Time for a little housekeeping. As this site grows and new visitors arrive daily – hello, thanks for stopping by – I thought it might be an opportune moment to post about comments. I love comments. Feel totally free to lurk if you prefer but it’s often more fun if you join in the conversation. As I’ve said before, apparently those who comment only comprise about 1 percent of a blog’s traffic but….

…they’re an important 1 percent and they can add – or detract – enormously from a post.

Comments also have the ability to impact upon the whole vibe of a site and therefore, I’m going to spell out my rules for commenting here on mamamia.

I work hard to create an environment of respect and kindness here and that extends to the comments. I want people to feel safe to express themselves and their opinions without fear of flaming or abuse or nastiness of any kind. I am not a fan of snark. I think it’s weak and brainless.

Thankfully, I have only had to delete maybe half a dozen comments in two years because virtually everyone gets how to leave a comment or even strongly disagree with something that’s been said but to do it respectfully.

This is not sycophants.com so you do not have to agree with everything I post. That would be dull for all of us. Ditto agreeing with each other. But PLEASE remember to play the point not the person.

We have had many disagreements on many topics on this site – religion, homosexuality, abortion, home vs hospital birth ……but these discussions have always remained civil. I insist that they do.

And finally? If you’re looking to stir trouble or be deliberately provocative? Let your fingers do the walking over to your mouse and go somewhere else. Or, as fellow blogger GWAS said in her commenting code of conduct: “…if you’re having a shitty day, or shitty life, try not to bring that to fruition via a nasty comment. Go have a coffee with a friend. Or see a shrink.”

It takes far more skill to make a point with wit and thought than with abuse.

*NB: Have posted the winners of the Being DAD DVDs here . Congrats. More giveaways to come – assuming you like them an all…..