You don't spit into the wind.

I thought this might be a good time to reiterate the PTN comments policy:

I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason, up to and including "it had too many spelling errors," "included smack-talk about my boyfriend," and "WTF?!?" However, I can probably count the number of non-spam comments I have deleted over this blog's three five years of operation on one hand, so your freedom of expression is pretty safe. Haloscan eating your comment is more likely than an Amber-imposed deletion.

[2009 Update: I have had to delete several comments lately that obviously came from creepy stalkers. if you are not a creepy stalker, you're probably safe.]

Cutting remarks, sarcasm, and insults are all fair game, as are over-the-top and obviously unserious threats, clearly parodic impersonations, and anonymous comments (especially anonymous comments revealing juicy legal gossip). But all comments should be useful, in the sense of moving the conversational ball forward, or at least amusing.

If you put something out there to be critiqued, I or the commentariat may seize on any perceived weaknesses with all the subtlety of a velociraptor in a petting zoo. But we're actually quite friendly. We shred because we care.