(4 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
Loading...I would like to take a brief pause to take the temperature of the blog and to get some feedback from you about how you think it’s going. There are some general issues and one specific concern. If you’re not interested in responding to the general questions, please do skip to the end, to the specific concern, and weigh in with your opinion.
FIRST, THE GENERAL ISSUES. The blog continues to grow and to raise significant money for charity – which, as you know, is its raison d’être. Of course I enjoy communicating information, knowledge, views, theories, opinions, and perspectives on early Christianity – from the historical Jesus to the writings of Paul to the early Gospels to the formation of the New Testament canon to the surviving manuscripts to the early Christian apocrypha to, well, to on and on and on. And for users of the blog, *this* is the ultimate point. I blog, you pay, we donate, and everyone’s happy.
But that happiness is rooted in how well the communication is going. And so I’d like some general feedback. We are near the end of our third year of existence. How’s it working for you? Are there things that we should change? Add? Omit? Are there ways to make the blog more user-friendly for you?
I continue to post five or six times a week. I can’t imagine that anyone actually reads all that, but maybe you do! Do you think that is too much? Just right? I would be more than happy to post less, but I can handle this much still at this point and don’t want to lose readers for lack of content.
I cover a range of topics – almost always things that I actually know something about. I sometimes get requests to cover something that I know very little about. If I know enough to say something, I do that. But there are lots and lots of things I know nothing about, and if I don’t know anything, I simply don’t say anything. I really prefer keeping within my comfort zone, which is Christianity in the first three centuries and a bit of Hebrew Bible and a bit of early Judaism. With that in mind – are there areas that you think are lacking that you would like me to cover? I *do* keep note of topics people request me to comment on, and if I have something to say about it, I do try to say it.
As the blog has increasingly become a routine for me, I have found that it is easiest to have threads of posts running through it, rather than a different post on a different topic every day. This allows me to pursue my thoughts at greater length on a topic and the relevant subtopics. I assume that works for most people?
I continue to get about 20-30 comments a day on each post, and I respond to the ones that require a response or ask a question. I know some people get a little frustrated because I don’t interact at great length with their comments or questions, but simply make a quick reply. Frankly, that’s all I can do with the time constraints I’m under. But at least it’s something. If something requires a lengthy response, I simply set it aside for a future full-length post. I assume all that’s OK, if not optimal.
The discussion forum seems to be going much better now that I don’t moderate each and every post on to it. I was reluctant to make it an open forum, unmoderated, but so far it is working well. My main concern is that people will get snarky, sarcastic, rude, and unpleasant – as almost always happens on such fora; but so far that hasn’t happened, so far as I have been able to discern. If someone does misbehave, I need others to report it to me so I can deal with the situation, with a warning and then by blocking the person from participating. As long as we are all cordial and respectful, I have no problem with the *content* of the discussion posts.
OK, NOW ONTO MY SPECIFIC ISSUE. Yesterday I decided to follow up a comment I had made about how Paul’s letters are occasional, so that he may well not mention something if there was no occasion for him to do so, by referring to the fact that Paul says hardly *anything* about the historical Jesus. I actually edited two posts in which I discussed everything Paul says about Jesus’ life, and then laid out the options for why he doesn’t tell us MORE. And when I was finishing editing the posts I thought “Wait a second! I wonder if I’ve already posted on that.”
I checked, and lo and behold, I dealt with precisely that issue just over a year ago. And did it the same way I was planning on doing it this time, by excerpting a section from my textbook discussion of the issue. So I deleted the posts I had just produced, since I Had already covered that.
But then it occurred to me. I’ve been doing this post for three years. Surely if I covered something on a particular day, say, two years ago, no one is really going to remember it specifically or check (by doing a search) to see if this is a repeat. Or will they?
Most people on the blog now were not on the blog two years ago, and I doubt if most people are reading all the backlog of posts (I don’t have an exact count, but I suppose I’ve written over 900 posts by now).
So on one level it seems like it would be a *disservice* to cover a topic again. But maybe it would be a disservice precisely *not* to cover it again.
And so my specific issue: what do you think? I think I’m asking the question more from the practical than the idealistic perspective. By that I mean that it might be *ideal* (this is just an example) for me simply to say: “See my post of May 16, 2013.” But maybe *practically* it would be better simply to provide a new post on the topic. Or not.
So let me know your views.
I think it’s a grit blog. I don’t check that reg so I don’t care if you post only once a while. I think most people like being able to “ask an expert” e most bout this blog, so never forget that. Guess speaker are cool too.
I have been a member since the beginning.
In terms of website design, I like how your website is now fully compatible with my phone. It used to be difficult to read posts on my phone, but now every page is automatically re-sized and re-formatted to fit my phone screen nicely. Given this, you no longer need the separate “mobile users” link you have at the top of your page.
In terms of content, when I first signed up I was hoping for 3 posts a week. I’d be still be happy with 3. I really enjoy reading them. There is now A LOT of content on your website, so it will be inevitable for some posts to overlap. If the post is overlapping with a post made over a year ago, that’s not a big deal to me, especially if it is linked to a thread of posts. Reiterating something you already addressed in a thread of blogs can bring new light on the question already answered and the new question/issue you are addressing in the new thread.
I read every post, as soon as you release them; certainly within a day. I would be disappointed to see fewer posts, and i understand that more posts would be diffcult! I like the way you organize threads.
Replying to your specific concern, while I have gone through many of your back posts, it would be useful if you referenced them as you re-encounter an issue.
I joined the blog about a month ago, and I’ve probably read half of your old posts so far.
Your blog website is good as is. If a topic comes up that you have already discussed properly, refer to your earlier one. Like is too short to repeat for a different audience, unless your thinking has changed…
Generally the blog is going great and yes, your strategy of running threads especially when they are interspersed with other oddities is good. It doe provide for a more detailed and in depth dissuasion.
One topic I would also like to see is something about current scholarship. I know developments seem to happen slowly, but it would be interesting to find out what the latest hot topic are amongst the academics. It is difficult to know how to respond when Christians say that the current consensus is this or that and yet we seem to hear a different view from you.
No problem covering old topics at all. TBH you have covered so many things this blog is like a mini-course all on it’s own. I do use it as a resource occasional and go back to older posts but no, I am more than happy if you have the odd lapse of memory. Reading it again is fine.
I’m a very new user so I would have missed the earlier post and would appreciate a recycling of topics on important themes. I’m a UU minister, so I have a deep interest in early Christianity and hungrily snarf up writings like those. Many of my congregants are eager to know more (they have come to UUism primarily because of the downhill spiral of traditional Christianity in the face of science and cultural progressivism) and there is always somebody in the audience who has never heard the news about original Christianity and the unfolding information and thinking about Jesus, whom we consider a teacher and prophetic voice. Print media often recycle/rework topics because of the continuous adding of new readers who need the information. So do rework old topics and publish them for the sake of new readers.
For user-friendliness I’d love it if the posts were available in a reader view for mobile.
I thought they were. I’ll look into it.
Hello,
I very recently joined your site and probably can give you some feedback. I have taken two of your courses at Smithosian and recently read two of your books: “Heaven & Hell” Did Jesus exist? I have enjoyed both your presentations and books tremendously and that is of course the reason to join as member. However, I had a specific question after reading your book. First, I posted it in Member Forum thinking I will get a direct response. I was told by members that I need to contact you through Blog section. I posted the question to your email but not in the blog. So, I am really confused where is the appropriate place to ask a specific question especially about your books and presentations and not necessarily comments and questions about the blog which is definitely is another criteria. I am sorry for my confusion but I want to provide you with feedback since you specifically ask for it. Thank you for your time.
Sorry it’s confusing! The Member forum is for Members to go back and forth with one another without my supervision. I believe it says that somewhere in there! Then again, I believe a lot of things…..
You can post any question you want here on teh blog. Just do it as a “comment” on any post– it doesn’t matter if the post relates to the question (or vice versa) or not. I’ll get it the next day and try to respond (but I take off two days a week).
I like the idea of including a link to an earlier post covering a topic that has arisen again. I don’t think an entirely new post on the same exact topic is necessary unless there is something new to add to the issue. I continue to learn myself, and would expect that my own views evolve over time, so there would be the occasional motivation to cover a same topic slightly differently.
Bart:
I am fine with what you are doing, the quantity (yes, I do read all, but sometimes a few days late) and the frequency. I like the “threads” because, as you say, they allow for a lengthier discussion. As far as repeats, go with your gut. If you are getting questions in a direction you have previously posted on, but not terribly recently, go ahead and answer again. I’m sure that even doing some cut and paste from your texts or other sources may lead to some different nuances. Heck, I have listened to some of your Great Courses lessons multiple times and always glean something new.
In simple words, Carry on!
I do read everything you post. I believe I have watched every debate and lecture to which you have posted a link.
To your specific concern, I have not, and do not plan to, go backwards into those posts that predate my joining, so I have no problem with you addressing a topic again. I have read your New Testament textbook, so every time you cut and paste sections from it, I have already seen it before. I read it anyway. Dr. Bart, most of us aren’t as smart as you are; if you don’t remember if you wrote on a topic in the past, I’m surely not going to remember.
My opinion: don’t worry about repeating yourself. You do a great job, just keep on keeping on.
First, I think the level of communication is excellent and appropriate. One always gets the sense of having interacted with a favorite author in a way that used to be impossible, and also gets satisfactory and honest answers. You never get the feeling that a grad student is doing the work for you, or that you’re too good to put your own limited time into the “public” interaction.
As to the second issue, a blog by someone like you is a special kind of content and may call for a special kind of indexing or threading. As you point out, questions come up which are really related better to old threads-perhaps you and your developer could look at finding or building a wordpress module that was better fitted to this-something that let you move questions around in such a way that users could see that the move answered the question. You also may want to look at a less linear indexing strategy-something that organizes existing posts by topic and keyword.
A famous scholar’s blog is somewhere between a Facebook activity feed and Galen’s works up until the 1800s-temporal but authoritative. New ways of organizing and indexing that content are bound to be required and created.
Dr. Ehrman: The blog continues to fascinate me. I check in on it every day, although I wouldn’t mind if you cut back the frequency of posts each week in the interests of conservation of time and energy. As to the repetition of posts, I think your “See my post of ….” is a fine solution, assuming you don’t have anything new to illuminate the subject.
I particularly enjoy the posts of videos of your speaking appearances, and I’m looking forward to your presentations at the Smithsonian on March 21. Thanks for all you do!
It’s perfect just as is and truly wonderful to me.
By the way, have you noticed I’ve managed to be successful for a week or two in giving you those few seconds? 🙂
If Matthew and Luke can make long, word for word, unattributed quotations of Mark and get away with it, I don’t see why you can’t quote yourself likewise. Readers who have read enough of your books or listened to enough of your recorded lectures to know when you’re repeating yourself will just have to skim. If you’re going to talk about Paul’s letter to the Romans accurately, it’s going to sound a lot like the last time you talked about it. The facts are still the same and chances are your opinions and perspective haven’t changed much either. It’s going to sound familiar.
If you’re worried about boring your more dedicated readers, increase detail or add context. The blog doesn’t have quite the time and space restraints that a book or lecture has, so let us have it. Pour on detail. That should make all of us happy.
I’ve been visiting for just about three years. I’m not absolutely sure, but I think that’s pretty close to being accurate. I was going to suggest that you include a full-text search capability, but I stopped for a minute to look and found one. So that suggestion is off the table, and I am overjoyed to know that I can find the information I want this way. I like the fact that you archive your older entries, and I love the fact that I can find them based on any topic that comes to my mind. It’s like taking a trip to the library. I love it.
The fact that you post on the same topic more than once really isn’t a problem from my perspective. Even as someone who has been a member for a long time, I haven’t read everything you’ve ever posted on this blog. There were a few days this week, where I worked long hours and didn’t have the time or energy to read anything else but work-related content. I know, I’m an apostate. I’ll balance that by saying that I go back every now and then and look up previous entries. I find them all incredibly helpful to my pursuit of a more historical approach to New Testament studies.
I don’t know if this helps, but this morning, March 14, 2015, I ate apple pie at exactly 9:26:53 A.M. Ok, ok, Apple pie is a bit out of place and irrational for this topic, but I wanted to circle back to a discussion of infinite possibilities. I’m pretty sure everyone will have forgotten this diversion in less than 3.141592653 seconds. Just the same, I feel smarter for having broached this important topic. Thank you.
Hi Mr. Ehrman,
After having read your books for many years (I believe I’ve read them all, some multiple times), I stumbled upon your blog about six months ago or so. I read it, errr, religiously. And though I can’t say I peruse every post from top-to-bottom (although this is true for many posts), it is true that I at least read what for me are the salient points of interest in each post. So…Please, for all the reasons you articulate above–keep up the amazing work.
So on to your specific question: As I pointed out, I’ve been reading your blog for less than a year, so I wouldn’t know if you are remaking a point made from a different blog some period of time before. But beyond this, reminding and reiterating (falling short of pedantry) are generally productive elements in discussion, especially when these established points are remade in a new and different context. And on this point, it’s also true that I recognize most of what you write in your blog as already articulated points from your large number of books. None of this “repetition” prevents me from enjoying your blog. I read your blog because I’m fascinated with the topic. My feedback to you is to not second guess whether you’ve already written about something you’re inclined to address again in a new blog. From my point view, the rereading takes on new meaning in the new context–even when that context is in the realm of nuance.
On another point off the topic: I only became truly interested in the New Testament and the historical Jesus after becoming a “doubter.” My believing friends find this excruciatingly ironic and paradoxical. But there it is. Aside from your immense depth of knowledge on these two topics from which I and your other readers are the beneficiaries, I have also resonated with your “spiritual” path as I’ve traveled my own. The details may be different, but the feelings and extreme angst caused by the transition from hard-core zealous believing to self-aware doubt are seemingly universal. Thanks.
In any event, keep up the wonderful work.
All the best,
John G.
In short, I love your blogs … it is the reading highlight of my day … when I have internet (it’s dicey where I live and am sometimes I’m without for weeks). Specific questions/answers. I enjoy the threads because I remain new to your Biblical revelations and I DO try and read all of them so your generous quantity is good too. Admittedly, it’s been a sharp learning curve not only in content but also in literary/historical analysis. You are a brilliant gifted humanitarian and I pray you and your friends are well and those who aren’t (as you mentioned before) are healing.
please forgive grammatical errors … I’m tired too … a lot of teaching amid extreme poverty.
On the “specific issue”: I’d prefer you address the topics again, even if you’re repeating yourself, rather than refer readers to your earlier posts. For two reasons. One: we may have new questions about the material, and it would be more convenient for the questions and possible replies to be associated with and relevant to current posts. Two: if you spend more time *thinking about* the topics as you’re reposting, you may find that you have some new ideas to pass on!
In general: I love the blog, and I really do read all of your posts (though I admit I “skim” things that are too technical for me, like the Hebrew alphabet and numbering). I’m more interested in the lifetime of Jesus, and its immediate followup, than in the later generations. But I read everything, and I hope you’ll continue to post as frequently as you do now, at the same length.
Personally I have found as time distances me from previous thoughts and writings I often look back with a different set of eyes. At 63 I realize that my mental filter systems still change as unfortunately my body does. Perhaps you will find the same happening to you as you revisit previous thoughts.
Given that most people, as much as they would wish to, do not have the time or energy to filter through 900+ post. When you post something of interest to me, then I research the subject further. Posting your newest thoughts on a subject keeps the topic top of mind.
Despite what other people say, it is OK to look at things differently; and also to change one’s mind.
JMTCW
Lee
I enjoy the blog very much. When I see on Facebook that you have posted something new, I generally read it right away. I haven’t had time yet to read everything from the beginning of the blog, and I know I missed a lot since I joined well after you began the blog. So I would find it convenient if you repeated a past posting or just incorporated a link to it in a new post. This is similar to posts in which you reproduce material already published in one of your books.
Let me take a moment to tell you that your blog and books have helped me understand and deepen my Christian (Catholic) faith. I gather from a few of your remarks that some people attack you for undermining their faith or somehow threatening it. I bet that far more people have had their faith strengthened by your work, like me.
Finally, let me also say I would like to see you produce a work on the Creed. I think it could be organized phrase by phrase. For example, in discussing “I believe in one God” you could point out that the emphasis in that sentence is on the word “One” and explain the various beliefs of Christians in the early centuries about multiple Gods. I realize you’ve discussed this information elsewhere already, but pulling it all together with reference to the statements in the Creed would be helpful. I’ve even thought of writing such a book myself, but I don’t think I’m sufficiently qualified to get it right! Although I have an M.Div., I don’t have your facility in the relevant ancient languages or your extensive familiarity with the ancient literature. So I hope you will consider my suggestion or, if someone has already written such a book that you would recommend, please let me know about it.
Thank you for all your good work!
I have no complaints with the way the blog has been maintained. I always leave having learned something while generating mor questions to research… What more can I ask for. As for retreating topics, I would think that a single topic could be covered multiple times before all the points that could be made in the blog format answers have been exhausted so I have no issue with revisiting ideas and topics.
Lastly, a topic request I have would be for an introduction / breakdown of the different Christian communities that we know of that have been lost (a blog plug for your “Lost Christianities” text.
Thanks for all you are doing with and through the blog.
Generally, the blog seems to be ideal. It does allow multiple posts on the same theme and they are very welcome.
Specifically, a post on a previous subject can simply set out the gist (and any updates) in bullet points and refer to the date of the original post.
My morning coffee would not be the same without checking the Ehrman blog. Strongest thanks for doing this!
I’m new to the blog so I have not read most of your previous posts. Yet, it makes more sense to me for you to refer to a previous post, “see my post from May 16, 2013” than to rehash said previous post. That way, you can use your time to cover other topics you have not yet addressed.
I am fairly new here but think it is going great. I have read some of your books prior to joining and after joining went through many of your past posts.
I don’t have a problem with a repeat post after a while when the same issues arise due to a question, debate or some reason. If there are no new documents, facts or views to change your mind that’s important to me to know. Andlike you said new people come in
It may be me but I had trouble with the search finding specific names or places. It might have been not finding things in comments, which are as rich as the postings. I didn’t get a chance to really check it, but just saying if you go to relying on that more it might need to be more robust. I’ve mostly looked down past tipics to read other things. Sometimes though when you are involved in an outside discussion (which I do continuously) and you think “I remember Dr. Ehrman said something about that” you want a quick way to find it.
But for me it is a great blog and a rich source for information and leads to chase on important topics. It is very appreciated.
The problems of posting mobile! The fist sentence messed up but I was saying I think the blog is going well myself.
Bart, you provide an intellectually honest, objective, non-agenda driven source of scholarly expertise I can’t find any place else. You have no denominational axe to grind. I trust you. There are tens of thousands of people like me who want unbiased facts, data, scholarship, and access to your frontal lobes on demand 🙂 That said here we go:
1. Post as often as possible on whatever INTERESTS YOU. The more you post, the more I learn.
2. Please, implement a SEARCH heuristic to find my questions and your answers by simply searching by my own name: TERRY.
3. I’d love some kind of HISTORY function which tells at a glance what I’ve already read.
4. TOPICAL archive would make a quick search easier rather than scrolling through lists of past posts.
5. CONCEPTUAL INDEX would be very helpful. (All posts included in one spot: Trinity, Holy Spirit, Paul, Papias, etc.)
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HOW ABOUT A SUGGESTION BOX for new topics?
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I read EVERYTHING on the blog. It is all equally interesting. The only problem I have is keeping track of what
I’ve already read, as well as finding a question I know I asked and can’t locate WHERE I asked it to find your response.
THANK YOU!
Bart,
I read nearly every post and often the comments as well. I am amazed at how much you post. I’m going on maybe my third year here. I appreciate not only your posts on the NT, but on your life as a scholar and university professor. I also enjoy the topics treated as a thread of several posts. On the specific question, I am fine if you simply reference a topic you’ve already covered. It would be nice to provide a link so readers can click right to the post rather than hunt it up, assuming it isn’t more work to create the link than to write a new entry! Regardless, I prefer to see new or more in-depth follow-up posts than repeating topics I can look up. It would also be a good time to provide any new information or commentary on the topic. I’ve always enjoyed it when you’ve come back to a topic and treated some aspect of it more in-depth.
I have been here since the start and there have been very few threads/topics that didn’t interest me. I think a large part of that is the skill with which you present them as well as their being intrinsically interesting.
I do like the idea of threads rather than single postings. You are able to cover a topic differently and better this way.
I remember the bit about Paul’s writing on the historic Jesus. I think anything older than two years can be revisited.
Five or six posts a week are fine with me.
Keep up the good work.
1. Frequency of positing.
I’ve heard it’s good blogging policy to post at least daily. People seek novelty, and get frustrated if they don’t find it.
Anyway, I’m happy with once a day. I seldom miss a day, and look forward to the next.
2. Comfort zone.
Your comfort zone is quite extensive, and you have an wide-ranging curiosity and sharp intelligence. I’m one quite satisfied customer in this zone.
3. Threads.
I think they’re a good way to go–you say they’re easier for you than a fresh topic, and as a reader I like them too. The appeal is sort of like that of the old radio serials, or the many dramas that run three or four plot lines at once, each consisting of brief snippets. The snippets always end with some question raised and unanswered. It doesn’t take much to sustain interest, and it’s easier to do with connected episodes than ones complete to themselves.
4. Replies.
I always scroll down and look for your name. Then sometimes I read what’s above if what you say suggests it’s interesting enough.
5. Repetition.
Given the deficiency of my memory, it’s not a problem at all.
6. Added note.
I think you and and 95% (I’d love to know the actual figure) of the New Testament profession are wrong about Q. I find the case for Luke’s having Matthew quite convincing. I began my still small reading with Sanders, and then went on to your colleague over in Durham, Goodacre, and then more recently to Francis Watson. I don’t know of any considerable issue where it seems to me you’ve been outargued, except for this one.
I wish there were some way you and Goodacre could have an exchange on Q on the blog (blogs–his too, though he’s about dropped out) in a way that wouldn’t take too much time, of which you both have very little.
Reposting is fine with me or a link to the pervious post (versus a date to search on.)
I wish you had time to post more often;-) Though I don’t know how you have the time to do all you do.
I read all the posts! The current frequency and length of posts are fine. I don’t have any major differences with your other general points.
As to the specific issue, I think it would be fine to refer back to an earlier post, especially if you have nothing new to say. I wouldn’t worry too much about the occasional duplicate post, if one gets through, because of the reasons that you give.
I’m guessing you want responses here? Assuming that is the case, here’s my two cents. As for the general issues, I love the blog. It is a great resource with TONS of info on a range of topics. I don’t read every post, but I do read most of them. What I’d love to see more of is early Christology, what the disciples and early Jesus movement believed about him, the nature of early proto-Christians, what we know about when theological and Christological developments occurred, how, where, and why they occurred, more on the early diversity of Christianity, etc. I’d also love to learn a bit about biblical Greek. Specifically, I’d also like to have more info to counter the infuriatingly rising tide of nonsensical Jesus Mythicism – the case for Jesus in a nutshell (I know about Tacitus, Josephus, Pliny, Seutonius, etc), statistics regarding how few credible scholars are mythicists, etc.
As for the specific question, I think either/or would work. If you find that you’ve already posted an entry on the topic you intended to write a new piece about, why not see if you now have anything to add, if so, write that new spin, THEN say “for more, see my post from….”?
I’d also love to hear a bit about the reliability of the Pseudo-Clementines and a discussion of the passage in them about Paul and James the bbrother of Jesus getting into a physical confrontation. And more than anything, I’d be THRILLED if you gave us info about new books coming out – yours and other scholars – and a recommended reading list.
keep up the fascinating work!
As for me, I like the blog as it is. I read every post and often I learn something new.
If you are of the same opinion as the 16th May 2013 then it’s perhaps just as good to write “See my post of May 16, 2013.” But it could be that you sometimes want to nuance your previous comments based on new information? Then it may be better to write a new post.
The ability to change view is the scientific approach to any topic.
1. On your specific question: If you are aware that you already covered a topic, sure, just say see “……..” Hopefully, between your own search feature and your lists of posts under general headings, it should be easy enough for you to cite the post(s). If you are not aware and repeat some content you’d previously posted, for me, no problem. We too have busy lives and I can’t always retain what I’ve read and have had to re-read many things many times.
2. Still, even though I don’t find reading your post of material you might have already covered, I wish that the programming of the site would change the color of links we’ve already followed in the same way a link changes from blue on a Google search page, once you’ve followed that link.
3. At the bottom of a page of comments, the default setting for “If a new comment is posted:” is “Do Not Send Email Notification.” I don’t always remember to go down and change this and I bet most of us would like to get an email notification if a new comment is posted in response to ours or to any new comments. I’d like to see the default to change to one of these other options.
I remain quite happy with the content of the blog, but I have to admit I don’t read every post, just the ones that catch my interest. But that applies to every blog I subscribe to.
On reposting on subjects, I find that when I post again on a topic I did a year ago, I often end up coming at it with a different perspective and usually end up exploring different details about that topic. So, if you’re simply writing again about the subject, that will probably happen organically without much effort. In that case, I’d say doing a new post is fine. Getting your thoughts on subjects from different angles is a plus.
But if you covered the topic with, say, an excerpt from a book, and you plan to cover it again with the same excerpt, then probably a brief post tying it into the overall thread and linking to the previous post might be best, since it would alert long time readers that they may have read it already. Or you could copy the old post and announce you’re reposting it. In any case, however you handle it, it won’t stop me from following the blog.
Regarding your Specific Issue: Saying “See my post of May 16, 2013″ would be sufficient for me.
As to how much I read: All of it. It’s like reading chapters from a fascinating book.
As to an area I’d like for you to cover (if it works out OK for you): How Christians made the transition during the first and second centuries from “the Kingdom of God is coming soon” to “the Kingdom of God is coming… someday” and/or to “the Kingdom of God is your relationship with God”.
I personally never consider it a waste to readdress an issue addressed a year or more ago. I don’t always think to search for a topic, who knows if I’ve even hit the right search terms, and in that time period there may be more research or new thinking. There will also be different commenters, who may bring something new if you don’t.
If you’re able to give the exact previous post instead, that’s fine, especially if you have other subjects to address in the time you have available. In that case, however, I hope the comments will stay open, too, for newer members to continue the discussion.
I appreciate that you post as often as you do. The cost of this blog is minimal, given the access it gives us to you. But it would still be worth it if your schedule required that you cut back, perhaps during a particularly busy time in your life. In that case a simple statement that you have to cut back for a month or two is adequate.
The internet is filled with people who want something for nothing, or lots and lots for very little. You need not sacrifice yourself for them!
I like the way the blog runs. I like the pace of posts. I like the post series on a single subject, peeling back the issues one by one.
I do miss the previous posts sometimes. Perhaps a brief summary of a previous post along with a link would work
I read the blog daily, it’s my little pleasure with my second cup of tea. I think you do a great job of answering readers’ questions. I don’t ask more questions because I do recognize that you already devote a lot of time to the blog.
Regarding other additions to the blog: I’m in the middle of reading THE CAVE AND THE LIGHT by Arthur Herman, about the influence of Plato and Aristotle on Western thought. I was going to ask if you had read it and what you thought of it. Not wanting to burn up your time, I looked to see if you had already discussed the influence of Plato and Aristotle on early Christianity somewhere in a blog post. But there’s no search function that I could see for blog entries. If this would not be too difficult it might be a nice feature.
I would be absolutely fine with repeating topics, perhaps with a link to the old post and a couple of additional thoughts. I know you have repeated text that appears in your textbooks on the Bible and the New Testament, and though I’ve read both books I always read the post as a refresher.
Thank you for all you do. I write books for young people and although my most recent topic has absolutely nothing to do with early Christianity, reading your work has helped me sort out what to do with primary sources that mix history and literature.
I have been a reader of your blog since May of 2012 and confess that I have NOT read every post. But I do read the title of each one to help me determine my level of interest. I suspect I’ve read 85% of your posts but I do not remember every topic much less every detail. Isn’t that what search is meant to facilitate?
That said, I don’t think we readers should expect you to remember every post and every detail. I think sometimes simply referring/linking to a previous post would be sufficient. When you want to add some new or additional information or you want to clarify something, I think a new post is appropriate.
I’m enjoying the format of your blog, but wonder if it would be feasible to have a “search” where we could find some statement we’d seen a year or two earlier, and can’t remember where it was.
First – like many – Thank you for such a committed work you are doing here. I for one really appreciate it.
“I have found that it is easiest to have threads of posts running through it, rather than a different post on a different topic every day. This allows me to pursue my thoughts at greater length on a topic and the relevant subtopics. I assume that works for most people?” ITS PERFECT
Also: frequency is pretty fantastic, I read most posts (once you have paid, you kind of also feel that you need to get your money’s worth too!), and am impressed with consistently thoughtful and informed posts.
Regarding the archives question: when I have not seen a new post to read, and being a new subscriber, I have a couple of times delved into the archives. I think it would be great to do the back referencing. In fact, if there was overlap on a thread you were covering, you could also consider adapting / tweaking / updating the previous post if it needed, which I am sure would still be faster at your end, while still allowing for fresh insight. What do you think?
I confess to not having got stuck into the forum yet, sorry. I should do so. There are some very brainy folk out there, it can feel a bit intimidating!
Very very small change request: would it be possible to have a new default set (or make it configurable) to the drop-down menu “If a new comment is posted”. Currently the default is set to Do Not Send Email Notifications.
Thanks again, and 900 is a big achievement, but 1000 will call for celebration!
JB
I for one am very happy with your blog. I do have one suggestion: I don’t see anywhere where one can do a search for a particular topic. You essentially have to find a general heading and then scroll through the many posts beneath that heading and maybe you will find the topic mentioned. But if it is a very specific topic, it may be in one of your posts but not included in the title of the post. So if there is a way to do a topic search, that would be great. (I apologize if you do have this feature and I missed it.)
As a new member, I have no problem with you reposting a topic previously discussed because I probably haven’t read it. But even for longer-term members, it is always possible that your discussion may include things that you did not include the first time. I say, go for it.
Lastly, I would REALLY like to see a post on the Afterlife and Hell/Heaven. Was it a borrowed concept from the Greeks that the Jews in Greek occupied Palestine adopted prior to Jesus birth; that Jesus incorporated into his teaching; and that the Church continued and modified? Thanks
First of all, I do read every new post. Still haven’t got time to read all the back posts.
I think for topic covered, a simple “See my post on NNN” should be suffice unless there are additional ideas.
By the way, you can ask your software engineer to use Google Analytics (or develop his/her own tool) for measuring and keeping track of how many people login, how many reads which post and for how long.
I enjoy your posts. I have listened to tons of your lectures and own several Great Courses featuring your talks. I have read several of your books. Obviously I am going to encounter the same material from time to time. So what? That just means ideas stick with me in repetition. Keep truckin Bart!
I read through a lot of backlog when I first joined because I was a junkie. However, that doesn’t mean I memorized it all. However, one thing you can always do is link to relevant past content.
One additional type of topic you could take on that might go well with your workflow is blogging about books and articles you read.
love the posts. Highly appreciated. Americans especially really need to hear what Dr. Ehrman has to say and I want to both educate myself and spread the word. Ehrman’s phenomenal presentation and pedagogical style make it easy and enjoyable. If other readers of this blog haven’t heard Ehrman’s voice in Teaching Company lectures or YouTube videos, you should really check it out. Audible.com has most of his Teaching Company/Great Courses lectures. As far as the blog, I’m grateful for all of the work that he puts in. I will occasionally scroll through old topics but I’m absolutely not bothered by repetition. Many of these topics are bound to repeat themselves – the better to drill it into our heads! I could understand how repeating himself might get tiresome for Dr. Ehrman, but I certainly don’t mind. Perhaps there’s some way to recirculate the content that’s already out there, like a featured post of the day or something? Or he could take questions and refer them to previous posts when applicable or re-post those entries?
I enjoy the blog, and your comments. I read it each day you post it.
The amount of your posting is just right. I often learn much from your comments to the posts.
If I recall there used to be a search feature. I looked for it recently and could not find it. Is it still available?
Best regards,
Jim
To take a stab at your questions…
First, the number of posts is certainly fine from a consumer point of view. If you reduced it to approximately 3-4, in order to at least attempt a work-life balance for yourself, I doubt any members of the blog would baulk. If you are fine with the current 5-6 per week you won’t get many arguments.
Second, when queries from members stray into areas outside your areas of expertise you might ask for a guest contributor to fill the gap. I suspect your many colleagues around the world would be willing to assist in such a fashion on occasion. Alternatively, you can simply note that the topic is outside your areas and leave it at that.
Third, I like the approach of a series of posts on a given topic in order to deal with it adequately. I also have no objection to your using some of your published material to address a given question.
Fourth, I have no concerns with your not answering or commenting on every comment posted. The fact that most comments are short and to the point is also perfectly fine. You only have so many hours in the day. As well, a goodly percentage are simply an observation not needing a comment per se unless it is seriously out to lunch. Most of your members are not professional historians or experts in your field and so can scarcely be expected to debate issues from any great depth of knowledge. Many are better informed than the proverbial man on the street, but not dramatically so. I don’t think this point would be argued by most.
Fifth, I gave up on the discussion forum because of difficulties in getting it to work for me. I believe this attributable to a ten-year old computer. I will upgrade in due course and will leave it at that. It is positive to learn that you have had no serious problems with trolls and that most seem to respect the rules of engagement.
Finally, your specific issue raised a smile with this reader. How you keep up with everything you have done is a bit of a marvel frankly. I think if a question arises with which you have already dealt, I would recommend making a cross-reference to it. You could add additional info as needed should things have evolved from the original post. This would oblige folks to actually delve into the blog’s archived material a bit, which can’t hurt. Bottom line, you’d have a short post for that day, which is fine and not unreasonable.
I am quite happy with my subscription to the post and will certainly maintain it for a good while yet.
Cheers,
I don’t see it as a disservice to repeat oneself on a topic. Maybe it is a slight embarrassment to you but the persons in the thread probably haven’t read or remembered the earlier discussion either. Of course it would be embarrassing if your second go at topic contradicted the first. Short of having some very good search system on the blog to pull up relevant comments I do not see a good answer to this problem, but I don’t think it’s a big problem.
My frustration with the site is that I sometimes find it hard to get back to where I was before or find topics. For example I was really finding it difficult to get back to your replies to critics. Possibly a link which pulls up all your comments or topics would help. This could be of some help to you in regard to your concern about repeating yourself. Some sites allow all contributors to pull up their previous postings. One that I am on is an audiophile site called headfi.org.
Hope this is of some help and keep up the good work.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to write and interact with you Dr Ehrman and I am happy as it is.
posts are good, varied, rich and sometimes I feel you are writing out of your own time, so thanks for that.
However, my only wish is to have some classification in place.
I get a post on Paul one day, and then on H.Jesus the next, and the 4th gospel a day after, and they all just go down the order without classification.
Currently there’s one at the start page but it’s not what I really would like to see, .. not that I matter anyway .. but just my opinion.
I would like to see all the posts related to Paul in one ‘category’ with the ones regarding the epistle to the Ephesians in one sub-category, and the ones related to Romans in another and so on, and then the ones that are concerning Paul himself in a category.
The same goes for the gospels, when I read recently about Revelations, you mentioned the fact that you proved it wasn’t John who wrote the 4th gospel elsewhere, but then where? I tried to find it and couldn’t.
Finally, I would like to reassure you that I personally read every dot and dash you write, sometimes I comment, and sonetimes I don’t, if it’s too good I then keep a favourite as a link, and if I need it as reference I take out the bits that I may need to come back to later, and so on.
When I go on holiday or when I am busy I don’t read it the day i’t’s written, but I surely do read it later, and I believe that’s what everyone else does, we are all here to read Dr Ehrman, and read Dr Ehrman we do.
thanks for the great effort.
You can look at all the posts on Paul. And you can search for Ephesians. I think that should give you what you’re looking for.
I have read most of your blog archives and most of your books as well so I do not get much enjoyment from when you post things you have already written about. I would prefer it if you were to discuss new scholarship and your thoughts on it.
Hello Professor Ehrman,
I’m a relative newbie to the blog and enjoy it immensely. I check for new posts everyday and have been picking my way through the older posts. I haven’t found anything on healers. Do you think there may have been a psychological angle to faith healing or was it all just nonsense?
Also, there were numerous riots between Greeks and Jews in the first and second century. Major outbreaks began in 40, 66, 115, 132. Most people I talk to know all about the Romans and Jews fighting but have no idea that Greeks and Jews were at each others’ throats beginning with the Roman domination of the Mediterranean. Could you address this subject?
Thank you,
Paul Powers
I don’t think the healing nearratives were nonsense — but I also don’t think people actually got healed. Stories erupt for all sorts of reasons!
Each of those Jewish uprisings were very specific to certain historical and political situations — there really wasn’t a general animosity toward Jews in the empire, so far as we can tell.
I have no issues with anything. I do read virtually everything you post. I joined early on and when I did there were only a few months of blog postings from before I joined so I went back and read most of them. Sometimes when I travel on business I get way behind on reading the blog but will go back to read everything I missed. I had always assumed everyone else did the second thing, but maybe not the first, but even if not there’s always the search feature. You saw where someone posted in the forums recently about the crucifixion nail and I pointed out you had posted on that and finding that post was as simple as searching “nail” in the search box.
I’m not in favor of reposting on topics you’ve already covered. Finding something on a topic is easy enough with the search box. If you’re running out of ideas or getting busy and need to not post as often then that’s no problem by me, but I’d rather not take 15-20 minutes to read something and then realize I already read it 2 years ago.
I would be happy to just have a link to the old post with a brief description (one sentence) about its content. No point rewriting something. That’s why the old posts are still here, so we can refer to them.
The amount of posts is fine, but if you want to reduce it that’s ok too. But if you do, try to keep up with putting the comments on. I like to read the comments too, and I think a few days is a bit long to wait to see the comments.
As far as topics, I know you have a huge list already and I know there’s some on there I’m waiting for, so no suggestions from me at the moment.
Dr. Ehrman, I read a lot of your stuff a long time ago in grad school. I found you to be the most academically honest and readable writer in your field. I just recently found out you had a blog through facebook. My wife got me a subscription for my birthday because she noticed that I kept complaining that I could not read the whole thing on facebook. Basically, what I’m saying is that if I wanted to read things you’ve written in the past, I could just go to my bookshelves. Whenever you post something new, however, it might catch my eye. Even if you recycled your old posts, or just gave a condensed version and pointed to a post of the past (preferably with a link), I like the constant posts. Either of those option would require a lot less of you while still giving the appearance of a new post. Hope this helps.
Hi Bart, First a big thanks as its not easy doing what you do with all your other professional obligations you have, not least your main job at UNC Chapel Hill. No wonder you had to give up your golf and hope you can find some other hobby away from this arguably dry subject matter. I would have a job just doing the blog and I’m retired now.
I would say its a good idea to refresh your thoughts anew and that most people will not revisit the posts you have done over the years and its possible you may think differently than you used to anyway. Unfortunately that does mean more of your time. I supposed you could cut and paste previous articles but even that means that you have to research and review past posts. No little matter.
I think your response to questions on the blog is one of the really good features and look forward to that particularly even though some of our posts must drive you nuts sometimes. Not sure you could give more time to that even if you wanted to and have a vision that you are reading and replying here whilst your students are toiling away with a project or test you have set them. You must have a home life and so why not and just me, but would like to know what other interests you have besides these topics? Also as you have an undoubted oratory and communications skills, would like to see you do more public debates with Christian Apologetics but again that along with the travel involved would be very time consuming. I would like to see you on youtube with some of your university lectures but that is something that maybe would fall foul of privacy laws for the students especially. I can imagine you as Professor Kingsley in the Paper Chase, having fun with one or two of your students etc. eg You come along here wih a head full of mush and you leave thinking like theologians. ie heads still full of mush! 😉
Re other content? Maybe the lost Gospels or the influence of redaction/revision by the Nicean Council of the current Gospels we have would be of particular interest. Also maybe the current training at Theological colleges that may have changed in the light of any new developments found in recently found manuscripts or do they just confirm previous passions and beliefs about Christianity?
Hi,
I think the threads of posts are very didactic and allow us to have a deeper understanding of whatever the topic is. I really enjoy.
I also believe it is perfectly fine to post on something you had covered before.
Thank you so much.
#ilovetheblog
Hi Bart,
I’d vote for the new post. You might have some new insights to share on your new post that you didn’t have the last time you posted.
John
I agree it would be valuable to repost information from time to time. A lot of people (myself included) have not looked at the vast majority of your post..and even those who have could use a refresher. It would be nice if you occasionally revisit and summarize information you have written about before for the benefit of new members.
Bart I look forward to your posts every day so please keep them coming…. 5-6 a weeks is very generous on your part. I prefer more than less
I have no issues with repeating a topic twice either with a new post or an old one. Like you said many people may never have read the old posts or if they did a reposting here an there would still be of interest
Great job – I find your thoughts not onlyu intellectually stimulating but enjoyable
Temperature = 98.8.
I would love to see some posts on how scholars arrive at a consensus as to the dates of the orgininals of the gospels. So many interpretations and conclusions seem to hinge on these datings. By contrast, Paul’s letters seem to be relatively easy to date.
As far as re-posting vs. referencing earlier posts, all else being equal (meaning if not too burdensome for you), I prefer the former.
Thanks!
Thanks for pointing out your search function in today’s blog. Please disregard my suggestion re dates of composition of the Gospels.
Personally, being new to this blog, I would not have a problem with a blog which repeats something from a year or two ago, especially since I am beginning my exploration of your past posts and may not be familiar with it.
For one, I don’t read every day, but I will check in every three or four days and read what I’ve missed. There aren’t many topics that I myself am not interested in. If you feel too constrained by time, I think we’d all understand, but I’m pretty sure we all donated to the cause because we want to hear what you have to say. So, as many as you can handle, I’ll take.
I have also asked a question you answered in older posts and referred me (and others) to the search function. If you think of a topic but wonder if you already addressed it, I’m sure any of us could (and will) go through the archives to verify it. Or if enough people want you to go over it again, we could request it in the comments and you could decide whether or not to cover it again.
And I like the wide open forum. This isn’t Yahoo (where the comments make you ashamed to be a part of the human race). The folks here care and have paid for the pleasure to discuss the topics. We can make complaints if anyone seems to be consistently disrupting the spirit of our discussions, or if we’re wasting your time, but I have been impressed by the commenters thus far.
I enjoy, and get the most from, the thematic approach you take, and yes, I read most every post. I don’t have time to spend on the blog, but the information I glean here helps accentuate the things I’ve learned from your books. From my perspective, it makes complete sense to “re-post” things that fit the flow of the narrative, and without any editing or with a simple link. This is an information flow, and thus the flow is the issue. I reread portions of various books with some frequency. This is no different.
Dear Dr. Ehrman,
I’m new to the blog though not to your books and I’m always delighted to log on and find a new post from you. From my perspective there is no “too long” a post and though I have browsed through the archives, a new post covering old material is most welcome leading as it might to other areas of exploration where your fertile mind might take us. If err you must, please do it on the side of covering a topic yet again. In short, as a newbie, I love your blog as it is.
LisaB
It’s fine to cover the same question or item again.
For me it’s similar to when you quote long passages from your textbook on the New Testament. I’ve read the textbook, but I don’t remember a lot of details. So when you quote it on the blog, it’s a nice review for me.
I love the way you’ve been writing a series of blogs on a specific topic.
1] First, to answer the implied question above:
Yes, there at least some of us who read “all this”, each time.
2] As to the “Specific Issue”:
Perhaps one thing that might help (both for the reader and for you as the author) would be an “Article Index” of some sort.
In my experience with webpages, blogs, etc, a Search option just doesn’t really cut it, especially once the number pages reaches a certain size[*].
OTOH, If there were an Index page (with entries like, “Paul, Letter to the Ephesians” followed by a link to the relevant postings) then 1] the interested reader could more easily find a relevant article, and 2] you as the writer –and the question-answerer– could simply include the appropriate link.
The issue here, of course, would be compiling the index. Clearly this is not a task that you, personally, would have time for. But perhaps it wouldn’t be too hard to find volunteers interested in helping with such a project.
[* The problem with a Search command, of course, is the difficulty of choosing the correct, most helpful search-string especially if the Search mechanism doesn’t support complicated “booleans” –which no one understands anyway. For example, in the simplest case a search for the article that I mentioned above would be equally likely to turn up any articles that mentioned “John Paul Jones”. After a while it just becomes easier to re-ask the question.]
Thanks for your almost daily posts. I read each of them with interest, and I learn something almost every day. Sometimes, the technical(not to you) aspects are too specific for my leverl of knowledge on a particular subject, however I love it. Regarding the specific question: I have read many of the posts that existed prior to my joining the blog, however I think it woudl be too tedious and editorial for you to take the time to avoid being redundant when addressing a question or line of reasoning. Short answer: the blog is great as is!
As Biblical studies is not my forte, but a hobby, when I can spare the time, I never mind a review of a previously covered topic. I’ve been with you blog since near the beginning and find all of your posts educational and informative. Thanks again professor for your dedication.
I appreciate the blog as is. I don’t check it every day, but do catch up on the entries I missed when I come back. The depth you are able to cover by posting multiple entries in a thread makes the experience of reading more valuable.
I see no problem covering a subject a second time. Not sure what the right amount of time between similar posts needs to be, but a year should be fine.
I have read several of your books and covered 3 of your Great Courses. I find the additional insight from the blog invaluable. It has motivated me to finally make my way throught the New Testament. About to start 3 John, so I am nearly finished. The Old Testament will be a more difficult task.
Roy
I am happy to read about all the topics that come up. I think you do an amazing job of posting and keeping up with the comments. And yes, I have gone back and read most of the previous posts but I have certainly not committed them to memory and don’t mind re-reading information previously posted. I find it all interesting. I visit the discussion groups often and appreciate how many contributors are so knowledgeable and how comments are usually on topic and minimally contentious. Keep on keeping on!
The blog is working very well for me still. The five or six posts a week is just right for me or I have adjusted to it. Either way I continue to follow your posts and many of the comments. I have not been following the discussion forum.
As for posts that were previously covered, I have run across a few video links I had previously watched. Sometimes I watch them again. Quite often If you are covering a subject you previously covered I want to read it again to refresh my understanding of the points you were making and I quite honestly do not recall some of the content. That works for me.
I had used search previously and it brought me to exactly what I was looking for. The, see my post of an earlier date would do also.
I am looking forward to reading about some of your future projects, books and/or watching your lectures.
Although we can search, sometimes it’s handy to see things chronologically as well. It would be useful to be able to see a list of posts by date, with which your ‘see my post of X’ would work nicely. ‘By recent date by category’ presumes I ‘know’ into which category you put a post, and that information doesn’t show up in my news reader.
You can do this by looking at the archives for each month.
Instead of “See my post of May 16, 2013.”, link to that post. This website could become a more widely useful resource on Christianity in Antiquity. For example, when someone on Facebook cites the Eusebian view (not by name, of course) that orthodoxy was passed directly from Jesus through the apostles, I could link to your brief post on the subject. That post can talk briefly about Walter Bauer, the Ebionites, the Marcionites and so on. It can in turn refer and link to other resources (such as the most relevant and current of your books, and to other material on your website). I realize you don’t want to give away your books, but that’s the best way for me to say, “Here’s what Bart Ehrman thinks, in his own words, on his own channel.
Hi Bart,
Your blog is the besteht Ressource oft early Christianity and has becomeba companion for me during the past 18 months. Please continue and I don’t think you need major changes to keep your audience engaged.
What could be improve is the following:
– you spend far too much time in combating your own past and your evangelical challengers. Evangelical Christianity in reality is a US and UK phenomenon but there are many people outside these countries looking up to you for your knowledge and guidance. For evangelicals faith is the basis to believe, not historic evidence. Isn’t it a waste of time engaging in these debates? You could spend this time with the people around the world who openly seek to define their Christianity and value your leadership in uncovering the truth of early Christianity.
Just a though and thank you so much for this blog
Ah, but they are the Christians who dominate my world!
One additional thought: I agreed?e that evangelicals dominate “your world”. However, if you look on it frome a global perspective the percentage of evangelicals within the global Christian community is small. And I do bel3ve that you are one of the most knowledgeable and influential persons on christian origins globally. Why bother with the challengers in your home country rather than addressing the questions of your readers globally? We people outside the US etch with amusement your debates with various US evangelicals but is that reply the best usenof your time? Well, I don’t think so…
I don’t see this as an either/or. I try to do both.
When I was younger, friends and family would say to me, “Steve why do you keep knocking your head against a brick wall?” They were referring to my compulsive engagement with fundamentalists. Back then, I used to think, “Surely, if I can find the right rational argument, the right evidence, I could sway them.” Ha! Now, when I write, it is not for fundamentalists but, as you point out, their numbers in the U.S. are huge and many want to tear down the wall of separation between church and state. I REALLY do not want them to have any more success in that than they already have had. Also, they have frightened many educators away from covering the theory of evolution in their public school science classes. For these reasons, I argue against fundamentalism–not to persuade them but young adults who are still exploring what they believe and what we can know or people who want to be able to better articulate why they are skeptical so they can help persuade others who are not yet fundamentalists to never become fundamentalists or raise their children as fundamentalists.
I think much of Africa would disagree with the claim that evangelical Christianity is a US/UK phenomenon. Nigeria and Uganda come to mind. You know, the Uganda where an American evangelical preacher went to help them set up a “Kill all the gays” law which ended up getting him charged with crimes against humanity?
On a more fundamental level, I don’t see why a blog written in English by an American scholar wouldn’t address subjects that are especially relevant to people in the two best-known English speaking countries ( the one that invented English and the one that is trying to destroy it).
Well, maybe you become the “apostle of the gentiles” … Just choking…hmmm…have you thought about it??? Maybe your efforts would be more appreciated outside the US…just a thought..?
I repeat: You are wasting your talent when you try to preach to evangelicals…that’s a waste of time and given your knowledge and general influence that’s a shame really…
It’s true that faith is required to believe the ideas of Christianity. Yet each must still decide which of those ideas to believe. Some ask what the early church believed. That’s history, and that’s where Dr. Ehrman has made significant contributions. Earliest Christians had to make the same kinds of choices. Dr. Ehrman has made accessible to a general audience the wide scope of those early ideas, such as those of the Ebionites, Marcionites, etc. It took a long time for orthodoxy to develop and to prevail in mindshare.
As to killing English, historical linguistic analysis has shown that British English has diverged far more from our common ancestor than American English has.
I continue to enjoy the blog. I would expect there to be some repetition over time, as some topics are of greater interest and provoke repeated inquiries. That’s fine with me. Keep up the good work!
One feature that would be helpful, if it doesn’t already exist, would be a way for me to see all my previous posts. Other blogs have that feature, so I don’t believe it would be technically difficult. At times I would like to ask a question, but I’m not sure if i’ve asked before. Other times I’d like to follow up to a question I’d asked months before, and it would be helpful to see how you answered my previous question.
Just throwing it out there.
Thanks for the awesome blog either way!
I’ll look into that as a possibility.
Personally I think it’s going quite well. I generally log in about every week or two and peruse the topics that interest me. I haven’t spent any time on the forums (I actually forgot about them) but perhaps I’ll take a look some day.
On a side note, do you intend to or have you previously written anything on the so-called “Credal statement” found 1 Corinthians 15? I ask because apologists often bring up this topic when attempting to lend credence to the resurrection narratives. It’s been curious to me over the years how the dating of this statement has become increasingly closer to the time of the supposed events, though it’s never been clear what this dating has been based on. (other than wishful thinking)
I’ve written about it in How Jesus Became God, but don’t recall posting on it! But yes, before long it will be dated B.C.E.!
on first general concerns: I read about 80% of the posts when they get posted, and try to catch up on the ones that i did not over time…. total I read is about 90%. I enjoy the enthusiasm and energy put into this project and would suggest you keep it up, unless it hampers your other “paying” interests… or becomes intrusive on your time.
on the more specific concern: i have run across the issue that you mentioned and enjoy it when you reference things that you have already written, I think it would be great to give the location of a topic that you have already talked about and maybe give an additional thought or comment. Disservice or not, consistency is always interesting to discover. I know for myself, when I look back on something I wrote or commented on several years ago, I either see how I have matured in my thinking, or how I have been consistent in my thought.
Thank you for your work in this field and your passion for pursuing the truth.
Dear Dr Ehrman, I would still feel that we are getting great value if your were to cut your posts to every other day. If you find that your opinion has changed since an older post, it would be interesting to hear what and why. I like the threads. This weekend, I wanted to see what you thought of the book of Job. It was easy to go from post to post. I would like to learn if there are particular parts of the Old Testament that you think influenced Jesus and Paul more than others. I have posted a couple of comments. I appreciated your frank replies. If my thinking is off base, it is important to know that. I check your blog every day. Thank you the time and energy you put into it.
I read your blog…religiously. If I miss some days I try to catch up as soon as I can.
I’m grateful for the 5-6 posts per week. The connected postings on a topic are informative and allow more in-depth exposition of a topic so please continue with them where it is appropriate.
Given the constraints on your time, I wouldn’t mind being referred to an earlier posting.
I read your posts everyday and enjoy the topics you discuss. Thank You.
My personal feedback cannot be than for the positive, the simple fact that the blog is growing and people put money on it – that’s what confirms its success in the most practical way.
I have also read comments from some of your colleagues who cannot believe how much time you spend on your blog, that is apparently way beyond of what they can actually do on their free-access blogs. To me, this shows how much you believe in this charity initiative and how passionate you are about writing and disputing – putting your ideas on trial each time.
I think there is no way to “download” and store your posts, so my visits are “touch and go” – I usually don’t spend a lot of time to browse/search the blog for old posts. So I really don’t care if you already wrote about a topic, especially if it happened more than a year before.. As long as you approach the subject from scratch, in a fresh manner, I read it again with pleasure. I may also have changed my ideas since the first time, so it’s a good opportunity to make different comments/questions.
I find the frequency of the posts perfect. I may not read it every day, but a couple times a week, I read two or three at a time. When I joined the blog, I did, in fact, go back and read most of the old entries, usually a thread at a time. I think occasionally repeating content is fine, especially if it’s coming at it from a different context, but I would personally prefer new content, with a reference or link to the older post, as you suggested. I think the search function you mentioned in the 3/15 post would argue for this approach…I found myself last week doing a search on authorship of each of the gospels and was easily able to find exactly what I had remembered reading previously…if there were multiple posts saying virtually the same thing, it would clutter and confuse the search results. Hopefully, we’ll continue to ask insightful questions that will give you plenty of material to reply, ‘Maybe I’ll do a post on that.” 🙂 Thanks again for an excellent resource.
Bart, I am okay with you just saying see my past post, (e.g. June 1 2014) or whatever. If you have some new information to add or have changed your view, then sure go ahead and update. You obviously put a lot of time into this blog, much appreciated!
I’m a older guy which is one factor of consideration in my comments. I’m also a pretty regular reader with interludes of inactivity and then I catch up. My preference is to enjoy your replays for two reasons: 1) my gradually diminishing collection of memory cells so I certainly don’t mind hearing the points again, and 2) because your viewpoint each time could easily have shifted slightly as you continue to gain specifics by your on-going learning from your own research and from other scholars. Your current writing is therefore in real-time with your existing database of today.
Thanks, Bart. U one cool fella.
Gary Liljegren, Gainesville FL
Hi Bart, regarding the specific issue: maybe a slightly updated version of that ‘old’ post would be best? Yet if there’s nothing to add or change then simply post it with (REPOST) in the title? One repost a week would be ok in my opinion.
Bart,
I start every day with a coffee and terrorvision,er, news, and then go on line to see what you have posted. It’s a great way to start my day so I must say that I am quite pleased with the way you have it running at the moment. Just my humble two cents worth.
I joined last summer for the sole purpose of reading the backlog. It took a few months but I read them all.
First, thank you for all your work and all you share. I am one of those who DO read every post and every comment, although I tend to binge read, not unlike netflix, where I’ll read 5-8 posts at a time. That’s why I don’t comment much as the thread has moved on from my thoughts at the time I read them.
I’ve been a member for a year and a half and have not gone back to read older posts and so would not have issue with your “repeating” as it is still new to me. And even a rehash works as the topics are put to light with a different twist or emphasis.
The amount of postings are perfect, I only hope you can continue at this pace as I look forward to your next publications as well. I have a calendar note in July to ask when the newest edition of your textbook is coming out, might as well ask now to see if there is a release date?
I might ask for an update on the work of the charities we are supporting…..always good to hear of the impact our $ and your blog is doing! Thanks again.
Being a relatively new member, I have found your posts as interesting as your books. The blog has the added advantage, at times, of providing some insight into what you’ve published or have said in an interview or debate.
For example, your posts on how you write your books can be very useful. I’ll make my point by way of example.
A friend gave me a copy of Richard Dawkins book The God Delusion.
Trying to get a better understanding of the book, I looked for videos on YouTube and found one called God Delusion the movie. I sent the link to my friend who thought the film was disorganized etc. Knowing the BBC put this together as a series not only helps explain the apparent “disorganized” state of it, but might even tell us something about how the subject matter is treated; thus knowing how you write your books
might tell us alot as well.
At any rate, has the Bart revisits debates section been discontinued or am I just missing something? Often I get a better understanding of the subject by watching your debates. Sometimes
post game analysis is useful.
Also, your posts dealing with your books are quite good:While I haven’t gotten that far in How Jesus Became God, Your discussion of whether Jesus was buried V Craig Evans was pursasive. I can’t recall if you covered it but apparently Jews executed by the state had to be buried in a specific
graveyard according to Jewish law. Thus even in the odd chance, he was buried, it could not have been in a family plot.
I’ll weigh in. I really don’t have anything to suggest regarding changes in how you’re going about this because each and every aspect seem to be pretty close to ideal for me. I don’t mind the annual donation for access, which is set at a very reasonable and fair price (and accessible for most of us), and is comparable to having one more magazine subscription as far as I feel.
The content has been fantastic, and more than a few times I’ve had some question in mind, or an idea I’d been pondering and thinking I’ll go do the research one of these days when I have time, only to have you just happen to address it in a series of posts, very much to my satisfaction. Your posting frequency is good enough — too much more and I personally might find it difficult to keep up, and I might be one of the few who do actually try to read everything and mostly succeed at it. Much less posting and I would worry that it might not quite hit that sweet spot where the range of topics that I’ve enjoyed won’t be as well covered.
I would agree that it would be ideal to have more comment interaction, but I would prefer that you don’t increase time spent doing this if that would either cut too much into the articles themselves, your academic career, your sleep time, your social life, or your book publishing. I do look forward to your books and if I had my way I’d have your next several in my hands right now. Thus, I’d rather you just maintain your existing balance and don’t sacrifice any one thing for another. Unless you can succeed in having yourself cloned and the clone being fully productive, I don’t see this as a reasonable change to expect or to even want.
As for the idea of whether to re-address subject matter already previously covered, that’s a tough one. I for one do not have a spectacularly good memory and cannot recall whether you’ve covered something already and sometimes even forget what you might have said about it even if I do remember it being covered. When a topic comes to mind or arises from the natural course of events in the blog, only once in a while do I think to go search past posts, and on those occasions that I do, I’m not always as diligent at locating what I would like to find as I should be. I, therefore, appreciate the repeated information. There is the possibility that your thinking might have refined since prior post so that you have a slight difference of opinion, or that new data might have come to your attention, or details that you didn’t cover before but think to cover the second time around. If writing again on the same topic doesn’t sit well (even if it might add to the earlier article), I see as a possible alternative the notion of linking — “Here’s something to say about this question, or a follow-up on yesterday’s post, and I’ve written about it before at the following link: ______________________________”
The lone improvement that I can imagine, after having said above that I have nothing to add, is perhaps a topical index which somehow lists articles addressing each topic. One article could obviously fall into more than one topic. It wouldn’t so much be a massive list of articles as a list of alphabetical keywords which when clicked might lead to a list of articles on the topic. That might not be feasible depending on how your blog software is set up, and you certainly wouldn’t be able to afford the massive time required to catalog your articles and tag them all for proper topical grouping, but assuming the software could handle it, intern help or volunteer help or student assistants or whatever might be viable. Might…. any effort such as this is pretty daunting.
Anyway, keep it up. I look forward to more of the same, and even if nothing changes, I’m quite happy.
Thank you so much for all your work.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the idea of an Aramaic original for the gospel of Matthew.
I’ve seen quotes from early christian writers about there being an Aramaic original for Matthew. It would seem reasonable to think that a book targeted at converting Jews would be in Aramaic.
Certain passages in the Peshitta are beautiful, especially the lords prayer. If Christ spoke Aramaic, and the peshitta has passages which seem to read like hymns, do you think there could have been original Aramaic records of at least some of what he said?
Have you personally done any work, or could you point me to work(s) that demonstrates that the eastern Syriac Matthew is most definitely a translation from the Greek Matthew and that it could not have been the other way around?
Just want to know how serious scholars have approached the issue.
Almost all the expert linguists agree that Matthew was originally written in Greek. One reason for thinking so: it copies verbatim the Greek text of Mark in numerous places.
Getting here a bit late Bart but best wishes! I had two immediate thoughts as a fellow- “biblioblogger” (love that name!) myself. First, I think 3-4 posts a week, more or less spaced every other day, would be enough for most anyone if you were thinking of cutting back frequency and rearranging the pattern of your time. I am not in any way complaining–more is fantastic–but just in terms of the blog’s effectiveness I think it would be fine.
Second, I think re-posting things, even if only slightly revised, is a great practice on a blog. None of us remember all the points made in a post/article a year ago–so the refreshment is nice. Plus there are surely many new folks or folks who missed a post before will catch it.
Keep up the good work! I will continue to promote…
James
I’m probably among the less sophisticated in this group (I’m amazed at some of the participants) and not as knowledgeable, but I love what you do and love what I learn. I’m a huge fan. I have no problem with you repeating something previously discussed. For me, it’s no different from pulling one of your books off my shelf to reread something I’ve forgotten. On a side note, I love the humor you now and then throw in. I’ll bet your students love that, also. Thanks for all you do!
One thought: utilizing the comments listed above, has there ever been a consideration of placing a “like” link next to a post showing support for their thoughts/questions?
Interesting idea.
I agree. I like the “like” idea, lol. I was wondering if you’ve thought about adding a podcast to the blog. Maybe if only audio from your speaking engagements. I wish that you had a sort of open online course, audio or videos of one of your classes available to the ever growing list of free open online educational sites, but I believe I remember reading that you weren’t interested in doing an EdX course or the like. I have taken courses available though Harvardx and Yale’s open classes but I would much rather have the experience of being part of one of your classes with a syllabus and assignments and quizzes and exams available from you. Most of these MOOCS offer credits for a fee or sometimes just a certificate of completion for a smaller fee but I usually just take them for the free knowledge. I’d have to say the most authentic experience I’ve ever taken part in would be taking the famous CS50 course taught by David Malan from Harvard Extension. Oh well, maybe one day it will become convenient enough to become a reality. But some sort of weekly audio podcast would be nice. Thanks for allowing us to give some suggestions! If nothing changes at all, I will still be completely satisfied with everything your blog provides. Thanks for everything.
I like that you re-post. I’m always rereading your and others material. A suggestion box would be nice.
Nice to see that Tabor (my look alike) is a fan od yours.
I am more concerned about you getting burned out by the schedule you keep, and just stop. In other words I’m more than satisfied with what ever pace you set. Your blog is my favorite.
I am very happy with your variety of subjects, and anything that is repeated is fine by me. I cannot think of anything different to suggest.
While I devour everything you write, in the interest of time, you definitely don’t need to blog more. 5-6 times a week is ample and I’d still feel more than satisfied if you had to reduce that to 2-3 times a week. As far as re-covering topics, I see no harm in that. If you don’t recall if you posted about a specific topic, odds are most readers won’t remember either and there’s nothing wrong with a refresher even if they do.
Just my two cents.
I pretty much read all posts soon after they are available and I pick and choose items that interest me from the old posts and read them as well. The rate at which new posts come out is good I think. Personally, I prefer that topics are revisited as opposed to a reference back to an earlier post whether you have something new or not – whichever is better for you Dr. Ehrman. Too many referrals back to old posts turns into something like a homework assignment.
This atheist loves the blog, the only one to which I attend, much less subscribe. I’ve indeed methodically digested Bart’s backlog posts relative to my joining about one year ago. Re-postings of essentially the same material are not for me, would prefer a reference to (a) previous post when appropriate, but no big deal either way. The more Bart blogs, the more I learn.
First, thanks for doing this. I don’t know what your class or research load is but I know this takes time that isn’t always convenient. Having joined fairly recently, I enjoy the blog as it is.. I have perused your past post topics and read a number that interested me – but, if you should post on the subject again that’s fine. The search function is worthwhile and I’ve used it on occasion.
Volume of posts
As membership grows, it is likely you will receive more comments and questions. To keep the traffic manageable for you, maybe you can schedule yourself to post on alternate days Monday-Saturday i.e. 3 posts per week? I suspect most subscribers are happy to see new posts on alternate days. Given a choice between more frequent posts and more detailed response to people’s questions, I think most people would prefer the latter.
Post links to related posts
At end of each post, include links to other posts from over a year ago on the same topic: “Click here for posts you may be interested in on related topic” . You would need an efficient tracking & categorisation system to make it easy for you to insert links to past posts on same topic.
Recycling old posts
I don’t see a problem with recycling materials from years ago. People forget and need to be reminded, or they may have skipped over an old post. When you are doing a couple of consecutive posts on the same topic in depth, it is fine to recycle old materials. Then there will be a mix of new and old materials on the same topic.
Guest posts
More guests posts from other scholars is good. Flag the fact it is a guest post in the subject header, as long-time subscribers may be particularly keen to read other contributors. Maybe your research students may like to blog about their research topics?
Topic suggestions
In a section of the blog, list a couple dozen of questions you have saved up to respond to. Allow subscribers to “like” a question. After a while, you can write about the top ranked questions.
I have only been a member for a few months. In general, as long as it doesn’t present a hardship to you, I like the format and the frequency. I don’t read them every day but I will read 4-6 at a time especially as you cover one topic in 3-4 posts but I read all of them. I do have both After the New Testament reader as well as The New Testament fifth edition in addition to most of your books so I appreciate the fact that you reference your books in your blog or provide excerpts. I also read your old posts as time allows but usually I look for specific topics. In regards to your specific question you can reference your older post (or re-post it) and maybe add anything that might enhance what you wrote. In order to conserve your time I don’t think you need to recreate the post.
Dr. Ehrman:
Thanks for your blog. It’s very informative and your arguments are always well-reasoned and supported by the evidence we all have at our disposal.
I’ ve been a participant for 2 years now and have appreciated the several changes you’ve made to enhance the user interface, e.g., accessing your archive, organizing by topic area etc. Well done.
I wouldn’t worry about repeating yourself on topics of importance in this blog. Many who read/participate in your blog are either students or early christian enthusiasts and the repetition only helps. I’ve never had a problem with it. Perhaps you could draw the line at 3 or 6 months, i.e., if you posted on a topic within last 3 months, just refer to it as a response. If you already responded more than 3 or 6 months prior, repeat it. Many people are new to your site and benefit. But then again, if you’re pressed for time on any particular day, just use the referral system. Most readers will understand.
Thanks again.
Frank
Bart,
It continues to be a great learning asset for me. I normally read it and catch up about 3 times a week. I so appreciate your time in taking this task on with your busy schedule. As you said when we met In Wichita, Ks…”you write fast:”
Your blog is invaluable to me and other subscribers who are wrestling with the theological side of the Bible.
Joe Baughman
Wichita, Kansas
Hi Professor Ehrman,
I have been with you most of the time you have had the blog. I’ve lost track of exactly how long. I read nearly everything you blog. I think I have all your books too. I often quote your work. I would really miss the blog if you gave it up.
Thank you so much for all the time you devote to answering questions and making comments. It’s just great the way it is. If you repeat yourself occasionally just remember many of your followers have not read those comments from the first year.
Bart —
I just became a member yesterday but have been reading your books and listening to your Teaching Company tapes for several years.
I very much appreciate your willingness to blog in a public forum and also your willingness to respond to members’ comments. Frequent “lectures”, “office hours” and personal attention from a renowned author and college professor is quite a bargain at $24.95/year.
If in addressing a comment you’d rather not repeat a previous post, then I’d be fine if you simply provided a link to a previous post/comment-reply.
And as for the frequency of your postings, please don’t feel obligated to post on a self-imposed schedule but post instead as the spirit moves you, as the saying goes.
Thanks for all you do to help make history’s most influential set of writings more comprehensible and for engaging fully in ongoing biblical debates and discoveries.
Steve
I have read all of your posts. Seldom, if ever, do you repeat a post, but if an idea gets repeated it is always worth reading again. I have also read your New Testament text and trade books and your quoting from them is not repetitious, but worth reading again in a different format. Just keep doing what you are doing. You are doing fine. Mostly, thanks.
I’m not a happy camper because we learn things here and in the real world, we deal with willful ignorance/willful blindness. This makes the blog: ivory tower to real world churches that are PR machines against the lessons we’ve learned. Perhaps we need to hear from Princeton Theological and the most organized of Christian denominations on their progress or lack thereof towards incorporating facts into belief.
Example: A United Methodist Church has posted the following:
He spent 3 years with Jesus. He watched Jesus work, heard him teach, and walked with him in Galilee. He was there on the night in which Jesus was taken to be crucified; fearing for his own life, he denied ever even knowing him. And after the greatest miracle in history, Jesus forgave him. // Before this man died, he passed on the testimony of what he had seen and heard. // The Gospel of Mark is that testimony.
– See more at:
http://www.hpumc.org/mark/#sthash.8QTl8uN7.dpuf
You have told us / taught us that Mark did not write the Gospel According to Mark. Mark, supposedly was a companion of Peter. When I look up Mark the Evangelist, I find that Mark was one of the 70. You have not explained to us how none of the 70 could have been gospel writers.
According to William Lane (1974), an “unbroken tradition” identifies Mark the Evangelist with John Mark, and John Mark as the cousin of Barnabas.
However, Hippolytus of Rome in On the Seventy Apostles * distinguishes * Mark the Evangelist (2 Tim 4:11), John Mark (Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37), and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10; Phlm 1:24). According to Hippolytus, they all belonged to the “Seventy Disciples” who were sent out by Jesus to saturate Judea with the gospel (Luke 10:1ff.). However, when Jesus explained that his flesh was “real food” and his blood was “real drink”, many disciples left him (John 6:44–6:66), presumably including Mark.
TWO QUESTIONS:
1) Can you post on organized denominations “grade” for scholarly facts / historical literacy?
2) Can you or have you posted about the literacy of the 70 eyewitness of Jesus, sent by Jesus–could they have been smarter than the disciples and be writers of Q material if not a gospel, themselves, as suggested with Mark by Highland Park United Methodist Church? We know there was a Galilean justus, contemporary with Josephus, who learned Greek to write a history, criticized by Josephus in his short book, the Life of Josephus.
Thank you.
By “organized denominations” do you mean how scholars in different Christian churches perform as scholars? If so, my sense is that fundamentalist scholars tend to do the worse…
My view is that the sending out of the 70 is not a historical event. I personally doubt if any of Jesus’ immediate followers during his ministry was literate.
I love the blog. Just the right length. Have read everything you have posted for 6 months and lots of old stuff. (I’m behind right now b/c I’m in a long trial out of town). Feel free to repeat. Not sure this reply is how i was supposed to answer your questions, but here it is. One moblile gripe. I read on smart phone and even if i hit “recent posts” I have to scroll through all historical posts to get to recent posts at bottom. Different on pooter, but not smartphone. Thanks Barr!!
I’m not Bart, but I’ll toss in my two cents. I would say persistent tradition, not unbroken tradition, but then I’m not trying to defend an ideology. Literacy was very low in the ANE (Ancient Near East). Fishermen and others in rural Galilee had not reason to be literate or to learn even trade Greek, much less professional-level Koine Greek. At best, tradition is evidence only for what people thought and said, not what happened. We have no historical confirmation of any kind for the sending of the 70. Historical biblical scholars typically don’t have any strong denominational ties. Like Dr. Ehrman in his current profession, they tend to focus in history rather than doctrine. The UMC snippet you posted is building doctrine upon tradition (authorship of Mark). You didn’t have to be literate to be smart. Today it’s rare to find people who are smart but not literate.
Hippolytus lived 170-235 CE. There is no reason to believe he had any direct evidence.
Thanks for helping us “bare-bones” Deist vindicate our heart-math — and confidently leave Dogma behind — armed with a “reason for the hope that lies within us”.
In addition to your assuring historical biblical scholarship — I lean-on the mysteries from Quantum Physics (i.e. “Quantum Weirdness”) to infer what might lie behind the curtain of physical “reality”. Wave particle duality, Entanglement, Multiverses, Dark Matter and the Anthropic Principal — to name a few — all contribute to my return to a stark Deism (strangely enough).
These topics may not be your forte — but I wonder if an occasional “contributing editor” on the theological implications of cutting-edge Cosmology and Quantum Physics might spice things up even more?
Also, I would love to see any thoughts on “Suffering and the Human Condition” in the context of a Personal Active Creator — crafting, perfecting or even correcting the ultimate development of a sentient, eternal being in a inherently conflicting entropic universe — such as we exist in.
Thanks for the vital work you do. I hope it exposes a fundamental unity among Mono-Theist — sans Dogma.
Great idea. I’m always open to guest posts, but I have a terrible time getting anyone to produce one!
I actually do read every post you publish, typically about a week behind, so that I can also skim through the comments and read your responses. I would certainly be OK with a post or two fewer a week, especially if that meant more interaction with user comments.
As far as your specific concern goes, I think if someone has a specific question, pointing them to an old post is a perfect solution. As long as you continue to have new topics to post about, my opinion is that there’s no need to rehash old posts.
Can you ask your web guy to add the post date on the list of site search results and the ability to sort results based on either relevance or date? When searching for one of your posts that you don’t know a key word for, but that you have a rough idea of when it was posted having the date with the search results would be enormously helpful.
I’ll look into it.
Dr. Ehrman,
Again, I’m LATE to the discussion. But as a new member, I am going through all of the past posts on the blog and am greatly enjoying them. I’ve probably gotten through a third of them in a month or so of membership. As you wear many hats for many people now, I would think I was getting my “money’s worth” if you posted, say, three times a week. But I am absolutely thrilled that you appear able and willing to write twice that weekly. I doubt there is any maximum amount that you might write that I would not be eagerly obliged to read.
Thanks
Mike