This blog is a place for community and interaction. But I want to let you all know where I stand on my policy towards comments:

1. I love comments on this site - This is a safe place for you to give your opinion, random input or whatever. Please comment early and comment often. There are times that the comments will turn into discussions. Feel free to jump in and comment more than once on the same post.

2. I love truth - And I want you to also. As topics come up or issues get talked about, especially Christian topics, please have a humble and contrite spirit towards the Word. I’m not here because I know it all, I’m here because I’m asking questions and hoping I can get you to ask a few also. Let’s be people that tremble before the Bible as we challenge our traditions to see if they really stand.

3. Be a courteous commenter - Leaving a personal note for me that is completely unrelated to the post doesn’t add in the discussion. I don’t mind if posts get off topic as the comments progress but if you want just drop me a line then you can just e-mail me.

4. I may moderate your comment - I rarely have edited a comment but I will. I don’t tolerate crude language, slurs or anything else along those lines. Also, know that if your comment has more than 2 links it will automaticaly be flagged by my highly trained comment assistant and must wait for my moderation before being published. I don’t moderate people simply because they have different opinions than me.

5. Relevant links are encouraged – If you have a link to another article by yourself or someone else go ahead and share. Many people may be interested.

Tips for Better Commenting

Here are some general and helpful tips for all of you who comment regularly or sporadically. Enthusiastically or meloncholy. These aren’t the “Rules of Comment-Field-Ville” on FTSA. They are simply tips and hints at becoming a better commentor. Random Comments from the peanut gallery will still be appreciated and smiled upon. For those who haven’t commented yet think of this as an invitation.

1. Think of your comment like a mini-resume – When you post your comment your name goes along with it. If you have a site you usually link it, thus giving people who read your comment an ability to follow up on you; so don’t forget that your comment is like a short little representation of yourself. Put some personality and character and integrity into your comment. Make it zippy, make it funny, make it good. Make it you.

2. Try to keep on topic – Myself and other bloggers often ask questions in our article(s) to motivate visitors to leave comments. The purpose of the comments is to discuss the content itself. Make sure your comment stays on topic. If you have something personal to say that’s off subject then that’s where #3 comes in…

3. Comments are not emails – I don’t mind if posts get off topic as the comments progress but if you have something to say or a question to ask that’s outside of the conversation going on then feel free to drop me a line and email me instead…

4. Make your message understandable for the readers – Those who read your comments can’t see the smile on your face, the tear in your eye, or whatever. Remember that simple punctuation marks, (i.e. quotes and semi-colons) can change the entire outcome of your message. Feel free to use emoticons and additional information to help convey the feelings and energy behind your comment.

5. Give something – The best commentors are knowledgeable, friendly and enjoy engaging in the interaction between comments on a weblog. Great commenters don’t comment just to add words, but to make the content better.

6. Courtesy – Comments are conversations. Just like real life; be courteous. Make sure you’re not stepping on someone’s toes just to get your point across. Say please and thank-you. Be friendly and fun.

7. Grammar – Try your best to be polite and write an easily readable comment.

8. Have Fun – No need to feel uptight about comments. Just be yourself.