“Instead of imagining a talk being conducted out in an equal and open field, hospitality signals to us that conversation takes place in the particularity of someone’s home, with a host and a guest. The host, out of hospitality, aware that this is home, becomes temporarily the servant of the guest, in order to make the guest comfortable. What we see here is a situation where the one holding the power, being aware of it, temporarily makes an effort to subvert the power relationship with the other, in order to create a situation where a democratic conversation can take place” (Roger Silverstone, Media and Morality).
The quintessential blog host creates an inviting blog, with an open invitation to all. Yes, the host pulls together art (pictures), content, food – entertainment to lure a particular tribe of followers – all the aesthetic accoutrements to create a buzz, a conversation, and commenters. An experienced host always remembers the napkins, the plates and the silverware – and that’s what behavior boundaries are kind of like – something necessary that you do not think about until you need them.
Yes, of course, guests should bring their manners with them, but it is the responsibility of the host to uphold manners at all times.
Setting perimeters sounds so like throwing water on fireworks – but really they keep the fireworks from catching fire and ruining something beautiful.
Mika and I put our heads together, coming up with 5 Boundary-Setting Tips to Create a Comfortable Commenting Environment. Establishing how to handle controversial comments early on will instill confidence when you are slammed with one that… well… is uncomfortable.
Blue Cotton Memory 
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