I just recently added a comment policy to the blog. I have noticed an increasing number of blogs have started adding comment policies, rules, and disclosures. So when I see this trend, the first questions to pop into my mind are: Are comment policies really necessary, and should all blogs have them?
I believe the answers to those questions are “yes”. Here is why I feel comment policies are important:
1. Common sense no longer exists. There are people out there that, no matter what we (bloggers) think, have no decency about them. They exist for one reason only: to “flame” your blog. I have seen it in the past on different blogs, be they political, religious, or just a personal journal. Someone out there in the big ‘ol blogosphere is going to make it his or her life’s mission to disparage, demean and harrass you.
2. Self-preservation is the key. Protect yourself. This is one thing I learned from WordCamp Dallas back in March, thanks to Jonathan Bailey from Plagiarism Today. Comments, whether you like or not, become a part of your blog once it is posted. Although it may not reflect your views, the comment can reflect on you and your blog. Comments can either attract more readership or drive your loyal readership (as well as any new readers) far, far away. That is why I am a strong proponent of comment moderation. Let the first post (or few posts) of someone you don’t know be moderated, then after you have deemed them “safe” the comments automatically appear on your blog. If someone is offended by a comment on your blog, you could potentially be held responsible or even sued. It’s been known to happen. I believe it is necessary to add a blurb like “The author of the blog is not responsible for the content in the comments section. The comments in no way reflect the positions or the views of the blog author.”
3. It looks professional. Oh yeah. It adds a little bit of credence to your blog, and it makes your blog look like it’s a bona fide journalism outlet. In short, it just looks cool.
So what do you think? Should all blogs have a comment policy? Fire away in the comments!
I like the idea of the “Comment Disclaimer”.
LeBlancs last blog post..State Park Graffiti
Bottom line for me is, “Your site, your rules.” I filter all comments so it’s my rules without a policy. Heck, I let my friends post negative comments cause I know where they come from. The guy with digital courage of posting nonsense is less likely to return when I filter. I care little for him to return anyways.
I’ve had one since almost the beginning and when I delete a comment and get a nasty email, I just link the policy in the reply email. Its necessary to protect yourself. And the main reason is your #1 above — people have no manners.
Yep, I agree…
That’s a good idea…I may have to try that out if (actually when) I receive a comment so bad that I have to delete it — with this political season I’m sure to get a few!
I use WordPress’ comment engine, and I have it set to moderate the first comment from someone. It works beautifully for me. The only comments that I actually delete are the ones that are clearly spam, but somehow Akismet missed them, or that are just vulgar screeds, or have nothing to do with the post. I haven’t had any backlash, but of course my traffic is not that great…