Commenting on This Site Going Forward

Hello everyone, 

I know that we've been going through a lot of changes here at Patch as of late, and I appreciate you all bearing with us as we make some much needed improvements on the business end for Patch-- soon we'll have a product to debut that will make the overall experience much more enjoyable, and we'll have a sustainable community forum. 

I am going to use this moment as a request that you stop with the constant personal attacks in comments.  I personally do not have time to read through each and every comment made on here.  We are all adults, and I expect that you should behave as such, rather than bickering back and forth to no end.

I WANT you to debate the ISSUES.  I WANT you to go back and forth and present your arguments.  That's what this is all about.  And you know what?  I know there will be the occasional commenter calling another "stupid" because they don't agree with you.  That's fine.  But when you start talking about people's family and saying other malicious things that have absolutely nothing to do with the story at hand, that's pushing it too far.

I have always been a more "hands off" editor when it comes to flagging down comments, because it can be a slippery slope.  But I will start doing that if need be.  There comes a point when I need to be the voice for the silent majority on this site, who just want to get their news and read what their neighbors have to say about it.

Please be respectful of one another, and of me.

Thank you, 

Renee