Hello on this blustery Sunday afternoon. Changes are afoot in the comments department of this blog. I have thought long and hard about this. In the past I have kept the comments open to everyone, but now the situation has to change. This is due to the increase of troll bile which I have to delete almost daily.
Only people who have a registered Google account will be able to comment from now on. I'm sorry that it has to come to this, but I need to do it. Sadly it means blocking those who use the 'Name' facility, as it is connected to the 'Anonymous' option. Blogger does not allow me to separate the two.
Thank you to all those who have commented religiously over the years, and especially to those who have put a name to their words, I do appreciate your loyalty, you have kept me going for this long. I would love you to carry on sending your comments. If you choose to open a Google account, that would be great, if you don't want to then that's fine, I understand.
I'm sorry if this is not what you want to hear, but the internet is becoming a nasty place. Keyboard warriors are everywhere, and I don't want that here. Constructive and supportive comments are welcome, destructive, sarcastic, and critical comments are not.
Thank you. ilona xxx
It's Been a Good Week Up To Now.
4 hours ago
Hello Iiona, I understand why you want to do it and I am hoping that I have Google account, If not I will just read your brilliant Blog. Hazel c uk🌈🌈🌈🌈
ReplyDeleteYou have, Hazel. I can click on your name and see your credentials. Thank you for staying with it.
DeleteThank you IIona I really enjoy your blog.
DeleteKeep Safe
Hazel 🌈🌈🌈
Sadly trolls have increased recently, best way to stay in control.
ReplyDeleteHi Ilona, I completely understand. I previously commented occasionally using my real name. Glad you're continuing as your blog is so interesting and enjoyable. Hopefully you'll have less to contend with from trolls from now on.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm sorry I had to go down this route, because it means blocking everyone that doesn't have a Googlie account.
DeleteDon't blame you Ilona. Some folk just have nothing better to do. Keep writing your lovely blog. You always have something interesting to say. Ann x
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. xx
DeleteToo many idiots stuck at home with nothing to do!
ReplyDeleteOne of my trolls has been stalking me long before the virus thingy started. When one gets a hold it encourages others to join in.
DeleteI rarely comment, but am glad I do have a google account... so I can comment in the future.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your spiral artwork recently is very nice.
Thanks for keeping up your blog; I look forward to reading it daily.
Thank you, Kelly. Your web page looks great, love the colour.
DeleteYes, it's time, you've put up with the trolls for long enough and there is far too much ugliness in the world to have to read through their ridiculous comments
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad to see all the ugliness coming out in people. I feel sad for future generations.
DeleteLove your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you. You are one of three 'Unknowns'. I shall label you Unknown-1 :o)
DeleteKeep up the good work. You are fab xxxx
ReplyDeleteAnd you are fab as well.
DeleteI have put my blog back to open comments, but kept them to be moderated, not automatically published. At least that way I can mark and report the spam and trolls.
ReplyDeleteKeep on blogging, you're doing ok
Thank you. I like your blog. I get very little spam. The messages are usually short and easily recognised. Spam does sneak through when they have registered their business name as their Googlie account name. Soon zapped and sent on their way.
DeleteHi Ilona. just checking that I can still comment?
ReplyDeleteYou certainly can. I have known you for a long time, I know you are kosher. xxx
DeleteHello just checking I can comment if I want too
ReplyDeleteYou can comment. You are one of three 'Unknowns'. I shall call you Unknown - 2 :o)
DeleteIt seems that I have a google account.....I have not got a clue how that happened,lol.But I think that I can comment now to various other blogs that I read and enjoy.I hope that Flis can do this too because I know that she loves your post,xx
ReplyDeleteYou registered it in 2016, so you have forgotten about it. Now it's coming in useful because it gets you in here.
DeleteSorry you have to go to those lengths. I cannot imagine why someone could be so nasty. I am not very computer literate but I hope I will be able comment now and then. If you get this comment, I am in. Your blog is my 3pm treat every day.
ReplyDeleteYou are in, Unknown - 3. There are two others. Good to have you on board.
DeleteSorry to hear you must resort to this but you are right about the nastiness. Wishing you a good evening and thanks for your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting my blog. xxx
DeleteGood decision.
ReplyDeleteTrolls are worse than wasps (who, after all, have some purpose in the ecosystem)--they deserve to be blocked. Even though you admirably ignore and weed trolls, who needs exposure to more human stupidity?
No one.
To true. I've been ignoring for a long time, now I'm fed up of weeding. I love your blog by the way, love your whacky sense of humour. xxx
DeleteI think it is essential these days, unfortunate, but there are some very unpleasant people who seem to get a thrill of some sort by making those comments. I don't often make a comment but really enjoy reading your blog so hope your changes help. I have a blog and have started to get the odd unpleasant comment but I have the moderation in place and so far it has worked. Good luck with it all and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteStick with it, Rosie. I've put your blog on my sidebar, it's a good read. All that sunshine down under is making me envious.
DeleteThanks Ilona, and I'm glad you enjoyed my blog. I don't think our sunshine will last much longer as it will be winter here soon and it's already getting cold, for us who don't really know the meaning of cold.
DeleteI've seen some awful messages left on other blogs that didn't make sense.....totally different than the topic discussed. You made a good decision. I enjoy reading your blog and I'm thankful you will continue to post.Patty McDonald
ReplyDeleteThe ones that don't make sense are usually spam. I have seen them and if they land here, they get zapped. I don't know why some bloggers don't bother and leave them there. Maybe lack of time that they don't go back and check.
DeleteWell done you Ilona. Your blog is fantastic and I think a lot of trolls are simply jealous. I look forward to your craft ideas and photos of the countryside. Stay strong and cheery!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have an account and wouldn't know how to go about getting one, but if I can still read your blog I'll be happy. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteYou have an account, you joined in 2017. Probably forgotten about it. You're welcome to stay.
DeleteI think this is my google account Ilona, I'm so hopeless someone set it up for me!
ReplyDeleteI am sending this to see if it publishes and to wish you an early happy birthday for tomorrow, the 12th.
(Amanda).
Correct, you joined last year. You're in. Thanks for birthday wishes, it's on Saturday. Don't remind me, one year older :o((
DeleteWell have a very happy non-birthday today!LOL. I get confused because I have a lot of birthdays to try to remember in May and June. I always enjoy your blog and reading your tips and about your hobbies. Thank you. Always wise advise and a happy inspiration.
DeleteSad that you have to do this, but I understand. Those trolls are even more active since the virus began, probably because there's more of them at home with time on their hands.
ReplyDeleteI have put up with it for long enough. I don't know why people have to be so nasty. Thanks for popping in. xxx
DeleteHi, don't blame you I've had comments moderated since I joined blogger way back, hoping I can still comment, Jo
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for trolls, they must have very unhappy lives, its sad really. I always believe that if you give out good karma and positivity, it comes back to you. As you say its good to be sometimes constructive what I call a critical friend, but always be kind and do it from a good place.
ReplyDeleteIt would seem the trolls are out in force at the moment and it's been building and building. I have none at the moment, they usually give up at my complete lack of wanting to engage, that and me telling them to F off in no uncertain terms. But the spam levels are unprecedented. I catch lots before they get published and have comment moderation on for any comments over 3 days old. They seem to be opening accounts just to post spam, if you are fortunate enough to catch them on day one they don't come back but if you have missed them for a day or two they start to arrive every day.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I have just said all that YOU KNOW!!
I'll still be coming to comment and annoy you though ;-)
I think there are different levels of trolls. Those who do it for devilment, to cause disruption, and sit back and watch the sparks fly. They move very quickly through any blogs, forums, comments sections on newspapers, and social media, spreading their poison wherever they can find a way in. They have nothing better to do. Then there is the other kind which are more persistent because they are on a mission to break the spirit of whoever they deem to be at odds with their own beliefs. When they hook onto someone they are on a mission.
DeleteMy long term troll has admitted that we once met face to face, so I think this is a personal vendetta they have against me.
My goodness that person certainly holds a grudge and for what purpose. So dumb.
DeleteTotally right to take this action. I agree that the net is become nastier. A while back I discovered that one of my neighbours was posting unwarranted vile comments about me on FaceBook. It really upset me, so I think you've been brilliant coping with the trolls.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame that these people think they have a right to do this. I wonder how many will have the backbone to register and put their name to their comment. The wind is driving me mad, lovely for the washing but not for working in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. From time to time I too change who can leave comments. Usually I think I've limited to google account holders just because of too many problems opening it up. On the other hand, I also follow Word Press bloggers and bloggers of other kinds and I too have to open an account just to leave comments for them so I guess it works both ways. All the best with keeping the trolls at bay.
ReplyDeleteThere's one Wordpress I follow, but I'm not keen on their system.
DeleteSo sorry that this is happening to so many bloggers - it is just cowardice.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I'll be able to comment again or not - I find the whole gmail thing confusing - I have it as an option at the office but don't really use it at home.
I will however, continue to read.
You can comment, Margie. This one got through, just carry on doing the same.
DeleteI will keep reading and commenting, Ilona. You have a terrific blog and I am sorry that you have people that try to spoil it.
ReplyDeleteYou are an uplifting spirit! Thanks!
Hi Iona, I did comment earlier but can’t see you have received it. I’m thinking I may have done something wrong so hopefully I can send this one as I love your blog - it cheers me as do your vlog posts. Babs
ReplyDeleteWhatever you did this time, keep on doing it, because it works. Stay cheerful.
DeleteHi Ilona, you are doing the right thing. Trolls have forced the closure of a blog I have been reading for years. I'm not sure why my name shows up as Unknown? I do have a Google account.
ReplyDeleteNeil.
I really don’t understand trolls, what on earth do they get out of it? The sad thing is that some of your regular contributors may feel they don’t want to open an account, so will lose their opportunity to join in.... But I can totally see why you want to out a stop to it all, it must get very wearing (to say the least).
ReplyDeleteI hope things calm down now.
Regards, Karen (lurker of this parish!)
Yes, a few have spoilt it for others. I don't understand why they keep doing it either.
DeleteHi Ilona, always enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the great work. Amanda
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. So sorry you have been trolled. X
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog, it's the first thing I read when computer is up and running, and I don't understand the mindset of these petty attention seekers.keep up the good work and I will still be reading and checking in with the walking group. Joy Central Vic Australia
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for many years but comment rarely.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your take on life , you are a very sensible and wise lady.
I will carry on reading as you are my favourite blogger.
Keep up the good work Ilona.
Eve
I love reading your blog , you are a sensible and very wise lady.I have followed you for years and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work llona, I look forward to your posts as it keeps me on track living my simple life.
Eve