From this morning's Drudge Report

READ THE WHOLE STORY about "A Call for Manners in the World of Nasty Blogs".

Basically it seems to boil down to this: some people think that deleting ugly/rude/nasty comments left by 'trolls' smacks of denying the right to free speech.
Other bloggers think that a code of conduct is in order.

"Bloggers could then pick a set of principles and post the corresponding badge on their page, to indicate to readers what kind of behavior and dialogue they will engage in and tolerate. The whole system would be voluntary, relying on the community to police itself."

What do I think? I think those "prominent" bloggers that the article speaks of would get hate-mail either way.
People are jealous of others' successes (I'm often jealous, so I know), and will try to torment them.
Do I need a "badge" to advertise what I'll put up with and what I won't?
No, you'll find out quick enough if you cross a line with me.

And what about those bloggers (I know that you've run across them from time to time as well!) who think that ANY comment/remark that is in disagreement with their own opinion is a "troll" comment?
I've left comments that weren't particularly..."nice", I guess...but they weren't trollish either. Just my take on what the person had to say. TWICE one of my LiveJournal friends has taken down a post because she didn't like my comment--and frankly, she's not the only one who's done that. Then she re-posted the entry later...sans my comment. She doesn't particularly like comments that don't feed her ego. Hey, that's her right...even though it made me feel like a troll. My solution is/was to stay away from her blog.

So far *knock wood* *taptaptap*, the only comments I've deleted are the ones offering me Viagra or Cialis...but if I want to delete something, I will--whether or not it's right or wrong. I don't see any need to discuss that with you first.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Blogs are like titty bars. If you don't like what they've got on display, don't go there.

Seems pretty simple to me.

Your opinions? What do you think--do we bloggers need a "Code Of Conduct"? And if it's instituted, do you think it will actually be respected or do any good?