POSTING GUIDELINES

Hello Readers of the Debito.org Blog.  I created this blog not only as an information source, but also as a potential forum for readers to comment upon issues raised.  I read every comment on this blog and consider them all for approval.  Not all of them will make it through (in fact, about a quarter don’t, on both sides of the political fence).  This page outlines the basic policy guidelines I use.

Aside from the standard deletions of spam and misleading links, people may wish to consider these before posting: 

1) IS THE COMMENT MADE IN GOOD FAITH?  DOES IT AIM TO CONTRIBUTE CONSTRUCTIVELY TO THE CONVERSATION?  I delete comments which a) are “playing intellectual games”, and not interested in furthering the arguments raised, b) seek to create more heat than light by baiting other posters, c) offer unsubstantiated assertions and conclusions (so feel free to provide links), d) outright lie, and e) just offer a zinger or a “I disagree and you’re full of it” type of throwaway sentiment.  In sum, if your post will merely “cheapen the discussion”, I probably won’t allow it through.

2) DOES THE COMMENTER HAVE A HISTORY OF TROLLING, HERE OR ELSEWHERE?  There have been cases of posters being banned for trolling and then coming back as a separate alias.  Sorry, but one instance of trollery and you’re off Debito.org for good, regardless of whatever guise you take or constructive comment you may try to make later.  Anonymity is one thing; deliberately trying to stir up trouble for sport by using the Internet as a cloaking device is another, and will not be tolerated here.

3) ARE THINGS GOING PURELY AD-HOMINEM?  Some degree of questioning of a poster’s identity and intent is okay, but if it’s merely or mostly a personal attack, then into the dustbin it goes.

4) GRAMMAR AND SPELLING, PLEASE.  I’m not Miss Manners here, but if you’re going to treat Debito.org as a BBS for throwaway comments, you’re not going to get through.  Moreover, there are enough software safeguards for people who are not natural spellers.  If you take the time to compose, proofread, and be thoughtful, you’ll most likely get your comment through.

Comments should be posted in either English or Japanese, the only two languages I can read and consider, thanks.  I also tend to give more leeway to those posters I know and who use their real names and email addresses.

If you’re not happy with these rules, sorry.  This is my blog and I’ll run it the way I like.  Meanwhile, don’t just stick to the blog — there is lots more (and less controversial) information in the original sections of Debito.org.  

Final disclaimer:  Approved comments do not necessarily mean I approved of their contents or agreed with their arguments.

Thanks for reading, considering, and contributing.  Arudou Debito