Tim and I are not only excited that the community here at 48MoH is growing, but that it is filled with such thoughtful readers. That is not empty flattery; I spend a fair amount of time reading online and few comment sections exist at the level that ours here at 48MoH does.

That being said, as the comment sections have grown, we’ve had issues with commenters becoming chippy with one another. This is somewhat inevitable, as we are all passionate about the same topic. But I am of the mindset that we can have a large and respectful commenting community, and the best way to ensure that is to address this now.

Some of these rules are concrete, while some are meant to set a general tone. But all of them were established to ensure that the debates we are having remain robust and respectful.

Nothing Sexist, Racist, or Pornographic: This is the only “one strike, you’re out,” policy I have. If you post something that is sexist, racist, or pornographic, you will be banned from the comments section. This has never been a problem amongst our commenters and I don’t expect it to be. I just wanted to be clear.

Do Not Use Excessive Adult Language: I do not have a problem with the use of adult language when amongst adults. But I would like 48MoH to be a safe space for young people as well. An obscenity or two will not get your comment deleted, but be mindful of the fact that young people are very active online, and although you may believe we are all adults here, that may not be the case.

Do Not Type In All Caps or Internet Shorthand: If you must comment in all caps, do not comment at all. If you do happen to, I will most likely delete the comment. Sometimes all caps comments include a worthwhile thought, in which instance I will edit the comment so that it uses capital letters only where appropriate. As far as internet shorthand goes: An LOL here or there isn’t going to get your comment deleted, but if it is written entirely in IM-speak, I will delete it.

Do Not Insult or Antagonize Either the Post’s Author or Your Fellow Commenters: You can disagree with someone without referring to them as an “idiot,” or questioning their fanhood. (”Are you even a fan?” is an obnoxious thing to say.) In fact, you can even claim someone has made a factual error without being condescending. I encourage everyone to question me and one another but if you are being needlessly aggressive I will delete your post. If your presence in the comments section is becoming a continual problem, I will send you an email and ask you to be more respectful. If, after having discussed the issue with you, you are still unable to participate in this community in a dignified manner, I will ban you from the comments section.

Make Substantial Points: I appreciate it when people stop by just to say “Go Spurs” before or after a game, but for the most part I want people to try and make comments of substance. Not every comment has to be a dissertation but let’s try to always be moving the conversation forward. In regards to both this and the previous rule: Even if you make a point of substance, the inclusion of red herrings and ad hominem attacks may get your comment deleted. For instance, if you attempt to prove your point by claiming you are a bigger fan than a fellow commenter (or by claiming he or she is not a fan), instead of citing actual information, that may get your comment deleted. There is nothing that annoys me more than when someone relies on arrogance instead of evidence. Saying, “I have been a fan for a long time” or “I’m a season ticket holder,” does not automatically make your point valid. If you are either of those, than you should be knowledgeable enough to use actual evidence.

If you want to type in all caps, be excessively obscene, or needlessly antagonize your fellow commenters, there are plenty of other websites where you are welcome to do so. Here at 48MoH, we are going to strive for something a little higher.