Comment Guidelines

Hold it right there, Buckaroo.

I do not mean to be “stuffy” regarding comments – in fact, I have ensured that my blog is a GIVER.

I’m a DoFollow and I love to share some good juju and linkjuice for all of you wonderful readers! (I really do love you gals and guys!)

Since my blog has been gaining in popularity, the natural result is that I have seen an increase in activity, including “the SPAMMY comment department.”

I’ve chosen to do a bit of “comment policing“ in order to preserve the integrity of my site, the quality of comments, and the benefit in participating in the commenting process.

If you play by the rules here, you’ll find it’s worth your while!

Please note that this Comment Policing is in full effect as of this 25th day of January, 2012. By using this website, you are agreeing to the below.

What’s in a name? 

We were each given a name and I look forward to learning yours. Please use your name in the comment you leave. I know your real name is not FREE iTunes Giftcard and I will not approve your comment if you attempt to masquerade in this fashion.

I use a fantastic WordPress Plugin called CommentLuv Premium which will allow you a link back to your blog. – So I’m basically letting you advertise your content on my site, gratis.

You may include keywords which you’d like to appear in the name field, alongside your real name. – No need to disguise here, this is a place for transparency.

Share your insight and converse.

The fun part about blogging is engaging with people and growing together, in a spirit of community. I’m looking forward to engaging your thoughts and feedback. I don’t even expect you to agree with anything I share in my blog posts. You have an opportunity to counter topics with your own perspective via the comments. Go for it, really!

On the flipside, comments like, “I like that.” – or – “Thanks for sharing.” do nothing to provoke conversation or inspire others to checking out the free backlink to your website, so I have made the executive decision to not publish comments like this. If your “sport” is making trivial comments in hopes of free linkjuice, you’re in the wrong place for that.

Expect a response…or 2.

If you leave me a comment, I’ll go out of my way to respond back because I genuinely appreciate you and look forward to connecting with you. The fact that you took time to read and comment means a lot to me and I will always try to answer my comments in the most expedient timeframe I can.

When you comment via my CommentLuv section, you will receive an email from me. I offer email notifications so you know if someone replies to your comment. If you want to receive these, just check the little box in the comments section when you are sending in your comment.

No Abuse Zone.

It should go without saying, but I’m going to say it…abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.

I welcome a bit of controversy here and respect each individual’s right to an opinion, even if I do not agree with or endorse it. However, I will not stand for abusive, degrading, bigoted, or defamatory comments.

I’m not a prude. I understand that people drop profanities as a matter of colloquialism. I have done it myself…I get it…but I will not publish comments laden with gratuitous profanity.

I do not censor or edit comments…but you just might be deleted. 

If you notice a typo that you just can stand, drop me an inbox message here and I’ll be happy to make the adjustment for you on my end.

Only a few small things do not get published. You will not be published for the following reasons:

1.) Akismet and/or GASP (growmap anti spambot protection) blocked you.

The reason for this is most likely above my technological paygrade, but you were indeed suppressed for a reason.

2.) You didn’t add value to the conversation.

You dropped an “I like it” type of comment - OR - your comment had zilch to do with the topic.

3.) Your comment was written in a language I do not speak.

This is a blog written in English and it may safely be assumed that the majority of this blog’s readers are English readers. If you have a burning desire to write a comment but your English isn’t so good, please try using Babelfish to translate yourself. – I understand that English isn’t everyone’s native tongue and that there may be some grammatical challenges, but that’s okay. I really do want to read your comment and it is welcomed here – but I’m not a linguist, so I will be unable to converse with you in your native tongue (unless that native tongue happens to be English, Spanglish, or Pig Latin).

Choose wisely, Grasshopper!

4.) You’re a link-stuffer.

Yeah, I know it’s not a pretty term…you know if you’re a link stuffer.

I won’t approve comments stuffed with irrelevant links going every whichway because I find that SPAMMY.

Remember that you will get some nice juicy DoFollow-lovin’ from my site plus a choice link back to your own blog. Keep that in mind as you’re commenting and pick a good link to share – we want to see it!

Want to get more links to other pages from your site? You shall receive more links easily by simply leaving more nice comments.

I respect you and your privacy. 

I will never do anything covert with your information. If you subscribe to my blog, newletter, offers, or anything related to me, you can always unsubscribe at your discretion. Your information will never be shared or sold – I don’t roll that way.

At my discretion…

Once your comment is published, it is public. I may use it in another section of my site if I choose to. In the event that I may want to use your comment somewhere else (outside of this website), I will make sure that I have your permission prior to using it.

I may also choose to amend these guidelines at a later date. Things are constantly evolving and changing in the world and this blog is absolutely one of those things…so if changes become relevant at some time, I will indeed make them and you will be able to see those updated guidelines here on this page. You are free to bookmark this page for future reference, should you find that appropriate.