It’s become quite obvious in recent weeks that something has to be done about “blog trolls” that occasionally jump on the site to do necessary damage before bolting.

For better or worse, the site has become too popular to continue to leave it completely unmoderated at all hours of the day.  I catch a lot of stuff quickly, but recently there have been instances where things get through and sit for just long enough to have an impact.  These days it seems like damage can be done in about 30 minutes.

So, here’s my first option.  Instead of making everyone get a WordPress account, I’m going to start by checking this box:

Before a comment appears comment author must have a previously approved comment

UPDATE: Nothing will change for anyone that’s posted before.  But from here on out, when someone posts for the first time (or changes their email address) their comment will be sent to moderation for approval.  After that, you’re free to comment as frequently or infrequently as before, provided you don’t type any of the magic words or add two or more links to a comment.  Both of these actions have always sent you to moderation.

Thank you for understanding.