Blog-Lebo Changes Comments Policy

Since this blog began, Joe and I have wrestled with our policy on anonymous and pseudonymous comments. The arguments pro and con are well-worn; if you care about the history, you can search the archives for the blog.

The bottom line, however, is that the costs outweigh the benefits. Yesterday's posts and comments about the School Board reminded us: Some people cannot control themselves when they're allowed to hide their identities. Citizens of this community volunteer their time and effort to serve on boards and commissions. They often get criticized, and sometimes deservedly so. But they have the courage to stick their necks out there. They deserve the same from their critics.

So Joe and I have decided, finally and once and for all, to change Blog-Lebo's Comments policy. Anonymous comments will not be permitted. Pseudonymous comments will not be permitted. Use your real name. Include contact information (email, website/blog/Blogger profile with real ID, or street name). If you don't, then the Comment won't be posted.

If that discourages Comments, then that's a price that Joe and I are willing to bear. We think that the tradeoff is worth it. And we hope that you'll keep reading.