This is a belated message from the moderator of Howard Goldenberg’s blog.

As this is the first time that the moderator (not Howard) has posted on Howard’s blog, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you and thank you for your interest and comments.

Unfortunately the need has arisen for creation of a set of blog guidelines that perhaps should have been anticipated earlier.

Howard spends a significant amount of time and effort preparing content for his audience. He doesn’t get paid for this. He blogs because he likes writing and gets great enjoyment from receiving feedback as well as hearing differing views from his own.

Comments from followers with views that are differ from Howard’s or are critical of his opinions are both accepted and encouraged.

We support positive and productive discussions and we request that the tone and focus of comments are respectful.

Comments that are personally offensive, defamatory or may publicly humiliate the writer or others are unacceptable. Gratuitous personal attacks made under the guise of literary criticism will not be tolerated.

Future posts that are offensive, ad hominem or disrespectful will be removed. Repeat offenders will be denied access from posting future comments.

In the event that an objection arises to the moderator’s decision, the objection will be considered but ultimately the moderator’s decision is final.

I sincerely hope open discussion will continue for all followers of Howard’s writing and that free discourse is not impeded by negativity.

Thank you.