Comments Policy

Excerpts from "Smade of Smade's Planet" feature article in Cosmopolis, October, 1923:

Q: What kind of people patronize the tavern?
A: People who want quiet and a chance to rest. Occasionally a traveler from inside the Pale or an explorer.

Q: I've heard that some of your clientele is pretty rough. In fact - not to mince words - it's the general belief that Smade's Tavern is frequented by the most notorious pirates and freebooters of the Beyond.A: I suppose they occasionally need rest too.

Q: Don't you have difficulty with these people? Maintaining order, so to speak?A: No. They know my rules. I say, "Gentlemen, please desist. Your differences are your own; they are fugitive. The harmonious atmosphere of the tavern is mine and I intend it to be permanent."

Q: So then they desist?
A: Usually.


Q: And if not?A: I pitch them into the sea.
(From The Star King, by Jack Vance)

And so my moderation policy is clear: your differences are your own, they are fugitive. The harmonious atmosphere of the tavern is mine and I intend it to be permanent.

Disagreement is expected and encouraged. But should language become intemperate or certain universally reviled positions clearly taken, my response will be swift and final: your comment will be pitched into the sea. You are welcome to try again, but routinely immoderate comments will attract stern attention.

You have been warned.

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