Important news about this blog!

Starting today, you can use an OpenID account to post in the comment section of entries here at the 'Pail!

The comment feature has been stymied because I've required commenters to have a Google account since the blog's early days. A few of you have gotten a Google account just for that purpose, and even used that as a reason to start a blog on Google's blogging service.

This is a good thing, of course, because blogs contribute to the marketplace of ideas. Ideally, however, it shouldn't be necessary to have a Google account to post here.

I implemented the requirement because originally it was either that or have no restrictions at all before posting. At first, this blog had no account restrictions, but I implemented the Google requirement because someone kept impersonating other posters. But now that Blogger accepts OpenID, you've got a whole new option!

The rule about impersonation remains unchanged: Posts that I believe are phony will be deleted on sight. If I can detect who's behind it, they will be banned for life from posting here. Lifetime bans carried over from the People's Forum remain in force here.

I also plan on having one open thread each weekend and on some holidays. When you see an open thread, gab about almost anything (provided it fits the guidelines of this blog)!