Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

It should be quite easy to filter out any really offensive words.

Without seeing what was said, I can't comment in detail, but I think you need to encourage, not discourage, vigorous debate and discussion, to provide a vibrant interactive experience for everyone.

I've no experience of vast numbers of comments(!), but I think if you moderate comments, then you'll just head towards a sterile, boring environment, which isn't a good thing.

Ian - in a way your are right, be reading over 80 comments about English/Scottish rivalry in such a manner was neither vigorous debate or a vibrant interactive experience.

I tend to think blogs get quite dull when the comments section starts to be used like a forum, it sort of ruins it for me, like I can't be bothered to read through 80-odd comments.

The Guardian now has a registration system in order to comment, this has meant many people who contribute positively now don't. It's a difficult one to work.

I thought external advertising wasn't allowed on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ but you appear to have kept some on the original post?

Hi,
1. Registration. The software we're using does not require registration to comment and it's a route we don't necessarily want to go down as it discourages people from joining in. It doesn't have a swear filter either..

2. Advertising. We don't carry advertising but I think in a debate about 'where to get T&T shirts' it is editorially acceptable to discuss 'where to get said shirts'!
It's just a shame that lots of the comments from people suggesting other outlets (which mitigates the affect of featuring just one outlet) did not appear due to the abuse.

3. Moderation - yup we want to encourage as vibrant a debate as possible and that means being as open as possible. This isn't a messageboard or a forum and I agree long 'yes it is, oh no it isn't' rallies are boring but it's a tricky balancing act as we're finding!
Claire S - blog editor

Those mud fights destroy a serious debate all too easily. It seems to me the great majority here a reasonable people. So maybe it helps if we react to offensive posts more like "If you can't get your point across without insulting people we'll ignore it." You'll have my respect. But maybe thats just a nice dream ...

Without reactivating the debate, the news that Scots don't support England in the World Cup is hardly news and most Scots feel like they're being press-ganged into supporting their ancient footballing rival. There were some good points made in the comments section amongst all the trashtalk from both sides that gave the Scottish viewpoint with humour and intelligence. You knew what you were doing when you posted that. ;) Controversy is the best thing for blog traffic. Anyhow, I look forward to asking England fans if they'll be suporting Germany later in the tournament. And Spurs fans if they supported Arsenal in Europe.