Regular readers of this blog know that I have maintained a pretty high level of tolerance for comments posted here. I can think of only one instance where I’ve deleted a comment that I thought crossed the line. On the other hand, I’ve never really established where that line is.
A few acerbic comments on this post and this post just defined that line. I must admit to waving my cursor over the delete comment button a couple of times but I resisted the temptation. Angry and overly insulting comments speak as much about the commenter as they do the comment being made. Once that profile has been established, however, continued ranting and insulting of this sort in the same post becomes boorish. A new floor for comments has now been established.
I do not seek to stifle any voice. The ability of many voices to read and comment on my writings is one of the more interesting dynamics of blogging. I don’t really mind when someone disagrees with me or challenges my assumptions. When someone takes the time to craft a creative insult I don’t get offended, I actually appreciate the effort. Schoolyard taunts, on the other hand, are the product of a lazy mind.
And finally, comments from spammers will always be deleted with relish.
Burrowing Owl...Davie, Florida
1 hour ago
