I’ve noticed some confusion in the Dodger Thoughts comments lately about this guideline: “Thank you for not using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively.”

I suppose this guideline could have been written more clearly, though it’s never been an issue until recently.

In any case, this is not a ban against sarcasm. Saying something like, “Gee, the Dodgers are awesome this year” is not forbidden. The idea of the guideline is to prevent people from mocking each other. I learned ago that making sarcastic remarks about another person’s comment is a really effective way to breed bad blood in the comments, and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.

While we’re on the subject of comments, a reminder to abide by No. 8: “Thank you for not making the same point over and over again.” That’s a very easy thing to have trouble with in a year like this one, but it’s worth trying to heed.

Every one of the 12 commenting guidelines is designed to keep the banter at Dodger Thoughts thoughtful and friendly, including the ninth one, which keeps me from getting unthoughtful and unfriendly. With the new commenting system starting to build the commenting totals back to Baseball Toaster levels (Saturday’s 700-plus was our biggest total at ESPNLosAngeles.com), it’s important that, even if we disagree with each other, we respect each other. Thanks!