Why Don’t I “Allow Comments” on my Blog Posts?

Some people have questioned why I don’t “Allow Comments” on my blog posts.

My blog is a way for me to let people know what I think. I believe people should know and understand what I think since I am a member of an elected body. You have an opportunity to vote for me every three years. Knowing what I think will help you decide how to cast your vote. If you want me to know what you think of my thoughts and ideas, send your comments to me via email, as I suggest in the last line in my posts. It isn’t that I don’t respond; it’s that I don’t respond to anonymous comments online.  I post under my real name. You know who I am and I take responsibility for what I post. If you want to discuss my posts with me, let me know who you are and we can discuss your comments and questions. I can tell you that very few people have chosen to contact me directly, but those who have done so have received direct, polite, honest replies to their comments and questions. Sometimes we discuss things by email, sometimes over the phone and sometimes over coffee or breakfast (we usually split the tab).

However, it appears that some people are not inclined to attach their real names to their comments, so they post comments anonymously. It also appears that the anonymity frees some of them to comment in a demeaning and insulting manner and to stray off-topic and comment on issues that are not relevant to my postings. I don’t find this constructive and I discourage this behavior by not allowing comments.

Does anyone else find it ironic that people who post anonymously wonder, anonymously, if I’m afraid to hear their comments? Are they afraid to be identified and be responsible for their comments?

I’ve chosen not to respond to anonymous online comments. So, if you want to discuss my thoughts and comment on my posts, contact me directly. You know my name and my email address. I am listed in the phone book, but email is my preferred method for initial contact. You can send me your name and phone number if you’d rather talk on the phone.

Email address: pmorgan@sau57.org

Or, if you’d rather, you can wait for Tom to open his “blog-to-comment-on-Peter's-blog”; he does respond to anonymous comments, but that’s his blog and his choice.