Good evening, Creatures.
I’ve just about gotten the comments thing figured out (finally). It comes down to basically I have to approve of a comment before it will appear, but once that happens, the commenter is free to make further comments later. It may seem a little confusing because a Creature may be approved for making comments on Life On a Stick but then goes to make a comment on On the Couch only to find their comment will have to “await moderation.” The short explanation for this is SurlyQueen is basically three sites in one, so you’d have to get approved again.
The comments section on this site is here because I enjoy talking with you all about my comics and my art, and, of course, to create a social atmosphere between my dear Creatures. I want to thank everyone who comments, it means a lot to me when someone takes the time to say something. I may not be able to answer them all, but that does not mean I’m not reading them or that I don’t appreciate them!
I also sincerely appreciate that the vast majority of the folks commenting around here have been pleasant and polite. A trend I’d like to see continue. There have not been many instances where I’ve felt the need to intervene, but since there have been a couple, here are some guidelines:
This one’s kinda long so here’s the Short Version: Be polite, don’t swear too much, and no shameless self-promotion!
Now for the expanded version!
Trolls and flame wars will not be tolerated. Last time I checked, I graduated from middle school, and I don’t have time for it. Nor do I feel that any of my readers should be subjected to it. Personal attacks or needlessly inflammatory comments will be dumped in the trash bin.
Keep swearing to a minimum. There’s a self-imposed PG rating on this site, because I’ve always believed that there’s a place for all-ages comics in this world, and there are kids that visit this site. I’m not naive enough to think that children aren’t going to learn these words out in the world, but they don’t have to learn them here. Most of the usual suspects have been added to a list of blacklisted words, so using one will alert me to moderate the comment, regardless of whether or not the person has previously been approved. I reserve the right to edit or remove the comment.
Self promotional comments are not acceptable and will be removed. My comments section is not the place for shameless plugs, and there are other places on the internet where one can advertise for free.
Finally, if there just isn’t something nice to say, it’s probably better off not being said. Cliche? Totally. But it works well for keeping up a harmonious community. If another person has said something that you think it ridiculous or stupid, you are not required to respond to them.
Most of you guys have been naturally following these guidelines anyway, but I know sometimes it’s tempting (not to mention easy) to spout off anonymously on the web. So think of this as a sign I’ll point to, if things get out of hand. I want to keep my corner of the internet civil and polite, and I think that can be done here. Keep up the good work, Creatures!
That’s all for now, and as always: Thanks for reading!
