Wednesday 18 May 2005

Comments Policy

I have a new policy on comments here. I continue to welcome comments from honest participants, but I'm drawing the line at hosting anonymous stalkers with a manufactured grudge. The Humphreys are having spam problems; I'm having stalker problems. We're both acting to deal with the problem. People participate in blogs instead of newsgroups because they're sick of the crap associated with newsgroups; I'm making sure that crap doesn't ooze in here.

Just so you know then, from now on and for the meantime anonymous comments or those without legitimate pseudonyms (such as those without a Blogger.com profile) will be deleted. Hopefully normal transmission can be resumed shortly.

Let me repeat, I welcome honest argument and discussion. I welcome free speech. But the principle of free speech doesn't require that I provide my unhinged attackers with a microphone.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I welcome free speech. But the principle of free speech doesn't require that I provide my unhinged attackers with a microphone. Beautifully said; a view which I'm sure many of the reasonable bloggers to your site will appreciate. Comments which do not require registration is a good thing - this allows people who have not signed up to the milk-toast that is Blogger to actually participate in a discussion. Have you considered a move to Moveable Type? I saw the wickedness it was for Ruth and fell in love with it. To quote Shug: "AHHH? AHHH? DO YOU SEE THIS? I HAVE SOMETHING THE ANIMAL WANTS! AND I AM DRUNK! WITH POWER!"

Duncan Bayne said...

P.C., I think you're being too generous; your anonymous attackers are very deliberate in their methodology, which is a variation on the 'big lie'.

There's nothing unhinged about their attacks - the attacks are malicious, fabricated and cowardly (anonymous), but they're not unhinged.

Anonymous said...
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XXX said...

Hey its me, Sid :D

Your new policy scared the hell out of me, so I thought I better register hehe

As it turned out, I have registered a long time ago, just forgotten about it!

Aaron Bhatnagar said...

I heartily agree. I have implemented much the same policy at my blog too - nasty lefties are more interested in making personal attacks rather than leave genuine comments. To be fair on the left, I have immediately deleted some nasty ad hominem/homophobic attacks on the likes of Jordan Carter as well.

Anonymous said...

Spam is easily stopped. I use Spam Poison for the blog - you will have to google it. I have had stalker problems too, which is one of the reasons why I shut down the other blog. The man in question found my new addy. I have blacklisted him so he cannot comment, but he has amused himself by commenting on sites he knows I visit - so I'm sorry if that might be you. The strange thing is, he is not an 'angry young man' - he is an old-age pensioner who should know better.

Peter Cresswell said...

Thanks guys. Spam Poison loaded. Stalker sorted and ID-ed. He is "an old-age pensioner who should know better," but I don't think he's your old-age pensioner, Ruth.

But you are welcome to him. :-)

And I don't think he's a leftie either, Aaron. Can't blame them for everything. ;-P

Anonymous said...

i was getting tired of some wa..i mean fine upstanding citizen saying the libz were a personality cult and are out to do any rival libertarians in

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Anonymous said...

"What are you hiding?, what are you hiding?" screeches the wretch who chooses not to be identified...

Grow some balls! Use your real name if you've got something serious to say, not some anonymous nom de plume.

Peter Cresswell said...

Actually, AL, this particular online wierdo is American. Posting from Germany. Someone whom the media here have been trying to talk to since at least May io. And he's posting here incessantly, and anonymously. Makes you wonder, doesn't it.

Anonymous said...

tell me about it. I've had a large number of weirdos stalking me online. Good work with your policy mr pc, I hope it all works out. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you

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Altavistagoogle said...

Jeesh, who put you in charge?

Anonymous said...

I'm sure many of the reasonable bloggers to your site will appreciate.

Anonymous said...

What a great this comment policy wish he all the best.

Anonymous said...

Hi there Peter,

We at TV3's The Nation are wondering if you would like to be our guest blogger this week?

We do a Skype cross at the end of the show between Duncan and a blogger which is relaxed and a chance for the blogger to say whatever they think about the guest and panel we had on.

If so, could you email me your contact details and skype name and I can fill you in a bit more

Cheers,
Narelle Suisted
Researcher
The Nation

narelle.suisted@frontpage.co.nz

Wolf said...

Hello, on May 19 at 3pm NZ First is holding a Public Meeting entitled 'European NZers and our Future"
It will be held at the Te Atatu South Community Hall in Auckland
Bill Rayner and Chris Trotter will be speaking

Please let me know if any of your members might be keen to attend

Regards

Kevin

Anonymous said...

So having just got the bill for two additional Household Unit equivalents at $41,166.00 plus gst. (Which is a tax on a tax) do you think that the Weymouth ghetto now being subsidised has financial contributions or because tweedle dum is diddling with tweedle dee its all free ?