It has come to my attention that some people may have a little problem with my screening comments on this site. I wanted to take this time to address the issue (with those whom it exists), and ask for suggestions on how to make things more appropriate and satisfying to those that want to comment.
First of all, the reason. The reason that I decided to use the Movable Type function of screening comments, is simply the fact that it is not only really annoying, but is extremely time consuming to continually check for, monitor, and erase spam that appears in the comments of your blog.
My old blog was HORRIBLE (hence the time consuming switch to Movable Type… which I love), and the only way to delete the spam was a software that would let you go through and delete them one author at a time. So, I don’t want to go down that road again.
Second of all, it keeps people from posting what I deem to be vulgar or obscene things, in the comments they post. This in NO WAY means that I would censor people, but sometimes you do need to draw a line, and I think that is acceptable. Also, I preview the comments, and sometimes I make corrections in spelling, if it is needed. This is yet another way I keep the comments top notch! (Just to assure you that I do not have any intention of censoring people… I have approved every comment that has ever been posted to my site, and I don’t plan to stop.)
All in all, if you have something to say about my previewing comments instead of letting them be instantly posted (I know that many of you need your instant gratification… of which I am certainly a fan!), let me know. Also, if you have any suggestions as to a way to prevent blog spam without using the comment preview function, I am all ears. (Cause there is no way the comment preview will go away without one) Now beware, because each of these comments will be previewed… this isn’t a notice of change YET people!!! Seriously, let me know what you think.
Screening comments irritates me, but… again, it’s your blog, do what you want. (IYBDWYW.)
People bristle when they hear the word censor, but everyone filters out spam and generally reserves the right to ban trolls. You’re running a blog, not a democracy. I wouldn’t feel guilty about it.
Amber, I agree, but I guess the reason I posted this, was because I really don’t want to turn people OFF to commenting on my site, after all, that is part of the point for the blog format; as I am sure you know. And Rusty, I agree with you as well, but I cannot help but feel guilt when someone mentions how much they hate that I prevent them from getting instant commenting gratification. (I think that may be more of the issue)… oh well… Just know this… I will TRY my best to approve the comments ASAP, so you will experience the LEAST amount of prolonged comment lag time possible! Maybe that is the solution!!! (It is what I have been doing all along!)
It has come to my attention that some people may have a little problem with my screening comments on this site.
Ha! Did GeorgiaHack rat me out? Honestly, I do not have a problem with people screening comments in theory. It just irritates me because I am impatient.
The worst thing about pre-screening comments is that it puts a little bit of a damper on commenting in general. I might do the same thing, though, if I didn’t have such a good spam filter.
I don’t know if Typepad has any kind of easy-to-use spam filtering that you could use. I don’t really even think about spam that much anymore.
Jen, my lips are sealed!!!! HAHAHA!!!! Georgiahack… care to comment?
Jen, I did rat you out, but not in a bad way. Duane asked me about his blog and I told him that the moderated comments were probably cutting down on the amount of comments. When he asked why, I told him what you told me about your need for “instant gratification.” Hey, I am the same way. If my comment does not show up immeadeately on a blog, I am less likely to comment.
Duane! I told you I wasn’t mad at you, I just have no patience (unless I am waiting in a line, I don’t know why, but I can wait in lines, but I can’t just wait). And I have just been doing other things and forgot to come here. It’s back on the favorites list, so I should be back more.
So, relax. I still am here, and I will still post even though I am a stupid straight person who has no tact. That was a joke, but it was only funny because it’s true.
Oh, and I talked to the zombies. Now, they are really pissed off about the previewing. Watch your back.
Quote of the day.
And Duane… you see, your blog is talked about IRL! I think that means you’ve crossed some invisible line. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.
Thanks Amber, I feel the love. I can’t help it, but that quote makes me think of that line from Bring it On,
Ah… yes!
I just deleted some blog spam. Hopefully they learned their lesson, but that just tells me that the damn comment previewing needs to stay, at least for now.