April 2009 Archives

Now well into in the fifth year of writing a column, I have long since quit reading the comments section except on very rare occasions. Nowadays I look at the responses maybe one time in twenty, if that -- and then usually because an editor suggests it is necessary.

From those brief excursions, it is clear that people do often expect reply, or at least a certain amount of my attention. In a couple of cases, it even appears that commentators are under the impression that we are engaged in some kind of long-term dialogue. This belief is....well, to put it one way, interesting.

Of course, there are intelligent criticisms, and sometimes even flattering remarks. But that doesn't make a priority to look at the comments more than two or three times a year. There is just too much else to do, and the benefit-to-dismay ratio is not encouraging.

To be candid about it, I am paid to write the column and that's that. My full obligation is met once the editors have sent it along for publication. (If somebody wanted to send me money via PayPal to read their comments, then maybe we could come to some arrangement on a case-by-case basis.)

A guide to Facebook, "the electric friendship generator"....

Evidently gay marriage causes climate change. I did not know this.

Let me thank Rich Byrne for the nod of recognition, which I appreciate even in my present enfeebled condition.

Let's just say that two weeks of nothing but beef jerky and stale Mountain Dew is not good for your system.