Two users — actually one masquerading as two — have been banned from commenting, both because, for the most part, they/he/it have contributed very little to the discussion here, have of late been both arrogant and personally insulting, both here and at other blogs where I sometimes comment, and finally have repeatedly violated the clearly stated Rules of the House. This was done despite an earlier caution.

The offending party claimed, in part, that I banned them from the site, which was not correct. In fact, they were able to post a comment today. I did close commenting on two posts which had some comments and which I did not find productive.

There are no advertisements here, and I pay for this site annually, out of pocket. I do not receive subsidies or reimbursements, and I do not post anything here on behalf of any organization.

Accordingly, I continue to reserve moderation. This is not Speakers Corner.

I do encourage comments. Indeed, I’ve had over 600 since the blog began in 2012, and there have been a bit under 1100 posts. I think it is more in the spirit of the blog when comments are made to document them heavily by links to pertinent papers, and including quotes from pertinent sections or paragraphs. Figures are encouraged. Discussion is fine, but I would like it to be based upon evidence and reasoned argument, not opinion. If that’s too much work, please don’t bother.

Update, 2019-01-23

This matter has been resolved here with a countermeasure.

Would-be imitators take note.