Comments Policy

Your comment is important. It is essential. You are welcome to criticize form and content, and I’ll do my best to understand your point of view. But first I must clearly state our agreement, since by sending your comment you are consenting with the rules below.

The internet is and should continue to be free and democratic. But don’t expect this “freedom” on this blog. Freedom of expression guarantees that your voice can be heard, but does not imply in everybody being obliged to hear what you want to say. In other words, you have the right to have a space on the internet, but not this space.

I have draconian rules for accepting comments. They are arbitrary, anti-”democratic” and completely subjective, but serve to keep this place clean and on track. I’m appalled by the general lack of consideration to others over the internet, and I don’t want to be part if this.

Moderation of comments

All comments are moderated, which means that only those approved by me will appear on the blog. So if you are planning to advertise me about your product, be it a software or a god, please don’t waste your time because I will not waste mine. If you want more people to understand the special truth contained in your pet theory, this is not the place for you to share it.

Before commenting, make sure you have read the post and the links therein, tried to understand what it is about and then please make your comment reflect these facts. I won’t even read comments unrelated to the post, illogical or confuse. SPAM, cut-and-paste or offensive comments will be rejected without further consideration.

I don’t reject comments based on the particular opinion, but on cogency, pertinency and politeness. And these qualities have nothing to do with your intentions, but on how they are perceived by me and by the other readers. It is of utmost rudeness, for instance, to disdain my baloney detector. If you want others to consider your point of view, please think about the most effective way of transmitting your message.

People who have conquered my respect don’t have anything to worry about, as long as they are properly identifiable. Anonymous comments are allowed as a last resort, but I urge you to use your real name (pseudonymous are fine, too) and a corresponding web address.

How to write, then

A simple rule that usually increases spectacularly the quality of comments is to wait for one day before doing a fiercer criticism. If after one day you are still wanting to see me or another commenter hung, wait for another day before commenting. Despite the blog format imposes a stressful rhythm, let’s not hurry.

I would also advise you to save a copy of the comment sent: if by any chance your masterpiece is rejected, you won’t feel like you wasted your time. And don’t forget that we are responsible for what we write: even worst than having the comment rejected is having it accepted and available even after you regret your tone or opinion ;)

I apologize for the trouble, but I don’t want to contribute to the hit-and-run culture that is polluting many blogs, rendering the comment area inhospitable.