We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

For any reason.

And for any comment we don't like.

Advice for keeping on the good side of our editorial board:

• Don't threaten other commenters,
• Definitely don't threaten the editorial board ourselves,
• Don't engage in ad hominem attacks on people -- feel free to attack ideas (in other words), but be warned when you attack people you may reap our wrath,
• Don't engage in blatant racism, sexism, or any other "-ism" to the extent that your comments are deemed offensive by a huge majority of the American public,
• And don't engage in "comment spam."

Your basic rule of thumb should be: Would you say the same thing in front of your mother?

If it can't pass that simple test, then don't post it here -- or you risk having your posting privileges revoked.

And if it's patently offensive, and you would say it in front of your mother, then we retain the right to refuse service to her, too. Tough luck, Mom.

For the time being (unless it gets unruly), once you first register and sign in, your initial post will be held for authentication and approval (this may take hours... or even days... it should be noted, and we do apologize for any undue delay); but once you are approved, your subsequent comments should appear automatically, from that point onward. If this privilege is abused (please note), this policy will change in the future -- without notification.

You all have been warned:

Play nice.

Once again, for emphasis:

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

For any reason.

And for any comment we don't like.

Deal with it.