Thoughts on my participation
I didn’t know what to call this post since it is about myself, a topic I tend to try to obscure in public for reasons of personality quirks. But I need to open this up for Angry Bear contributors and readers, whom I actually admire and for whom I feel a great respect. I do not say that enough I think. More under the fold for those who want to follow.
I am having medical treatments over the last several months for conditions not life threatening but that leave me dulled both cognitively and in the inner fire necessary to keep a national blog going with quality content. (Also severe headaches sometimes) I know this has carried over to AB in the public arena, but I was minimizing my role and actual joy that I get from AB.
I have not shared this with the Bears for some reason, for which I apologize…my thanks to Ken especially for stepping up to provide content but without the needed background to know what he was stepping up to accomplish. And to Mike for help sorting out some of the ambivalence over the time and energy demands invisible to readers but neccessary to running a blog not simply personal in nature. As an avocation, it is easier to use the blog as part of a business plan or to further professional goals as an economist than to remain an amateur (financial or status incentives removed).
As I get better I can be more focused and wrestle with the balance of contributions between solid economic presentations technical in nature and the more political and social values expressed in the media debates that are at the core of ‘economic thought’ in public discussions. The demands of either tend to have different requirements.
Anyway, it will still take some time to get back up to speed.
Dan,
I can’t say that I would have shared all of that but it is done.
I am hopeful that more main posters will step up and help you out. The readership numbers are starting to come back, but some of the main posts in my opinion are…shall I say…not quite as good as they could be. It strikes me that it boils down to whether the main posters want AB to be a top flight econ blog or a second or third tier operation.
Good message, Dan.
Hang in there.
Best wishes, Dan. And hopes for a full recovery. 🙂
A note to all…
The amount of work and effort that Dan has put into Angry Bear is tremendous. AB is an odd duck. Unlike most of the well known blogs by economists, most of the writers don’t actually have some professional motivation for writing. We aren’t (except for Robert) academics, and in general we don’t generate business for ourselves by writing. Under the circumstances, it is remarkable that Dan has motivated so many people for so long.
Dan,
Get well soon. I hope full a quick and full recovery!
BP
Let me ditto Buff’s sentiment.
No, I’m sorry, this isn’t good enough.
Yes, Yes, I know that you and I Dan, we disagree on whether kittens are cute or which is the best sauce for BBQ’d puppies.
But, I’m sorry, this just isn’t good enough. If you don’t tell us you’re not well then how are we supposed to interpret your not posting very much? That you don’t love us any more? And if that’s true, or if it is indeed that you’re ill, how are we supposed to know to send you care packages if you haven’t told us?
I’ve no idea whether your state of residence allows bottles of wine mail order, bottles of anything stronger such, but I demand that you tell me! You have my email.
And as for leaving us to the tender mercies of Ken and Mike…..Dear Lord, just two minor reasons to add to the major one of hoping for your speedy recovery.
Yes, there’s a certain Englishness to this comment but really: how could you not have let us know?
Dan,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. (It seems you may be ‘back in action’ just in time).
ray
rdan,
What Tim Worstall and Mike said.
Dan
take care of yourself.
My Friend:
Not much I can say here as I am a part time poster to Angry Bear. Give me a call or email me and lets chat a bit on how I can help. You are the life blood of Angry Bear. It is your energy which has kept the Bear going.
Hope you feel better.
A speedy recovery Dan. AB is still daily reading for me. Thank you.
Dan,
I come here occasionally to get some reasoned thoughts and stuff to chew on that I might not understand and come away very satisfied with the mix of information and opinions on your blog. I hope you and others can keep up the good work.
I am sorry for your health challenges and can only offer my experience as an example for you. In 2006 I was sideswiped by a Chevy Avalanche at hwy speed, took off the side mirror with the back of my bicycle helmeted head, got thrown 20 feet, knocked out for 10 min, blah, blah blah. I didn’t die like told I should have and to look at me I am the picture of health now…..smoke and mirrors are helpful.
Your are the key to your recovery. Heal yourself, you are worth it.
As Bob Dylan says in Its Alright Ma……those not busy being born are busy dying.
Be well.
What Tim Worstall Said.
The prayers of all of the Rustbelt family are with you.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
sorry you’re ill, pal. hope you do better shortly. best. nancyo
Dan, get well.
I have a few more posts for you that I have written, but that is secondary right now. Make sure you take care of yourself.
Your Friend,
Mike
Thank you friends. Dan
Stepping up could apply to main commenters as well. Maybe a Guest Post? One making a specfici argument/policy proposal?