As you know, Web 2.0 is all about the conversation. But without a few simple ground rules, that conversation can turn into a shouting match that discourages others from entering in the fray. As a site devoted to demystifying the Jewish conversion process and to helping people integrate successfully into the Jewish community that is right for them, being a safe space for questions and questioning is of paramount importance to me.
By posting on my site, you agree to the following:
- You may comment without registering, but I recommend it. You can log in via Discus, OpenID, Twitter, Facebook – or not at all. It’s up to you. Registering has certain benefits, so consider whether maybe you should.
- You may post anonymously. If you are sharing private details of your story, an anonymous post might be your best choice.
- You may post follow-up questions to the blog post. If you have a question, chances are that you aren’t alone. Others probably have the same question. Therefore, I’d rather receive your questions and comments on the blog rather than via email. It’s a better use of my time to address everyone at once rather than answer several similar emails.
- You may disagree with me. I welcome debate, other facts or experiences, and differing perspectives. As I say in the regular Disclaimers page, I’m just a layman with a blog. I have been known to be wrong, and this blog has been a great tool for me to challenge my own understanding. However, that doesn’t mean that I have to accept your disagreement as truth until and unless you convince me.
- You may disagree with other commenters. But that doesn’t mean you can be a jerk about it, attack people personally, or be a bully. If you disagree with me or anyone else, do so in a way that is respectful. There is too much shouting and attacking in the public square to tolerate it here.
- I reserve the right to delete (or not approve) your comments. This is my site. I don’t have an obligation to publish your comments. In fact, I moderate all comments in an effort to keep the conversation productive and pleasant. The First Amendment gives you the right to express your opinions on your blog, not mine.
- Specifically, I may delete your comments if you post something that is, in my sole opinion: (a) snarky; (b) off-topic; (c) libelous, defamatory, abusive, harassing, threatening; (d) profane, pornographic, offensive, fake, misleading; (e) may violate intellectual property laws; (f) shares personal details about the life of another person, whether or not it is libelous or defamatory; (g) that otherwise violates or encourages others to violate my sense of decorum and civility or any law; (h) “spam,” i.e., an attempt to advertise, solicit, or otherwise promote goods or services. You may, however, post a link to your site or a relevant blog post.
- You retain ownership of your comments. I don’t own them, and I expressly disclaim any and all liability that may result from them. By commenting on my site, you agree that you retain all ownership rights in what you post here and that you will relieve me from any and all liability that may result from those postings.
- You grant me a license to post your comments. This license is worldwide, irrevocable, nonexclusive, and royalty-free. You grant me the right to store, use, transmit, display, publish, reproduce, and distribute your comments in any format, including but not limited to a blog, in a book, a video, or presentation.
- I reserve the right to ban or block trolls. Add value to the conversation and I’ll be happy to have you here! This is not the place for your unprocessed baggage or your hate.
- You’re responsible for the comments you post to this blog. I do not verify the accuracy, completeness, veracity, honesty, exactitude, or factuality of comments.
In short, my goal is to host interesting conversations in a safe space with caring, honest, respectful, and curious people. I believe this policy will help us reach that goal.
This policy was generously provided by Michael Hyatt in his incredible book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World and adapted by me to this site’s needs.