For the past twenty years, I have maintained an elaborate set of “rules” governing the comment rules. They existed almost entirely to manage the comments of the pro-Israeli apologists who make a second home here. Recently, I deliberated whether I should stop commenting altogether in order to focus readers’ attention more intently on the blog posts themselves; and in order to relieve the burden of monitoring and editing the comment section.
But instead, I’ve decided to eliminate the rules. I have grown tired of explaining the rules, justifying them, pointing out why commenters have violated them. I spend far too much time doing this. It’s both annoying and stressful dealing with such negativity, especially considering nearly 100,000 comments have been published in those past two decades.
My new rule is: I make decisions based on my own editorial judgment. I will continue responding to those comments I choose to. I will delete comments if I choose. I will moderate or ban commenters if I choose. No warnings or explanations offered or given.
No, it does not mean that comments disagreeing with my point of view will not be published. They will, and I will continue responding to them. In some ways, this is better for those who disagree with my views. They can write what they want and not worry about violating the former comment rules. But the flip side is that I can and will ignore, delete or ban comments as I see fit. So for commenters in that category, it will be a crapshoot.
Some may dislike or disagree with this new system. Not my concern–not my problem. Don’t bother complaining. Not only do I not care, it’s a sure ticket to “Ben Gurion.”
