Let's face it, the lowest form of on-line life (well, maybe slightly above lurers and child pornographers) is the anonymous on-line stalker commenter/weasel.
Unfortunately, my brother, who is a REAL WINE AND BEER WRITER, one who actually is educated and experienced and not really that opinionated, has acquired one or two of these sick little people in his life, and they seem to have associated he and I. His work, much of which I really like (not all, he is my brother, after all and brothers do disagree at times) can be found here:
http://www.frogspad.ca/
Tim Bousquet, an occasional drinking buddy who is, again, unlike any random blogger, a REAL JOURNALIST, has implemented a comment policy on his new site The Halifax Examiner. I totally recommend you go there and subscribe. Especially if you live in Nova Scotia and care about whether the news and commentary you read is coloured by who advertises through that media outlet.
http://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/
I am "borrowing" part of Tim's comment policy, as follows:
1. All commenters must use their first and last name.
2. Exceptions to policy #1 will be made on a case-by-case basis, at my discretion. Typically these exceptions are granted to protect the identity of the commenter for reasons that go beyond simply wanting to remain anonymous. Anonymity is not a curtain designed to encourage slander, insult racism, or blunt stupidity. While in such cases I may grant the use of anonymity or pseudonyms, I will do so only after I have ascertained the true full name of the commenter.
3. Comments will be held in moderation until I've had a chance to review them and accept them. I support comments that are productive and thoughtful, and won't publish disrespectful interaction between commenters. I don't mind debate or disagreement, as my blog IS opinionated. I respect the concept that other people have opinions as well, but I want them to be able to show respect for others, and for themselves, and openly take ownership of them.
4. I reserve the right to reject or remove comments without explanation.
And in case you wonder if I've been anonymous all along, I think it's pretty easy to find out who I am. I've never hidden.
Jeff Pinhey
