Where Did All the Comments Go?

I have been wondering about this for quite a while and it dawned on me the other day when Michael said he couldn't use the word "hell" in a cooment. Instead he had to use the alternate, and oft amusing spelling of H-E-Double -Toothpick. Comments have vanished - at least I hope this is the answer - because I enabled a spam comment and trackback ping filter. Either that, or my readership has droped significantly (possible because I don't post as frequently as I used to) or... well, I don't have an "or." Here's what happens with the filter. Someone comments and theres an URL in the comment that has the word "hell" in it. The person writes a comment using the word "hell." The filter, being a filter, filters out the word and send the commenter a message saying that their comment contains the word "hell" and thereby can not be posted. This also happens with other words. The commenter then says, "what the hell?" and tries to edit their comment with another word or alternate spelling. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. Maybe another word kicks in the filter, and another, and possible another. The commenter then says, "to hell with this" and decides not to comment. I have pissed off my reader with my attempts to stop all spam/trackback pink hell from breaking loose, and my reader/commenter is now virtually telling me to... is everyone with me on this? To go to HELL!

If this is what has happened to you, and I have frustrated, aggravated or fully pissed you off, I apologize. Restricting spam was my intent and believe me, it had reached a horrible level. I have since implemnted other measures to deal with spam comments and trackback pings about online Texas Holdem, viagra, penis and boobie enlargement, and baklava. I love baklava by the way. Free commenting is open again, comment moderation has been turned off and trackback pings are allowed from blogs. Spam will still be dealt with in a ruthless, zero tolerance fashion and will be quickly sent to virtual hell.

I hope that you will continue to read and enjoy my blog and photography and will comment on same. I do miss the comments of my readers and friends.