For years I've used the Blogger setting to require a Google account in order to comment here on Bayou Renaissance Man. It's been one of the few defenses against spammers and scammers that's really helped - not always, but much of the time.
However, scammers and spammers have found new ways to get around that, to the point that they were overwhelming my comments with their dreck. Accordingly, not too long ago I switched to moderating all comments, no matter who they were from. I don't like that, because it slows down comments and responses depending on when I can get to a computer to approve or reject them; but it was the only solution available on Blogger.
The new system seems to be working; in fact, I think I'm getting more comments than before. Therefore, given that I'm now checking all comments instead of only a few, I reckon it's time to remove the Google account requirement. From now on, anyone can comment here, subject only to comment moderation before what they've said will appear. Scam and spam comments will be deleted automatically, as will those using foul language or being unduly argumentative. Disagreement is welcome, provided it's politely and professionally voiced. Polemics and diatribes - not so much.
I know there are readers who don't comment here because they don't want to register in the Googleverse to do so. Some of them have e-mailed me from time to time to complain about my previous policy in that regard. Well, friends, you no longer need to Googlify yourselves, so have at it!
Peter
45 comments:
Yay! So many times, I've wanted to comment here, but I refuse to have anything with Gulag.
Here's hoping that people behave themselves.
Hello,
I'm one of those lurkers who did not like to sign in an display information. Thank you for freeing up that feature, though you didn't have to. Thank you for the fun, the information, and the writing.
Sweet! I haven’t been able to comment before since I couldn’t get the blasted google thing to work on my phone for some reason. It was Willy go round in circles there. I no longer have to lurk in the shadows!
Great! Same here as above. I enjoy your work and you are part of my morning coffee ritual
Jim from down the bayou
I am glad you took this action. Thanks.
Thank you. Sympathies 'bout the extra work.
"Don't be evil^h^h^h^h Google"
Thank You. Followed the blog for years, read several good books of yours. Now I'll be able to comment once in a while.
Thank You,
I hate Google and all it's minions.
Best Regards
Charles Craig
Thank you for amending your comment policy. I have been a faithful reader, due to great content and discussion amongst your people who have feedback. I hope the trolls and people who want to spam your site move to other sites (or better yet, get a real life and just stop doing that).
jrg
Yep, moderation sucks, but that is what we're being driven to... sigh
Long time lurker from UK and vehement Google-hater. Now no longer a lurker. Thanks.
Awesome! My husband and I have been following for years but didn’t want to sign up through google! Good choice!
Ditto
Thank you sir ! You do indeed rock !
Glad to hear it. Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
It must have been a really long time since I last typed something. I don't remember ever using a google account to leave a comment.
Or maybe I just don't know how this whole system works.
Either way, love the blog, and keep up the good work. Each new book is more amazing than the last.
I too, am one of those lurkers who won't comment because of the Goolag. So, thanks!
Thank you.......I am one of those who wanted to comment from time to time but I am a GooglePhobe.
Thank you,
Your page is fun and I most always check your meme dump. I’ll post anonymous but make every effort to sign out as…
Franknbean
Thank you!
This blog has been a daily stop for me for years, but I was never willing to jump through Google’s hoops. While I don’t always agree with the posts, I always appreciate the ideas and arguments to think over. Even bought several of your fiction works based on enjoying the writing here, though I’ve not had the time to enjoy them yet. Here’s to hoping this change boosts you to new heights.
Same as the above comments. Long time reader, happy to be able to join the conversation.
Cheers!
i was just too lazy to sign in...panzer guy
Thanks, Peter. Now I can comment freely. Love your blog--please keep going.
Thank you!!
I am visiting Mr. Grants pages for years now and this is my first and most likely last comment: you are doing great kid!
Finally, the muzzle has been removed. I wanted to say things many a time but refused to sell my soul to the gurgle corp.
See you soon Peter.
Thank you. No Giggle account, no FB, no Twits
A daily read - I learn much here
But sometimes nice to join in the conversation.
DT
As a retired 24 year Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employee, glad I can put in my two cents worth every now and then. I’ve enjoyed several of your books - especially the one about prison life from a Chaplains perspective. Thanks for making it easier to comment.
Oh frabjous day! Thank you, sir!
--Wes S.
Thank you. Love your content. Looking forward to future comments Google free.
Thanks, Peter. I stopped commenting for a while when you went ti Google req'd, but I couldn't stay away, and submitted to evil. Glad that is over. John in Indy
All you imposters need to stop pretending to be me.
Peter, thank you for doing this! I'm one of those who doesn't use the evil service. I've often wanted to ask a question or share some personal experience, and have been unable to do so.
I understand that it will require more work on your part, and I appreciate your willingness to put in the extra effort.
Your blog is one of my daily reads, and will continue to be so.
--Tennessee Budd
THANK YOU!
While I have Gargle account, I do not LIKE it and all my "real" comms are elsewhere to divest myself of such - and leave the suspect stuff there.
I recall a bit from Laugh-In:
"Would you be happy with a Vice President named Agnew?"
"We HAVE a Vice President named Agnew!"
"Well, are you happy about it?"
Thank you! I've wanted to comment many times before, but I never wanted too use my Google account, because that made it too easy for anyone to figure out who I was.
In my line of work (and especially in my current position) I don't want to make that too easy or obvious. Clearly, someone who really wants to know can probably figure it out, but why make it easy?
Ditto!
Thanks.
Thank you! So many things I’ve wanted to say over the years…
Thank you, Peter! Like so many others, I've followed your blog for years and read your books. And like so many others,I refuse to submit to goolag.
Boat Guy
Glad to see ! Wanted to comment many times but refused to play google games
Keep up the good work!
Thank you! I've been following you for a while now, and often wish I could comment, but my Google account is my work email, and I don't like using it for anything that isn't work related because our tech people have access to the account and I'm a conservative in a very liberal dominated profession.
Michigan
Erm, guys, you do all realize that Goulash owns Blogger, the platform mine host is using here? Whether you're signed in or not, they've siphoned off your info.
Here's a tip on how to limit what the Goulag knows about you:
https://odysee.com/@RobBraxmanTech:6/What-Browser-to-Use--About-Browser-Isolation:3
Yeah, but you don't have to hand things to them on a silver platter.
Is there anything on the user end I can do, that will avoid having a new, playing-card-sized browser window pop up when I make a reply?
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