I can’t even remember. I guess that I have been posting posts just about 4 maybe 5 years now. No one gave me a list of things that I should or should not do. I suspect I have gone outside the rules a few times, a few on purpose.

However, the first time I received a comment, I was completely set aback. I didn’t know the proper thing to do. Was I supposed to respond to it, in essence start a conversation. On the other hand was I supposed to just read it and go on. Some who I have talked to have said the comments are more for my readers than for me, which does seem to ring true.

Word Press has given me some tools to regulate what I allow or disallow. The way I figure it, if I am going to make some strong statements, I should be willing to accept them too, even when I disagree. I really do enjoy the comments, even the ones that are disagreeable. Some, I must admit help my ego while others I learn from. The Bible tells us that we should listen to our enemies. They will us of a fault when our friends will likely not tell us of our faults, in fear of hurting us. Naturally, while the enemy might do it to hurt us, they actually so us some good, though it does hurt.

However, being a Christian, there are some terms I simply will not permit. I will remove the comment immediately. If you want my attention, if you want your comment to be out there for others to see, well, I am sure you know which words will get your comments removed. When I was in the Marines, I had to tolerate that. I had to put up with some of it in the civilian world too. I’m retired now. I don’t need to tolerate such things. And, by the way, it really is beneficial for all to avoid such vernacular. It indicates a limit in vocabulary. It indicates a lack of self control. In some cases, it will drive people away. In some cases, it indicates a tendency to do things outside the law.

At any rate, back to my main point. I have gotten the idea that I am not supposed to respond to comments. So, for the most part I don’t unless there is an element in the message inviting a response. Even then, I might remain silent. I say this as an explanation to those that might be expecting a reply. You might think I don’t read them, though I do, every one of them, especially the ones that are a little less than complimentary.

A little piece of advice for one and all: Listen to your friends. Pay close attention to what your enemies say about you. You might be amazed at how much it will help you.