I generally allow comments to flow freely within the blog, and don’t interfere. Disagreements are expected and dissenting opinions are encouraged. That is until people stop acting without any self-control or respect.

This is not a message board, free-for-all open forum. There are expectations of some self-policing behavior. Expectations that even when you vehemently disagree on something that you show some self-control and at least try to respect others.

Do not take it to personal attacks. Take a moment to think how broadly you wish to paint someone, some group, whatever. If you want to make it a pissing match, take it elsewhere.

That also applies to how you speak of the Pitt players as well. Unfounded, uninformed, and unsubstantiated personal attacks on their character are  generally off-limits. The fact is these are still kids, and Pitt students. Many will eventually be fellow alumni that will share a common bond with most of us. Regardless of how you feel about amateur status within major college sports, keep that in mind.

And please, please spare me the “I’m speaking truth to power/no one wants to here my incontrovertible reality/I’m the only one who sees what is really happening” self-righteous BS. When you fall into that trap, it usually means that it has become about you being right and shouting out how wrong and stupid everyone else is. At that point it is no longer a discussion, because you have become as close-minded and ignorant as those you believe to be that way.

If you can’t follow that, I will take steps to remove you from commenting on the blog.