A reader sent an email asking why I haven't enabled the comments function to this blog. I am, of course, writing on often controversial matters of culture and public policy, and so should offer others the ability to respond.

My explanation's this: I had enabled comments when I first began this journal and for some time after. However, in December, a second incident with an insistent, argumentative commenter took the pleasure out of responding to comments.

Given the demands on my time and energy (teaching four college courses, wrapping up a fifth, participating in an active job search, volunteering as a community leader, raising a small child, serving as a journal editor, etc.), I decided I didn't want to continue to put time and energy into that dimension of the journal -- at least not right now.

However, I'll be glad to take emails, especially from those fellow journalers who have addressed my posts in their own blogs. I'm as interested in points of disagreement as I am agreement. I just won't promise to reply :).

Professor ...