Comments

We have discussed policies regarding comments behind the scenes several times. For those interested, here is the general policy.

The author of a post is the authority of the post. They can delete and edit comments. They can close comments.
Any contributor can edit a comment that is potentially libelous. In particular, comments dealing with other bloggers on the Internet and their personal situations are generally not researched to confirm veracity and simply redacted.
The prefered method of addressing inappropriate language and writing is through redactions and notes.
Each author is free to ban persons from commenting on their posts. Commenters that don’t respect this will be brought before the group and a decision to ban them from the blog will be made.
The only right a commenter has is the integrity of their comment will be respected. It will not be maliciously modified. It can however be redacted. Anonymous commenters, especially, and those who do not provide valid email addresses have fewer rights.

Most of us don’t believe in creating rules for informal spaces. Most would think The Golden Rule should suffice. Fortunately and unfortunately, we have passed the threshold for number of readers where being more explicit is necessary. In the end, we have about a dozen comment policies and those won’t be articulated further except on a corrective basis.

As a side note, there has been talk of ending commenting on Vox Nova permanently. While some will see this as conspiratorial, for the most part it has to do with size. Despite claims to the contrary, we don’t all agree on everything. What is considered edgy in some circles of partisan commentary is considered crankish in other corners. One way to resolve conflicts over comments – and let me emphasis how much we loath having to debate bans behind the scenes – is to end comments. There are times comments really add to the dialogue. More often and most importantly they tend to make a blog’s reputation. While I think there has been incitement at times for which authors are ultimately responsible, too often comments have devolved into childish bickering. While we aren’t the biggest dog on the block, we are big enough that we would survive without commenters coming to see what train wreck they can cause or enjoy. Despite that, there are comments that are quite enjoyable and really add unique perspectives.