Is it possible? Could there be decent, respectful online dialog regarding hot-button political issues? I have a theory.

The biggest reason you don’t see decent dialog online is because of anonymous jerks. The old formula goes something like, “Take a normal person, add in anonymity on the Internet, plus a world-wide audience, and you get a flaming jerk.”

Here’s a cartoon I posted back in April that pretty much encapsulates the commenting urge:

The birth of eternal commenting.

Because of this fact, and because I enjoy making pontifications on political blogs, I’ve come up with three rules, which I believe that if followed would lead to more civilized political blogging. I follow them, and I’ve had a much more enjoyable commenting experience:

Rule 1. Blog Using Your Own Name.

You sign a letter to the editor with your own name, why not blog that way? If you believe what you’re saying, and are sincere, then hang your name on it. If everyone followed this rule, I think there would be no angry, anonymous bloggers. How could there be?

There are only two reasons I can think of not to use your own name:

A. Your prohibited from blogging under your own name by your employer. Blogging could get you fired, and therefore you blog anonymously. This solution works, providing that you don’t fall under category B:

B. You’re an asshole. Sure, you’re a nice guy in person, your friendly with the neighbors, you may even go to church. But secretly you enjoy poking someone in the ribs online because you’re anonymous and no one will ever find out.

Fortunately, Rules #2 and #3 will help you deal with the weirdos who don’t care about Rule #1.

Rule 2. Make Only One Comment.

A blog is not a dialog. Hardly. Well, maybe in New Jersey, but online comments don’t stay civil for long because, as the cartoon above shows, people don’t like someone saying something they disagree with. So rather than dialog, be happy with making just one comment. Make it a good one.

Now should someone post another comment asking you a question, then limit your reply to the answer as it relates to the topic at hand. So if someone says, “How could you say that and not be a king-sized jackanape?” Then don’t reply. But if someone asks, “Where can I find more information,” then you reply.

Rule 3. Ignore anyone who doesn’t adhere to Rules 1 and 2.

The people who are out to cause upset and troll the blogs don’t care about you or your opinions, so there’s no point in engaging them. They’re easy to spot, but difficult to ignore, which is why I crafted this rule.

If you have trouble spotting the trolls, then ask yourself these questions regarding their posts:

1. Do they stick to the subject?
2. Do make a comment about another comment?
3. Do they call someone a name or attack them personally as opposed to addressing the issue?

If the answer is “Yes” to any of those, then don’t reply. Don’t even read the comment.

Adhering to these rules isn’t a must, but I believe if you attempt to follow them even slightly, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience and feel that your contributing towards a positive end, as opposed to adding more noise to the room.