Five Dos and Don'ts About Commenting on East Haven Patch

At East Haven Patch, we want to encourage discussion in the comment feed, but we also want it to be a healthy environment for discourse. So, here are some of the dos and don'ts of commenting.

Do

1. Post under your full name.
2. Be respectful of other commenters, writers and story subjects in your comments.
3. Ask questions and challenge things with which you disagree. The comments are there for you to express your voice. Again, do so in a respectful manner and without a hostile tone.
4. Post news tips in the comments or answer questions we pose to you. Also, feel free to send news tips to julie.weisberg@patch.com or click on "Send Us News Tips" under the "Contribute" header at the bottom. You can post links to articles or websites with information relevant to the story, as well.
5. If we got a fact wrong, you can let us know and we'll look into the correction. Better yet, e-mail julie.weisberg@patch.com.

Don't

1. Don't post under a pseudonym. We recognize that users can create profiles under pseudonyms, but in the spirit of full disclosure, it is a best practice to use your full name and be accountable for what you are posting. Editors have the discretion to take posts that aren't under full names down. We include the real names of authors on our articles, so we ask that our commenters do the same. Generally, this helps make comment boards more civil.
2. Don't post personal attacks, profanity, or racist, sexist or homophobic comments. Inappropriate comments will be removed. This includes comments directed at other commenters, writers and article subjects.
3. Don't be mean to your neighbors. People are going to disagree and, in fact, we encourage the expression of varying opinions, but please be respectful and avoid hostile comments. For instance, you can post why you disagree with another comment or an article, but when it gets to the point where you are calling names, your comments will most likely be removed.
4. Do not post an advertisement. If you are interested in advertising on Patch, please contact our advertising representative. Unauthorized advertisements in comments are subject to removal. 
5. We try to keep every comment up, but occasionally comments cross the line and violate our user agreement. Sometimes Patch editors will post a warning to give a commenter a chance to correct his or her activity on the site. If an editor asks you to be respectful and use your full name, please do so or future comments will probably be removed. Repeat offenders are subject to possible Patch account suspension and prohibition from posting on the site. Patch is not the place for angry tirades or hostility.

Also, additional infomration can be found by reviewing our terms of use.

(Editor's note: This article originally ran Oct. 11, 2011. But it is always good to have a refresher regarding commenting best practices now and then.)