Loading...Time to pause and take the pulse of the blog. I’d like your feedback, if you’d be willing to give it (see below). We’ve been at this for four years and five months now, without a stop in the action. Every week for the entire period I’ve posted 5-6 times, normally about a thousand words a pop. In addition, I have posted numerous videos and audio recording. Every week I now devote one post to answer members’ questions, on the Weekly Readers’ Mailbag. On top of that I approve all the comments that come in – normally 20-30 a day – and respond to questions that come in there.
So the content continues to come and that’s all to the good. My ultimate goal, as you know, is to raise money for charity, and that too is good: this past (fiscal) year we raised $117,000. Fantastic. That was a sizeable advance over the previous year, which saw a sizeable advance over the previous year, which saw a sizeable advance over the first year.
My HOPE was that the blog would keep growing, and that once again we would have a sizeable advance this year. I’m sorry to report that so far that’s not happening. Maybe last year was our banner year. But I’m hoping we can do better. At this point we’re a bit behind our pace from last year instead of well ahead of it.
Which is why I want to pause and take the blog’s pulse. I want to do whatever I can to make it as good as can be, and for that I’d like your imput. Here is what I’d like from you. Please indicate, by way of a comment in response:
- The two things (if there are two things) that you like best about the blog
- The two things (if there are two things) that you think are most problematic about the blog
- And ONE thing (if you can think of a thing) that we can do to make it better and raise more money.
I won’t be able to respond to every comment. In fact, probably to none of them. If all of you responded that would be, well, thousands. I know not all of you will. But I really do want to know your views. So give me a response if you feel so moved!
Bart
I like EVERYTHING about the blog and have no crticisims.
maybe a plea for all subscribors to inform their family and friends
and everyone likes a discount ….
maybe offer a 3 year subscription at 10 % off … if you don’t already
I love it, just as I love your books. There’s nothing I’d like to see changed. I like the specific topics, but I also enjoy the questions and answers.
Dr. Ehrman:
I’m pretty satisfied with the quantity, quality, and varied subject matter of your posts. Periodically I get behind, but listing the last 15-20 on the right side with the ones I have read helps catch up. I have shared your website with friends I thought would be interested — some may have signed up, some may not. The most problematic things is, well, this is not something of universal interest. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be, just not where some of even my more thoughtful acquaintances would spend time.
In omnibus pax,
George Carlson
I like that you work your posts into a thread or even better a “quilt” that carries us along not only a thought but an actual thought process.
I like your Blast from the Past, which gets us into older stuff that is just as valuable. I might not have gone back and read that bit. It gives me ideas of things to search for.
On that, searching isn’t exactly intuitive. I don’t know how that can be fixed, as I surely don’t want a redesign because that just forces me to relearn buttonology–which is not what I joined the blog for.
I can tell you what I would pay a little extra for, but I don’t have a clue as to how that should manifest onto your blog. I have taken your reading suggestions from this blog and from your new testament textbook–and set myself up for the next couple of years. I would be more than willing to double my subscription fee if you would add a section about what you think about particular authors/books/work, and whether or not you agree/disagree. Obviously this can’t turn into a seminar for you, as you would never get anything else done. But if I’m currently reading E. P. Sanders’ The Historical Figure of Jesus (which I am), would you be willing to write a thread of things to look for? Would this call for multi-level memberships and if so can you set that up?
Thanks. Yes, Sanders is the real deal.
Your “check in” reminded me to make a donation. I’m a former Catholic seminarian with a MA in Theology (summa cum laude) turned nonprofit hospital fundraiser and occasional adjunct professor of theology. My suggestions: add a more convenient placement of a “donate” option next to the login and register etc list; add a sentence or two update about a recipient charity at the end of your blog every now and then and just ask more often. You have my dream job but at 54 getting the needed PHD not an option so what I love about the blog it keeps me current on your important scholarship. I’m a YouTube follower too!
My knowledge of the bible is limited to what I learned in Sunday school as a kid,a long time ago,reading your books and your blog.
I would like to see a suggested reading list,especially other scholars.
I ‘d also like to see more Old Testament content
Thank you so much, I have learned a lot from your books and this blog
What I like most about the blog is your personal interaction, and I can’t think of anything problematic. I like it the way it is!
Raising Money: You could raise the price of the membership. That could be for everyone upon renewal or for newly acquired members.
And/Or you could even send out a mass goal-setting email to members asking for extra donations. Maybe a certain goal for the holidays (since it is running short this year) and then set an annual goal for next year. Whatever you decide, I think people would respond more often if they were given updates–as in a quarterly email for the annual goal–along with one of those thermometer-type visuals that show where we’re at and how far we have to go.
It would also be nice if the emails included some information about where the money is going either by providing links to the websites (ex. Durham Ministries) or videos that show exactly how the donations are helping others.
Hopefully, you reach the goal you have in mind, but if not, you’re still doing a very good thing. Whatever is raised, I’m sure the charities are grateful.
*The posts are interesting and often fun to read. There is much to be learned on a daily basis.
Everyone interested should know what can be learned about the New Testament from the blog. How can we make the blog generally known?
*Find ways to increase the membership.
Just keep doing what you are doing. The money will come..
I like:
1. Your detailed information. Skimming is for milk.
2. The variety of subjects in your posts
What to improve:
1. Offer (on a regular basis, perhaps weekly) a few verses as you would translate the New Testament.
2. Offer archaeological history about digs that are relevant to the NT, whether completed or in progress or planned.
Thank you.
Joe
Two things I like best: (1) the incredible Ehrman explanatory technique, which is amazing to watch, and (2) the really interesting subject-matter presented in digestible chunks every day. As a teacher, I love to watch someone explain something masterfully, and Ehrman does that over and over.
Problem: the login process is really annoying. For a week or more, the site will retain my login, then for a while it will lose my login after a day or two over and over, then it will keep me logged in for another week or more. I wish you’d either force a new login every day or retain my login much more permanently.
If you’re not getting more people, then the other way to raise more money is to charge more.
Incidentally, thanks for God’s Problem, in my opinion your best trade book. Watching you build that book-length explanation was delightful, even if you did come to the wrong conclusion in the end.
Perhaps it would be more informative to ask those who cancelled their subscriptions, so to speak, why they left. After all, those who can answer your question here are satisfied enough that they are here.
“The two things (if there are two things) that you like best about the blog”
You cover a wide variety of topic areas.
You go in (great) depth on certain topics
The two things (if there are two things) that you think are most problematic about the blog
I rarely read others comments. If stopping this gives you more time, all to the good.
That’s it.
And ONE thing (if you can think of a thing) that we can do to make it better and raise more money.
Can’t think of anything.
The two things I like best about the blog are: your ability to deal with complex subjects in plain English and the stimulating (I was going to say ideas) facts and analysis you bring us. I don’t really have any problems with the blog – it is one of my favourite places – but if pressed I would say I would like to see more about ‘discoveries” (I’m obsessed with news) and more about what drives people to believe things which are plainly not true. Your work on memory is the sort of thing I mean in the second point). On raising money: first of all, take a moment to congratulate yourself. You have monetised biblical textual criticism. People struggle to do this with sex and gambling. They fail with traditional journalism. You are a legend. I can think of no individual who has succeeded like you do. Can you do better? Who knows. If pressed I would suggest looking for tiers of membership – so those who get the most value can choose more. I’d think about getting some advice about building the membership base. I do not see ads for your site on there sites where interested people hang out. And I would think about employing people to take your existing scholarship and turning it into further marketable products – an annotated publication of the books Paul actually did write. Maybe an annotated Bible? A half-way good editor or journalist could easily make these into online and paper products. And on donations – give them a human face. Tell people what projects benefit. And maybe try to set up tax-free charities internationally to encourage those outside the US to give more. I can’t believe that there is a blog where a scholar of your standing will actually answer my questions. It is fantastic. Is a buy Bart a beer app out of the question?
Like best:
– direct interaction with you
– the level of detail that you provide when you tackle a subject. No question is left unanswered.
Problematic:
– basic user interface. I suggest you look at other blogs and ‘borrow’ best practices.
To make it better (2 things):
– MOOCs (don’t hate me for bringing this subject up again). With MOOCs, you will be talking directly to people (tens of thousands) who will be interested in joining the blog and pay to your charity. You will also do a better job than most current Christianity MOOCs facilitators.
– make an app (paid for).
Both suggestions (combined) will make the $117k look so little.
Well, I have been an avid reader of similar blogs and your blog is by far and away the best and the most productive of all of them. In all honesty, I would not change a thing. I still worry that you are going to wear out. I often think that my particular religious quest has gotten about as far as it is going to get so I don’t read about this topic as much as I used to read, but that says nothing about the quality of your blog. What I like best now is when you share things about your own religious quest, but all of your blogs are interesting which is no easy trick. To save yourself some time, you might occasionally copy a summary of one of your books and call it “Books at a Glance,” Probably the only thing missing from my quest is how and why some scholars end the quest by becoming liberal Christians. Deism and theism I understand, because of the cosmological (first cause) and teleological (design) arguments, but how people become liberal Christians, when so much of it seems to be based on legendary, rather than historical events, is a mystery to me. I would like to know more about how liberal Christians work this out. Finally, your Bible and New Testament textbooks are just loaded with good stuff written in a terrific format and you need to let readers know more about these textbooks.
I think the blog is terrific and I would hate to see it go away. I try to stay relatively current with the posts but if I get behind, it’s easy to binge and catch up.
What I like. The main thing is that it keeps me fresh on the wealth of information I’ve gleaned from you over the years. I have some of your books, copies of the great courses and have watched numerous YouTube videos. It’s safe to say you are the most influential person in shaping my beliefs (or not beliefs).
What I don’t like – not much. I don’t get much from the comments section and generally ignore them. Too many are poorly written, ramble on and never seem to go,any where. I also have trouble when I try to search for a previous post, but that may just be a cockpit problem on my end.
Keep up the good work!
The Blog breaks down bigger and more complicated subjects into bite size pieces which are much easier to understand and digest. The Blog becomes a habit which allows me to continue to learn.
I have not identified anything problematic about the blog.
You might put a link where people are reminded about the fund raising and a place where additional contributions may be made. Even $10 contributions can add up to be substantial.
What I like best is the ability to read targeted discussions of issues without the need to read a whole book, although I have bought all your books.
Hi Bart
What I like most:
1) The fascinating subject matter ably elucidated by your expert scholarship.
2) Your intimate involvement on a daily basis.
What I find problematic. Nothing.
Suggestion for signing up more people and, therefore, raising more money:
Ask members to approach three people to join and anybody who succeeds in getting, say, three additional members gets a free trade book of yours free of charge (subject to a total upper limit). Obviously those new members will need to let you know who it was who encouraged them to join.
Hello Dr. Ehrman:
You are doing a great job with your blog. I especially appreciate your effort to improve the world via your fundraising for good causes.You are a mensch!
Here are my questions, that perhaps, you will graciously answer:
Dr. William Lane Craig, in his numerous books, lectures, and debates claims that:
The fact that Mark uses ‘on the first day of the week’ [Mk 16:2] confirms that his tradition is very old,
even antedating the third day reckoning. This fact is confirmed by the linguistic character of the phrase
in question. For although ‘the first day of the week’ is very awkward in the Greek, when translated back
into Aramaic it is perfectly smooth and normal. This suggests that the empty tomb tradition reaches all
the way back to the original language spoken by the first disciples themselves.
So, are Dr. Craig’s assertions valid? I have not found any biblical commentators [in their commentaries on the Gospel of Mark] who cite or confirm Dr. Craig’s assertion. Therefore, to recap:
1. Does the phrase confirm that the tradition is very old?
2. is ‘the first day of the week’ very awkward in the Greek, yet when translated back
into Aramaic it is perfectly smooth and normal?
3. Does this phrase, in fact, suggest that the empty tomb tradition reaches all
the way back to the original language spoken by the first disciples themselves?
Thank you.
Michael Alter
People were telling stories about Jesus in Aramaic for decades — so why does an original Aramaic saying prove anything that we don’t already know? Already by the time Paul converted (33 CE or so) Christians were saying that Jesus arose three days after his death. Does anyone doubt that? I’m not sure what view Craig is arguing against.
Do you mean 3 days after his death, or on the 3rd day? In the bigger picture that’s trivial, but I believe you are deeply devoted to accuracy (if it’s possible)
In the NT it is on the third day, but by one way of counting, that is the *same* as “three days” (even if it’s not for us)
I like “Bart’s recent posts.” I am able to come back to threads and binge read, like I do on Netflix.
I also like that the threads show up in my Facebook timeline. I am able to save threads and visit them when I have time.
Problematic: The site does not always recognize me when I log back in, even though I click “remember me.”
The two things I like best about the blog:
1. Just the fact that such a wonderful source of information exists! A “painless” way to learn about early Christianity, without having to slog through writings that are deadly dull.
2. The fact that *you* still read and reply to our Comments – that you haven’t enlisted graduate students or other volunteers to do part of it.
Two “problems”: I can’t think of anything serious! But possible minor ones…
1. We’re still submitting *long* Comments (and I’m as guilty as anyone).
2. Sometimes someone asks a question, and you reply; but the subject matter is so obscure that some of us might not understand the question *or* the answer. In cases like that, a brief explanation might be helpful.
I can’t think of ways you could “make it better and raise more money.” I’ve never thought the blog could keep growing indefinitely, if only because some members will inevitably drop out. And members have other interests as well, other appeals for donations. (One thing to keep in mind is that many Americans are donating to political causes this year.)
It’s *unbelievable* how much money people donate to political candidates! Quite remarkable, really.
Perhaps to raise more money you should consider running for office 😉
Ha! That’s a good one!
Bart
Two things liked:
1. You answer/read everything. Creates a loyal fan base, me included.
2. Consistent new daily content. You’re a workhorse plain and simple.
Two things to improve readership:
1. Your books sell like hotcakes. Put the blog under the dedications page and an extraordinarily brief synopsis of where this money goes. You would reach more people. I personally am moved by your commitment to the less fortunate. I have been rethinking my own because I’ve heard you mention your concern, and it seems quite honest.
2. You’re going to hate me. Go on more shows like the Daily Show, Real Time, and CNN, and more often. Request to go on, argue a bit and create a buzz. Make a documentary in Jerusalem and Galilee of where Jesus performed, and who has it most historically accurate. The guy you’ve hired for this blog make him responsible for using Twitter and Facebook more. Its the 21st Century Bart. Get followers and link back to this blog.
Finally, send me a signed copy of your newest book for all this free advice! Haha.
Regards from Canada 🙂
As you might imagine, wanting to appear on TV shows has no bearing on whether one is *asked* to be on the shows; and shows do not honor requests. If they did — well, imagine it!
Do key TV (and radio) talk shows with large audiences at least get a free book when a new one comes out?
Of course — the book gets sent out to all major media outlets.
Two things I like: Reasonable, easy to follow argumentation, good connection with the audience (you responding to our questions).
I don’t find anything really problematic on the blog.
One idea for improvement: The archive is growing larger and harder to navigate with every post. It might help to highlight a few best posts from the past so new readers can instantly find them. Maybe introduce some kind of a Top 10 list?
Do you ever simply use the “search” function for topics you’re interested in?
Yes I do, and very often. It’s now the easiest way to find relevant content.
However sometimes I don’t have a precise phrase to type into the search bar, I just want to read something interesting on NT scholarship and early Christian history 🙂
Right! It’s just hard to provide a topical index of the things that are interesting!
There’s already a topical index. I’m getting the feeling that what you see and what we see may be two different things? I just realized that if someone is on their phone, they can click on “mobile users” at the top. There’s a member content button that will go directly to the latest posts. The search button feature is under every post, but it’s after the comments. However, they can get to the search button faster by clicking on “0 Trackbacks.” 0 Trackbacks hides comments which will show the next feature–the search button. 0 Trackbacks will also hide comments for those who are annoyed by replies. Although, it looks like that would need to be clicked every time they see a new post.
It’s a puzzle game! lol
One obvious problem is that if you succeed in tripling or quadrupling the member count, it will inevitably result in a higher workload for you – prove me wrong. Could it therefor be a point in having graded membership types? One for full read access and a more expensive one for the permission to ask questions? I would gladly pay more for the latter.
I love the uniqueness of the material. You just don’t get this stuff anywhere else.
I love quality of the posts.
I love the length of the posts.
I LOVE how you answer the comments. SO great.
I wish, however, that there were only 2-3 posts per week instead of 5-6. Your core group won’t like this, but appealing to a broader audience (you said you’d like to grow) is probably going to mean doing things that the core doesn’t like.
If I only did 2-3 a week, then people who wanted more wouldn’t get it; if I do 5-6 a week then people who want to read less could just read 2-3 of them. No?
Would seem to make sense, but I think if people feel overwhelmed by the amount of material, they tend to just check out altogether, rather than choose 2-3 things that are manageable for them. Not sure why that is, but I do think it happens.
Perhaps the blog would grow if there were guest posts from other people. You mention you admire Dale Allison. He’s a good example of someone whose guest posts might pique reader interest.
•The two things (if there are two things) that you like best about the blog
(1) Direct regular electronic contact *from* a respected Bible scholar.
(2) The archives that keep growing with each of *your* posts.
•The two things (if there are two things) that you think are most problematic about the blog
(1&2) Anonymous comments/questions (often lengthy and/or off-topic) from certain members we have to see quite regularly.
•And ONE thing (if you can think of a thing) that we can do to make it better and raise more money.
More public lectures via YouTube — with an ending slide giving your blog address. Make sure new viewers (and potential members) can see the titles in the archives.
I like the content, and I like getting an occasional response from you…
I would like to see some pics accompanying posts once in a while, and you definately need to undate your avatar, lol…
To raise extra money, you might try a raffle sort of thing…for say a $10.00 donation, a member would be entered to win a book with a personalized signature from you, such as- John Doe blog member, Thanks for supporting the blog! Your best bro Prof. Ehrman.
Two things I like on the blog:
1. I joined as someone who is a former passionate Catholic but no longer believes. So getting a historical perspective on the books I read as a youth is my main interest, which the blog delivers in abundance.
2. I appreciate being able to ask the occasional question — and usually I get a response.
Two problematic things:
1. Not so fond of the posts on how to get published or other topics outside of early Christianity.
2. The video links are often interesting, though I’m not sure the point of the debates with fundamentalists.
How to make more money?
Would love to see you debate — in words or on video — other credible NT historians, like Crossan, Martin, et al. We’ve already seen you take apart fundamentalist arguments, so I think even written contributions from other scholars who have opinions countering yours would really add a lot of energy to the blog.
I agree–debates with fundamentalists are beneficial only to the careers of the fundamentalist (still upset about all the free publicity Bill Nye gave Ken Ham). For instance, Justin Bass did his utmost to make me dislike human beings (Sophia!).
And a Crossan-Ehrman debate (“discussion” as they both tend to remain calm except maybe when misrepresented) would be a dream event. He could sell tickets and use that as a fundraiser!
Best:
1 the sharing of knowledge at the scholarly level
2 the intellectual rigour, and the high standard of the exchange of ideas on the blog
Problematic:
nil
Suggestion:
perhaps once every month or so, open the floor up to a topic for discussion: like, can we establish as historical fact that a miracle occurred? or, can anyone explain the Trinity, please? or, is Christianity based on Jesus or Paul? or, is faith reasonable? or, …
What are you imagining as a way of “opening up the floor”? What do you have in mind?
Perhaps:
– Ask us folks what would any of us like to discuss
– You or one of your sometimes contributing scholarly experts provide some background/history/current state of the polemic
– Invite us to comment/discuss
I’m not sure if this will work, or, even how to do. I just thought that some of these polemics may be a means to encourage more participation, and open up to more ideas.
cheers
Bart
Am much impressed with the sheer volume of the blog, and more so with its substance. Only Teddy Roosevelt wrote at such a pace and as well.
Per your queries:
There’s great value in the breadth and depth of subject matter, free (usually) of academic condescension, germane/pleasantly plain for the lay audience, and seasoned with the right measure of humor. Of necessity, nearly all violate the “concise” rule said to be vital to any successful blog, but with good reason and with gusto.
Posts occasionally suffer from repetition and strings seem incongruent at times, perhaps necessary to drive home a premise. For example, your recent discussion of writing for the trade press droned: I may have misunderstood, but to me authors and lecturers are limited by knowledge, skill, and imagination rather than their training or the forum they choose. If what’s written or spoken is worthwhile and valid, and should the reader or listener find it so, the vector seems irrelevant.
Might you be approaching the audience/market saturation point? … A brief discussion per the merits of each charity may encourage your gratis readers to take the next step as would knowledge that the subscriber’s fee is deductible.
Thanks sincerely for your voice. It will long outlive you.
Joel
That’s all true about why scholars don’t publish for general audiences! I’m dealing with a different aspect of it just now — but at the end it will connect with your point.
The blog comments aré excellent and the site is easy to use . . I have Learned a great deal in the short amount of time that I have been a member.
I would like to see The subject of Jesus’ miracles proving that he was the Messiah discussed in one of the blogs.
Is there any historical record of others who claimed to do the same type of miracles that jesus’ supposedly did?
Yes indeed: most of the miracles that Jesus did are similar to what you find already in the OT!
First I want to ask about your health because that is paramount … I recall a “blog pulse” where you were feeling a bit overwhelmed (if memory serves) and had asked us to comment .. one of the options then was “quit complaining and carry on” (if memory serves) which was also my least favorite of your options then presented. How is your back? Have you recovered? And your prediabetic prognosis? How relaxed are you with so many “irons in the fire”?
I love your blog site just as it is! When I can get online it is the high point of my reading time. You’ve long been a literary hero even before I found the blog site and merely being able to read and communicate continues to be special. I am inspired. Learning from your writing has drastically altered (for the better) how I relate to Christianity as a whole given too that I live in a fundamental Catholic Mayan community and the form of Catholicism was established during the Spanish Inquisition. (So ashamed are the present day Jesuits that a couple of years ago in Merida, they burned all of the books describing the brutal conversion of the Maya). I can’t think of anything problematic except for my part … internet is too slow or down to participate more as well as my own lack of Christian knowledge. I regret not having more to offer at times Dr. Ehrman.
Health is great! I had a terrific summer, with time to do my own work, serious down time, and wonderful travels. I’m re-energized and ready to fact the new semester (which begins tomorrow!)
The two things (if there are two things) that you like best about the blog
1. The content, obviously
2. Being able to ask you questions
The two things (if there are two things) that you think are most problematic about the blog
1. I really enjoy reading all comments posted, but some are way too long. Of course anyone could just not read those, but that’s not the point. The point is that *you* do read them and I assume you only have an X amount of time that you dedicate to the blog.
And ONE thing (if you can think of a thing) that we can do to make it better and raise more money
1. To make the blog better: limit the amount of words for comments
2. Raise more money: a fine for comments that are too long? Just kidding. Let me think about it.
HA! That’s a good one!
Or maybe for youger members a gaming platform…kind of like Pac-man, with a big Bart head going around a maze, gobbling up critics, getting the occasional lost papyrus for big points, and being chased by the ghosts of fundamentalist clergy!…. sorry couldn’t resist…
“The two things (if there are two things) that you like best about the blog”
Well, the obvious one is that it’s your blog and I get to read more of your work! I’m presumably fairly typical in being a blog subscriber because I’ve read and enjoyed your books. But this may not be helpful since it’s a pretty obvious background assumption…
The other, and a big one, is the fact that you take readers’ questions. When I discover a new interest in the history of early Christianity, and am a decade out of college and far from convenient university departments to consult, I find that I can also ask questions and get clarifications and additional facts from a leading expert in the field. That’s pretty big.
“The two things (if there are two things) that you think are most problematic about the blog”
The obvious one here for me is technical annoyances. I think the blog could really use some technical improvements—maybe an upgrade to comments to allow formatting (at least blockquotes and emphasis), and previews (maybe it already allows formatting, but I can’t tell if entering HTML or Markdown would end up a horrible mess because I can’t preview it). Also…well, wasn’t there a recent post where you asked this question from a technical/website angle? Lots of meat there.
There’s been some very interesting stuff in response to reader questions, but it’s hard to browse them topically when the index just says “Readers weekly mailbag”. A tagging system (moderated or managed by you) would be great, and/or incorporating reader questions in the index; but maybe tagging would be best, because that allows you to browse cross-cutting topics (maybe I start reading about the historical Jesus, but because the post talks about situating him in context, perhaps I’ll end up following the tag to read more about the 1st century world).
“And ONE thing (if you can think of a thing) that we can do to make it better and raise more money.”
Maybe you could throw in perks, sort of like Patreon bonuses? For example, maybe someone who donates an extra $50 gets to request a more extensive answer to a question that takes up a whole post or two rather than just a succinct reply. Obviously that would have to be trialled and scaled to make sure it doesn’t turn the blog into a full-time job! But maybe that could be made to just direct the topics of some posts, some of the time, without increasing volume, while incentivising bigger donations. (I’m guessing the readership could be too large for this to work for regular subscriptions.)
On tagging: have you tried using the search function for key topics?
If someone is new to the blog, I think they would automatically click on the Member Content button to see what’s on it. What appears there is the archive list, and it’s very long and difficult to navigate. Is there any way to just show a list of the topics and not the content underneath? Everything is already categorized, so if there was just a drop-down menu we could click on, it would be so much easier.
The search button feature displays at top of the page when I’m on my computer at home, but when I’m using my phone, it’s at the very bottom of the archive list. I’m guessing some people don’t know it’s there or can’t find it. I don’t know how labor intensive it would be to make drop-down menus, but if the search button could be placed at the top for mobile use, that would help a lot.
Also, I notice when I’m on my phone, that I’m asked to log in every time, (must have a timeout feature?) but it takes me directly to the archive page. If I click on Latest Posts, it also takes me to the archives. The most recent posts are there but not the first to appear. I have to scroll through the entire archive before getting to the current post. At least, that’s what it defaults to on my phone.
This was remedied a couple years ago with the addition of the Mobile Phone friendly interface. Bookmark this page on your phone: https://ehrmanblog.org/mobile-member-content/ Then when reading an article, where the link prompts you to join or login in the middle of the post, do so and the page will refresh with the whole page of content.
The landing page from the default login is for desktop, laptop, and notebook users primarily. Modifying that page for phone users would do so at the loss of desktop users. Thanks, Steven, Bart’s Support.
I found the mobile button last night. Thanks! 🙂
Consider having an old-fashioned fund-raiser. Ask for donations as a matter of course. This isn’t a “hobby” for you, and it takes a lot of time. The money for memberships keeps the site up, etc., but the additional donations make the enhanced content possible all year. Like PBS, people could give at whatever level their means allow, but givers at very high levels could get a special avatar, etc. The goal would NOT be to differentiate or shame people into giving, but give others something to aspire to.
Consider having a Bart weekend. A get-together where those who were able got to meet you, maybe get an autographed copy of your books (the paper versions) and hear one of your lectures live. There would be a gratuity for the cause, of course…I’ll bet more people would attend than you think.
As for the site, it’s great as is. The content is magnificent, and voluminous. It’s good stuff.
Bill
I like best that 1) you answer questions, and 2) you post so regularly and dependably.
As for problems, I’ve read enough of your books and of the blog now to lower the percentage of posts that teach me new things. But, I do continue to learn new things by reading your blog, albeit at a slower rate.
As for improving and raising more money, I suppose you could plug the blog in your next book?
Your blog, Bart, is one of the more significant pleasures of my old age. Many, many thanks! 🙂
I echo all those comments on how much we all enjoy the blog. And I say this as a life-long atheist. (But one intrigued by how it became the dominant culture in my life.)
I enjoy reading interesting comments/questions/answers. Yes, some of them are too long, not well thought out, etc, but you have a well-informed, intelligent readership here. And your answers are often humorous as well as informative. Love your sense of the absurd.
I would like to see an occasional blog post that tells us what our donations to your blog are accomplishing. Photos? Make it real and important to us. These are good organizations. Probably many of your subscribers don’t even know where Durham is! You’d probably suck me in to donate more!
I too have been a life-long atheist and, also, a Jewish by heritage. I’ve always been interested with how on earth (not in Heaven) Christianity could have grown out of Judaism.
The two things (if there are two things) that you like best about the blog:
1. Well written, aimed at a general audience
2. Direct interaction with you
The two things (if there are two things) that you think are most problematic about the blog
1. The appearance of inappropriate comments by some posters. I suggest stating, and enforcing a rule: no insults will be allowed. Delete the inappropriate comments.
And ONE thing (if you can think of a thing) that we can do to make it better and raise more money:
“Raffle” off a 15 minute phone call once a month, so the lucky winner can pick your brain. $5 per raffle ticket (with a minimum number of entries; if the minimum isn’t met, it rolls over to the next month). This plays off the fact that the major attraction of your blog is the personal interaction.
As a way to increase audience (and subscriptions) I suggest adding Spanish and/or French translation of your posts. I’m sure you will find people willing to help among us.
Blog is great! Best part is direct communication with a world class scholar about issues its members are interested in.
Problem is getting exposure (and the added time it’d take you to answer more members). I’ve also said before I don’t think you charge enough (maybe you could charge the current rate for full access to read everything you write, but charge a higher rate for members’ ability to have their questions answered by you).
I don’t know if you’d be interested, but I launched a webcast less than a year ago. It wasn’t much at first but it’s been growing. I will have my new legit set done this month. I’m a former fundie pastor (for over five years I did that). My webcast is now all about free speech, so I’ve focused on Islam a lot, but I also focus on fundie Christianity and how it has no clothes.
Anyway, I’m a Christian still (not a fundie though—and that was 15 years ago to boot). I’d be honored to have you call in or even Skype in if you wanted. I’d focus on the value of the blog and push for my fellow Christians to see its value. I’ve got some other guests lined up, but I’d def clear the schedule if you wanted to come on. I think you can tell by my questions over the last months that I’m serious about learning and I’m not a troll (I hope you see that at least).
To give a few details, my last two “Rapture Disaster” videos got over 20,000 views between the Facebook and YouTube videos. (I’d heavily promote a show you were on so I know it’d get thousands of views for sure). A short promo vid I did got 40,000 views, but that’s not typical for a longer show. But if you were on I could almost guarantee at least 5,000 views (I’ll run paid ads and the whole nine to promote it).
If you’re not interested no worries. I’ll still be asking you questions every week as usual. If you are interested you can email me at [email protected] (my facebook URL is also below). No need to approve this comment for public viewing (I don’t mean to promote my stuff so openly on your blog, but in this case, I thought I could possibly help (in my own small way, of course) grow this blog which I really do value (even though I remain a Christian—which I think makes it an interesting dynamic for the kind of show). Point is, you’ve got an open invite on the show… and I do think some new blog users would probably be added… just my two denarii.
https://www.facebook.com/TheTankWoodardShow
Thanks for the offer! I’ll think about it.
The two things I like best about the blog:
1. It’s the next best thing to being physically present in your classes.
2. The details in every subject matter.
The two things most problematic about the blog….none for me.
And ONE thing that we can do to make it better and raise more money: Once a week make one of the blogs, maybe the mailbag, public, and encourage members to share, or cut and paste to their social media, with a pitch to join in the posting.
I already do make one post a week available to the public! Maybe I need to emphasize that more.
Things I like best:
1) That you present information about the history and texts of Christianity that I, as a non scholar, would otherwise not know about.
2) That you are so accessible in terms of answering questions in a very timely manner.
Things I find most problematic:
1) Sometimes, the list of most recent posts is not there and I don’t know how to get back to it. Could you put a link at the top to “x most recent posts?”
2) The links to old YouTube videos are not that useful to me, as I have already subscribed to you on YouTube.
One thing to make it better and raise more money:
— a Twitter/Facebook feed that would offer one free post per week (new or archival) with an appeal for new subscribers.
What I’ve found to be the easiest way for finding the most recent posts is to click on the little dial in the top left-hand corner of the page. It will take you to the Dashboard where the last 5 posts were made.
Or click on “mobile users” at the top of the page. There’s a button that says “member content.” It will take you directly to the latest posts.
Dr. Ehrman,
I am very new to the blog; and am very enthusiastic and pleased to have access to a site where I can access critical thinking and a very important subject,, i.e. Christ/salvation, and some of major questions which concern virgin birth and the resurrection. I can’t even get an appointment (9 months now) with my pastor to do “Jesus” talk. He doesn’t respond. And though I email him almost daily over his “church emails” sent to the congregation; I never get a response back. No answers to my questions and no interaction, which I find mind boggling for someone on paid staff.
You are a breath of fresh air. Knowledgeable and generous to share. And sharp. And humorous. Lots to like. On my wish list, would be an easier way to “donate” to your charities. I have had a past unpleasant go around with PayPal, and not being very technologically savvy, I choose not to mess with them. I read your lucid explanation of why you choose PayPal; I understand. Still, is there another option for those of us not inclined to use PayPal?
I am 71 and most of my acquaintances to not have a computer; those who do, are “set in their ways” and in their thinking. I get “well, it was what I was taught since I was a kid”, or such, and they believe “it” because they’ve always believed it and don’t seemed to be inclined to challenge, or question or search or wonder. How did I get to be so different? I ask? That is my two cents. Thanks for your generous giving of your time and expertise.
Linda Bates
Sounds like you need a less busy pastor! As to charities: interesting idea. Maybe I’ll post about how donations can be made directly.
Your current series of posts on NT theology have been very good!!
A future series of posts could be on commonly misinterpreted/misunderstood Bible verses, sayings of Jesus, etc…and why scholars think these are misinterpretations. I’m sure there are some very interesting ones you have encountered while teaching.
Good thoughts and ideas here. Thought I’d seen it all until I read the comment above from the customer that actually wants less content. That has to be a first in the business world!
Without a doubt, the coolest aspect of the blog is getting to interact with you. As somebody said earlier, the idea that I can ask questions and interact with a scholar of your renown is remarkable.
The content is fantastic and I enjoy how it comes in manageable chunks. I also appreciate how much thought and energy you put into it.
My only ‘complaint’, as others have mentioned, is the functionality of the site. Maybe it’s intentional, but the limited functionality (inability to block quote, format, preview, edit, etc.) reminds me of a message board from the mid 90’s.
I also really enjoy reading the comments, although a few of the common ‘contributors’ can be quite tedious.
All-in-all, you can count on me as a long-time member. I hope it continues to a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor for you.
I dislike being hustled for money on a repeated basis. I chose to join this blog and accepted the fees structure even though I would prefer to choose my own charities and my own giving level. So if you want to increase giving then you can increase the fee and see if I leave or if your choosen charites are that important to you then give more of your own funds.
I’m sorry (and a bit surprised) you feel hustled regularly. I rarely ask for donations — though I do on occasion. That’s the reason for the blog, to raise money for charity. But I’d be interested in hearing from others on the blog if they also think that these requests are too frequent and invasive. So others: could you comment?
You’ve made it clear the purpose of spending so much of your time every week writing several scholarly researched posts and reading through everyone’s views while answering the occasional question is to raise funds for charity. I’m actually amazed you can continue to donate so much of your time to this and don’t think AT ALL you spend a moments more time on this than what you need. People should be appreciative of having had direct access to ask you questions without being one of your students and should keep their posts succinct with a question attached to it.
Thanks!
Not at all.
I absolutely disagree that requests are frequent and invasive or anything of that sort. I am also surprised that someone would feel this way precisely because this is what the blog is all about in the first place. The mission of the Bart D. Ehrman Foundation is very clearly stated in the home page for everyone to see it. In addition, you have said many times, in perfect English not Koine Greek, that raising money for charities is what keeps you going. So, I really don’t see how else you could fulfill the whole purpose of the blog if not by doing exactly what you do.
I also think you should continue to donate to whatever charity you feel like donating. It’s your idea, your blog, your foundation. The charities you support are also mentioned on the blog extensively.
I feel very relieved that meanwhile I am in front of my computer, comfortably seated in my house and not necessarily out volunteering my time to others, I am still able to somehow contribute to society by being a member and donating to the blog. Thanks for that too!
Finally, I owe you and the blog much more than I have ever given.
Thanks!!
Please keep asking. When you do, it triggers me to contribute, and sometimes I do.
$30 per year is minuscule in comparison to the value I receive in return. For me, your blog is a steal. Your blog is worth its virtual weight in gold.
IMHO, I fail to understand how the word “hustle” may be associated with this blog. In the year or so I have been a member, I have read about five (5) books that opened my eyes, cleared away doubts, and challenged me to look deeper and wider. Sans this blog, those books would be lost to me. Moreover, I have learned a lot from other members’ comments. Moreover, moreover, I’ve learned a lot about myself as I read others’ comments.
You know, iff (yes, the logic iff) I had to be “hustled,” to be honest, I’d prefer to be hustled by a learned scholar, who, at least, gave me intellectual coinage in return.
So, prof, please keep asking.
And thanks for sharing your knowledge.
No, in fact I forgot that it was for charity until I watched the ‘How Jesus Became God” video (part 1) just the other day.
I think appealing for donations is appropriate, in this situation! I mean, that’s why you are doing it… If anybody really feels hustled , they must be super touchy… Maybe the victom of a scam of some type… They should try watching PBS during a fund drive!!!! I actually think more appeals, might get you more donations!
Too frequent? Not at all. I’d bet nearly 100% of blog members don’t think that. Hustled? Such “fiction is too childish either to need or to be worth a refutation.”
We are absolutely not hustled, nor do any requests feel invasive. The amount of information and access we have for the price paid is uncanny. Bart trades knowledge for currency and I think it is none of our concern if he should put more money of his own toward charity.
I didn’t think a tiered membership would be a good idea at first, but since at least one person (and possibly more who don’t really want to say anything publicly) feels “nickel and dimed,” maybe some could pay a lesser fee for joining if they rarely or never comment. WordPress may not have a feature to turn comments off and on is the only thing with that.
I comment pretty much every day, so I feel I should donate more to the blog. I also understand you may feel that raising the rate will discourage people from renewing or joining, so that’s why I suggested a mailer (for those that are okay with it) with a goal to reach.
And I guess I’m surprised myself that you’re not reaching your goal because when I go to the Dashboard, it shows shows a member count, and the number is always higher than before. Your Facebook numbers are growing every day too.
I don’t think it’s intrusive though. Just want to make that clear!
“Also, I notice when I’m on my phone, that I’m asked to log in every time, (must have a timeout feature?) but it takes me directly to the archive page. If I click on Latest Posts, it also takes me to the archives. The most recent posts are there but not the first to appear. I have to scroll through the entire archive before getting to the current post. At least, that’s what it defaults to on my phone.”
I agree with that one, it is annoying.
I agree, you have to scroll through the entire archive to reach the latest post on the mobil…
Thank you for making the Blog more mobile friendly!!!!
I’m a fairly new member here and I very much enjoy the content you’ve provided and continue to provide. Like some of the other commentators here, I wouldn’t change much. I think you have a good thing going. And if you’ve raised close to or over a $100,000 annually the past couple years, that’s pretty good for subscription site!
Things I like best:
quality content with frequent updates
quality comment sections with no trolls
Can’t think of anything I really dislike so far; the one extra feature I think would be neat to have is to add a “Most Popular Posts” list. I’ve seen it on other blogs; not certain how its done, but it may have to do with how many comments/views the post has.
Like: the clarity of your explanations; information about what you’re working on.
Problematic: I’ve only been a member for about a month and my computer skills are probably below average but I’ve found it somewhat difficult to navigate the blog. For example, on three occasions, when setting up a new password, I couldn’t later get back on the blog with that password – after multiple tries and being virtually certain I had entered the correct password. So I had to set up a new password. (I think the problem was solved when I checked the box saying to remember the password. I had assumed that meant that I wouldn’t have to enter the password the next tome I logged in.)
I also don’t know where to go to ask a question to which you might respond in the Readers Mailbag. On the Blog’s home page there are number of words/phrases written in bold. They look (to me) like things I should just be able to click on to get somewhere. But they aren’t.
Suggestions: (1) more commentary on current events within your areas of expertise. (2) more on the theology of the New Testament authors. (3) I know your time is limited so this may be a non-starter. But somewhat longer responses from you to the comments made by readers to each day’s blog would be very interesting.
Mike
No, appeals to funds are not too often…not at all. And I still think “Weekend with Bart” is a great name for a Punk Band. 😉
Bill
Hello Dr. Ehrman
While on a recent vacation, I noticed that more and more restaurants etc. seem to be including a digital payment prompt regarding meal gratuity where the customer has the option to simply click a box for 15% , 20% etc. and the amount is then calculated and added to the bill. I’m sure you have seen this many times too. After reading this post “How Are We Doing On The Blog” I wondered if some form of this technology might be adaptable to your website. My thought was that if members were to periodically receive a pop-up or other message (no more than 2-3 times a year) while viewing your website that provided an opportunity to make an additional contribution with a simple click it might be an effective way to increase charitable donations. I ran this idea past my daughter whose profession is marketing and promotions. She affirmed that this can be a useful approach and included a basic outline and suggestions for implementation etc. for me to include in this post. I did not do so as it would make it a bit too lengthy but would be happy to forward if you have any interest.
Thank you for sharing your extraordinary scholarship through this blog. I can only echo the many positive comments of others and very much appreciate being able to learn about the New Testament and Christianity from a historical perspective.
Very interesting. I’ll look into it!
Improve:
I like the Old Testament stuff. 😀 Guest writers who specialize in OT (grad students wanting your approval?).
Also, I agree that some insults tend to close down the discussions in the general discussion area. Most people sit on the sidelines and watch discussions. Perhaps this is because they are afraid of getting attacked.
#3 improvement, if I may. Have a contest to drum up support. Donation drives are great, but to expand the base we need a membership drive (at least two weeks long, maybe three).
Also, thanks for the reading suggestions for your series on the Pentateuch. So much to read, not sure how you read so much in one lifetime.
It is great to know that people are reaching out to help those in need.
1. It is so great to have fresh (and sometimes old) material at my fingertips. Although there is a religious studies department here at Humboldt State University and a synagogue 20 minutes away, there’s few people who address the kinds of questions I am interested in which are, most often, the ones you address on the blog. There are few people around whom I can ask my questions. And most people are simply not interested in “talking religion.” Thank you so much for taking the time to keep the blog going and responding to so many questions.
2. Fund-raising.
A. Not sure if you already do this but you could revise your membership page (where people sign up) so that it has the membership fee you have now plus boxes to check for larger amounts. Especially those of us who would be willing to pay more can do so annually at $25 or $30, $35, $40, $45 or $50. You could also have na “Other” line where a person could enter whatever higher amount they would like to offer.
B. There is a somewhat short list of New Testament scholars who write for the layperson. I don’t know just who the best-sellers are besides you–maybe Elaine Pagels, J.D. Crossan, Spong, etc. If the names were the most widely known names, it could draw a lot of people for a group of you to form a panel that could talk around a theme like “What Christian Fundamentalists Have Wrong.” HA! Advertising would make it known that revenues would go to the foundation.
My suggestions for increasing blog donations:
Have a blog update from time to time about exactly where the recent blog funds went and what they provided (how many were fed? Clothed? Housed? ETC) and have a DONATE NOW button nearby for those who want to give a bit more to that particular cause(s).
Have a specific Christmas challenge or Easter Event and find some matching funds with a specific deadline to donate – people like knowing their money is being doubled.
Keep asking and asking and asking- and be prompt to send a tax deduction letter or email to those who give.
Dr. Ehrman,
I love reading your blog, and enjoy the varied subject content (of course within the given scope 🙂 ). I have enjoyed and been enriched by your books, and i have great respect for your research and the honesty with which you pursue it. I appreciate your starting point because i was raised in the same fundamentalist culture as a kid in the 60s and 70s. Thank goodness, education (genuine, not brainwashing) gave way to academic and intellectual enlightenment and a credible view of life and history. Intellectual honesty and humility is so rare in our polarized political and religious culture, and your research and writing bring hope amidst the noisy argument that our society has become. Thank you. And of course i love that the blog supports charity in my home of Durham, and even though i don’t have time to read every post, i’ll continue to subscribe as long as it is available. And last but not least, thanks to my daughter who subscribed me to the blog for the first year 🙂
Kevin
Thanks!
I don’t always read every blog entry as you post it but sometimes I’ll read a dozen at once to catch up — the curse of the work-a-day life.
I continue to be amazed by your relentless output and the degree of specificity you bring to each post and often to each comment. (You actually read them!)
Your prose flows so clearly and confidently that you make writing these posts look easy even though I know it can’t be … or … you have so become your work that writing about the NT and related issues is as natural as walking. Quite a feat.
On occasion I have challenged items in your posts and I want you to know that I very much appreciate the consideration you give my comments. (You actually post them!) And as I’ve mentioned previously, there are very, very few scholars who put their work out there as freely and confidently as do you and fewer still who will respond to a rank amateur like me. I remain very appreciative of your intellectual courage and generosity.
About me: I am not a fundamentalist as the word is commonly used, but at my roots, oddly enough, maybe I am because I tend to think that one key to ferreting out meaning from the “best” passages in the OT and NT can be found in the second chapter of Genesis, specifically Gen: verses 4.5 through 7.
I think the better, more meaningful aspects of the bible — and some of the non-canonical writings — become clearer when read against the backdrop of the bible’s most vitally intimate encounter between a human and YHWH: “The Lord God …blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.”
Though your interpretation of much of the NT through the lens of Jesus as apocalypticist has much merit, as I read the NT and related non-canonical works, I think there might have been more to his mission. Thus, the impetus for my occasional challenge.
On a practical note, my credit card was recently stolen and a new one was re-issued. How do I make that known to the blog money manager before my membership comes up for renewal?
Thanks for all you do to shine a light on the most influential book in the Western (at least) world.
Many thanks! On your CC, I suppose you need to contact PayPal.
What, for you, characterizes the ” “best” passages in the OT and NT? Interestingly, I see no intimacy at all there since, to me, intimacy is a relationship between two conscious beings and blowing the breath of life into a formed clump of dust is not something the new creation experiences much or understands or feels. Even the relationships between God and Adam, on the one hand, and Eve, on the other, had nothing particularly intimate about them. To me, much more intimate relationships between God and humans come later in the Bible.
I just signed-up last night. I was considering buying a couple of books to understand Jewish beliefs of Jesus. I wanted to see if the authors and their ideas were mainstream or on the fringes, so I googled your name and some keywords. That brought me to this blog, but I couldn’t read your opinion, because I was not a member. I was a little bit reluctant to join, because I worry about buying directly from websites that are not large enough to have good security. The potential security risk was my main issue.
Many people don’t have PayPal, and it isn’t easy to set-up a PayPal account. Wikipedia allows donations through Amazon. I would have joined faster if you had that option available.
Yup, we’re working on an alternative method. Thanks! (But PayPal is incredibly secure)
After reconsidering my post on Aug 23 and reading subsequent posts, I must apologise for my harsh comments about fund raising. I have enjoyed reading the blog material and would suggest increasing the fee to a monthly charge for members willing to switch from a quarterly charge. I am appreciative of the effort you contribute to this blog and hope you will continue.
Not a problem at all! But consumer alert: I’m going to be making a donation appeal soon. Just delete without reading!! 🙂
Like: The level of knowledge and detail that you provide in terms that us “mere mortals” can understand and share.
Like: Your personal engagement with everyone that has questions.
Problematic: Trying to catch up on all the information available with limited time in the day. Not really a problem for you to solve.
Idea for funding: Offer a “rent Dr. Bart Ehrman” program. A couple times per year, depending on your availability and personal commitments, let a non-academic group hire you for a day for a seminar, discussion, informal debate, or Q&A session.
I don’t see how you could do a better job, and I’m continually astonished by your productivity—which despite the prodigious volume maintains the highest conceivable level of clarity and accuracy. My concern is whether or not you are taking care of yourself.
I would happily pay an addition $10-$20 for the privilege of subscribing to your blog, but I don’t know what the most effective price level would be. Might you lose some subscribers—hard to tell.
Another possibility is for subscribers to persuade others to subscribe. If each of us convinced only one additional person to join, the increase would be significant. I’m definitely going to do that myself.
The only potential downside is that there would be many more folks writing comments, and that could increase the burden on you. Of course, you wouldn’t be required to respond, but….
One thought I’ve had may not be possible or even desirable for you. I’ve sometimes wondered if you ever tape your classes—not lectures or debates with other “professionals”, but give and take classes.
I think that would be fun to watch, although your students might not like the idea and if you have to get releases from everybody it might be too cumbersome and contentious.
Great! See today’s post!
I would love to see more reading recommendations. I take your word for many things because I know you are better read in this than I, but sometimes I’d like to read more. It would be good to preface recommendations with realistic expectations but not withhold sources due to prerequisite knowledge (e.g. assumes knowledge of Greek, written in German, expects reader to be aware of the unique emphases of Neoplatonism, etc.).
OK, good idea!
Dr. Ehrman,
This blog is a treasure for those of use with an interest in early Christianity and issues surrounding the New Testament. I commend you for using your limited time to create such erudite and thought provoking content, while also interacting with the members. I think I speak for everyone when I say it is a genuine pleasure to be able to interact with one of the premiere scholars in the world; this holds especially true for those of us with scholarly pursuits.
While I was an undergrad at the University of Wyoming (at the time, one of only seven students in the religious studies department), I became an avid reader of your books and have been religiously following your work ever since (pun intended). In fact, your books “Lost Christianities” and the companion volume “Lost Scriptures”—along with the work of other scholars such as Bruce Metzger, Elaine Pagels, Jason BeDuhn, etc.—sparked my interest in pursuing graduate work in the area of early Christianity and the development of the NT canon. I’m really fascinated with Marcion’s canon (thanks, Tertullian) and its role in the selection and subsequent closing of the proto-orthodox canon.
In closing, the only possible suggestions I have for improving the blog and raising more money are as follows: a possible meet-and-greet following one of your public lectures or debates, exclusively for members of the blog; a raffle for an autographed edition of your newest book; scholarly reading recommendations for further study in a particular area; occasional guest posts from other respected scholars (this might serve to take some of the burden off of you as well); and finally, a tiered membership with access to exclusive features.
Thank you so much for the work you do, Dr. Ehrman.
Highlight on your why to join page that there are currently 1400 blog posts available to members. They are not just donating for future weekly posts, but past posts!
Wow — I hadn’t noticed that!