I understand that you probably consider this an inelegant alternative, and I would not advocate that you make a similar change to CVilleBlogs or CVilleNews, but I think it was the best solution under the circumstances.

I’m glad you mentioned that, Sean. No, I would not want to make this change to my other aggregator, because it’s a change for the worse. Should my hand be forced similarly, I guess I’d have to, but here’s hoping that doesn’t happen.

Thank you for your kind words.

I have been busy this week, enjoying the holidays with my family, away from work, and most significantly, away from my computer. Other than checking in on email, I was not visiting my regular sites, so I completely missed the tempest-in-a-teapot that was the saga of the late, lamented VPB.

Wow.

First, let me say how sorry I am that this happened. All of it. Through it all, people of integrity recognized your inherent integrity, and I am pleased to see the number of those who came to your defense. Yes, I recognize that you never wanted it to become about you, but it did, and you handled that aspect admirably.

Second, I think your solution, “Waldo’s Virginia Political Blogroll”, although not what you wanted to do, was the best solution. As the administrator of VPB, you were forced to exercise prudent editorial judgment (NOT “censorship”), and in so doing, pierced the barrier between the public commons and private control. Short of handing the site over to an editorial committee, as was suggested in previous comments, I believe that you had no other choice. The new site now carries the “Waldo” brand, a brand that is trusted and respected for its probity and class.

I understand that you probably consider this an inelegant alternative, and I would not advocate that you make a similar change to CVilleBlogs or CVilleNews, but I think it was the best solution under the circumstances.

Third, I personally hope you prohibit image files from the new site (and CVilleBlogs, while you’re at it). We’ve had this discussion before, and I know that you’re not likely to do it, but I think that this step will reduce potential problems in the future and make reading the sites a more pleasant experience, IMHO.

Finally, a simple thank you for continuing to include my semi-pseudonymous blog on WVPB. It appears that I am taking another unintentional sabbatical from my writing, but it is nice to know that when I return, there will still be a common ground for people to view my postings. On behalf of the blogging community, I appreciate all that you do.

Happy holidays, Waldo.

1. Stop being listed on VPB. (Or WVPB, or whatever the hell it is now.)
2. ???
3. Waldo loses lots of money!

There are no ads; I make no money. Whether there are 10 or 170 blogs listed makes no difference in my life. Even if every single blog disappeared from it…then what? I’d have one less thing in life, thus fulfilling my 2006 New Year’s resolutions. Whee.

So, hey, have at it. :)

Oh, excuse me, I just put another bottle of bubbly in to chill… I’m not tipsy enough at the moment… ;-)

– Kat

Do I need to post a copy of your e-mail to me when I asked that you include The Wilting Weed? You did so, and I thanked you, but you were very, very reluctant to do so.

I’ll be very happy to post my response e-mail, Alton:

Wow, what a shameful piece of work that blog is. That’s everything that’s wrong with politics and blogging, all in one site. I’m glad that no Democrat runs such a blog about Rep. Goode.

But, hey, everybody gets included, so it’s on the aggregator now, or
will be as of the next update.

This is a great example of me being extremely accommodating. Thanks for bringing it up.

Tipsy? I guess not. I had two drinks over Christmas, the first in 6 months or more.

I know what you are saying Greg. We are in an alternate blogoverse (yes, I just made that up).

It did trigger some thoughts, but more of the variety of, “What is the learning disability of this person?”

Of course, I am not Waldo. However, I am a friend of Al’s.

Does qualitative observations count as friendly blogging?

Do I need to post a copy of your e-mail to me when I asked that you include The Wilting Weed? You did so, and I thanked you, but you were very, very reluctant to do so.

You have made my predictions on this little drama’s direction look pretty good. Now let’s see how many poseurs/lemmings will follow you over the cliff.

Oh, I hear THAT! I cook dinner for the family, and – while I love it – it’s a lot of work! My wrists are still aching from all the chopping I did *grin*

Um, so… Are you going to come to dinner, or what? ;-)

– Kat

But really, do we disagree about that much? Aside from politics (which are among the least important things one can know about another person), I’d wager we agree one quite a lot.

On that I must absolutely agree. It’s only within the tiny area of the world of politics on which we disagree, and even then it’s surely just on the minority of things that separate the two parties. Thank you for that reminder, Norm.