Our new Web site allows for and encourages more commenting on stories, editorials, etc. Comments are posted immediately, and you can at any time track the top 5 "most commented" on stories to see what is getting the most response.
Debates on some stories and topics (good luck displacing John Metallo vs. Susan O'Brien in "most commented" anytime soon) can take on a life of their own.
With that free-flowing comment policy comes safeguards, however. And you are our biggest safeguard. If you read a comment that is objectionable - profane, threatening, etc. - please note that there is a "report abuse" button next to every single comment. Just click, report the problem, and momentarily, one of our editors will be alerted, review the comment and take action.
We probably won't take a comment down if, for example, a Yankees fan "reports abuse" because they don't like a pro-Red Sox comment. But profanity, hate speech, etc., will be taken down immediately.