The not- quite- daily internet column of Dave Walker. Dave is a freelance cartoonist who also writes and draws for the Church Times. (
Especially like the "thistles"!
A word about comments on this site.
I appreciate the comments that are posted here, I really do. I’d like this to be a place where there is room for debate and even disagreement. However, there are a few things I need to say.
First of all, rules. These need to be posted somewhere more clearly really, but for now, they’re here.
I don’t allow comments which:
- Attack another individual
- Are posted with the main aim of advertising the poster’s website
- Contain allegations that can’t be backed up
- Contain language I’d prefer not to see on my site
- Are comments which the poster wouldn’t make to someone else’s face
- Reveal another person’s contact information or pseudonym identity without permission
- Are a load of nonsense
I reserve the right to disallow or edit comments for any of these reasons or for any other reason that might not fall into these categories. This list is incomplete, I’m sure. I also reserve the right to interpret these rules as I see fit whilst aiming to be fair. I will allow, for instance, comments that criticise me.
I’m aware that sometimes my moderation is inadequate. Things get through that shouldn’t. This has been especially true in the last few months. I’m working morning, afternoon and evening for rather too many days a week trying to get various projects finished, and so moderating the comments here hasn’t been a priority. I’m not trying to gain sympathy votes here – the fact I have too much to do is my own fault for reasons that are too complicated to explain.
Apologies if I’ve let things through that break my own rules and that have been aimed at you as an individual. If there’s something I’ve missed I’m happy to be contacted so I can take appropriate action.
Pseudonyms. I allow them, though I would request that you stick to one username. In fact from now on I’d like to make this a rule. Contact me if you need clarification about this. There are blog sites that insist you register or use your real name. I’ve thought about these options, but for now the site stays as it is. Please don’t think though that because you use a pseudonym no-on will know who you are. It’s difficult to stay anonymous on the internet for any extended period of time – trust me.
E-mail addresses – these need to be genuine. Sometimes I e-mail the address to see whether they are.
I realise that some of the people who post here are passionate about the subject you’re talking about. Angry sometimes. I understand that and try to make allowances for it.
Occasionally people have been unhappy that I’ve refused to post their comments for one of the reasons I’ve mentioned. If so my advice would be to start your own blog. In fact, why not start one anyway. It really is easy these days – I’d choose wordpress.com for a free site that looks good. (The new Wibsite.com is coming soon, at which point I’ll be recommending that.) See also my post from last year: How to make a website for your church with a minimal amount of effort.
So in summary: please try to abide by the rules. Thank you for reading.
[Updated 11 July 08 with an extra reason for disallowing comments]
This is a single Cartoon Blog entry, posted by Dave
on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 11:05 pm.
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, but I must have missed the glaring exception. Is there any chance that you can find someone to volunteer to moderate comments for you?