This has been in the works for a very long time and today’s the day we launch it. No doubt, this will take some getting used to, but it’s change that I think will add new depth and possibilities for debate and discussion.
“In the News” is now the place for comments and even diaries, short or long.
Commenting on my posts will no longer be available within the main column.
But you’ll have plenty of space to rant away, even start a rhetorical rumble over “In the News.” It’s your section.
One of the things I’m really hoping will happen is dissenters will show up. I’ve been getting a lot of email on the subject of some people feeling frozen out, so maybe with “In the News” moved to a more prominent role on this site that will change.
I also hope some diaries appear.
I also hope that if you like a post you’ll use “Digg” more often.
This site has undergone a lot of changes in the last six months, especially recently, with more to come. The switch to focusing on foreign policy more and more over these months has brought new readers in, just as it has chased away many others. There is no doubt we’ve seen a real switch in our traffic. However, the important posts and subjects I’m just beginning to cover since moving to D.C. will continue to remain the focus, no matter the shifts in readership, though I believe we’ll see expansion as the changes solidify and more readers interested in foreign policy analysis find that is my main beat. Regardless, it’s following my bliss, my passions, something to which I’ve always been completely committed.
Seriously, how many other blogs do you see cover a foreign policy conference call with two prominent Arab-Israelis talking about the new Netanyahu-Lieberman government? That’s not a subject for everyone, but it’s one of the many foreign policy topics I believe is important, which is the basis on which I judge what subjects to cover.
I value every single reader. I also value all of the commenters, whom I hope will jump over “In the News” and continue what they would have done here, even change the subject.
I’d also like to take a moment to thank those of you who support this important enterprise of mine, with some of you jumping in to donate, even some doing the subscription I suggested last year. Others of you made a verbal pledge to donate, but haven’t made good on it, which I hope you’ll consider doing in the near future. To those of you who hit my advertisers, thank you! Clicking on the ads helps, too. However, it only takes $5 a month to make a difference to a small business owner like myself, though more is very much appreciated. So to SusanC, Craig, EMarie, Susan, Jane Austin, Tony, Paige, Denise, Sylvia, Jan, Boohall, Shelia, Shana, Gwen, Eddie, and so many others, thank you. It’s expensive and difficult to be a soul proprietor, especially when you wade into foreign policy waters so often, though you can bet I’ll always offer the political analysis as well. Oh, and podcasts are on the way, promise.
One last note. One of the things you haven’t seen often here is harsh criticism of President Obama. Part of that is due to the reality that in covering foreign policy the change from Bush-Cheney to Obama-Biden (and Clinton) has brought a gust of crisp, fresh air into the world. As many blogs focus on the economy, their criticism of Obama has been met with a sharp slap of indignation from the Obama faithful that threatens to shut down dissent through flame wars. I’ve gotten a lot of emails on this subject recently. We all have a duty to openly debate and criticize our President when it’s warranted. Dissenters are just as passionately supportive of our President as anyone, but also feel a duty to expect more out of him, especially considering what was promised. People covering the economic crisis full time know all about change not exactly being delivered.
Anyway, thanks for showing up here when you do, commenting, but also to share news you see, which I hope will become a bigger part of this little spot in new media over in your section of TM.com.
Meanwhile, I’ll be working like mad, as always. If you want to talk, just drop me a line. Maybe I’ll start sharing some of what you send, you know, besides the hate mail I still receive. I read everything sent to me, even if I don’t always have time to write back.
Thanks for your support. I appreciate it more than I can say.
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