I have long allowed off topic comments. However, after many complaints from folks who would understandably like to stay on the subject, I am providing this post as a place to comment things that are way off topic with the current post.
I’ve added a link to this post on our sidebar so people will know to post off topic comments here.
You now have the option of subscribing to posts, so you’ll be able to keep up with the comments here if you so choose. So it’s not as if your comment is being exiled to the land of forgotten comments. We’ll be paying attention, and you can stay up to date with an RSS feed.
As much as we’d like to hear about your synchronized swimming club, I ask that all comments posted here remain TSA focused and adhere to TSA’s comment policy.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
Showing posts with label comment policy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comment policy. Show all posts
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday, January 9, 2009
Comment Policy Refresher
Over time, we’ve seen some complaints about censorship and deleted comments. The most common comments to be deleted are spam, comments containing curse words, posts with no substance, (i.e. you suck) double comments and comments containing large URLs. We just wanted to talk about the comment policy and help people understand where we’re coming from.
Bob
EoS Blog Team
1) It’s fine to be critical of the TSA on the blog. We never expected our blog to be a haven for our fans to wave their big foam hand that reads “TSA is #1.” It’s obvious if you read all of the previous comments on our blog that we’re not shy of criticism. In fact, we may appear to be masochistic at times. However, that criticism should be respectful. To maintain a civil discourse on the blog, we just can’t post overly disrespectful comments or name calling of any kind. (crybaby, idiot, rent-a-cop, moron, etc.) We get sarcasm, and it’s still OK to be snarky, of course.
2) I use some very colorful language when I’m away from family and work, so I’m not offended by vulgarity. However, many people are. Also, this is a government blog, and while we do our best to let our hair down and not be your typical source of government information, we simply can’t allow vulgar language. What isn’t vulgar to you is vulgar to somebody else. So no matter how minor or common the curse word, we won’t publish your comment if it contains any vulgar language. It pains us to do this sometimes. I’ve had to reject some really good comments due to minor curse words. Even if you abbreviate, or use the typical %*$&#*$%(%($*# in place of the actual word, folks still know what you meant and we won’t post it. I’m sure everybody can show their passion for a topic without being a potty mouth. So, consider your rejected post to be a virtual bar of soap that we washed your mouth out with.
3) Spam… Admittedly, we have missed a few here and there, but we do our best to keep the blog spam-free.
4) It is not mandatory, but several of us on our own time, after work or on weekends, have moderated the blog. Please don’t expect this to happen all the time. There will be times when your comment may not be approved until the next business day if it’s posted after hours or on a weekend.
5) For the benefit of robust discussion, we ask that comments remain "on-topic." This means that comments will be posted only as it relates to the topic that is being discussed within the blog post. I am lenient on this due to the way the blog is set up, but if you feel the need to post repetitive comments that have already been posted elsewhere, they will be rejected.
6) When linking to another blog or webpage, make sure there is no offensive content on that page. Also, long URLs knock our format out of whack, so we have to reject comments containing long URLs. There are a couple of fixes for this. Go to tinyurl.com. It is a free service that will convert your long URLs into a much shorter URL. Also, you can go here to learn how to hyperlink.
Bob
EoS Blog Team
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Welcome to the Delete-O-Meter
In the spirit of transparency, we proudly introduce the (drum roll please...) Delete-O-Meter.
This new, permanent feature of the
While we’re on the subject of deleted posts, it’s important to know why we do delete some posts. It all breaks down to the following reasons:
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
This new, permanent feature of the
While we’re on the subject of deleted posts, it’s important to know why we do delete some posts. It all breaks down to the following reasons:
- Spam - It wasn't bad when the blog first rolled out, but now we get nearly 100 spam comments a day at times.
- Personal attacks (on both officers and passengers)
- Profanity (and I thought some sailors knew how to curse)
- Long embedded url strings (only because it messes up the format of the blog)
- Threats (enough said on this one)
- Duplicate posts (hitting submit 12 times won't make the comment appear any faster)
- Off-topic comments
- Sensitive information (TSA folks explaining exact procedures that could aid someone wishing to do us harm)
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Comment Policy
The purpose of this blog is to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on innovations in security, technology and the checkpoint screening process. We encourage your comments; your ideas and concerns are important to ensure that a broad range of travelers are active and informed participants in the discussion. TSA reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
This is a moderated blog, and TSA retains the discretion to determine which comments it will post and which it will not. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, we expect that participants will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees, with respect. We will not post comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind; or offensive terms that target specific ethnic or racial groups. We will not post comments that are spam, are clearly "off topic" or that promote services or products. Comments that make unsupported accusations will also not be posted. Off topic comments can be posted in our "Off Topic" post as long as they conform to the comment policy.
Any references to commercial entities, products, services, or other nongovernmental organizations or individuals that remain on the site are provided solely for the information of individuals using this blog. These references are not intended to reflect the opinion of TSA, DHS, the United States, or its officers or employees concerning the significance, priority, or importance to be given the referenced entity, product, service, or organization. Such references are not an official or personal endorsement of any product, person, or service, and may not be quoted or reproduced for the purpose of stating or implying TSA endorsement or approval of any product, person, or service.
What This Blog Is Not
TSA does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. TSA may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. TSA does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
Members of the media are asked to send questions to the Office of Public Affairs through their normal channels and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Reporter questions will not be posted.
We recognize that the Web is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time. However, given the need to manage federal resources, moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible; in most cases, this means the next business day.
For the benefit of robust discussion, we ask that comments remain "on-topic." This means that comments will be posted only as it relates to the topic that is being discussed within the blog post. The views expressed on the site by non-federal commentators do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Transportation Security Administration or the Federal Government.
To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include personally identifiable information, such as name, Social Security number, phone numbers or email addresses in the body of your comment. If you do voluntarily include personally identifiable information in your comment, such as your name, that comment may or may not be posted on the Blog. If your comment is posted, your name will not be redacted or removed. In no circumstances will comments be posted that contain Social Security numbers, addresses, email address or phone numbers. You have the option of posting comments anonymously, but if you opt not to, any information, including your login name, may be displayed on our site.
Thank you for taking the time to read this comment policy. We encourage your participation in our discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 49 U.S.C. §114(f). Purpose: TSA will use this information to promote communication between the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, the traveling public, and throughout the TSA community. Routine Uses: TSA may share the information provided by members of the public with facility operators, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or other government agencies as necessary to respond to potential or actual threats to transportation and national security, or pursuant to its published Privacy Act system of records notice DHS/TSA 006, Correspondence and Matters Tracking Records (CMTR), 68 FR 49503-49504. Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary.
This is a moderated blog, and TSA retains the discretion to determine which comments it will post and which it will not. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, we expect that participants will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees, with respect. We will not post comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind; or offensive terms that target specific ethnic or racial groups. We will not post comments that are spam, are clearly "off topic" or that promote services or products. Comments that make unsupported accusations will also not be posted. Off topic comments can be posted in our "Off Topic" post as long as they conform to the comment policy.
Any references to commercial entities, products, services, or other nongovernmental organizations or individuals that remain on the site are provided solely for the information of individuals using this blog. These references are not intended to reflect the opinion of TSA, DHS, the United States, or its officers or employees concerning the significance, priority, or importance to be given the referenced entity, product, service, or organization. Such references are not an official or personal endorsement of any product, person, or service, and may not be quoted or reproduced for the purpose of stating or implying TSA endorsement or approval of any product, person, or service.
What This Blog Is Not
- This blog is not to be used to report criminal activity. If you have information for law enforcement, please contact your local police agency.
- Do not send in questions or status inquiries about your specific case involving TSA. Instead, contact TSA directly via our main website.
- This is a place for collecting suggestions and new ideas, not a substitute channel for DHS services or general questions. See "Contact Us" on www.dhs.gov, to get help from the Department and components.
- Do not submit unsolicited proposals, or other business ideas or inquiries to this blog. This site is not to be used for contracting or commercial business.
- This blog may not be used for the submission of any claim, demand, informal or formal complaint, or any other form of legal and/or administrative notice or process, or for the exhaustion of any legal and/or administrative remedy.
TSA does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. TSA may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. TSA does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
Members of the media are asked to send questions to the Office of Public Affairs through their normal channels and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Reporter questions will not be posted.
We recognize that the Web is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time. However, given the need to manage federal resources, moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible; in most cases, this means the next business day.
For the benefit of robust discussion, we ask that comments remain "on-topic." This means that comments will be posted only as it relates to the topic that is being discussed within the blog post. The views expressed on the site by non-federal commentators do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Transportation Security Administration or the Federal Government.
To protect your own privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include personally identifiable information, such as name, Social Security number, phone numbers or email addresses in the body of your comment. If you do voluntarily include personally identifiable information in your comment, such as your name, that comment may or may not be posted on the Blog. If your comment is posted, your name will not be redacted or removed. In no circumstances will comments be posted that contain Social Security numbers, addresses, email address or phone numbers. You have the option of posting comments anonymously, but if you opt not to, any information, including your login name, may be displayed on our site.
Thank you for taking the time to read this comment policy. We encourage your participation in our discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 49 U.S.C. §114(f). Purpose: TSA will use this information to promote communication between the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, the traveling public, and throughout the TSA community. Routine Uses: TSA may share the information provided by members of the public with facility operators, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or other government agencies as necessary to respond to potential or actual threats to transportation and national security, or pursuant to its published Privacy Act system of records notice DHS/TSA 006, Correspondence and Matters Tracking Records (CMTR), 68 FR 49503-49504. Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary.
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