I'm generally not a big fan of moderating comments or making it difficult for people to comment on my blog entries, since I would like to encourage discussion, even spirited discussion. However, I draw the line at certain things, including (but not limited to) insults and comments bereft of actual commentary. It's perfectly fine to disagree with me or any of the other commenters here. We're all big boys and can defend our intellectual positions if they're criticized. But if you're not interested in discussing and just want to come by to say I'm a stupid old guy who's looking down his nose at you (or some variation thereof), I'm sorry to say I'll delete your comments and not feel a moment's remorse for having done so.
I think it's great that this blog gets so many visitors from so many places. According to my web stats, I have over 400 unique visitors a day from every continent (and every state in the US except South Dakota) and that number is climbing. I'm tickled that people actually take the time to read my hastily thought out musings and even more pleased when they take the time to offer praise or criticism of what I've written. At the same time, I will not tolerate the virtual equivalent of drive-by shootings in my comments. There's simply no reason for it. If you dislike what I write enough that all you can say offer is vitriol, I'd prefer you go elsewhere. I don't make a habit of leaving nasty comments on others' blogs and forums if I disagree with them and I'd like to ask that my visitors show me the same courtesy.
Consequently, I'm disallowing anonymous posters for the near-future. I'd like to return to the old ways sooner rather than later, but, for whatever reason, over the last few days I've gotten more unpleasant comments than I've gotten since I started the blog and I simply don't want to deal with. My apologies to those of you who are showing me and the other commenters proper respect.
Thanks.
Hey James,
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to comment for awhile that, while I am eager to play 4e, I have been gaming with D&D and other systems since 1977 and I appreciate where you're coming from. You write quite eloquently about your understanding of OD&D and its history and I think you've lately been zeroing in with greater precision on what those almost-ineffable qualities of the game are/were and why you and so many others continue to champion that style. I say more power to you and while I might also enjoy a campaign or two in that style, I'm easily distracted by shiny things and my gaming time is limited :)
Anyhow, just my long-winded way of saying don't let the kids come over here to tag the place with graffiti get you down too much and keep up the excellent work.
Nobody from South Dakota yet, huh? I wonder why...granted, it's a small population state, but it's not the smallest, and I know they have gamers there.
ReplyDeleteI say go ahead and delete venomous replies that add nothing to the conversation. I enjoy your comments, both here and at the Original D&D Forum (where you might have seen me post as Coffee).
ReplyDeleteIn a way, it shows that you're on the right track. If the hate-filled morons are attacking you, you must be doing something right.
Yeah, some of the responses were indeed getting a little odd and not very 'comment' like. Glad to see that problem being addressed.
ReplyDeleteYou get readers from Antarctica? Cool!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I was expecting and, frankly, hoping for such a move from you. It's one thing to leave rambling dissenting messages. It's another to hide behind the shield of anonymity while so doing.
Thanks. I'm sure your decision will improve the signal-to-noise-ratio on the comments.
So much for not having followers from South Dakota, mate! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the writing. I'll be keeping a close eye on Grognardia in the future!
So much for not having followers from South Dakota, mate! ;)
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
Thanks for stopping by.
I learned the hard way that leaving the door open for anonymous comments greatly increased the number of oxygen thieves that haunted my own blogs. I can assure you that you're making the right decision here! Love the site, by the way!
ReplyDelete