This blog enjoys a high standard of comments, many of which are better and more interesting than the posts.
Comments are welcome, but they are pre-moderated
Comments will not be published if there is a risk that the comments thread will be derailed.
Comments will not be published if irksome.
What constitutes a derailing or irksome comment is at my absolute and subjective discretion – and, if you are unhappy that your comment is not published, please note that sending self-entitled, snarky and/or annoyed emails or other messages to me are unlikely to change my mind.
Irksome comments include (but – as lawyers say – are not restricted to):
– those making use of block capitals and multiple exclamation/question marks;
– comments that allege that either I or other commenters are dishonest (for if a thing is wrong, then you can point out the error without impugning or imputing motives and, if you cannot do that, then your point will usually be a bad one anyway);
– any other form of abuse against individuals or groups of individuals;
– comments in exchanges that have descended into bickering or are repetitious.
I will tend not to publish comments that make adverse statements of fact about people until and unless I can verify the statements myself.
The vast majority of comments are published – although there can sometimes be a delay.
This post sets out more about why this blog has this Comments Policy.