What is this site?

Crablaw.com and the Beyond Eastern Avenue blog are projects of Maryland and DC attorney Bruce Godfrey under the general heading "Crab Media."

How do I reach Bruce Godfrey?

You may reach me at bruce [dot ] godfrey at the dot.com address for this site. I won't spell it out as I get enough invitations for C14Li5 and v146rA already. You may also contact me by phone if you prefer but send me an email first, if you would.

What is the source of the name "Crablaw"?

"Crab" reflects my personality and my roots in Maryland, and "law" is my chosen livelihood.

What is the purpose of this blog and site?

The purpose is to provide thought-provoking amusement for readers and thoughtless amusement for myself. I tend to take life a little too seriously some times so this is my way of letting off some steam and enjoying a little entertainment.

How can I participate?

You may, if you wish, create a "user" account through the log-in window in the sidebar. You may also make anonymous comments, revealing as much or as little of your identity as suits you including none at all at your preference. I request, but do not claim to enforce, that you maintain consistently any identity that you elect to use, if any. I ask this because it makes it easier to maintain a sense of community and meaningful discussions.

What are forums?

Forums are user-created threaded discussions on any topic. I would be happy to entertain forum topics in anything that won't make me interesting to law enforcement. Otherwise, have at it! To create a forum topic, you must register a user name with the site, which is not a big deal.

What are "house rules" about content?

I don't want to make rules, so I ask for your discretion and common sense. I want this site to be a success, and not only with people who have the same vulgar vocabulary and brick-laying and sheet-metal working uncles that I did growing up. While I am not a conservative politically, I respect socially conservative sensibilities about taste. On the other hand, this is a blog, not Emily Post's tea room.

If I think that a post or comment has absolutely, positively, stone zero philosophical, political or social value, I may strike it. If I strike it, I will note that I struck it, and why, unless it is clearly commercial spam (that just dies, no funeral, no grave marker.) But I don't want to give examples, because that sounds like rule making, and once you make rules you are forever doomed to keep making rules.

What is the Maryland Blogger Alliance?

Great question! Here's an FAQ for the Maryland Blogger Alliance. I strongly urge all Maryland Bloggers to join the Maryland Blogger Alliance.