Yes, indeed, several features have been shut off due to the problems that we have been having.  However, we might have a solution.  I have created a category called "approved user".  To be an approved user you must have a valid email address in your profile.   Once you are approved you will then have access to make posts.  For the time being I will continue to monitor comments to posts.  It is set up so that all comments must be approved before they are visible.

We'll see if this takes care of some of the issues that we have been having.  

Features will slowly be turned back on as we feel confident that the blog will not be abused.

Admin