Why does PMI moderate readers' comments?

PMI's goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we have created a space where readers can exchange intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our perspective, news and information.

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and professional, moderating decisions are subjective. We will make them as carefully and consistently as we can. Because of the volume of reader comments, we cannot review individual moderation decisions with readers and generally cannot alter a comment once it is posted.

What kind of comments is PMI looking for?

PMI values thoughtful comments representing a range of views that make their point or ask their question quickly and politely. We make an effort to protect discussions from repeated comments - either by the same reader or different readers.

We follow the same standards for taste as many media outlets. A few things we won't tolerate: personal attacks, profanity (including expletives and letters followed by dashes), commercial promotion, incoherence and SHOUTING.

Does PMI edit comments?

No. Comments are either approved or they're not. PMI reserves the right to edit a comment that is quoted or excerpted in an article or in the "Comment of the Moment" blog feature. In those cases, we may fix spelling and punctuation.

When and where will my comment be displayed?

Comments are typically posted faster during business hours. Moderation can be less frequent in the evening and on weekends. All comments are published to the comments section below the blog post. We reserve the right to display comments in a variety of ways, including within the text of articles or in marketing, promotions and advertisements.

Should I use my real name when making a comment?

Yes, definitely. Please fill in the name field with your real name or initials. We have found that people who use their names carry on more engaging, respectful conversations. However, we recommend against using your full e-mail address on security grounds.

A reminder: Once your comment is published, it can be found in search results on Web sites like Google and Yahoo. PMI and its agencies may occasionally use the e-mail address you have listed in your comment submission for a follow-up interview. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.