Update
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 | 17:39Over the past several days, this blog has seen a deluge of rude, false, or otherwise inappropriate comments.
I believe fervently in freedom of expression, which of course includes the freedom to criticize, and the freedom to disagree. While negative comments may be unpleasant, I’m generally prepared to accept them, as they can sometimes serve to illustrate misunderstandings, or offer up opportunities for personal development or improvement. Further, I’ve always believed that a truly vile comment says more about the commenter than the person or article being commented on. And besides, I have no desire nor intention to censor people’s thoughts or opinions. We each have a right to our opinions, diverse as they may be.
However, when a comment is patently false, bordering on defamation, or consists simply of name-calling and crass insults, that is a breach of Internet etiquette, and I feel justified in removing those comments. Because, while I support freedom of speech, I also have the right to operate my blog in the style and manner of my choosing. To be blunt: this is my space. As I said, we each have a right to our opinion – and that includes my right not to be insulted on my own blog.
Going forward, rather than closing the comments section altogether, I’ve simply made some changes to the comment process. Comments will now be held in moderation, only to be published upon moderator approval.
I truly wish I didn’t have to make these changes to this blog, and I apologise to those who may feel offended by my actions. But for now, I feel it’s necessary.
Well done . You have an absolute right to manage your page as you wish and to protect yourself from diffamation or simple ill founded revenge. Those ill intentionned persons should do well to think twice before acting as they did, as they face possible legal action and their case appears much weaker as they think it is.