Crossing the Line

Every once in a while someone crosses the line. Maybe it's because I'm sick or I'm tired or I'm annoyed about something else.

I've got a reputation here and elsewhere online as a peacemaker and a voice of reason but in actual fact, I have a temper. And sometimes something kicks over the limits and Joyce blows up.

There've been several comments lately on some stories that some sorts of stories are sick and should not be posted here and that the authors who write them are sick. This is not allowed for various good and sufficient reasons I've gone into before.

When some such comments are removed, or in rare cases redacted with notice, someone will occasionally remark that no one is allowed to post criticism here and only positive comments are allowed.

There is a big difference between personal attacks and moral judgements on one hand and literary criticism on the other.

To make this point, I've turned off comments here on BC for a few hours except for authors, editors and moderators.

Most people visiting BC don't even comment and most of those who do comment are authors and most who aren't authors understand the rules. But for a handful of people, I want to make it plain.

No personal attacks. No moral judgements. It's that simple. And this does not constitute stopping all story criticism by any measure. If the only thing one has to say about a story is either a personal attack or a moral judgement, that's not criticism; that's just venting.

Hugs to all,
Erin

P.S. Enough of this. After 2.5 hours, I'm turning comments back on.

Hugs,
Erin