91 Novels

Some time on Saturday the counter ticked past 220,000 comments posted here on TOP since 2007. About 20,000 of those were added to the posts as "Featured" comments. If you accept an approximated average of 50 words per comment, that would mean I've read and moderated some 11,000,000 words of comments since moving here to TypePad from Blogger—about the same number of words as 91 full-length novels*.

And you know what? I still very much enjoy receiving and reading comments. That should be obvious! I look forward to them every day. When I was "down" during my recent eye operation, I missed them. They amplify, expand, and modify almost every post. Collectively, the TOP Commentariat has vast experience, deep wisdom, and a well of knowledge. I learn something new every day, and I've certainly been kept entertained. I'm sure the many people who "lurk"—that is, who read but seldom comment themselves—would agree.

I'm always trying to figure out ways to draw out more knowledge and different stories from you. I get good recommendations and advice and tips, as well as edification, education, and enlightenment. And excellent feedback—hearing from readers immediately and learning to anticipate objections and dissenting opinion has made me a better writer, or at least a more fair and compassionate (and oh yeah, more humble) one.

Many thanks, and please keep those comments coming! And now, back to moderating comments.  :-)

Mike

*That sounds like a lot, but it's only 7.5 novels per year—I actually know real people who regularly read that many novels every two or three weeks or so.

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Comments

[c.d.embrey]

84 degees F and >60% humidity at 9:08am, here in HB CA, when I went out for my morning walk. BTW the UV index is 11! Did Nigel Tufnel make the UV Index? I may or may not take my after lunch walk.

What I'm listening to while I walk is The Doors Alabama Song and The Dickies Paranoid. Although I'm a Calvinist, I have catholic tastes 8-)

BTW I received some new sunglasses yesterday, so I snapped some selfies while out walking.

[Jeff]

No comment.

But I do wonder if you’re still playing with the Baker’s Dozen from before your eye ordeal.

[K4kafka]

What’s the status of the long-delayed, “Museums”, Bakers Dozen pix?

[Joe Holmes]

I know that comments are a major draw for me here because I've come to know certain contributors by name, and I sometimes seek out their comments. TOP is an ongoing conversation among interesting photographers.

[Dan Khong]

Blogs that are more likely than not to attract comments:
1. Controversial subjects and topics
2. Personal experiences and inviting to share reader's personal experiences e.g recent Digital vs Film post.
3. Memorabilia and nostalgia.
There are obviously more but these three came immediately to mind.

[SteveW]

Thank you for the TOP Universe!

[Peter Williams]

Speaking of recommendations, have you checked out Alex Lahey? In the same everyday life stories as Courtney Barnett, but a different sound. An example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ccae3n8U7c&list=PLg8H0YNA9sGY3w-XFqRnOS1xCGymUAQJv&index=8

[Greg]

Some of us read a book a day. Even while working and raising triplets. Though I didn’t in boot camp nor for the first few months when the triplets came home. I don’t watch tv however.

[James]

"Collectively, the TOP Commentariat has vast experience, deep wisdom, and a well of knowledge. I learn something new every day, and I've certainly been kept entertained."
So true.

[Jay Siegel]

62 and 22

Analog:
1957 Voightlander Vito-B
1969 Olympus Pen-FT
1972 Olympus OM-1

Digital:
1997 Olympus 320L
Currently Olympus OMD-E1II

Jay Siegel