Hi folks. I recently had to take steps to block a commenter, and it struck me that it might be a good idea to point out a few things about commenting here at Daily Nous. First, if you’ve never done so, or if it has been a while, please take a moment to read the comments policy. Thanks. What follows are some points I’d like to emphasize, some (but not all) of which are in the policy. Names: 1. Pick a name to comment with and use it consistently (preferably your real name, but that is not required). Don’t change up your commenting name across different posts unless (a) it’s a post for which I say I’m allowing that, owing to the topic, or (b) you write to me to let me know you’re doing this. (Comments from authors using their full real names are likely to get a lighter moderating touch.) 2. Definitely don’t change your commenting name across comments on the same post. As I’ve said before, such “sockpuppeting” will get you banned. 3. Don’t pick a commenting name that contains the words “anon” or “anonymous” (etc.) in it. Your comment won’t go through. Self-Promotion: 4. While it’s fine to share in your comments links to your own work, projects, writings, etc., as relevant, if most of your comments consist of almost nothing but such links, your comments are likely to cease to be approved. Snark, Insults, Decency: 5. Humor is welcome. Mere snark? Unlikely to get approved. 6. Insulting language is highly discouraged. It isn’t conducive to good discussions. I have in mind not just direct insults but the more common use of insulting descriptions (especially adverbs—e.g., “woefully”, “bafflingly”, “embarrassingly”). I’ll add that, in my view, insulting language tends to make the commenter using that language look worse than its target. 7. Please interpret each other charitably. Assuming the worst of your interlocutor is unlikely to generate a good conversation If Your Comment Is Not Approved: 8. Be patient. Sometimes perfectly acceptable comments are held back by the system until I manually approve them. This may be the result of the system working as it is supposed to (the content for some reason or another has been..

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