Our rules are designed to ensure that this remains a place for intelligent discussion and debate, where posters can expect to be treated with respect, no matter their point of view.

As a rough rule of thumb, think of the comments as the online equivalent of a spirited social evening in the pub (lively, but not drunk) — passions can be stirred, but anyone engaging in abusive, intimidatory or bullying behaviour will be dealt with severely by the staff (that’s us, the moderators... bad behaviour will usually mean you lose "live" posting status).

And please don’t demand we explain/justify every decision: the popularity of our website means we don’t have time to engage in dialogue.

To borrow another metaphor: the ref’s decision is always final.

• Be relevant
  Obviously your comment must relate to the article concerned, and to the inherent issue(s). Wherever possible, avoid cutting and pasting the same opinion repeatedly... that leads to dull threads.
• Intelligent debate means just that
  We won’t post comments that in our view aren’t adding to the debate. Criticism of public figures is acceptable as long as it can be deemed fair comment... but don’t resort to childish insults or unfair comparisons.
• Keep it clean
  Religious bigotry, sexism, homophobia, racism and references to disability of any kind won’t be tolerated. Comments using vulgar and abusive language won’t be posted.
• Be nice...
  Robust debate is encouraged, but personal attacks on individual posters and any personal squabbling between posters isn’t permitted. Don’t attempt to post personal information about other contributors. Material which we consider to be defamatory, inflammatory or offensive in any way is liable to be deleted. Threads may be closed at any time at the discretion of the moderators.
• Sports fans — don’t flaunt your colours
  We know that sports of all types stir deep feelings, but please don’t use the site to bait your rivals. Posts which are purely provocative or include club slogans will not be published. However, we don’t insist that individual threads are restricted to fans of the club(s) featured in the related articles.
• Don’t shout or nitpick
  Please don’t use CAPITAL LETTERS to try to make a point, as lots of readers find it the written equivalent of shouting. And don’t try to score cheap points off other posters by highlighting a spelling or grammar mistake (we all make them from time to time!)
• Limit your links
  Because we can’t check the content or technical robustness of other websites, you shouldn’t post live links. Official sites, such as those run by Governments or councils, are acceptable. In the same vein, please don’t introduce material wholesale from any other site into our threads... if you want to comment about that material, go to the other site instead.
• Direct any complaints
  Don’t attempt to use the forum to criticise our publications’ general editorial policies or individual journalists. We’ll always strive to protect our brands, and have a duty of care to our staff. If you have an issue you want to raise, or see something that you think needs correcting, please contact us
• Moderation Process
  Don’t try to post public comments about the moderating process — if you’ve a genuine query not covered by these rules, please contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
• No spam
  Don’t post anything which is designed to promote your business or website, special offers or whatever. They won’t go live. Instead we’ll block you and hand your e-mail details to our advertising sales team.