How Not to Write a Comment

It may or may not be a surprise to readers that not all comments submitted to us in response to our posts get published. Some we delete. You never see them.This was not always the case. Early on, the “Google Blogger” tool was very primitive, and whatever comments were submitted got posted. We had to go back and delete the offensive stuff after it was up and readable.

Over time, Google has vastly improved Google Blogger—particularly its ability to weed out spam comments—and now allows us to preview all comments before we decide whether or not to publish them or reject them.

We reject about one in five.

We do not, however, reject any for content, no matter how critical they may be of what we write, so long as they relate to what we have written. Comments do get submitted that are actually an attempt to sell a product, or market a service, and these constitute about half the “comments” we reject.

The other half of the comments we reject use what we have long called “Yahoo message-board language” to make their point.

What follows is an excellent example, just posted on Horse Out of the Barn; Feds on the Case!:

well danielle, pretty soon mr. matthews is going to have to rename his blog kaput because *** in this country is about to hit the fan.

word on the street is that unemployment is in a pretty ridiculous state right now. which is fine while everyone is capable of collecting it. but how long does that last? under four months or so? wait and see what happens to our stock market once nine million plus americans can’t stimulate our economy…

There was more, but you get the drift. It was deleted summarily.As always, informed observations and opinions are more than welcomed here at NotMakingThisUp—they are encouraged.The rest of them, please stick with Yahoo.

Jeff Matthews I Am Not Making This Up © 2008 NotMakingThisUp, LLC

The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews also acts as an advisor and clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews’ recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes investment advice. It should never be relied on in making an investment decision, ever. Nor are these comments meant to be a solicitation of business in any way: such inquiries will not be responded to. This content is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.