Website comments require Facebook login

Starting today, you will not be able to post a comment on a story on this website until you register using your Facebook account.

The anonymity of our previous system lent itself to abuse in too many cases. Your opinion is worth more when you put your name behind it, and we see many advantages to this move. Simplicity is one of those advantages. Register now with your Facebook login and you'll be able to post a comment immediately.

Of course, there are many of you who don't like Facebook. We're sorry if you decline to participate, but we think this is a move that will satisfy a large segment of our readers.

We will continue to apply a filter to comments, so bad language and some phrases we consider abusive will still automatically block some comments. We will also continue to provide the "Report abuse" button, which helps our editors identify spam and comments that shouldn't be on stories.

Keep your comments on topic.

For more information, read the terms and conditions, linked just above the comment box on each story. We have also provided a Registration FAQ with a feedback form. You can send us a message using this method without registering.