It's a shame because comment moderation inhibits the spontaneity of a debate, but trolls can completely derail it so a balance has to be struck. I hope that the measure is only temporary.

Ross,

Yes, I'm open-minded. That said, it has, believe it or not, already worked. The trolls have been stopped, dead in their lousy tracks.

I think it is a shame that this has been considered necessary, surely it must require a lot of work for you David to read each comment before allowing it through. The main problem would be as Ross says with the flow of comment which often works best with instant appearances, but I certainly hope this does not inhibit the pace and 'heartbeat' of ATW

Sorry to hear about that David. I am sure that kind of thing makes one weary after a while.

Mahons.

Thanks.

Colm,

Yes, it is more work but permit me to share with you the sort of crap that I want to put an end to..this was posted a few minutes ago...

"why don't you fucking well tell the truth ever you miserable git. PPL left your site because of McCanns comments, no-one elses. An inconvenient truth for you though! "

It's a shame as it will slow down the pace of debates. Don't envy you trying to plough through all that either.

Frank,

Yip - but I have had it with trolls. My hope is they will go away and the my touch on comments will ease.

I for one am glad you're back!!!

BTW David I'm surprised none of you have posted anything on this. I'm sure I recall a few people (Hi Allan) telling me such a thing was not possible when I said it was.

Frank

That deserves a thread of its own.

David

I have no doubt you have the backing of every regular poster in doing whatever you think is necessary to keep ATW on track.

David

Let's hope you can relax this when you get rid of these vermin.

Keep up the good work.

All,

Thx for your understanding. My theory seems to be working as persistent trolling is now being caught before it pollutes!!!

I'm surprised anybody would be retarded enough to write the above example with comment moderation clearly stated in bold.

I think the moderation will give people time to grab a smoke or something, a small pause in the discussion.........it will be fine.

Cheers Daphne....the aim here is to get shot of the trolls who are attacking the site as I write this. I will prevail against them.

'I have to say McCann offers nothing for ATW'

You're right! But I'm sure Danny McCann has a lot to offer hell, though.

Frank,

I'll cover it now forever doesn't forever anymore.

David,

I didn't make that comment about Andrew 8.15pm.

Henry,

Sorted. Trolls obviously are trying to get in under names of established commenters! They are a sad lot!!

David,

I dont envy your task of trying to moderate all comments. I cant imagine that would be good for anyones health.

Would requiring account activation before posting not have solved the problem?

Is it possible to set it up so that people with accounts do not require moderation wheres posts without an account do?

Kloot,

Don't worry - I will sort this once and for all.Interestingly enough your comment has also had a troll response which I have held back.

I was going to suggest the same thing, Kloot. The newcomers could be on probation for a short period. Many blogs have turned to that solution to keep out the insane and the trollish.

If all regular register, I can turn off moderation for them whilst keeping it for the trollish. If this appeals, simply contact me at the email and ensure you log in as a registered commenter!

David.

I think you are making a mistake over moderation.

The CHIEF objective of am obscene comment etc, is that you, yourself, get to read it. Moderated or not moderated you still read it. Mission accomplished as far as the comment goes and if it gets printed up then that's just a small bonus for him/her who wrote it.

You may be of a sensitive nature, but if you have already read it why would it suddenly become worse if it got posted?
Play it cool man. My brother blogs, and when moronic comments appear (they are always moronic) he leaves it so other commenters can ridicule it, then takes it down, or waits until someone says "get rid of this guy will you, he's moronic".

I notice 'Western Defence' blogger has slung their hook, citing blogger "burnout" as the syndrome.

"It's Survival of the Fittest, brother"... as Mother Teresa once said.

David: It's only 6:22 in the evening here in LA and I've logged on to post a comment only to realize that you probably are asleep...well...at least you should be asleep! It's after midnight there, isn't it?

How are comments in the other time zones going to be moderated?

The CHIEF objective of am obscene comment etc, is that you, yourself, get to read it. Moderated or not moderated you still read it. Mission accomplished as far as the comment goes and if it gets printed up then that's just a small bonus for him/her who wrote it.
Bernard,

I'd disagree in the case of ATW.
I think the chief objective of the various trolls posting on here has been to bring down the level of the site to such a low point that people stop reading or leaving comments; they want to primarily damage the site, not David.

I think comment moderation is the only alternative at this point and if it makes it any easier DV I'll only be posting under this registered name in future.

At least with registration, it will cut out the trolls and when David goes to bed at least he will do so with peace of mind. I think more people will join, because most want civilised debate, without it being brought down to the level of a brawl. It has my full support.

Thanks all - civil debate is the best debate - doesn't mean we all have to agree but we all know how to disagree amicably!!