Note to readers: Join the conversation

Seattletimes.com is giving you new tools to turn our Web site into a virtual town square. You can join our site to comment on all our stories, rate the comments of others, write your own movie and restaurant reviews and debate editorials.

We're giving you more control:

• You can vote comments up or down, and filter comments so those with the highest community ratings rise to the top.
• You can report abusive posts.
• You can check out the profiles of other commenters and see what else they've written.
• And soon, you'll be able to see who our readers think are the most valuable commenters on our site.

Register today and join the conversation. All we ask is that you keep it civil: no profanity, no personal attacks. When you disagree -- and that's what this is all about -- please do so agreeably. And don't be surprised if you see Seattle Times reporters and editors showing up to answer questions or clarify points you raise.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact our webmaster.

Welcome. And have fun.

Kathy Best
Managing Editor/Digital News and Innovation
The Seattle Times