Readers are welcome and encouraged to offer their comments on East Cobb News stories, but some rules of the road apply. We like to keep it informal and relaxed, but we ask that you observe the following policies to ensure a robust and civil atmosphere for community conversation:
- All commenters must provide a verifiable e-mail address to East Cobb News. This will not be published, but on the back end we need to know who you are;
- All commenters can opine how they like, from any political, cultural or other perspective. However, comments must be limited to the topic of a particular post, and based on factually accurate information;
- Keep your comments local; don’t extrapolate on an issue or event in East Cobb to make a statement about national or world developments;
- Any and all comments and links unrelated to a topic thread will be removed;
- Comments about political campaigns are permitted, and candidates for public office may leave comments. Campaign literature and links are not permitted and they will be removed;
- Libelous and defamatory comments will be taken down;
- No obscene, racist, sexist, homophobic or other intolerant language is permitted, nor is any use of profanity;
- Likewise, no personal attacks, insults and threats are allowed;
- DO NOT type comments IN ALL CAPS and use extra punctuation or other aggressive keyboard strokes (!!!!!!) to make your point. Treat other commenters as you would want to be treated;
- Before posting a comment, ask yourself this: Would I say this to someone in person or over the phone? Also, read through your comments for spelling, grammar, etc.;
- In other words, behave like an adult on this platform. East Cobb News is for the community, and we want everyone to feel free having their say about important issues that affect us all. But it’s not a dumping ground for abusive language, potshots, grudges and individual agendas. Overheated rhetoric turns people away and destroys any chance at meaningful conversation;
- Please refrain from making allegations of criminal behavior or any other wrongdoing based on facts that have not been published, either on East Cobb News or via other news outlets;
- DO NOT use the comments section to promote commercial products or services, or to post items about community events. For general information, including advertising inquiries and how to submit news tips, calendar items and announcements, please e-mail editor/publisher Wendy Parker at wendy@eastcobbnews.com or phone/text 404-219-4278;
- This policy also applies to comments made on East Cobb News social media platforms.
Repeated and persistent violators of this policy will be banned from commenting. The editor reserves the right to take action on any abusive and objectionable activity.
