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• Thursday, November 20, 2008 06:09 PM

  I Wish I Knew, Glenn!

  I don't have any inside information or insights into the CommonDreams operation.

  I have Googled in a desultory fashion, and have turned up a few criticisms of CD's odd ways, including a history of comments censorship of which I was not previously aware.

  See http://tinyurl.com/6zn7rq, especially "HIGHLY AMUSING UPDATE:" mid-page.

  Having posted fairly regularly there for many months, I am aware that the site never, ever responds to any sort of inquiry or request for assistance with technical problems, or informs readers of technical issues that affect posting. Oh, they have the usual generalized and ambiguous policies, but they really don't say much except that management reserves the right to do what it wants.

  The only exception is a couple of months ago, when Executive Director Craig Brown condescended to explain what I call the Great Comments Reformation-- a technical overhaul that included improved comments software, but also "hid" the comments threads so that the default access concealed them.

  He also has sent fund-raising e-mails-- the last one before the election encouraged the CD "community" to support Obama. So they can be interactive when it suits them; otherwise, there is a creepy reclusive character to the site administration.

  I'm aware that progressive blog readership is distributed along an axis with a positive pole of mush 'n milk "polite" visitors who are easily disturbed and offended by not only profanity, but any passionate views, and a negative pole of those of us who can cope with rigorous and passionate expression. Brown justified the Reformation by claiming that many loyal readers were appalled by the "anger", "hate", etc. polluting the once-placid and pristine constructive dialogue. But until November 3rd, "dissident" views were still tolerated.

  This draconian purge came out of nowhere. And in the admittedly slight ripple effect, questions like yours have been asked by others-- including questions about CD's lack of public accountability for its funding and contributions. This purge has released many bad vibes; speculation ranges from the site being taken over or somehow sabotaged by anti-progressive forces (farfetched at best) to Brown just getting tired or bored with the site since his wife and co-founder passed away a few months ago.

  I wrote a caustic, but civil, letter to Brown about this, but I'm not expecting an answer. I'm ticked off enough to continue looking for clues.

  Meanwhile, I can only say: "Heckuva job, Brownie!"

  —Little Brother Read Little Brother's other letters
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