100% agree. Especially 1 and 2.

Do you know what effect those of us who are followed by Jezebel will have if we promote people in the greys? I can't remember if our promotion gets them out of it for that post, or if it just draws attention to them so Jezebel can follow.

Wonderfully summarized, old friend. :)

Moderators aren't usually the authors, and given that they normally expect to see the worst shit, its not nearly as upsetting. I've seen some vile shit as a moderator, but I also expect to.

I cannot recommend this comment enough. As someone who comments fairly regularly but is not followed by any site/writer, I know I'm going back to the grays and I can't help but feel a little discouraged. But if the guidelines you outlined are followed it gives me a little hope that regular and thoughtful commenters…

Consigning all of this but especially point #1. Some of us have been around for years, have proven time and time again that we're rational, non trolly, funny people, but get stuck in the greys whenever they roll that out. I don't want to disappear again! Also, it's no fun when the comments are the same 5 commenters…

ALL OF THIS! I was so excited when I finally left the greys, after feeling discouraged for months. I did my best to promote the unapproved commenters left behind.

Yes, I was fine with the greys. I would often get thrown back there if I made critical comments of the site, but that's the price of free speech I guess. The trollz gotz to go.

Agree 100%!

I agree wholeheartedly with all of these points, especially about the moderation being stepped up. Well said.

Also if you are an approved commenter, PLEASE be cautious about responding to trolls. The second you pull them up some asshole is going to dominate the main conversation. I know it's fun, but you have the power. Use it for good.

I really appreciate you taking the time to outline some of this, thank you — valuable insight and info for the community.

Yes, yes, yes, and yes!

I wish I could use Hader gifs to express my approval of this. Words just seem so.. skimpy.

Yes, RECOMMEND! I too am grateful to all the Jez authors and authors of the many subblogs and what have you that stepped up to voice their anger at GM.

This is a GREAT comment! Wish I could star you more than just once. Bump, bump, bump!

Jessica, please consider this a request for an official Evening of Squee across all kinja platforms when this is over. With Denton's blessing, you get to scour the internet looking for nothing but things that are deliciously weird, delightfully heartwarming or just flat out fun.

Agreed. The writers shouldn't be forced to currate their own comment sections: there needs to be a dedicated mod system for them.

You rang?

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