I’ve been told by a couple of readers that they were “forbidden” to a) register to comment and b) use the search bar at the top of the right side side bar.
We think the culprit is the CleanTalk plugin we use to keep spam and bad actors out of the comments. CleanTalk works from a database of IP addresses that spammers have used. Therefore, if you are using a VPN that spammers have used or happen to get a dynamically assigned IP that some spammer had, CleanTalk will block you.
One person – a donor as a matter of fact – who had tried to register with no success and had given up, eventually mentioned it to me in email and, when I suggested she turn of either her ad blocker or VPN she was able to register, no problem.
Anyway, I am not quite sure how to proceed. We’ll look at this. If you are getting “forbidden”, try turning off your VPN or adblocker. That could help.
I have to have the CleanTalk or similar plugin on because there can be many thousands of probes and attacks per day.
In any event, I am grateful for everyone’s attention and good will.
Thanks for keeping this going.
And the CSC are the GREATEST!
