Rabbi Gil Student writes on his blog Hirhurim:
In order to achieve more transparency in moderation of comments on this blog, let me be clear about a policy that I have not been implementing with sufficient consistency but will going forward. Comments that attempt to undermine Judaism will be deleted. It is not out of fear but out of annoyance. Find yourself another soapbox. Skeptics are welcome on this blog to read and to contribute comments, but not to preach their skepticism.
I have no doubt that skeptic blogs will take this as an admission that traditional Judaism cannot withstand criticism. Let them. It is nothing but a willful delusion.…
Of course, it is not a "willful delusion." Rabbi Student has been deleting challenging comments unannounced for years, skewing the 'debate' he hosts to make his positions appear stronger.
When do I delete comments or ban commenters?
- If a commenter uses more than one name/alias, especially to make it appear as if his argument has more support than it truly does.
- If a commenter uses abusive language directed at other commenters or others.
- Foul language.
- Spam, spam-like behavior.
- Missionary activity.
- Lying to make an argument appear stronger, as in quoting a source but distorting its meaning or lying about the actual quote. (I.e., "Ploni, quoted in Smith, http://www.example.com/smith/ploni/shmaryswrong.html/, says the earth is most definitely flat and Einstein agrees with him as quoted there." The source actually says, "Ploni, quoted in Smith, http://www.example.com/smith/ploni/shmaryswrong.html/, says the earth is not flat and there is no scientific doubt about this."
- Leaving comments without using either your real name --or-- one alias. In other words, no unattributed comments are allowed.
- Posting other people's personal information, including addresses, telephone numbers, etc.