Why do I have to register to comment?
Our new Lightning blog contains new security features that will allow us to block or remove privileges from users who do not follow our comment policy.

Can I use my current Typepad login to access the new site?
No. In an effort to provide the best security, we decided to start fresh. You can re-use your Typepad user name, however, you’ll need to go through our validation process to create a secure account.

What if someone has already registered using my Typepad user name?
In that instance, we request that you choose a new user name. Part of our security hinges on the fact that user name cannot be duplicated once a valid account has been established.

How does this security work?
While we can’t reveal all details around this process, it’s important to understand how we establish an account. A new user must provide us with two things: a user name and a valid e-mail address. To validate the account, we send an e-mail to the user at his or her e-mail address. Until the user confirms the e-mail address by returning to our site and using the security code that we e-mailed, the account will not be established. Once the account is validated, the user name and e-mail address cannot be used by another user. The user name is forever tied to the e-mail address in the user’s account on the site.

Can somebody use an existing user name and a different e-mail address to validate an account?
No, that is not possible.

Can somebody use an existing e-mail address in the system and a different user name to validate an account?
No, that is not possible.

Once I have created an account, can I change my user name?
No. The user name remains in the system unless we delete it. Users can change their passwords, their e-mail addresses and their first and last name via their account page on the site.

What displays on my profile page?
Your first name (the name you create with the account) and how long you have been a member. If you modify your first name on your account name from, say, "Jim" to "Rutabaga," the name Rutabaga will display on your profile page.

Will my e-mail address be used to spam me?
Personal information you provide may be used by us to improve our services or to inform you about special coverage events, promotions, sales and other information. No personal information about you will be intentionally disclosed by the St. Petersburg Times to any third parties. We do share aggregate statistics about our users with our advertisers. For example, we may tell advertisers how many of our users are male or female or live in a certain zip code. These aggregate statistics do not contain any identifiable individual information. Read more on our privacy policy.