The Advocate-Messenger has researched other newspaper Web sites in search of policies that we wish to enforce for our registered users who post comments on our stories and blogs. After an extensive search, we could find none we feel better states our position that that offered by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and STLtoday. We have adopted their rules, almost word-for-word.

We want your participation in our blogs, forums and story comments, but our moderators have the right to delete any comment at any time. We do not review posts in advance, so we expect your help in policing them using the "report post" links available. These guidelines clarify our practices and provide an explanation of what content may lead to deletion or other user bans.

Abuse of the following points will lead to revocation of your privileges. Please read the following information, and if you agree to abide by the rules, click the appropriate box above accepting the terms and at the bottom of the page, click the "register" button:

• We use Living Room rule (adapted from blogger Shel Israel). If you come into our home and behave rudely to a guest, we'll throw out your comment. If you continue, we'll throw you out. You should behave as if you are in our living room. Don't monopolize the conversation. Be civil. Don't attack people personally.
• Pretend your mom is in the room. Messages containing intentionally misleading or false information, defamatory content, threats, verbal abuse, harassment, obscenity or personal information about other individuals are not allowed.
• Remember, everyone here is a person, just like you. Treat them as you'd want to be treated.
• No advertising. Keep your posts commercial-free: Advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes and solicitations are unacceptable.
• No spam. No multiple, disruptive, meaningless or repetitive messages. Messages considered spam, trolling or flaming (as determined by the moderators) can be deleted without warning or explanation.
• Be yourself. Don't impersonate others.
• Fair use. Do not post entire articles into comments. This is a potential violation of copyright laws. Post a brief abstract of the material and a link to the complete source. If you are unsure how much to use, please simply post a link to the material.
• Don't whine (adapted from Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune): Comment control on our site is not censorship. Shooing someone from the room is not the same as trying to silence him. Moderation is allowed. And yes, it can and will be subjective. anyone who follows the first seven guidelines won't have to worry about No. 8.
• What to do if your account has been banned: If you try to log in and receive a message that you've been banned, do not immediately open another user account and continue the inappropriate behavior. Such action could result in a permanent ban. Instead, contact the administrator and find out what caused the sanction. We may or may not reinstate your privileges.
• This Web site reserves the right to remove any comment for any reason whatsoever without prior notice.