I now have a security measure on the comments system to prevent spamming. For users who are not logged into the site, they must enter a random 4 letter code to post a comment. This appears below the boxes where you enter your name, email and url. Commenters who are registered and logged in are not required to do this step.
I tried to go with a graphical code that was easy to read. I know some of the sites out there have them that are about impossible to make out. This one is better than those for our readers with eyes that are not so great anymore.
Hopefully this will eliminate the spam problem and allow people to post comments at will again. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused but it is a necessary step. The same spam bot that destroyed Crooks and Liars comments a couple months back is the same one that has been hitting here. Imagine that – it is from a pharmaceutical company. Now that does sound like a right wing conspiracy LOL.