We've made more moves on the commenting front. Editor Paul Fanlund prefaced the most recent change with a column. We have published a new FAQ about how to comment - and the most likely causes of comment deletion by moderators.

Future developments will include a language filter and an email to the author of deleted comments noting why their comment was deleted, or never posted in the first place (like running afoul of the language filter). Of course, this will only work if the author provides a real email address. We are also looking at removing the ability to comment on stories through the madison.com forum, which does not have a word limit nor a strong language filter - directing people instead to the comment form on the story pages.

The attention we're paying to comments is by no means meant to stifle the conversation. We love the conversation. However, we would rather that the tone of the discourse on our site be one of respectful civility. Feel free to tell me how wrong I am, but remember not to rely on name-calling and swearing in order to make your point.