Comment Policy

Last updated: March 2025

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. General Principles
  3. Prohibited Content
  4. Moderation Practices
  5. User Accountability
  6. Best Practices for Valuable Comments
  7. Legal Considerations
  8. Changes to This Policy
  9. Contact Information
  10. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

At AQ Media, we believe in fostering thoughtful discussion across our five content areas: Business & Finance, Technology & Science, Lifestyle & Entertainment, Sports, and Arts & Culture. Our comment section is designed to extend the conversation our expert contributors begin, allowing our community to share perspectives, ask questions, and engage with both our writers and fellow readers.

This Comment Policy outlines the standards we expect from all participants in our comments section. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines.

General Principles

Respectful Discourse

We encourage lively debate and diverse perspectives, but require all participants to maintain a respectful tone. Our community thrives on constructive dialogue where different viewpoints can be expressed without personal attacks.

Topical Relevance

Comments should be relevant to the article's subject matter. While we welcome tangential points that add value to the discussion, completely off-topic comments may be removed.

Factual Foundation

When making factual claims, especially on complex topics across our content areas, please consider providing sources when possible. This strengthens the discussion and provides valuable context for other readers.

Prohibited Content

Comments containing any of the following will be removed:

  • Personal attacks, insults, or hostile language directed at authors, other commenters, or individuals mentioned in articles
  • Discriminatory content based on race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
  • Deliberate misinformation or content that misrepresents verifiable facts
  • Spam, commercial solicitations, or repetitive content
  • Profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity
  • Content that encourages or promotes illegal activity
  • Private or personally identifying information about others (doxxing)
  • Content that violates intellectual property rights
  • Threats or content that incites violence
  • Links to malicious websites or inappropriate content
  • Content that attempts to impersonate others

Moderation Practices

Moderation Approach

Our moderation team reviews flagged comments and may review others at their discretion. Moderation decisions consider both our policy guidelines and the specific context of the conversation.

Actions We May Take

Depending on the nature and severity of policy violations, our response may include:

  • Removing the comment
  • Editing the comment to remove prohibited content (while preserving the overall point)
  • Issuing a warning to the commenter
  • Temporarily suspending commenting privileges
  • Permanently banning repeat offenders from our comment section

Appeals Process

If you believe your comment was removed in error, you may appeal the decision through our Contact Form. Please include the article title, approximate time of your comment, and a brief explanation of why you believe the moderation decision should be reconsidered.

User Accountability

Account Requirements

To comment on AQ Media, you must:

  • Create a user account or sign in through an approved social media platform
  • Provide a valid email address (which will not be publicly displayed)
  • Select a username that does not violate our content guidelines

One Account Per Person

Each reader should maintain only one account. Multiple accounts created to circumvent moderation decisions or to create the appearance of broader support for a viewpoint are prohibited.

Best Practices for Valuable Comments

Contribute Meaningfully

The most valued comments on AQ Media:

  • Add new perspectives to the discussion
  • Provide relevant personal experiences that enrich understanding
  • Offer additional context or information not covered in the article
  • Ask thoughtful questions that advance the conversation
  • Respectfully challenge assumptions with reasoned arguments
  • Connect ideas across different articles or topics

Comment Structure

For maximum clarity and impact:

  • Stay concise and focused
  • Break longer comments into logical paragraphs
  • Consider using numbered points for multiple arguments
  • Quote specific parts of the article you're addressing (when relevant)
  • Prioritize clarity over rhetorical flourishes

Rights Grant

By posting comments on AQ Media, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish, display, and distribute your comments on our website and potentially in other formats (such as featured comment collections).

Liability

AQ Media is not responsible for user-generated content in the comments section. However, we make reasonable efforts to monitor and remove content that violates our policies or applicable laws.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Comment Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the comment features after changes to the policy constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Comment Policy or wish to report a comment that violates our guidelines, please contact us through our Contact Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was my comment removed?

Comments are typically removed when they violate one or more guidelines in this policy. The most common reasons include personal attacks, off-topic content, or misinformation.

How quickly are comments moderated?

We strive to review flagged comments promptly, but moderation speed may vary depending on volume. Some comments may be held for review before appearing on the site.

Do you moderate comments based on political viewpoint?

No. We welcome diverse perspectives across the political spectrum. Comments are moderated based on adherence to our guidelines, not political orientation.

Can I edit my comment after posting?

Yes, you can edit your comment for a limited time after posting. After this window, you'll need to post a new comment.

How can I report an inappropriate comment?

Please use the "Report" button located near each comment or contact us through our Contact Form if you encounter problematic content.

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