Take Me To Post Comment Form Everyone has something to say, and blogging offers a way for people to share their thoughts and opinions in a public forum. Bloggers can even comment on other users’ blogs, and debate topics that are important to them.

In this age of blogging, it is important that we adhere to a few basic principles when using our “voice" on the Web.
On the community.statesboroherald.com Web site, there is a clearly-defined set of guidelines provided for users in an effort to keep things friendly and encourage participation on the site. Users are asked to refrain from posting items that could be construed as “damageable, injurious, defamatory, libelous toward persons or organizations; obscene, vulgar, profane, abusive, bullying, harassing or threatening racially; ethnically or religiously offensive, discriminatory in any way; advertising; or promoting illegal or criminal acts, or impersonation of another person or entity."

Unfortunately, not everyone follows these guidelines… For those rare situations, I would encourage you to utilize the “Report Inappropriate Content" link next to the blog’s title. This makes us aware of the offending post, and allows us to handle it appropriately so that our bloggers needn’t get caught in a “comment war.

Also, advertising on the community site via blog is not permitted. This includes mentioning your business name in a blog. If you have an ad that you would like to post, please contact us — we will happily assist you in placing an ad in the appropriate publication.

It is important to us that all users on the site are allowed to express their thoughts and ideas without having to worry about being bullied, ridiculed or put down for doing so. In posting comments on blogs, the best rule of thumb to follow is, would the comment or blog that you are posting be something that would hurt someone’s feelings? Is it something that you would say to a co-worker or a friend? Is it something that, if it was said to you, would hurt your feelings or offend you? If you disagree with a blog, that's fine, but remember to post your opinion cordially and politely.

Additionally, there is an “Events" section on the community Web site that allows users to post details including the date, time, cost and description of the event onto the community calendar. Placing your event on the calendar as opposed to a blog ensures that other users on the site will be able to easily view and access the details of your event.

By following these few guidelines and exercising common sense, we can all do our part to ensure that blogging on the community Web site is a fun and constructive experience for all.