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 into the fray.

So here is our comments policy. By posting on this blog, you agree to the following:

  1. Comments are welcomed and encouraged.  We love talking with you about the material we’ve posted. We want to hear what you think. If you have questions, we want to know. If you love it, it really encourages us to hear that too. If you hate it, let’s discuss why.
  2. You may post follow-up questions. If you have a question, chances are you are not alone. Others are likely thinking similarly. Therefore, we would rather receive your comments on our blog than via email. That way, everybody can benefit from the discussion.
  3. You may disagree with us. However, we ask that if you disagree with us—or anyone else, for that matter—do so in a way that is respectful. In our opinion, there is way too much shouting in the public square to tolerate it here.
  4. We reserve the right to delete your comments. This is Jamie Rohrbaugh’s blog. We don’t have an obligation to publish your comments. Specifically, we will delete your comments if you post something that is, in our sole opinion, (a) snarky; (b) off-topic; (c) libelous, defamatory, abusive, harassing, threatening, profane, pornographic, offensive, false, misleading, or which otherwise violates or encourages others to violate our sense of decorum and civility or any law, including intellectual property laws; or (d) “spam,” i.e., an attempt to advertise, solicit, or otherwise promote goods and services.
  5. You retain ownership of your comments. We do not own them and we expressly disclaim any and all liability that may result from them. By commenting on our 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.
  6. You grant us a license to use and post your comments. This license is unlimited, worldwide, irrevocable, non-exclusive, and royalty-free. You grant us 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.

In short, our goal is to host interesting conversations with caring, honest, thoughtful, and respectful people. We believe this simple comments policy will facilitate this.

I would like to thank Michael Hyatt, of MichaelHyatt.com, for sharing this comments policy (which I have slightly amended) with his Platform University students (including us).