I have read all your comments [1] on what to do about abuses in the comments section. I really appreciate your input and ideas. You have helped a lot in trying to come to a decision.

I do believe that all forms of expression are valid. I do believe free speech is sacred. But I am having a hell of time trying to put this theory into practice on this site. Personal attacks, threats, and cursing have worn me and many others down.

What site on this planet allows EVERYTHING to be published? If Google, Yahoo, online papers and blogs all monitor and moderate comments, why should iranian.com leave the door open for abusers? Is Wikipedia imposing censorship for letting in only registered users?

If you have the urge to say something and are willing to share it with the public in an open and responsible way, you are welcome to do so as a registered user.

I will talk with my colleagues on how to implement this in the best way possible to ensure a healthier, more constructive environment for readers and writers without losing the right to honest discussion and criticism.