A tough decision concerning a comment on my blog
A moral dilemma
A young woman who runs a sex work (webcam modeling) support website recently posted a comment in one of my blog articles. Her comment is completely relevant, shows intelligence and some knowledge of the topic I talked about in my blog post.
My moral dilemma is that while I'm perfectly fine about her choice of work, the possibility exists that a not-so-open-minded future visitor may click on her picture and discover her website. (This is how I know the nature of her website, btw.)
Do I succumb to the fear of attack by that possible future puritanical visitor to my site and delete the comment, or do I keep the comment and tell that possible future puritanical visitor to stick it where the sun don't shine?
I'm sure you can figure out what my position on the matter is, but I'd like to know yours.
EDIT: A couple of clarifications that came up in the comments -
1. Her site doesn't actually contain any graphic sexual content or language. It is a site which she uses to offer emotional, mental and moral support for others who work as "webcam models".
2. There is no URL in the comment. But if the avatar/picture associated with her comment is clicked, it will take you to her site.
Recent Comments
29
Never give in to judgemental fears
Bad advisors
I had the same choice a while ago
And decided to accept the comment
Never regretted
Just make sure it is not a bot
Or spam
To be clear, her site doesn't actually contain any graphic sexual content or language. It is a site which she uses to offer emotional, mental and moral support for others who work as "webcam models".
I don't know what I would do if faced with a similar situation. Do I self-censor and delete it or not? I think it comes down to personal risk.
Years ago while living in another country, I had the opportunity to talk with the editor of a major newspaper. He said it was a challenge deciding what news stories to print every day. The wire services send news articles to all news outlets. So part of being an editor was picking stories to print knowing that the government would punish him if he ran a story that offended the government. He faced jail time should he run the "wrong" story.
As the other said, I would simply delete the link to her website.
FYI, the "puritanical" visitors may not be the ones you should worry about. Most affiliate marketing companies and ad companies that cater to families, women and the general public typically have the rules about no adult content.
Their "displeasure" is what could cost you money if they looked into the link.
I totally agree with Sandi, I would immediately delete her url, and forget about it. It is very much so relevant!
Have a great weekend
The comment is important since it is relevant never mind the picture if others would discover it that is beyond your control.
And honestly I would probably approve the comment since it is engagement on your website and it is a good quality comment. You have no control of who chooses to leave a comment and engage on your website, yes you can delete or not approve comments but I believe in letting people say their thing no matter where they are from. I would however delete any links they have added to my website. However if her name is dodgy, as in has sexual connotations in it then I probably would delete it.
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Personally, I don't disapprove a comment unless it hurts my website, is irrelevant or uses profanity. If I were in your shoes, I will probably edit the comment, removing the URL, then approve it.