TROLL FREE ZONE

According to Wikipedia, not always the most reliable source, but in this case exceedingly accurate, “In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog”

Because I want to deliver a personal message to you all I am, for this post, abandoning my usual journalistic use of the first person plural.  Those of you who know my background, know I got my journalist credentials long before the internet came into being.  I have, somewhat naively, allowed all readers to participate in comments on the blog.  Until a few weeks ago I had never rejected any comments coming on the blog.  Unfortunately, the trolls have recently arrived here at Dog Show Poop and must be eradicated.  I don’t tolerate fleas on my dog and I won’t tolerate trolls on my blog.  Because of the limits imposed by my host, Google, I cannot wholesale reject all anonymous comments. 

I have earned a reputation for being unbiased and unwilling to participate in dog show politics, a reputation which I wish to maintain.  However in recent weeks I have been accused of publishing “fluff” and being in the pockets of the dog world’s power brokers.  Conversely, I have been chastised for providing a forum for rabble rousing character assassins interested only in bringing down the canine establishment.  Partly because I allow some limited advertising on my blog, partly because I have attracted a sizable readership, many people assume I am earning an income from the blog.  I once heard someone say to an experienced exhibitor, “I hear there’s a lot of money in the dog show game” to which the old timer replied, “Absolutely!  I should know. I have put a lot of my money into it.”  I accept no advertising from breeders, owners, or handlers and none of the photos appearing on this blog are paid advertising.

All of which leads me to this point.  This is a personal blog, created and executed to promote the sport of pure bred dogs and to entertain my readers.  I am very happy that so many people have found the blog enjoyable.  I am the sole author of the content and the only person who has a say on editorial content.  From that position, I am declaring this blog a TROLL FREE ZONE.  I will post a permanent notice on my front page stating such.  Because nearly 90 percent of the comments I receive are anonymous, I have decided to continue to allow anonymous comments with the following Provisos.

• I will reject all personal attacks on individuals and/or their dogs. 
• I will reject all comments on a judge’s knowledge or abilities
• I encourage comments on AKC policy, but will reject all personal attacks on AKC officials.

All published comments will appear at my sole discretion.  If you feel your comment has been unfairly rejected, feel free to take it up with me via a private e-mail.  I have enjoyed providing this blog to my readers and hope I can continue to do in a productive and civil environment.