Both our regular readers and especially our subscribers will have noticed a growing problem with comment spam. Earlier, the number of such posts ebbed and flowed, but more recently, the number had gone up and stayed up. Unfortunately, it seems that our CAPTCHA for cutting off automated comments has been broken, leaving us rather vulnerable until we can implement a replacement.
After discussing several alternatives, we have decided to reduce our exposure to this form of web vandalism by closing comments on older posts. Accordingly, comments have been closed on Remonstrans (main blog) posts prior to December 3, 2012. Because most interaction with a post takes place soon after it goes up, this should have minimal impact on our discussions. Should someone have something they think worth adding to an older discussion, please let us know.
On an ongoing basis, we will close comments after posts have been up for a while. We are not looking to limit discussion, however, so we will not close comments while discussions are active.
We will still have the possibility of comment spam on recent posts. We trust the lesser exposure will keep the volume in check, however, and let us focus on profitable discussion.
If you have any concerns, questions, or comments, let us know.
