For those of you who think that you can post anything you like in the comments to this blog, I’d like you to keep in mind the words of Lauren Wayne on her post about creating a comments policy.

There are some who protest that a blogger’s choice to moderate comments amounts to censorship. This is hogwash. Censorship is when the government or authority prevents the little guy from being heard. Your blog is more like your living room, and you get to choose whom to invite inside. Once someone is there, you also have the choice to kick that person out if things get rowdy. Whether certain commenters or would-be commenters like it or not, you as the blogger are in charge and make the rules.

Welcome to my living room. I will have the final say on what can and can’t be said in this space. This is a positive space for people to come together and discuss things. Sometimes I will agree with you and sometimes I won’t. But I will always be civil and seek to understand your view better.

Critical and robust debate is encouraged. If you are a troll, spammer, a fat hater or otherwise an ass, I will delete your comment. Repeat offenders will be banned.