Let me start by saying, I LOVE all those that comment consistently with their thought provoking, post broadening opinions. I totally believe that good comments can be even better or at least add mojo to the original article.

That said, I feel it prudent to write something official. I think you will find me more then fair, and more lenient than most.

With comment contests each and every month, I advise you memorize…..

1. Provide a REAL NAME in the name field - Is it any wonder this is first? I understand the urge to keyword it. However I consider pure keywords to be taking advantage of the link love I provide, among other things.

Acceptable entries are: Real name, Initials, One-Word Nicknames. If you wish to include keywords, the ONLY two exceptions are as follows: Name-Keywords. Keywords-Name.

2. Comment On Topic - I know how easy it is to get sidetracked, I’ve done it plenty of times myself. It tends to get worse with the threaded comments option. Banter between readers is a GOOD thing; blogging = community. However if it goes to far OT; no longer adding value to the article, please take it off the blog.

3. Provide a real email address - It is not published & I do not personally spam. If I need to contact you this is how I will… I will not go searching.

4. Provide a “legit” URL in the URL field - No distasteful websites; no affiliate websites, no MFA (made for adsense) sites. It must be your own site or blog. 

5. Watch your language - Keep it between G and PG13. If you feel you are too high spirited on a certain subject, it may be better to blog about it yourself and provide a trackback.

6. No Personal Attacks - Disagreements are welcomed and encouraged! Whether it’s with me or another reader, just keep it intelligent.

7. External linking within a comment is OK - Allow me to clarify: IF you wish to provide a link to an external site that is relevant to the original post and your comment, that is encouraged.

No affiliate links allowed. They will either be deleted outright, or changed to mine. HAHA.

No signature links allowed. This is what the URL field is for; see #4.

NO SPAMMING

While minding your P’s & Q’s with #7, there are other comment types I will not tolerate. Above all else, anything seen as crap/garbage/useless spam for the sole purpose of a linkback… is GONE. This adds absolutely nothing of value to the article and only tells other readers that your own site is one to never visit or recommend.

“Great post!” Awesome Job!” “Thanks for the tip!” etc., and so forth. If you can’t think of anything to write, the next post will be along shortly.

Aside from the obvious above, I would take “anything” to heart…I will be taking appropriate action as I see fit.

APPROPRIATE ACTIONS

Curious as to what that means? Those that blatantly break any of the simple rules for their own selfish gains or merely too lazy to read this page, may find 1 of 3 things happen to their comment.

1. Delinked URL - If the comment is half-decent I’ll keep it. However you will get no credit whatsoever. A non-clickable name with Commentluv link erased.

2. Deletion - A plain ‘ole crap comment will simply be gone. POOF.

3. Spammed - Keep it up and see what happens. If I truly feel a commenter is flippin me off with defiance, I have a very handy dandy spam button. Trust me, a few of those and your commenting days ANYWHERE are done. This is the worst possible scenario for YOU.

Some of this may sound harsh, but it is all in the best interest of everyone. At the time of this writing, there is nearly 4000 comments on almost 130 posts, which proves this to be an awesome community!

Aside from the automated link spam (porn, pharmaceuticals, etc), I’ve only had to SPAM or delete a handful (maybe two) of comments since this blog started; I’d like to keep it that way.

Dedicated readers/commenters are the lifeblood of this or any other blog. Never however consider yourselves immune from possible penalties.

I reserve the right to change any name/link/comment as I see fit.

You may wish to check back periodically. Someone is bound to come up with a new idea scam that will make things change.Any questions, feel free to contact me.

Dennis