Comment policy

We welcome comments from readers, within the bounds of legality and good taste. We believe in free, lively and open discussion, so we post-moderate comments and do not see every comment before it appears on our site. We will remove material deemed gratuitously offensive or illegal when it is brought to our attention. Abuse will only be tolerated if it’s exceptionally funny.

We believe that anonymity is an important part of internet culture, but it has no place in the comment box, where commenters should be held accountable for what they have posted. Accordingly, we have selected Facebook Comments as an appropriate deterrent to all but the most determined trolls, about whom there is little any site can do besides blocking IP addresses, which is a nuclear option we try to avoid.

If you feel you have been libelled or addressed in an inappropriate manner, report the relevant comment using the link in the comment box. You may also send an email to moderator@kernelmag.com if your concern is urgent.

We do not respond to takedown requests solely on the basis of disagreement or embarrassment. Hysterical demands in the comment box for corrections and clarifications to our articles are unlikely to receive urgent attention: the appropriate channel of communication for readers with concerns or grievances is editorial@kernelmag.com.

Corrections, clarifications and comment moderation are overseen by the managing editor, whose decision is final.