Comments are essential to a blog. They are the key ingredient in defining a blog from a website.
Due to the fact that I’ve received quite a few spam comments as of late, I’ve decided to instate a comments policy.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE GETTING COMMENTS. They make my day! So please, comment away. But read this first.
The comments section of a blog is a great way for blog owners and readers to communicate. I always respond to comments (assuming they aren’t spam comments), so leaving a comment is a really good way to get in touch with me. Also, it’s a great way to get me to write about something you think I should write about, to tell me (and my readers) your personal experiences with the products I’ve tried, and to bring to my attention that I’ve made factual errors in my writing. Overall, comments rock!
But please, only leave me respectful comments.
This is what I want from comments on my blog:
1) Criticisms.
If I’ve gotten some piece information wrong on my blog, by all means, tell me! I’m happy to make changes to entries and give credit where credit is due. But please, keep your criticism constructive.
2) Product recommendations.
Please, only recommend products that are relevant to the content on my blog. If you spam my comments section with irrelevant ads, I will report you.
3) Requests.
If you want me to blog about something, tell me! I’ll probably do it.
4) Compliments.
Who doesn’t love some encouragement now and then? 
5) Shout outs.
If you just want to say “hi,” by all means, do it!
This is what I won’t tolerate from comments on my blog:
1) Swearing.
I seriously doubt I’ve written about anything worth swearing over. My blog is appropriate for all ages, and I’d like to keep it that way.
2) Spam.
You’d think this one would be a no brainer, but I still get spam comments every day. Wonder why you never see spam on my blog, then? Because I have to approve all the comments before they get posted, and I’m obviously not approving spam comments. Knowing this now, stop spamming my blog!
3) Comments not in English.
Sadly, at the moment I don’t speak any other languages. If I can’t understand what you’re saying, it’s impossible for me to approve the comment as appropriate and relevant. Sorry.
4) Lengthy signatures.
If you leave a comment that is thought-provoking and relevant, then fine, I’ll permit you to have your signature on it. But if you’re leaving a comment that simply says “good job!” or something generic like that, and you’re signature comes with all your contact information, your bio, a blurb about your company, etc., to me it just looks like an ad or spam.
Sorry to make so many rules. I’m really not trying to censor comments. I just want to keep them appropriate.
This is what I promise you’ll get from me in return for your compliance with my policies:
1) I promise to respond promptly, diplomatically, and politely too all your comments.
2) I promise to give credit where credit is due.
3) I promise to listen and take in what you have to say.
4) I promise to take criticism well and refrain from getting offended.
5) I promise to appreciate my readers, always and forever.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me at sarah.a.helfgott@gmail.com
