My Comment Policy

As our blog gains in popularity, we’re starting to get a lot of spam comments. At first I didn’t care, because at least it looked like people were reading the blog. But now I’m getting annoyed.

I feel like someone who’ll be with anyone just to have a relationship.

I don’t want to be that person. I’m sure you understand.

Here’s our new comment policy, enacted March 25, 2010:

1) You may use your business name as your “Name” as long as:

a) you say something of value in your comment, and

b) you sign the comment with at least a first name, so I know who I’m addressing when I reply.

2) If your comment says something vague like “great post!” it might get tagged as spam, unless the commenter uses a real name. Please at least say something that shows you read the post. ;o)

3) I copy and paste spammy-looking comments into Google now. If they come up there as having been posted on other blogs, I toss them. Like this one: “This really is a real excellent resource that you’re offering and you also give it away at no cost. I like to see websites which recognize the value of offering a outstanding resource for free. I truly liked reading through your post. Thank you!” I Googled it and saw it on other blogs, almost word-for-word. That’s spam.

4) Finally, as long as you’re really contributing in a comment, and showing that you read the post and have something to say about it that adds to the topic in any way, I have no problem with you signing your name and including contact info, your Twitter profile, etc. — just contribute in a meaningful way first. :o)

Thanks to all who read New England Multimedia’s blog, and especially those who comment! I love my work, and you make it worthwhile!

Michelle Quillin for New England Multimedia and Q Web Consulting