When I began the LarryInFishers.com local news blog in January of 2012, I used a very simple software program that did not have the capabilities of adding comments from readers.  In the summer of 2015, that program was not working for me, so I switched to the WordPress program I began using then and continue to utilize today.

The WordPress software does allow comments to be posted.  I have had few issues, perhaps one, since June of 2015.  I have had one major rule – anyone personally attacking another individual by name must use their own name in the post.

I did remove a post recently for violating that rule.  I normally provide two choices to the individual posting the personal attack – provide me your name and a way to verify it is correct, or I will keep the post off my blog.  Because of a technical glitch, that post was on the blog for a short time.

I have always felt that the comments are a good part of my local news blog.  However, in the current climate of commentary, particularly about our schools, the level of toxicity has been raised to a new high.

I want to continue offering comments on this blog, but if the comments get out of hand, I will remove the comment option.  I do not want to take such an action, but I will if need be.

I do not expect that removing comments on my blog would end the toxic comments we have seen locally and I have written about.  So, if the level of debate gets out of hand, I will remove the comments option and those wanting to comment that way can do so on another platform.

But I do want to compliment the vast majority of those posting comments on this blog.  It is not a problem to have a strong opinion, but you need not attack others to get your point across.

The rest is up to my readers.  Comment, but please do so respectfully.