Since we made it known to users of Community.GJSentinel.com that we could no longer tolerate some of the comments we had been seeing, both in comment on letters and in user forums, most of the users of this site have responded positively. They have kept their comments on topic and avoided name-calling, profanity or threats to other users. But a few have not. So we offer this further explanation.

This is not being done because The Daily Sentinel is for sale. Nor is it being done to purge opinions that differ from the editorial position of the Sentinel. The action is being taken simply because too many of the comment threads had deteriorated into what one person called a “cyber cesspool.” The tone of a handful of people who did most of the commenting was such that it intimidated other users from even posting on the site. That does not facilitate community dialogue, as was our original intent with this site. So, we will delete any comments or forums that involve name-calling, personal attacks, threats, incivility or are clearly off-topic. There may be other reasons that we can’t foresee, as well. This remains a private Web site and we want it to be as open to users as possible. We want current members to remain, but not at the risk of driving other members or potential members away.

Our thanks once again to the many users who responded to our “Community Message” last week by trying to engage in civil discourse with other users, even when they disagree strongly over politics or ideology.

Bob Silbernagel
Editorial Page Editor