A little housekeeping
Posted: October 28, 2010 Filed under: Festivities, just because 56 Comments
Well, things unfolded a lot quicker than I supposed, so I’m going to have to do some housekeeping around here as it looks like Sky Dancing will be a bit more than a file cabinet.
I just wanted to let every one know that effective this afternoon, I have resigned my affiliation with The Confluence.
Well, that and I’m not sure what to do at this point and that I’ll continue to blog here for the time being. I was accepted last month at the Financial Times, I still have an association with some folks at FDL, and who knows? My life is in a state of flux, anyway. So, we go from file cabinet to active blog over here at Sky Dancing.
I’m an issues person, so this will be an issues blog and open to all view points as long as they follow some guidelines. (Merci to Lambert of Corrente for some suggestions here.) I don’t care if you disagree with me or others. Just be civil. That means no name calling, no bullying, and no endless repetition of the same points that no one agrees with. Of course, I don’t want comments that repeat “memes”. That means if it’s something every one else is arguing because it some kind of winger spin, I’m not going to allow that to dominate a thread. Also, I don’t expect comments to be ‘dogwhistles’ for racists, xenophobes, homophobes or sexist jerks. If you think your snark may be mistaken for something serious, then just label it snark font so those of us that can be snark-impaired get it.
Until, I get some sense of things, carry on!!! Make it work!!! (h/t to the fabulous Tim Gunn).
peej
Carissa
bostonboomer
ecocatwoman
mablue2
peggysue22
quixote
skydancingguestblogger
Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
Sky Dancing 
Any house warming gift you would like?
I know you’ve had the place for some time, but it feels like you’re just moving in.
Well, how about you consider posting your thoughts ever so often? I’ve missed your voice! You can do it frontpage or downpage! Your choice!!!
Done deal.
Looking forward to some interesting posts, dak. Every end is a new beginning.
Thx, I feel weird. My post was never meant to signal a split but an attempt to maintain the community. I just couldn’t take all the pile-ons and the right wing overtones. I was just hoping to change that. Oh, well, as you said, new beginnings!!
So pleased to see you got a post at the Financial Times!!!!!
Does that mean they noticed you at TC????
I shall definitely follow you here Dak, You have been a wonderful teacher to us all over the past two years.
Nope. It’s a submit your resume sorta thing. I got in because of the credentials. Thx for coming over!! The thing that kept me at TC so long was the community and at least I went down for trying to fight for that community.
Happy housewarming, Kat! I’ll be over regularly!!
I’m so glad!!! Looking forward to it!!!
I’ll follow you here too, Kat. I’m sorry things didn’t work out at the Confluence. Their loss.
I’m struggling to put my life together too, so I know that “weird” feeling.
I’m passing into the feeling like a ton of weight has been lifted off my shoulders phase. I think that’s a good sign! And you’re certainly welcome here!!!
I’m also following you here, Kat. I believe you have made the right decision for yourself and also for us readers. Thanks.
I’m a long time (like from the first day it was created) TC reader/lurker, and I’m glad I clicked on over when I saw you’d crossposted your last TC post. I’ve been bothered by a lot of the same things you have and I thought, reading the post, ‘Dang, I’ll not be able to read Dakinikat. And I LOVE her posts, and that’ll make me feel even more alienated at times’. So, I’m following you here, or wherever, as well. Congrats on the gig at the Financial Times!
Hi, Dak.
It’s a damn shame your post at TC couldn’t have been taken in the spirit in which (I believe) it was intended.
Lately, I’ve been experiencing quite a bit of “serendipity”, or whatever you want to call it. The morning of your post, I was hesitant to check in at TC for precisely the reasons you so honestly articulated in your post. I sat there thinking, “who do I feel comfortable – 100% comfortable – reading there lately”. I’ll just come out and say it…it’s just you, Wonk, DT and SOD, and a couple of handfuls of other regulars – paper doll, cwaltz, Seriously, to name a few.
While I fully appreciate the position that Sarah Palin has been incredibly violated by the left, as well some on the right, and mercilessly harrassed by the media, I feel that on TC, that point was well-driven home many moons ago. The MJ cover was indeed offensive and, I feel, worthy of a scorning on anyone’s fp. Violet covered it. If that had been the only, say, 2nd post in a couple of months on the indignities committed against Palin and her family, great. But myiq’s incessant postings, both fp and in comments, on anything Palin did make me wonder if the RW pings would start coming.
That said, I completely agree with myiq’s approach of separating the person from the politics. I just think he should concentrate on the liberals and give the others small print. Jane H. may have gone off the reservation, but she has core liberal values…she and others like her can be saved. *Those* are the members of the “opposition” that are worthy of engaging. Kicking lambert in the crotch because he’s “come around” is bizarre to me. Gathering around a “broken clock is right…” RW pundit’s latest choreographed bent is wrong, wrong, wrong. They’re playing the liberals. Period.
While I’ll being mouthy, I’m going to also say that this “blogstalker” drama is sophomoric and exclusive. Out on a limb, I’d say most of us who read TC daily don’t give a rat’s ass about what so-and-so said about whoever. If we did, We. Would. Read. Them.
The Rand Paul issue was surreal. As s/o else mentioned, an effort to inform themselves on what occurred wasn’t expended by quite a few who commented on your thread. I missed the past 5 or so threads where this went on, but took the damn time and effort to catch up. Frankly, I was horrified to see the attempted minimalization and justification of the event. I was particularly shocked by WMCB’s assertions.
As to bullying, I am always agog at rudeness and kneejerk reactions. I always feel so awful for the first time or irregular commenter, who may well have read and recommended the blog for years, when they find a point of contention that lures them to comment… only to be wrung out to dry…their alleged blogosphere history blasted out there for all to see….usually with absolutely no proof whatsoever. Very disconcerting.
I’ve read several of the fp’ers and regulars lecturing newcomers and, surprisingly, some regulars on the “rulez”. Do not insult the proprietor. Ok. But it is ok for the proprietor to insult another blog owner on their site. Not ok in my book. Don’t be rude or name- call…unless it’s me doing it. Not ok.
I’m not trying to dogpile here. I’m super hesitant to speak up on these things, but it’s been bothering me for ions…and so I roll with serendipity.
Dak, I think you are very gracious, knowledgeable, patient….and fun. I’ve already raised a glass to your high road approach. I think the world could use lots more of it.
And, Pips, ::waves::, have I mentioned I much I like the cut of your jib? I felt quite uneasy reading your last (I think) exchange at TC. To me, *that* was bullying.
I’m just a Western World foreigner who gives a shit about what the “Super Power” is up to. I started with smirkingchimp and huffpo, ran to TM, had a brief stop-over at NQ :shudder: (except for Ani – she’s great), and then 2 yrs ago, nestled in with TC. Mostly a reader, and one to keep their foreign trap shut, I relied on the site to keep me informed via some of the BEST political minds I’ve read since my foray into US politics in 2000.
This morning, I had a sinking feeling this wasn’t going to end well. “Well” would have been a meeting of brilliant minds coming together to make a concerted effort to understand and meet half-way. Apparently that couldn’t happen. From the proprietor’s comments on the threadI could tell that was probably going to be the result .
Ramble ended.
Peace.
Thanks so much. I gave it a try and the support down page was pretty obvious. I’m fine with discussing controversial topics and having strong opinions, but you can do that without going full throttle on the hostility. I’m reminded of Bill O’Reilly who invites folks on his show to have a discussion, yells at them if they disagree, and then turns their microphone off. I’m fine with strong opinions, I’m just not fine with name calling and group think pile ons.
And Kat! As always I’m sooo late to the party and only now noticed that, unlike me, you had already moved on. I’m so sorry that you had to make the split, but being selfish I’m so happy, that I will still have a place to go to. 🙂 And even one where we don’t have to unnecessarily censor ourselves, as I often felt I had to at TC. (Having lived through the “Cartoon Controversy” up close, I’m of the opinion that free speech is a good thing, as long as you’re also responsible and considerate about other people’s feelings! What is NOT good is being inclined to censor yourself out of fear!)
Good luck with this site! To all of us. 😉
PS. So glad to hear that Lambert helped you!
PPS … and please let me know when my quota of comments is reached. 😳
Awww juststoppinby! :vigorously waves back with tears in my eyes:
Here I am reading your post nodding in agreement with everything you say. And then … you mention me! And has noticed my “exchange” at TC. And gives support. I know I’m silly that way, but you actually made me tear up. Thanks! (Not for making me tear up, lol. Which by the way is pretty easy. I tear up as much over beautiful things as over sad.)
You say. “I’m just a Western World foreigner who gives a shit about what the “Super Power” is up to.” Ooohhh, I like that! As a “Western World foreigner” myself, I sometimes feel that maybe, just maybe, some US commenter are dubious to my reasons for commenting on a US blog. But that’s precisely it: I too give a shit about what the Super Power is up to!
Thanks for making me feel … relevant.
Pips, of course you’re relevant. As a chronic lurker, you are one of my favorite commenters. I was thrilled to find you here!
P.S. agree with just re the bullying. I cringed
Awww thanks and Hi, HT! Stealing from Lambert: ‘Pips blushes modestly’, heh.
Hi Dak,
I love the new look. I wish you the best in all your endeavors and with this cool looking site. I’m looking forward to being a part of this community.
I also am sorry and saddened to hear that you left the Confluence. It will be a big void and I don’t see TC filling that void with anyone who could replace you. It’s not easy discussing economics, period and you are a great teacher who explains it so that almost everyone can have access to the single most important topic that we can discuss and that is the financial tsunami that took place in 2008 (or rather was revealed in 2008). Imo, I’m sorry to see that TC has suffered a great loss in your resignation.
I’m going to keep posting over there when I see something that interests me as there was this evening when someone posted a link where Obama dissed FDR in a recent interview, I will post a response. And, Wonk does some good work there as well as BB.
I’m not really that up on the background of what happened to people who were once frontpagers or who were erstwhile commenters over there, so it was interesting to read all the comments last evening about TC’s recent history. I think what stung TC management a bit was that so many people felt as you did about what they saw and not just about the Rand Paul conversation about that young woman’s being stomped on and roughed up by a group of thugs, but the bullying that was evident in quite a few of the posts over the course of the last month or so and from the same two or three folks.
I’ve seen these people around the boards before and they had that same aggressive, tale no prisoners type of post and it was no mistaking their ultra conservative bent and how they continued to diss liberal policy and not just, as I said, the Dem Party which all of us in Dem Exile have deep issues with.
I have also seen this conservative “infiltration” at other sites I visit and on occasion comment in and it just seems to be a trend and they are becoming bolder and caustic in their liberal policy put downs the closer the midterms approach. Anyway, I’m not keeping quiet any longer, I’m going to speak up from now on when I get the chance and the comments verge on the bullying type and continue to put down liberals and our principles. But, do it in a way that doesn’t imply or explicitly say “I’m going to break someone’s neck” in doing so.
Anyway, it feels great to have another place as a Dem in Exile to post. I have a feeling they are growing in number. Talk soon and take care.
ndd
P.S. I’m on twitter and I would like to follow your twitter page. Please let me know how to find you. Txs.
Namaste
Hi, first off thank you, and I think you’ll see a lot of familiar faces here. I have no problems with any one still being part of the TC community. That’s just fine with me! I just didn’t seem like I was able to get the points across I was trying to make and some events this morning just convinced me I needed to move on.
My tweet account is dakinikat.
Dak, I am sorry to see you leave TC…but it looks like it will be a move in a positive direction. I have had your Sky Dancing blog on my Reader for a very long time, I am glad that you are going to be focusing on your own blog. Anyway, kudos to the FT gig. And good luck with Sky Dancing!
Hi dakini. I’ll be another one here with you. I’ll never be an apologetic liberal, and I’m tired of reading posts standing up for conservatives. Doesn’t mean I think they’re bad people, but I see no reason to give them a platform when they have plenty of outlets where they can do that for themselves. I also don’t like being lectured on how to think about or behave toward those on the far right. I’m old enough not to need a mommy anymore. Tried to give you what support I could in your final post at TC. Am really looking forward to your issues discussions. Let me know if I can help in any way other than being a regular participant.
Great! I could use all the help I could get! I’m thinking of opening my site up to other frontpagers if any one is interested and I’d really like to go beyond my narrow interests. I think on the weekend it would be fun to share gardening or food things!
Anyway, I’m not going to stand up for conservatives here. If I bring in their viewpoints, it’s usually not to defend them but to point out the issues. I think we’ve safely determined that sexist, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic attacks on any public official is uncalled for and we can move on from there!!
Good to read you!!!
Thanks. I do have an MBA in Finance (yes, I know what you think about MBAs, and you’re mostly correct), but I also spent 10 years with a major bank, leaving as a VP and Section Manager in secured lending, and then ran a small food manufacturing company, so I have some real world experience besides the dusty old degree. As I think you know, I also have a masters in Plant Pathology and was a Master Gardener for 13 years, so I can contribute on the lighter side, too. I think you’ll get a good crowd here and have some fun at the same time. Looking forward to it.
kewl!!! I have a smile on my face and I really need one today!!!
Thanks for the email, dak. I’ll do my best to help make your blog the success you deserve.
Thanks so much that’s so sweet!
grayslady,
I recall reading recently on TC that you were a Master Gardener.
After spending 20 yrs as a legal assistant in criminal law, I ran a vintage store for 5 yrs, and then spent 3 yrs as a travel wholesaler booking super-duper luxury private villa vacations (I enjoyed every job very much)…and then, 2 yrs ago, began gardening full-time.
I have never been happier. Working with the earth, creating pretty landscapes and turning people onto horticulture is THE most gratifying path I’ve taken.
When I was going through a divorce, and losing my company at the same time, gardening was the only activity that kept my sanity.
I went back to performing in clubs at the time. Piano playing did the same for me.
One of the largest gardens I care for, free-of-charge, is my ex’s. Go figure.
Dak, if I could play an instrument, I’d set up in a garden…a wild one.
The lawyer I worked with for the last 10 yrs of my legal stint played the flute, set up in 2 places – facing out her vacay home’s bathroom window overlooking the Quebec adirondacks, and among the hollyhocks at her main residence in southern Ontario.
Nature and music. Can’t beat that poetry.
grays has her own gardening blog – I love it.
Gardening comments would be contributions on the more beautiful side, which in many ways is most important. I live close to the NY Botanical Garden, an incredibly beautiful oasis in the Bronx (of all places).
I used to live near there too, BxFemDem!
Would you be interested in anything about farming? Although I have a PhD in Anthropology and Archaeology my vocation is farming. I own a teeny weeny farm in the PacNW. I do Anth and Arch research and computer programming on the side, to help make ends meet.
Farming, at least as done by families as most of us think of it, is on the endangered occupations list. Not only is it very difficult economically (as things stand currently), but much of big government, as urged by big agriculture, is actively trying to destroy family farms. The irony is many states, knowing that family farming is an important part of their economy in many ways (imagine living where there are no farms, at all, anywhere?), are trying to support and push family farming.
The fight is heart wrenching, as a family is encouraged by the state, builds a business, and then a few years later is torn down by spurious federal persecution. I think this might be happening in many occupations, it’s just that I know of it best in farming.
absolutely!!! I think the future will be edible landscaping and neighborhood plots. I love to see it happen in urban areas like mine where most of the corner grocery stores don’t have fresh items available!!
and Family Farms are such an important part of US culture and history. I think it’s absolutely necessary to sustainable futures. I’m lucky to live within blocks of a weekly farmer’s market at the local convent.
Do you think cross-posting would be a bad idea?
I have no problem with that at all but I can only speak for myself.
dak –
congratulations on the gig at financial times! you earned it. endings really are new beginnings. I really appreciated the substance and consistency you brought to TC, which seemed to generate some major jealousy over time. and I really noticed your absence the last few days, TC feels kinda flat without you. you basically kept it afloat for months and months with posts on a wide range of subjects – this may not have been their smartest move since others will now have to pick up the slack! I have a big aversion to bullies too and noticed the nasty digs. I also share your interest in spirituality and totally understand and support your decision. skydancing has moved up to the top three of my favorite bookmarks and I’m sure over time more and more of your following will find their way here.
thank you so much!!! Fortunately, all my work is keeping me glued to my desk and computer so I’m going to try to stay really active here. I really loved the community at TC and just wanted to not create any discomfort over there, so hopefully every one will just pop in and say hi here too.
Hi Dak
I’m sorry for the split wit TC. I will read your posts here… and I promise not to make any TPish comments, because sometimes I do feel more on their side.
Congrats on the FT gig — very exciting!
I dabble in knitting & gardening & cooking would love to see threads on those.
PS Love the new look – very dynamic!
The FT gig is to help the CV and to develop some contacts in Eurozone since my thing is optimum currency areas and development. You’re not going to find my handle over there. I’m actually using my real name.
There’s TP sympathies and TP memes. I understand the need to rise ala the Tea Party but I’m still more than appalled by the direction the movement has evolved and I don’t think it’s attracting just a bunch of ordinary folks. I know that every movement attracts its a certain amount of ugly followers, but I have to say that they seem to have more than their share on that account. Code Pink is kooky but harmless, as an example of wacky anti war types. If the weathermen regroup, I’d get concerned about Move On. But, there’s an underlying love of violence in those folks that I don’t think is healthy. Too many of them seem to thrill to the idea of violent overthrow of the government, imho.
I agree, violent change usually leads to just more oppression. I’m really still hoping the Hillary and Bill can somehow lead us all out of this mess.
So glad you’ve reactivated the blog (settling back comfortably in my lurkers chair). I was worried that you would stop after the kerfuffle – and btw, I agreed 150% with your post. As a lurker, and a staunch liberal (albeit a Canuck variety which I suppose would categorize me as a socialist in americanspeak) I was finding it very uncomfortable, and I’d been at TC since the beginning. And amazingly, I find all of my favorite commenters over here too! Morning pot of coffee and Sky Dancing – perfect!
I was afraid I was going to be lonely over here. I’m happy to say that I’m thrilled to find I was very wrong on that account.
Sorry to hear about the split between you and TC, it’s like when people you know get a divorce. Some times here are no bad guys, only misunderstandings.
As to that Right Wing stuff, TC is certainly not No Quarter.
Anyway, good luck with this and I’ll stop by from time to time to read and comment.
Hey Dak! Good to know you will still be doing your outstanding posts.
I’ll lurk here too now!
Jen
I’ve bookmarked you as a new favorite, Dak, and good luck with the new gig!
Dak, love the new look site..I am so glad you will be posting here regularly,,,as a long time lurcker and occasional commenter I read your blog during the primaries and will keep doing so. good luck with everything. please keep us updated with whats going with the oil spill business. whats happening with the wildlife, jobs..the mood. your posts on those issues really touched my heart. again best of luck.
Just want to say hi and thanks for all your very substantial and important posts at TC. Totally agree with what you were trying to convey in your final post there — I too have been disturbed by the increasingly pro-TP tone. Not the first time that’s happened before an election, btw. Remember when Scott Brown was deified and voting for Martha Coakley was madness. That your point of view has been flushed down the memory hole there speaks volumes about why you felt you needed to leave. Well good for you, and I will check in here regularly.
*****A
Dak,
I don’t always agree with you but you were the reason I went to TC. I love your economic posts and your bird’s eye view on the appalling Gulf oil gusher. I was sorry to read your final post at TC and wondered what would happen.
Congrats on your new job and this amazing site.
Are any of the gardeners interested in permaculture. I read another blog which has some really interesting comments about this.
Dak, well, everyone up above has said things I feel too. When I read at TC that you were no longer posting there I felt at a loss. I’ve learned so much from your econ posts, and from your perceptive analysis of so many other things. I’m happy to follow you over here; glad to see some familiar names and meet new ones. Thank you for offering another place for more of us Dems in exile.
Thank you for coming and always lending your voice!