Alright, this one has been coming and was prompted by regular reader Garfield, who made a very helpful suggestion that I should define the basis of commenting here and explain what happens when people step outside of these parameters.
I have thought about requiring registration for all who wish to comment here, but after discussion with the ATW team of writers, and a little reflection, I have decided against this. The lively boards are what makes the site work as much as anything I write, so my starting point is predicated on preserving freedom and keeping things easy. OK?
I‘m first and foremost a writer here, ABOVE ALL I want to provide you with good stories and I don’t want to waste my time editing, censoring or banning anyone. So here’s what has to happen going forward…
Keep your comments as free from ad hominem abuse as is possible. I know none of us is perfect but we can try to be civil. If I spot an ad hominem attack I will warn whoever is doing it. If it re-occurs, then the person concerned will be banned by me for a month. If the person is let back on, and re-offends, they will be banned permanently. Got it? I also will not accept pro-terrorism rantings. ATW opposes terrorism and if people don’t agree with it, fine. You know where the door is.
I will NOT edit any comments on those threads I post that conform to the above. I want to preserve as much freedom as is possible. I would ask you all to be civil to each other please, debate the issues, but do so in a engaging and decent manner.
What this means to those who have been banned in recent days – you know who you are – that I will expect an email from you asking to be let back on, with a promise to abide by the rules. If you can’t give that, don’t waste my time and yours.
I also know that certain trolls will keep coming here even after they are banned and yes, I do know that those mad enough to do this can do this. I will keep banning the IP addresses but more importantly, I would ask ALL regulars posters not to engage in any way with these people as all they do is spoil the scene.
Now, that’s enough from me on this – please follow the rules, and all will be well.