I thought of explaining my reasons for seting up the rules outlined below, but then I decided, what the hell - this isn't a newspaper, this is my blog. My blog, my rules.

So here they are:

1. This blog does not allow anonymous comments. To sign up for a reader's account, click on the link called "create reader account" at the bottom of the left sidebar (or just click here). Signing up for a reader's account also gives you an RSS feed, so you'll receive notices of new posts by email.

2. Your comment will be deleted if:

a) It is a personal attack against me or (an)other commenter(s);

b) It contains racist terms;

c) It contains Nazi analogies (see: Godwin's Law);

d) It is worded so as to create an unpleasant controversy;

e) It is political and/or agenda-based. In other words, if you're trying to use my blog as your personal political sounding board, you've come to the wrong place;

f) It is hateful, scurrilous or negative.

3. Um, that's it - for now. If I think of anything more, I'll update the rules.