The area for comments after stories on AlbertLeaTribune.com is a place where people can share thoughts and ideas.

But there are right ways and wrong ways for public discourse.

We will remove comments that are libelous, defamatory or name-calling. We also will remove vulgar and repugnant comments.

Posts after stories are part of the spirit of community enlightenment that the Tribune wants. We like to allow people to speak their mind and even disagree, because we favor speech and dialogue, but we don’t want it to become illegal, profane or lewd speech.

Sure, you can say negative comments, but there are right ways and wrong ways. Here are some examples:

OK: John Smith is bad for Albert Lea’s image.

Not OK: John Smith was convicted of a crime and should be in jail.

OK: I wouldn’t give Mayor Daley the time of day.

Not OK: Mayor Daley is a scumbag.

OK: It’s a horrible day.

Not OK: It’s a s—-y day. (In other words, even fake swearing is not allowed.)

To the people who made negative comments about “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” Larson Contracting, or others who are donating time and labor to this great cause, it’s rather unfathomable that people find negative aspects to it all. We are frankly disappointed.

Let’s clear up some basics:

♦ Makeover winner Dirk DeVries is not related to Larson Contracting President Lynn DeVries. It’s just a common name.

♦ People are donating their time. It does not mean they are going without their usual paychecks.

♦ Yes, probably the only thing Larson Contracting and other partners are getting out of all this is publicity. But publicity happens when a national TV show comes to your town. It’s unavoidable. But these folks aren’t doing this for publicity. It’s about helping the DeVrieses and showing the nation what a great place Freeborn County is.

These donors have bent over backward. If people feel the need to vent, do so toward the Tribune. We have big shoulders. Leave the local givers alone.