(Photo by Richelle Krig -- Please do not use without proper attribution)It seems, from the comments I have seen, that folks are waiting to implement a comment policy until after they receive a "tasteless" comment. I know that some bloggers do not receive many comments -- my blog is currently at that stage. However, I am fairly certain that over time, my blog will accumulate more comments, at which point I feel it important to have a policy that I can differ to.
Comment policies are meant to be a little like an insurance policy: who doesn't like a little insurance? You can implement a policy that reflects your idea of ethical and or professional behavior. When the time comes to delete a comment because it contradicts the standards you uphold, you have the insurance of you comment policy. If the policy is posted where everyone can see it, then you should not have problems enforcing it.
Comment policies are meant to be a little like an insurance policy: who doesn't like a little insurance? You can implement a policy that reflects your idea of ethical and or professional behavior. When the time comes to delete a comment because it contradicts the standards you uphold, you have the insurance of you comment policy. If the policy is posted where everyone can see it, then you should not have problems enforcing it.
Since a blog is a public forum for bloggers to publish opinions and ideas, it follows that eventually most bloggers are going to be confronted with a comment that makes them uncomfortable. The great thing about your blog, is that it's yours! That means you have the power -- and the right -- to do something about it.
You, as the owner of the blog, have the right to set ground rules for the way others interact on your blog. This means that you can say, "I reserve the right to delete and or not post comments that contain profanity or obscenity." When you get a comment with those characteristics; you may delete it and point to your policy.
Furthermore, as the owner of the blog, your reputation can be affected by the atmosphere created by the comments posted on your blog. It is important that your blog speaks to the kind of impression you wish to make, both online and off.
For good ideas on what kinds of comment policies you could implement, see Lorelle VanFossen's post or davefleet.com. Both the previously mentioned blogs go into detail on how to implement a comment policy. It does not take long to identify the standards that you expect fellow bloggers to conduct discourse by: write your comment policy today!
You, as the owner of the blog, have the right to set ground rules for the way others interact on your blog. This means that you can say, "I reserve the right to delete and or not post comments that contain profanity or obscenity." When you get a comment with those characteristics; you may delete it and point to your policy.
Furthermore, as the owner of the blog, your reputation can be affected by the atmosphere created by the comments posted on your blog. It is important that your blog speaks to the kind of impression you wish to make, both online and off.
For good ideas on what kinds of comment policies you could implement, see Lorelle VanFossen's post or davefleet.com. Both the previously mentioned blogs go into detail on how to implement a comment policy. It does not take long to identify the standards that you expect fellow bloggers to conduct discourse by: write your comment policy today!
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