You don’t need to register if you just want to read, but you do need to register if you want to comment. We used to allow self-service registrations, but keeping out the spam registrations was becoming a full-time job.
We no longer ordinarily allow the registration of an anonymous handle, but we will make an exception if we think you have a good reason. If we do make an exception for you, we expect you to provide some insight from your unique perspective. But note well, this is not a license to abuse other commenters. If you abuse the privilege, we reserve the right to revoke your handle. If you want an exception made (for example, you might be a city employee), call or e-mail Lennie and make your case, but in no event will we approve any handle request without knowing who you are. (Some people familiar with WordPress may know there’s a “nickname” feature that allows you to change what the software uses to identify your comment, but we have disabled that feature. Your registered handle is always used, whether or not you’ve used the “nickname” feature.)
To register, send an e-mail to the webmaster at rayfusci@onlyinbridgeport.com. Depending on your email client, if you click on the e-mail link, your draft e-mail may be pre-filled with our two questions, but even if it’s not, be sure to fill out the information as requested below. If the e-mail address you use doesn’t sufficiently identify you by name, add that information in the body of the e-mail. You are responsible for what you write, so your email must come from an individual account, one only you have access to. Group accounts and shared accounts are not acceptable.
Tell me your requested handle. The software only allows letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers and spaces in a handle. Your handle may be creative, but must include your entire name as you are usually called, or your full legal name, or some variation. We reserve the right to approve your handle. Also please write two or three sentences showing you know something about the Bridgeport political players or scene, or something about a local issue, or something showing you know the area, or anything else you want to tell me so I know you’re not some overseas spammer. A simple request, or telling me you’re not a spammer, isn’t enough.
By return e-mail, I’ll send you your registered handle and an initial password (note you can change your password whenever you want by clicking on the “Site Admin” link that replaces the “Register” link after you’ve logged in).
