Although I've told you about it before, I think it's time to explain leaving a comment on Richmond.com's stories. I had a question about it last week, so here goes another attempt at explaining the process. I hope the photo illustration below helps as well.

You can leave comments on any Richmond.com story. By any, I really mean any. If it's a story from 2004, you can leave a comment. If it's a story from today, you can leave a comment. It's easy, it's quick and, best of all, it's free.

In the comments section at the end of each story, you see the following fields: Name (with a red star next to it), E-Mail, URL, Comment (with a red star next to it) and What is 2+2? (also with a red star).

The items with the red stars – Name, Comment, 2+2 – are all that are required to leave a comment. Leaving your e-mail address and a URL (a link to a Web site) are optional.

If you leave your e-mail address, a link with the wording "E-mail this user" will appear next to your name after a comment is approved. If you leave a URL, your name will become a hyperlink to whatever Web site you enter.

After you have entered your information, click on "Add Comment" at the bottom on the comments section. After clicking on "Add Comment" it appears that the page has reset itself. Don't worry, though. Your comment – assuming you entered everything correctly – has gone through.

The editorial team at Richmond.com then receives a message that a comment has been left on the story. During normal working hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday), your comment will usually show up within 15 minutes. If it's the middle of the night, on a holiday or during the weekend, it'll take longer.

We have a few simple rules to follow: no cursing, no posting of libelous information and no novels.

After you've left a comment, check back later in the day to see if anyone has responded. The comments section is a great way to start a conversation – you're not limited to how many comments you can post on a story or on the site. And like I said before, it's free. It's pretty darn easy too.