Bensonmum

So there was a lot of anguish over at Eschaton. The trolls were out of control. There was talk of a registration system, banning, or just giving up. It wasn't just stupid or disagreeable remarks - everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if it is a dumb one. But there seemed to be a campaign to force one regular off the blog by filling up every comment thread with vile attacks on him, then urging everyone else to blame him for bringing those attacks. It got so bad we couldn't have a conversation.

It pissed me off.

Then JP asked why we couldn't block everyone with gravatars.

And so Bensonmum was born. Named after the blind butler in Murder By Death, bensonmum brings the hot chocolate. All it needs is Firefox and Greasemonkey and off you go. It gives total user control. Initially, all comments without gravatars are hidden exept for the poster's name and a view link. Mouse over and see the comment if you want. Click on the link to whitelist the poster - from then on, his comments will be visible even if he doesn't have a gravatar. And if a troll gets a gravatar, just click the "hide" link to blacklist him. Easily reversibly, totally in your control.

I've hardly gotten to use it, because pretty much as soon as it became available all the trolls went away. Ahhh! Fresh air.

Grain Of Truth

If you are someone who really needs a $400 tax rebate, $400 is not gong to solve your problems.