The only code-of-conduct I’ll ever subscribe to and abide by is one of my own making. It’s my blog, I pour the energy into it, manage it, pay for its hosting, and I do take responsibility for its content.

I agree with you totally, Mike. What a great voice of reason and responsbility. He who pays the piper does get to call the tune, afterall.

If they choose to disagree with my article’s ideas, that, too, is fine by me. Each to their own, though I will interject further meaning or a counterpoint if it seems fitting or necessary. I enjoy partaking in the commenting process (just like you do, Joe) — - it a cool thing to do and commenters know their comments are being read.

If they are completely rude, very insulting, purposely off-topic, spammish, or made in poor taste, though, it’s bye-bye to them (no inner arguments for me). The only code-of-conduct I’ll ever subscribe to and abide by is one of my own making. It’s my blog, I pour the energy into it, manage it, pay for its hosting, and I do take responsibility for its content. For me, I really don’t feel I need any outside authority dictating what I allow or disallow. Hell, if the government involves itself next thing you know I’ll be sued on a free speech charge by some shady medication seller. Moreover, I do trust myself to be fair and to allow commenters their two-cents and more if that’s what they’re compelled to offer.

Same applies to any user-generated content situation. If content providers cannot do so with prudence and good behavior, they’re history.

It shouldn’t really be necessary to use <em> or &ltstrong> all the time, after all.

Thanks for your comments, Gill - that’s pretty much where I stand.