As you know, Web 2.0 is all about the conversation. But without a few simple ground rules, that conversation can turn into a shouting match that discourages others from entering into the fray.
So here is our comments policy. By posting on the Battle Ground Buzz, you agree to the following:
1. You may comment without registering. You can create an account with Gravatar if you want your photo to appear next to your comments. To register for free click here.
2. You may post anonymously. I don’t recommend this, but you may do so if you wish. I may change this rule if it is abused.
3. You may post follow-up questions. If you have a question, chances are you are not alone. Others are likely thinking similarly. Therefore, I would rather receive your comments on my blog than via email. It is a better use of my time to address everyone at once rather than answer several similar emails.
4. You may disagree with one of our writers. We welcome debate. However, we ask that if you disagree with someone do so in a way that is respectful. In our opinion, there is way too much shouting in the public square to tolerate it here.
5. We reserve the right to delete your comments. We don’t have an obligation to publish your comments. The First Amendment gives you the right to express your opinions on your website not ours.
Specifically, we will delete your comments if you post something that is, in our opinion, (a) snarky; (b) off-topic; (c) libelous, defamatory, abusive, harassing, threatening, profane, pornographic, offensive, false, misleading, or which otherwise violates or encourages others to violate my sense of decorum and civility or any law, including intellectual property laws; or (d) “spam,” i.e., an attempt to advertise, solicit, or otherwise promote goods and services. You may, however, post a link to your site or your most recent blog post.
1. You retain ownership of your comments. We do not own them and we expressly disclaim any and all liability that may result from them. By commenting on our site, you agree that you retain all ownership rights in what you post here and that you will relieve us from any and all liability that may result from those postings.
2. You grant us a license to post your comments. This license is worldwide, irrevocable, non-exclusive, and royalty-free. You grant us the right to store, use, transmit, display, publish, reproduce, and distribute your comments in any format, including but not limited to a blog, in a book, a video, or presentation.
In short, our goal at the Battle Ground Buzz is to host interesting conversations with caring, honest, and respectful people. We believe this simple comments policy will facilitate this.
