Comments?

Comments may be left on webpages, allowing spontaneous discussion to develop around any topic for with there's a webpage.

Commenting provides functionality similar to web forums and message/discussion/bulletin boards. They're also similar to (email) mailing lists, especially when subscriptions are also used.

There are decisions we can make to define how comments will be used on our website.

Who should be allowed to make comments?

Right now (2006-12), anyone can make comments, though in different ways.

Anonymous

Anonymous, non-authenticated, users may leave comments. I (Dave Barker) believe the possibility for anonymity is important (though not to be encouraged).

Anonymous commenters may provide a name, but it will be highlighted as unverified. They may also provide an email address.

The most important distinction an anonymous comment has is that it is moderated. Currently (2006-12) this means the comment must be approved by a user with the "webmaster" role, but obviously the role responsible for approving comments can change as roles on our website evolve. This moderation discourages anonymous comments and makes spamming or inappropriate comments impossible.

If an email address was provided with the comment, and the comment was moderated for editorial reasons, I think the moderator should inform the commenter.

Authenticated

Authenticated (registered, logged-in) users may leave comments without moderation, so they will instantly be posted.

Because identity is associated with the comment, I (Dave Barker) believe the vast majority of comments will be appropriate. Again, because the comment has on owner, action can be taken if need be.

Editing and Removing

Currently (2007-02) comments cannot be edited or removed by their author.

Because comments often refer to other comments (they can be linked to as well), their removal could damage a discussion. For the same reason, comments cannot be edited. Users are encouraged to use the "Preview comment" function when authoring their comment to ensure it is as they'd like before posting.

Users in privileged roles (e.g. webmaster) may edit and remove comments though.