opposition to my posts or to other comments. Active discussion is more interesting than just isolated, static posts, so speak up. I try to keep an open mind.
Of course, I reserve the right to comment on comments. It’s a discussion, after all. I also reserve the right to delete or edit comments, as I did in the comments following “The right to be rude.” One comment strongly implied I was lying, which is not at all the same as saying “I disagree with you.” After some consideration, I let it stand but deleted its link to a graphic video that did nothing to advance the discussion. Sometimes a comment says so much about its author that I can’t bring myself to delete it.
My house, my rules. I encourage thoughtful, reasoned comment, but keep it polite, keep it clean, and keep it relevant, please.
Now, let us reason together.
Oh hon, I’m sorry- I totally didn’t keep it clean *snort* SO SORRY 🙁 You can delete my bad words…. so sorry!
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LOL. Nah, you’re okay. Some people can be really obnoxious without ever using bad words. It’s kind of a judgment call that I, the proprietor, get to make. 😉
I completely agree with you. I just posted something about comments and how important they are. Comments and replies add depth to a post. I also agree with you that the comments should be constructive and respectful even if they disagree with you. Now I don’t agree that comments should be editted, but I do agree that they should be cleaned up especially as in your case with the video, when there is something just blatantly rude or disrespectful.
When I reserved the right to edit a comment, it was particularly with that video in mind. If I feel I have to clean something up, I will, and I’ll note that I did so. At the moment, that video is the only example I can recall. And I’ve blocked one commenter who, after being allowed to post many lengthy, contentious comments, finally called me a liar for disagreeing with him.
I understand your point. I don’t like people who want to try and discredit someone simply for having a different viewpoint. I would have blocked the commenter as well.