You guys are good!
I usually post something up early in the morning. Sometimes, one or more of you have a question about the post–about a given whisky, distillery, or perhaps about a regulation.
By the time I swing back later in the day to take a look at the comments, someone has already answered the question. Thanks! You help make my job here a little easier.
I also want to thank you for your professionalism and self-policing. A large reason why WDJK benefits so many people is because of the comments and discussions that stem from my post, and not the actual post itself.
John,
I think we all have to thank you for creating this space where we can get valuable information and share our thoughts. I think this blog “environment” which you have created has a very special community that treat everyone with respect and care.
Keep on the great work!
Chivalry lives on in the digital age! Thanks for encouraging this civility, John. It is a pleasure to participate with the good folks here.
I think “chivalry” is overstating it. Really, the commenters here are no less contentious than those elsewhere. The difference isn’t in the smoothness, but the depth of the discussions. Many here go to exceptional lengths to be seen as having a solid grip on the facts or an appropriate attitude toward the whisky game– it’s a matter of pride and a matter of what’s good for whisky. A level of civility is demanded for the social context, in which these achievments are possible, to exist. All of this is motivated and enhanced by the fact that this is the blog of a respected, celebrity whisky authority, an authority who actually participates in discussions.
Another important feature of this blog, which keeps interactions more meaningful is that it is not a forum– commenters are not able to post their own threads. This means that discussions are contained and focused– they don’t spin off into rival mini-conversations, which would likely ultimately ignore one and other.
Good points! And thanks.