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The home stretch
Wednesday, Nov 1, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Site traffic is up well over 50 percent in the past two months. The election is bringing a lot of new people to the blog and with it some new tensions in the comments section. For you newbies, please observe a few simple rules. And for those of you who have been around awhile, give yourself a refresher by reading what’s posted below. * Bizarre conspiracy theories like one posted today - Copley fabricated a poll that was favorable to a Republican in order to help the Democrats - are seriously frowned upon. Perhaps there are some of you reading this now who don’t think this theory was all that bizarre. My advice to those people is to go somewhere else. In the past, you would have been publicly derided for your goofiness, but since the theorists are multiplying, I’m just gonna delete your posts without argument and put you into comment moderation (all your comments will then be held for approval by me), and perhaps banish you forever. * “Does not” “Does too” “Does not” “Does too” flame wars are boring and stupid. I know that elections can get the blood boiling, but please refrain from wasting everyone’s time with such nonsense. Deletions are certain, moderation is probable, banishment is possible if you persist in being a jerk. * Try to say something original, not regurgitate something you saw somebody say on another blog. Derision will surely follow. Eventual moderation is likely. * Profanity in any form is not allowed. Using strategically placed symbols like @ or # or $ won’t work, either. 100 percent deletion, very likely permanent moderation, possibility of perpetual banishment. * Posting a bumper sticker slogan like “Vote Peraica” as your only comment is incredibly goofy. Deletion is probable. Repeat violations will result in moderation. Banishment for worst offenders. * Rumors or even “facts” that you fervently believe to be true because you heard it from someone you consider to be a reliable source should be e-mailed to reporters or the feds, not posted here. Immediate deletion, permanent moderation, likely banishment. * Let’s all try to be somewhat nice to each other, despite our disagreements. Elections end, politicians come and go, hot button issues ebb and flow, but we’ll always be here… or something like that. Thanks much. - Rich
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- Just Because - Wednesday, Nov 1, 06 @ 9:52 pm:
I agree completly with your rules/advice. I enjoy reading most commentary but some I have seen has been out of line.
- Belle - Wednesday, Nov 1, 06 @ 10:10 pm:
I have been reading here for quite sometime. Always provides a fresh thought for this Libran…we like both sides you know. Do you take Visa? Seriously I hate plastic only have the one!
Thanks for being there.
- Squideshi - Wednesday, Nov 1, 06 @ 10:21 pm:
Fair enough. After all, this is Rich’s blog.
- anon - Wednesday, Nov 1, 06 @ 10:34 pm:
I heard a rumor that the Copley News Service was concealing evidence of a spaceship crash at Millenium Park because it had a bumper sticker that said: “Vote Peraica!”
I fervently believe it because I read it on some other fra$@#ing website.
- Buck Flagojevich - Wednesday, Nov 1, 06 @ 10:45 pm:
Rich,
Congrats on the increased site traffic and thank you for providing this forum. It’s excellent.
I am glad you set forth guidelines for posting. It’s your blog, your rules. End of story.
Hopefully it will reduce the nonsense posted here. Although I would like to see the use of “anonymous” banned in any form.
- Tony Soprano - Wednesday, Nov 1, 06 @ 11:48 pm:
anon 10:34 - I heard Peraica was at Roswell.. coincidence??
- Nickname - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 12:35 am:
Anon 10:34,
I think you should get banned. That’s a clear regurgitation of a Todd commercial
- if it walks like a duck... - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 6:42 am:
Isn’t “Buck Flagojevich” a nom de plume, therefore anonymous? Though I love your spoonerism, careful what you ask for, you just might get it (i.e., banned). The last time I heard, rules apply to everyone.
Speaking of rules (albeit voluntary), why hasn’t the Governor signed the CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES, that states:
“There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that every candidate for public office in the State of Illinois has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional right to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.
THEREFORE:
(1) I will conduct my campaign openly and publicly, and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to his record.
(2) I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or his personal or family life.
(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.
(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts, nor will I use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism of my opposition.
(5) I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our American system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters.
(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified American voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process.
(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this Code or the laws governing elections.
I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Illinois or chairman of a political committee in support of or opposition to a question of public policy, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.”
- HRH Weezer - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 6:54 am:
So basically, what you’re saying is that, no comments and opinions are allowed?
- Anon - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 7:00 am:
Hang in there Rich. One week from today a lot of these people will be back on their meds.
- Cassandra - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 7:50 am:
John Kass’ column today on The Fence is amusing.
I wonder if The Fence story might actually help Blago. One interpretation of events is that Rezko fooled Saint Obama too. And Obama is generally viewed as being a lot smarter than Blago. Kind of plays into the I was tricked defense. Why, he even tricked Obama. He was fooling everybody.Bad Tony.
- Wumpus the Free - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 8:34 am:
Rich, good news for you. This site is pretty open, I am sure Rich does not want this to become like the IL Leader.
- Shelbyville - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 8:35 am:
Maybe you should just give us an opportunity to blast each other and whatever candidate or non-candidate that we choose - and we can get it out of our system. Wednesday might be a good day.
- Ed. - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 9:35 am:
Dang dang dang. I agree with all your guidelines except the swearing one. Double dang.
But I can do it. I know I can.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 9:58 am:
I have read your rules, now where are those Letters of Understanding us bloggers have been demanding from you?
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 2:25 pm:
Well, ding-dong-dang-it! Well, how about, just “vote”, period?
- Prez of the FTPC - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 3:41 pm:
With the rules having been duly put forth in such a succinct manner, I would like to say:
“……………………”
Which, of course - with my proclivities towards anger, swearing, name-calling and all-around snarky curmudgeonism - is all I am left free to say anyway.
Um…vote whitney?
- Establishment Republican - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 9:24 pm:
Rich is right to enforce some basic standards!
I think he even banned his cousin.
- Angie - Thursday, Nov 2, 06 @ 11:41 pm:
Rich has standards because EVERYONE reads Cap Fax. I mean everyone. Just ask the posters who got quoted in the Chicago Tribune.
I don’t think he wants to be babysitting over potential libel issues in addition to having other things to do.
- Bobby Douglas - Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:59 am:
anon: That was a freakin’ great comment.ha ha ha !…….I like the rules.