Comments? We love comments. But here are the rules.

(This was written in 2009 but occasionally we will update it
or “pin” it to the top of the first page as a friendly reminder.)

We encourage you to comment on any subjects that you see here on Wildfire Today. Intelligent contributions from our readers can add to everyone’s experience.

When commenting, please consider the three doors that charitable speech must pass through. The gatekeeper at the door asks, “Is it true?” The second gatekeeper asks, “Is it helpful?” The third gatekeeper asks, “Is it kind?” (adapted from the writings of Krishnamurti by James Martin in his book Between Heaven and Mirth.)

Here are the rules:

1. 1. Be civil. “Flaming” of writers or other commenters is not allowed. Neither are crude, rude, or mean-spirited comments, or personal attacks that fail to add to the overall discourse. Name calling is strongly discouraged, however the site’s administrator reserves the right to use the term “idiot” when it is richly deserved. Offensive language and unsubstantiated allegations are not allowed.
   2. Be on topic, accurate, and helpful.
   3. No advertising .
   4. Religion and politics will not be discussed, unless your comment directly affects wildland fire or firefighters.
   5. Criticizing firefighting tactics based on seeing a photo or a video is ridiculous. If you have a serious question and desire to learn, ask it. But don’t say a firefighter 1,000 miles away screwed up based on an image you saw.
   6. Provide evidence, or at least facts. RE: “unsubstantiated allegations” above: If you’re going to make a claim about an arson plot or burnout conspiracy or secret government policy, provide a link to evidence or your comment will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked.
   7. Avoid libel. The “unsubstantiated allegations” noted above includes ridiculous claims about illegal activities by agency people. If you’ve got facts with evidence, bring it on — otherwise keep your remarks on facebook.

Posts here are automatically closed to additional comments a year after they are first published.

This site is not a democracy. One of our objectives is for it to be enjoyable for you — and for the site administrator, who may remove any comment for his completely arbitrary or capricious reasons. His site, his rules. Wildfire Today is not responsible for the accuracy of the comments of others, or the opinions expressed on this site.

Suggestions for effective comments:

• • Be concise. Rambling bores people and they will move on.
  • But not too concise. Just a few words saying you agree with something another person wrote does not add to the discussion.
  • Extremely long paragraphs are hard to read.
  • Spelling and grammar. Multiple misspellings and grammar mistakes cause readers to tune out and lose respect for what you say. We may occasionally fix one just to be kind — or we may not.
  • Facts. Include facts and links to back up claims you make (show others that your thoughts are credible and not just pulled out of nowhere).