Sep 22, 2009 06:01 AM
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New York, 11:35 AM
Tue Feb 9
56 posts in the last 24 hours
1. Who can leave comments on the site?
Anyone who's auditioned successfully to become a commenter (see below) or anyone who's received an email invitation from us. The comment system is invitation-only because our editors want to spend more time providing new content and less time moderating comment threads.
2. How can I become a commenter?
To become a commenter, you need to audition, which means leaving at least one comment on the site. To do this, type an interesting, substantial or highly amusing comment in the comment box anywhere on the site. Click "Share" and then click the "New user?" link on the next screen. On the following screen, enter your desired username and password and click "Register". Your comment will be received but won't appear until (and if) we approve it.
We only approve the comments we love - so make sure you're adding something of quality to the post. If we approve your comment, your username and password will be activated and you'll be able to login and comment freely from then on (or at least until you get banned).
Tips for auditioning to become a commenter: First, leaving multiple high quality comments on different threads using your newly created username increases your chances of having your comments - and therefore your username - approved. Second, if a comment from a newly created username doesn't show up on the site, that's because it's still awaiting approval. There's no need to submit the same comment multiple times or report this as a bug.
We value intelligent contributions, good grammar, and not feeding the trolls. Proper use of punctuation, capitalization and time taken in typing will earn you extra points. Ignoring any of the above will subtract considerably.
If you want to comment, show your stuff - make it a worthy addition to the thread. "Firsts!", "yays" and "nays" will be summarily ignored. See Lifehacker's Guide To Weblog Comments for suggestions on how to start.
3. Why is my comment displaying when I'm not an approved commenter?
We will sometimes approve a comment we like without approving the commenter. This means an individual comment of yours may be published while you are still auditioning. Take this as a good sign! If we like one of your comments, we might just like you enough to approve you as a commenter in the future.
4. Can I comment anonymously?
Yes, you can. Our comment system is designed so that you can register and post anonymously. We won't even know who you are.
Here's how to ensure that you register anonymously. When you create your username, choose one that's unrelated to your real identity. Then, add an anonymous nickname in your user profile. We won't be able to link your username/nickname with your offline self.
We do ask for an email address so that we can email you a new password in case you forget it. To preserve your anonymity, use an anonymous Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Hotmail account. Or, if you want to remain totally under the radar, and you're good at remembering passwords, leave the email field blank.
5. Can I be banned from commenting?
Yes, if your comments are excessively self-promotional, obnoxious, or even worse, boring. There will be no warning, and no appeal.
6. Can I comment without registering?
Yes, you can submit a comment using an email address instead of a registered account. To do this, type your comment in the comment box anywhere on the site and click "Share". On the next screen, enter your email address and click "Submit". Then check your inbox for an email asking you to verify your comment. Your comment will still be subject to editorial team approval before appearing. Please also note that the first half of your email address will be used in your commenter name (jane.doe@gmail.com will result in the username jane.doe or jane.doe001, for instance), so remember to use an address that does not reference your identify if you wish to remain anonymous.
7. What does it mean to be a "starred commenter"?
Gawker Media blogs have a tiered commenting system. We want to feature the best and most informative comments. You can click here for more information on how this works.
8. What are Gawker Open Forums?
Commenters now have space beyond moderated posts to start their own discussions, investigations, arguments, and hold court with friends and foes. Have something to say that's off-topic? An insider's perspective that needs more room to vent? A bone to pick with a post? Want to live-blog an event on your own? Take it "outside" - utilize our new #hashtag feature.
Create your own forum within the blogs by adding "/tag/yourtaghere/" to the original site URL, or by entering your unique "#yourtag" into the text field at the top of the blog, followed immediately by your first comment for that page. Then hit the big "Share" button.
You can also contribute commentary related to the tags that appear on published posts. Simply click on the relevant tag link, enter your comment in the text field at the top, then click "Share." When adding to a pre-existing page, you do not have to include the #tag in your comment.
Don't forget that any content you post in #tag pages or tell us in #tips will be public. Forums and tips that we particularly like will receive front-page promotion.
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