Standards for This Blog

Updated 3/2017-- all links (except to my own posts) removed as many no longer active. and it was easier than checking each one. 

Thanks to Paul Levy, Running a Hospital, for allowing me to use his post and with minor changes using it here. 

I thought it would be good to reiterate the standards that I apply for this blog.

First, as noted in the disclaimer and privacy sections below, I cannot comment on individual and legally confidential patient care issues here.  I will not give individual medical advice, as I am not your treating physician. If you submit a comment that falls in to these categories, I may post it or not.  I most likely will not give you an answer you are looking to receive, but more likely a “no comment” reply.

Second, I will not post comments that make ad hominem arguments and use foul language, that "flame" rather than make points in a civil fashion, or that have prejudicial implications about race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Third, I will not post comments that are clearly designed to advertise a for-profit product, service, or company in the health care field. I retain discretion to post comments that advertise something that would be of general interest.

Fourth, I usually will not post comments that are excessively long. This is tricky because sometimes the person has something interesting to say, but my sense is that most blog readers do not want to drag through very long posts and comments. Encountering a really long comment, many will give up and not reach other comments that follow. So please do the opposite of Pascal: If you have something to say, take the time to write a short letter.

Anonymous comments are fine, and I understand why they might be prudent in some cases, but I personally think you can often be more persuasive if people know who you are and where you come from. Also, it feels good to "stand on a soapbox" and be "seen." People have given their lives to allow us to have freedom of speech. Try it!

So, please dive in, keep reading, and send us all your thoughts on the issues of the day. Thank you for your loyal readership and for spreading the word about this blog.

Amendment:

As Dr Wes mentions in the comments section, the comment should be in English.  I confess that is the only language I speak or read well.  I did take Spanish in college, but am not proficient in the language.  I do not seem to have a knack for them which I regret.  So please be sure the comments are in English.  Thanks.