August 18, 2006
From the desk of Jane Galt:Bleg
I'm pitching something on blogs--economics blogs, in particular--and so I'd like to do a (very) elementary and unrepresentative reader survey. Feel free to comment on any or all of the questions; if you don't feel comfortable posting comments online, please email them to me. If you so request, your email can be "off the record", journo speak for "I won't share it with anyone, not even anonymously". I'm just trying to get a sense of what y'all like in a blog, and what you think blogs are good for. I know what I think, but judging from my record on picking television shows, my tastes are not representative. At least, not until House and So You Think You Can Dance? came along.
1) Why do you read blogs?
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
5) What are your favourite blog features?
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
1 Kidding!
Megan,
You need to close your "small" tag in your footnote on this post; unclosed, it's making all the subsequent text in the later posts small.
Posted by: John Thacker on August 18, 2006 02:50 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
To engage people in discussions. The best blogs have an active discussion group that isn't loaded with ad hominem attacks. The best posts are those that encourage discussion. Its fun to read the posts, but more fun to argue about them in the comments.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Because the subject is interesting to me, and because it leads so often to other interesting subjects (e.g., social order, values, etc.).
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
EconLog, Cafe Hayek, Asymmetrical Information
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
See number 1.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Speed
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Slow. But even more so, posters who think that civility is unnecessary.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Debate blogs. Where its not home team vs trolls. This blog is actually pretty good as creating that type of environment.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
NA
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
Drawing a blank
Posted by: Randy on August 18, 2006 02:50 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
- Distributed intelligence,
- Wide range of opinion and analysis
- humor,
- procrastination
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
- Econ is interesting
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
- Marginal Revoluton
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
- Because even though I usually at least in part disagree with you, your opinions are well thought out and well written.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
- Not sure quite what you're asking... if you mean of the medium itself, the volocity and the immediate feedback.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
- Rabid partisanship, and that larger comment sections quickly become unreadable.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
- Specifically this one, more, smaller intermediate posts about ongoing research. This may conflict with your day job.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
- Don't have an answer.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
- Radish.
Posted by: fishbane on August 18, 2006 03:03 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
--See Randy's reply.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
--Read Randy's reply. In addition, I am unschooled in econmonics, so reading the WSJ and this blog and some of Milton Friedman's books are very interesting to me. (I have become very puzzled as to why elementary economics is not taught in high shools as a required subject.)
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
--this one.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
--see Randy's reply. The tone is usually more civil on this blog, and although most of the readers tend to lean libertarian, they lean that way from both the right and the left. I also enjoy the viewpoints of Jane, Mindles, and Winterspeak and the topics they bring up.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
--civil comments
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
--Uncivil comments
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
--every now and then, a couple of comments on the economic theories inherent in the "economic" topics, because these theories are largely unknown to those of us who never had any econ classes. For instance, some time back, there was a nice discussion of how a real world problem related to the Broken Window Fallacy, and if the fallcay hadn't been explained in the post, I wouldn't have understood the discussion.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
--see # 7 above
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
--Parsnip
Posted by: Rex on August 18, 2006 03:11 PMWhat Rex said.
Although I'm going with fishbane on #1, and I took Intro to Micro and Macro as electives.
Jalapeno's are vegetables, right?
RGT
Posted by: RGT on August 18, 2006 03:38 PM1. Why do you read blogs?
Because I cannot get a decent newsgroup feed anymore. Probably even if I did, many of the newsgroups I used to participate in are either defunct or overrun by spammers, trolls & other obnoxious entities. So I read weblogs to get around the Main $tream Media.
2. Why do you read economics blogs?
I don't.
3. Fave econ blogs.
NA
4. Why read this one?
For the same reason I read "Liberty" and used to read "Reason". Although lately "Reason" has been less and less interesting.
5. Fave blog features.
A decent user interface for comments.
6. Aspects of blogging that annoy you.
The tendency of some people to footnote with a url to an entire web site. It's like Chomsky "footnoting" some claim of his in a book with the title of another of his books. Not a problem here, btw...
7. See more of on econ blogs in general & this one in particular?
Economic literacy would be a good start. Specifically, for example, I'd like to see more economists and economist-wannabes who have read Freidman and thus understand what "inflation" is, and therefore don't use that term to refer to any old price increase that comes along, just for a start...
8. More of on this blog?
How about a discussion on the housing ATM market that is currently undergoing a "soft landing" , or an examination of Fannie and Freddie in terms of moral hazard, or consideration of the bailout of LTCM & what it means for the thousands of hedge funds currently operating "open loop" in terms of regulation, for a start?
9. I would be wasabi...
Posted by: ellipsis on August 18, 2006 04:20 PM1) It's very hard to actually meet smart people that talk about interesting things, but it's trivial to go out and find blogs written by smart people who make interesting posts. It is somewhat less trivial to find such blogs that allow comments and have a solid community of other smart people that talk about interesting things.
2) Economists are smart and talk about interesting things. Economics always strikes me as patently obvious, but the vast majority of people have zero understanding of it... so I admire and respect those who recognise that economics as a field of study not only has value, but is quite likely the MOST valuable field of study. (This is founded on the concept that most brilliant ideas are invisible before you know them and obvious afterward.)
3) The Angry Economist, Cafe Hayek, EconLog, Marginal Revolution, and the Liberal Order.
4) I don't. I came here because OTB linked to you, and the survey might benefit from a non-reader's perspective.
5) Smart people with interesting ideas.
6) Demands for my URL that choke on https: links and call them invalid. RSS feeds with DTDs, so IE7 can't manage them. Overly moderated comments.
7) I like it when things that aren't obviously economic are examined as economies. "Freakonomics" appealed to me, although like many, I didn't find it particularly radical or brilliant. Just a good read.
8) I think we can apply economic principles to politics much more often than we do.
9) Dan Quayle.
1) Why do you read blogs?
I read for the intellectual stimulation, and I like to discuss and debate various topics with other interesting people.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
I consider economics to be the primary study of human social interactions. Every other social science is subordinate to economics.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I only recently started visiting here, so I can only say that I have continued to visit due to the interesting blog entries and the high quality of the comments.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
My favorite blog feature is the comments section.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Incivility.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
I really don't have an opinion on this question.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
So far, I can find what I want to find with a little effort. This is the beauty of the web.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
Ozzie Osbourne
Posted by: Yancey Ward on August 18, 2006 04:45 PMI see I skipped a question by mistake. My favorite economics blog is Mises.org at the moment.
Posted by: Yancey Ward on August 18, 2006 04:48 PM1) For news. Libertarian and otherwise.
2) I don't read economics blogs generally.
3) Assymetrical Information, Freakonomics, Fraser Forum(not a blog)
4) Libertarian slant to Economics.
5) Nothing in particular
6) None. I just move on...
7) It's good the way it is. Less Dreck.
8) Curves. You asked...
9) Brussel Sprout
1) Why do you read blogs?
Entertainment.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Entertainment. I just find applied economic analysis interesting.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
This one.
Greg Mankiw.
Marginal Revolution.
EconLog.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
It's usually one of the most consistently insightful blogs I've run across.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Features? You mean, other than the writing? Comments, I guess.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
None.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
More pictures of Megan? I don't know, just keep doing what you're doing, it's good.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
No.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
Raddish.
Posted by: Simon on August 18, 2006 05:04 PM1) To stay up to date, with voices that are more authentic than TV news, more timely, and at significant levels of depth.
2) To learn more about economics, reinforce my current understanding and recognize some of my own biases
3) Marginal Revolution and Eoconolog
4) With a name like Jane Galt, what's not to like?
5) I don't know what you mean by features
6) In the political sphere, the assumption that people who disagree with you are evil or retarded.
7) Hmm, not sure. I'm pretty happy with the content now
8) Again, fairly happy with what I'm seeing now
9) Water Chestnut
1) Why do you read blogs?
I read blogs in general as a low-cost (in both time and money) and high-entertainment-value way to delude myself into thinking that I'm keeping up with what's going on in what used to be my academic field (political science/international relations). Hey, if so many good professors/writers are going to pontificate on the web for free, it's silly not to take advantage of that, right?
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Because my education in economics is woefully incomplete, and econ blogs are a low-cost, high-entertainment way to learn about economics in general and about how economic questions are currently being handled in American politics specifically.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
This one, Marginal Revolution, Greg Mankiw's blog.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
1) Because it's entertaining, literate, has a good group of commenters, and is one of the most broadly-focused econ blogs I've found. 2) Because it isn't written at such a high level of abstraction/technicality as some econ blogs; i.e., it doesn't make me feel like an idiot. 3) Because it has lots of links to the good stuff on other econ blogs that I don't have time to keep up with. I appreciate somebody else doing the work to filter out the good stuff in those blogs for me.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
I don't know if you'd call it a "feature," but I love it when bloggers get into debates with each other--actual intellectual debates, not ad-hominem sniping.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
The tendency many bloggers and commenters have to be snarky towards those with whom they disagree. (The bloggers and the vast majority of the commenters here are definitely *not* guilty of this, by the way.)
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
I'd like to see more posts explaining current news in terms of economic theories, in terms that those of us who are under-educated in economics can still understand. (Greg Mankiw's blog is really good at this, I think mostly because he views his blog as something aimed primarily towards his undergrad students.)
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
See #7.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Horseradish.
Posted by: LurkNoMore on August 18, 2006 05:41 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
Because... Well, to understand this, you should see what Belgian television looks like.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Because that's were most raving libertarians seem to hang out, plus the people writing them generally know their econ 101, which is a relief compared to most commentators in the media.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Stumbling and Mumbling, Marginal Revolution & Asymmetrical Information
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Because it's well written and thoughtful.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
The comments.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
I couldn't think of any.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Posts.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
/
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Jacques Chirac.
1) Why do you read blogs?
It's a free source of interesting things to think about.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Economics is possibly the subject about which I am least ignorant.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
The von Mises blog, Catallarchy, and this one.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
For the same reasons I read the other economics blogs that I read: the posting is frequent and the topics are interesting to me.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Comments, comments and comments.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Some people have the nerve to disagree with me. Cretins!
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
In general, I think most economics blogs have sort of found a few things to specialize in and gotten really good at those things. So, more of the same actually.
On this blog, more of what you are already doing. You've found your niche.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Scatterplots. Seriously.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
A hot pepper.
Posted by: James on August 18, 2006 06:30 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
Hayek's scarcely-distributed knowledge has a lot to do with it. The more knowledgeable I am of however many aspects of any given argument, the better. Blogs are diverse
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
It's my interest, major, etc. Whenever I read non-economists on major public policy issues, my head usually hurts.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
MR, Cafe Hayek, Greg Mankiw. Does Hit & Run count?
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
It seems the best thing a blogger can do is be aware of what other bloggers are saying, and you do that very well.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
I don't know if you mean technical features; if so, I've got nothing. If you mean otherwise, I love how blogs pander to pedants. That is, they're very useful for calling people out on very small details or arguments. (Perfect example.)
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Comments are mostly terrible. There's something about the internet that compels people to repeat the same things to each other over and over when once is quite enough.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
The economics of X, where X is anything stereotypical person Y doesn't think is related to economics.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Classic econ literature reviews.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
A red onion.
1. I like reading people's opinions on things and blogs are usually more entertaining than MSM op-eds. Also, spend time.
2. I like economics as a subject. Also I like the libertarian take on issues sometimes.
3. Marginal Revolution
4. Long, well-written, and though out posts.
5. Comments
6. Not sure
7. On this one, more frequent posts.
8. More diverse subjects
1) Why do you read blogs?
It depends - some for general knowledge, some because they're well-written, some just for fun.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
I like to be able to back up my opinion when I discuss things with other people, and the info I get is easier to digest than reading a textbook. Plus, it's just interesting...
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Cafe Hayek, this one.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
It's interesting and has brought up a lot of points I don't think about normally.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
I like commenting discussions to a point.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
I hate them when they get annoying and name-call-ish.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
No idea...
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Nope.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Tomato. Mmm....
1) Why do you read blogs?
Education and Entertainment
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Education and validation/questioning my political/economic worldview (anarcho-capitalist) - I am always question the morality of my political and economic choices....
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Yours, Division of Labour, Marginal Revolution, Cafe Hayek
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I like your viewpoint; I like the fact that you are not necessarily dogmatic to any given political/economic view point and that you provide what appears to be thoughtful and complete analysis of your viewpoint.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Well, thought out comments from readers
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Ad hominem attacks on people who have politely and thoughtfully disagreed with a commentator
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
As an uninitiated novice in the world of economics...some good recommendations for 101 level books....
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Free beer.....well actually since I don't drink...free pizza....yeah that would be nice. Just don't ask me to calculate the opportunity costs for my free stuff.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Tomato...because is it or isn't it? :-)
1) Why do you read blogs?
Because they are there, and fun to read.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
They are focused on human behavior, and human foibles, and human misperceptions.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
MR, Econlog, Asymmetrical Information.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Because you come across as one of the nicest bloggers out there, and I have a tremendous soft spot for attractive women, and you always have something interesting and insightful to say. And because I think you are going to change what you believe about certain things and want to read it when it happens. . .
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Comments.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Stupid partisanship.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
More quirky things such as MR's "markets in everything" and the "Ask Trudie" feature. More off-topic but interesting links. More personality profiles like the recent post by AT on MR about Gordon Tullock.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
I would love to see you delve more into philosophy than you do.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Ketchup. After all, Ketchup is a vegetable!
Ketchup was identified as a vegetable in order to fit within bureaucratic statist guidelines which did not provide a condiment category, otherwise its function of encouraging youngsters to eat food seasoned with it would go unfulfilled.
If I were a vegetable I would be brocoflower, the hybrid most nearly analogous to my hybrid name grain.
Posted by: triticale on August 18, 2006 07:10 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
My form of television. I like interacting with intelligent people (although I don't interact as much as I would like).
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Personal taste. Economics has always been my favorite subject.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Marginal Revolution, this one, Greg Mankiw, Cafe Hayek, Dynamist, Econlog, Knowledge Problem, Brad DeLong when he deigns to seriously discuss actual economics.
It wouldn't hurt my feelings to find more serious non-libertarian economcs oriented blogs. Dsquared always struck me as more clever than thoughful, but I've always found that British haughty-glib writing style intimidating as h*ll, so it's probably just me.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
You are a wonderful writer who is interested in topics that interest me, and sees things from the same general perspective as I do, so I can trust your opinion about matters on which I have no personal knowledge.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Quick posting, I think (as long as the poster is as serious as Jane Galt).
Intelligent and thoughtful commenters (a rare but not unseen breed).
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Snarky, uncivil, and off-topic posts and comments.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
I'm not creative enough to have an opinion. I prsonally think that I should be more up to date on gross economic statistics, such as the inflation rate, trade balances, and budget deficits. OTOH, I never much cared for macro.
(I agree with Swimmy's comment)
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
I wish I could think of one.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
1) Why do you read blogs? For news that I consider to be more objective or that better matches my interests, and for opinions from bloggers I respect.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically? I have an interest in economics applied to current events (rather than just economic theory). Also, blogs by economists appeal to the geek in me.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs? Yours and EconLog.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog? I have great respect for your opinions, I like your use of logic and reason, and I share an interest in many of the topics you blog about. I disagree with you sometimes, and I like the fact that your blog supports comments. I also like your use of British words.
5) What are your favourite blog features? Easy navigation with newest items on top, comment sections, permanent links, and links to other blogs or sites of interest to the blogger.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you? Long strings of dueling comments by assholes.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one? Healthcare economics is of special interest to me. I also like to see articles about economics savvy (or its lack) among lay folks.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see? Links to classic essays on specific economics topics.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question. I don't understand demographic control questions, can you give me a lengthy explanation? I would be a sweet potato: usually buried in dirt, tough when raw, a nice orange color, and highly nutritious.
Posted by: Dr. T on August 18, 2006 08:25 PM1) Blogs are real and interactive, unlike MSM. Also, you can read them or not at your own pace. Plus, RSS makes them "pre-time shifted"
2) I love econ, and I have a secret fantasy where one day everyone understands basic economics and becomes a libertarian. (a boy can dream)
3) I still subscribe to MR, Freakonomics, and Econlog, but I rarely read them in depth. I still read The Long Tail. I do still read this blog, though lately it seems to be slipping. Right now I must read Cafe Hayek daily. The design is clean and readable, and Russ and Don calmly eviscerate muddled economic thought. There's just something about the writing that is really appealing. They don't have too many comments, and the debate in the comments is usually civil and thoughtful. Cafe Hayek also puts out great podcasts.
4) This blog used to be better, now it just seems kind of phoned in. The comments are still pretty good.
5) RSS, comments, and podcasts.
7) I'd like to see less musing and more economics.
8) Maybe you could do factoid "widgets" in your site header, or even cooler, actual Mac and Yahoo dashboard widgets. These factoids could be fun stuff like "hours lost to Sarb/Ox this year" and other fun econ/policy wonk geekery.
9) I would be seaweed.
Posted by: Nathan on August 18, 2006 08:48 PM
1) Why do you read blogs?
As a replacement for the loss of a viable MSM
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Because it is one of my areas of non-expertise and I finally realized how important --- and non-intuitive --- it is.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Cafe Hayek, EconLog, Asymmetrical Information
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Because you are articulate and often pose issues I hadn't considered.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Comments.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Blogs that are nothing besides links, e.g. Instapundit. I want some info on whether I would be interested in following the link.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Nothing comes to mind.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
No.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Brussel Sprouts. [I hate Brussel Sprouts.]
1) Blogs have enhanced my ability to get interesting stuff first. I used to read more newspapers, then I surfed, now I read blogs and follow links.
2) I'm an economist. The writers' viewpoints and topic choice appeal to me. I also can narrow in on viewpoints or lines of argument that I agree with more consistently.
3) MR, Newmark's Door, Mahalanobis are on my A+ list. EconLog, Cafe Hayek and AI are at the A level. There are many that I don't read as much because they focus too sharply (and lengthily if that is a word) on data, issues and theories that don't are too specific. Examples of these would be Brad DeLong, Ben Muse, Altig's Macroblog, and Thoma's Economist's View. I like them, but only in smaller doses.
4) I like AI because of the variety of posts, and because of the extraordinarily deep musing without theoretical navel gazing. Most people couldn't come up with something like that 8 part series on abortion.
5) Trackbacks. It is killing me that spam is making them rarer. I love to see serious writers add something to an idea. Comments are too dicey to be generally readable. I also love the tapping idea: e.g., name the 5 books you read most recently, and pass it on.
6) The only one is the sense that I can't keep up with everything I should. There is a feeling now in the blogosphere of being in an office that has gotten so messy that it can no longer be effectively cleaned up.
7) I would like to see economists point out the weird stuff that attracts their attention. This is what is great about Newmark's Door.
8) More real research. I'd like to see something like an article that could appear in Economics Letters come out on a blog. I probably couldn't spare that from my CV, but perhaps Tyler could.
9) ;) a green pole bean (my dad grew them when I was a kid, and he liked them so big they were like eating wood - imagine eating a boiled green shim).
Posted by: David Tufte on August 19, 2006 12:34 AM1) Why do you read blogs?
It's a quick and simple way to get a sampling of
the data behind the current stream of memes. Most bloggers link for further information regarding the ideas they present. It's a perfect research tool.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Follow the money.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Marginal Revolution, Brad Delong, Big Picture, Jeff Matthews all come to mind.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I came upon this blog thru a link from Tyler Cowen. Since he couldn't answer the question "Why is Denmark so expensive" And I could I figured I could help here, too.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
The aggegation of ideas that are tied together in the minds of the bloggers. I enjoy the expansion of my intellectual horizons.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Off topic comments. Quips that make no sense. Links that don't work.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
For your blog I am a beginner's mind. From what I've seen so far I would hope that you would expand the number of blogs that you read and tie into. I like the idea of accretion and continuing threads on topics that grow over time. Talking Points Memo is a good example of doing this well.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
A general mathematical review - most econ blogs avoid math like the plague and it needn't be so.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
Avocado. A fruit that thinks like a vegetable.
1) Why do you read blogs?
pick up items i'd miss by just reading the paper; enjoy being able skip to items that interest me like i can by scanning blogs and meta-blogs. Good writing. expertise on subjects that interest me, e.g. will read Orin Kerr/Volokh Conspiracy when a major court decision is reached.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
not sure that i read any. never really classified asymmetrical information as an economic blog.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
ibid
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
have enjoyed a number of your postings, e.g. critique of Nickled & Dimed; your write-up of positive signs in the middle east a year ago when Egypt/Lebanon had elections was one that i linked to and one of your best.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Beyond what i said in #1, finding musicians that i had never heard of before; nice to have fun video snippets all handily prepared for my viewing pleasure.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
too many links in a given article - perhaps there needs to be a blog etiquette rule of only 2 per paragraph on average for a given posting. Also tangential/marginally relevant links is a real annoyance - links should only exist to provide a reference or substantiate an argument.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
an analysis of Iraqi's economy post-2003.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
op cit
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
probably a carrot. definitely not a rutabaga or turnip.
Posted by: tarylcabot on August 19, 2006 03:38 AM1) Why do you read blogs? I like to read a wide varity of differing opinions and for entertainment.
2) Why do you readeconomics blogs? - I have been interested in economics for years. In college I was a business major, econ minor with an MBA concentration in finance. MY children think I am a hopless geek for liking to read economics texts.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs? EconLog, Cafe Hayek, Mark Kleinman, Chicage Boyz
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog? Good writing, interesting subjects, intelligent comments that are mostly civil.
5) What are your favorite blog features?
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you? Trolls & lack of civil discourse
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one? None
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
More graphs and statistics
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? Jalepano
Posted by: Mike on August 19, 2006 08:28 AM
I read your blog hoping to glean some insight from one who is wiser, smarter, and well educated in economics.
If I was a vegetable I'd be a pepper, probably a peperoncini or chili.
Posted by: linton on August 19, 2006 10:46 AM1. Because I write one. Or maybe I started writing one because I read them. I no longer remember.
2. Because literary bloggers are innumerate.
3. Econblog, MR, Mankiw, and this one -- not necessarily in that order.
4. Now you're fishing.
5. Comments. But there is a sweet spot here: the readership needs to be sufficiently but not too large, and opinionated but not rabid. This one hits it most of the time. On my own blog the comments often surpass the posts.
6. Bandwagon-jumping in the interest of easy posts. Treating today's newspaper noise as a life-or-death matter.
7. Nothing systemic.
8. See 7.
9. Kale.
Posted by: Aaron Haspel on August 19, 2006 10:56 AM1) Why do you read blogs?
I'm an information slut; blogs give me more information, and it's not pre-digested.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
I'm interested in the topic, and rather cynical about the academic practtice thereof. It's got all the things I should like: complexity (in the chaos theory sense), some psychological aspects, lots of emergent properties. However, I'm damned if I can figure out what is underneath it all to which all economists actually agree.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Does this one count? I also like Marginal Revolution and Lynne Keisling's blog; I've got about a dozen in my RSS reader.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Funny, interesting, I've got a crush on one of the contributors.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
The way it gives me many different, individual, un-pureed views of things.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
"You're a moron!" "You're another!"
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
I'd love to see more on the scientific aspects; more math. (Not necessarily in this one.)
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
More math.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Brussels sprout: hard and bitter.
Posted by: Charlie (Colorado) on August 19, 2006 11:52 AM1) Why do you read blogs?
-- They're more interesting than regular news reports.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
-- Economics is more interesting & useful than most other subjects.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
-- Yours is the only one I can think of. Brothers Judd frequently posts economic news, but it's not an econ blog.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
-- Your posts aren't filled with reflexive Bush bashing (e.g., Krugman, DeLong, Drezner)
5) What are your favourite blog features?
-- Regular (frequent) posting.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
-- Bush hatred. To paraphrase Shakespeare, there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in the Bush-basher's philosophy.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
-- More coverage of foreign economies. Especially in contrast to our own.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
-- More frequent posting.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
-- Sorry, I never thought of myself as a vegetable.
$.02 addition
3) Thanks to the commenters for the additional possibilities.
4)& 6) I think I was semi-hooked with the communist dinner plates. Conflicted interest in social welfare and let 'em hit on the economic playground.
1) I spend $34 a month on cable TV, watched my first drama in months and was negatively reinforced by the length of the commercial interrupions.
7)& ?8) Political economics to include military and cultural aspects. It seems to me destroying the world takeover myth of the Iranian mullahs may be easier than the struggle against recent identitarianisms because of the mullahs' disinterest in empirical knowledge, but I dunno.
9) Brussel sprout
Posted by: michael on August 19, 2006 01:36 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
To enrich my understanding of the world, to understand what's on people's minds, and to challenge my preconceptions.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Mostly to reassure myself that the entire world isn't as nuts as the media make it out to be.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Galt, Mankiw, Freako, Econlog, Becker/Posner and for contrast, Delong.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Good writing, clear thinking.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Links, comments
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Uncommentability
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Crisp takedowns of the pompous uneconomic nonsense that passes for conventional wisdom.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
faqs on how current economic thinking bears on the hot topic of the moment. e.g., minimum wage, estate tax, amt, entitlements, poverty levels.
Posted by: Larry on August 19, 2006 03:32 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
Sharpen my own arguments, encounter new ideas that reinforce my prejudices, to grow when a trusted source stretches me.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Same, plus it enhances my teaching (relevance, showmanship, making economics compelling)
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
-Newmark's Door
-EclectEcon
-Marginal Revolution
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
-Marginal Revolution sent me here regarding this post.
-In the beginning it was Instapundit that first introduced you to me.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Features? My fav bloggers are the ones who are act as my human browsers, feeding me stuff that interests me.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Hmmmm. Being uncivil in your post. Commenters that waste everyone's time.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
-Dunno.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
-Good examples to take to class.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
Mushroom.
The mushroom isn't a vegetable. Mycologists will tell you it isn't even a plant. I suppose you are referencing the old joke about being exposed to limited lite and being fed oak and alder chips.
Posted by: triticale on August 19, 2006 07:02 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
Same reason I read anything else ... to connect mentally with others worth reading.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
This is a very interesting, important, and neglected topic. For some reason it also has some very good writers.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Marginal Revolution, Freakonomics, Bainbridge, this one
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I keep hoping to see skimpily-clad pictures of McArdle, of course. I was attracted by the name Jane Galt, and enjoyed the writing.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Comments. I especially love to see people respond to my comments. I'm narcissistic that way.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Nothing per se, but there are quite a few jerks in this world, and you get to see them at blogging as at anything else. I'd actually RATHER see them on blogs than, say, on the road while I am driving.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Sorry, you're doing fine as it is.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
See #7
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Asparagus. Definitely asparagus.
Posted by: jens on August 19, 2006 07:25 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
Reading blogs and blogging make me happy.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
To pretend I am an insider?? Well I am working on my Ph.D in economics, reading economics blog keeps me well informed.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
MR, Mankiw, Ecobrowser, Macroblog, Economist's View, Econlog, Calculated Risk, and sometime I check out Kudlow's blog to see what those supply siders are saying.....
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Insight and humor.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Comments.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Getting lost in the choas of comments.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
In general I'd like to see more discussion on economics research frontiers. Specifically I'd like to see more frequent posts...how about getting a partner or guest bloggers?
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Like #7, for my selfish purpose I want to get a idea on what those big fishes are cooking up in their heads.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
丝瓜, or Silk Melon if you insist on an English name.
1) For intelligent commentary on issues. I don't greatly care what the issues in question are, as long as they interest me at least somewhat, but the quality of the commentary is essential. Also, tangentially, the fact that I read a lot of political blogs is my primary method of keeping up with the news, due to my general disdain towards the MSM(newspapers are expensive if I want to read daily, radio and TV are poorly targeted towards me, all of them suffer horribly from space and time limitations that blogs don't generally have as bad a problem with, and there's usually only about one or two columns in an entire newspaper that even approach intelligence, and less than that in radio/TV segments).
2) See 1 - economics interests me(generally speaking), and anything past the most banal of facts is better than I can expect to get from any other sourceoutside of my Econ classes at university.
3) The only ones I read are this one and Mankiw. I'm sure there are other good ones I'm missing, but it's not a field I've spent much time poking around.
4) Again, see #1 - it's well-written, intelligent, and there's a lot of discussion of issues from perspectives I wouldn't have thought of otherwise. It also helps that the opinions held around these parts are very similar to my own, but that's secondary.
5) Unimited space, the fact that you can easily link to that which you're talkign about(far better than reading a Letter to the Editor about a column I never read in the first place - that simply does not happen on blogs), and the fact that I get to be my own editor rather than having some idiot doing it for me, feeding me stuff I don't care about rather than stuff I like to read. Also, being able to give my feedback instantly on a comment thread is very nice, not to mention sometimes being an even better read than the original article.
6) I occasionally worry that I'm sealing myself into a little bubble of like-minded people and missing the world at large. I don't *think* that's happening, but it's hard to tell sometimes. The other big one is that there's no guarantee of content. A newspaper comes out daily or a lot of heads begin to roll, but a blogger can just pick up and leave without warning, which is rather annoying from the perspective of the reader(no matter how nice it is from the viewpoint of the lazy blogger, like myself). Aside from that, there's not a lot - some bloggers are annoying in various ways, but those tend to be the ones who get deleted from my blogroll pretty quickly.
7) I'm not sure how fesable this request is, but I'd like to see more of the long-winded stuff. For example, the one you wrote up a few years back on CO2 emissions versus economic output springs to mind - that level of analysis is simply unavailable outside of research journals in my experience, and those tend to be far from human-readable. Similarly, the 2004 series on who you were going to vote for was right down my alley - I place enough emphasis on foreign policy that Kerry was unpalatable, but it was fascinating nontheless. I don't want to lose the shorter posts in the mix(yes, I want a lot of stuff for free, what's your point?), because those are great reads too, but a few more lengthy articles from time to time would be nice. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but that's still what I'd like.
8) Not really. At least, there aren't any I can think of right now.
9) What are these "vegetable" things you speak of?
Posted by: Alsadius on August 19, 2006 09:24 PMJane, have you noticed how this posting has brought out a bunch of lurkers, and how few of the regulars have commented?
Or have I just perturbed an experiment in progress?
Cheers,
RGT
Posted by: RGT on August 19, 2006 10:41 PMCarrots, because beautiful women eat them and if I were a carrot...
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Posted by: ringtones free on August 19, 2006 11:30 PM1) For entertainment and insights. Blogs filter information, highlighting the important information better. Information and opinion are also distinct, unlike how many news media influence a story by adding analysis and opinion as background or for context. It is inappropriate and all too common for journalist to provide context in news (tying an article to other recent headlines). The reader should have his own context. Reading blogs make me more aware of reframing of context (by exposure to many perspective, opinions, and information).
2. I like the logic, reasoning, and simplicity. Economics blogs tend to link to more interesting and entertaining material than others. Much broader subject material too.
3. Marginal Revolution, Econlog, JaneGalt.
4. Excellent perspective and good analysis.
5. Comments and easy keyboard navigation.
6. Hyper focus on fads and trivial social hierarchy and political gaming. Credentialism (much poor thinking gets attention because of people's credential. It's just not scrutanized. Lot's of ideas are accepted soley because of who promotes them). Hyping the "blogosphere" as an entity.
7. Ideas on the concept of money and the distiction of economics and finance. I would like to see the idea of money as simply an accounting device promoted. I see money (finance) as a way to measure economics, which is a more qualitative. Money is a means to quantify the qualitative (subjective). Consideration of how to change the money supply to synch it with the relative size of the economy it is used in and methods to introduce new money into the system for most effective economic growth (directing new money to where it can most effectively measure economic activity).
8) Not really related to the question, but I would like to see information on how to develop a good financial market and description of finacial markets role in economics.
9)Asperagus
Posted by: aaron on August 20, 2006 12:48 AMRGT, I think Jalepenos are a fruit, like tomatos. Not sure though.
Posted by: aaron on August 20, 2006 01:10 AM1) Why do you read blogs?
Beats working! Also, I prefer to get my news in a debate oriented format rather than the selected polemics that newspapers give.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
I'll read anything if it's intelligently written, interesting and accessible.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
This is the only economic blog I read.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Intelligent people. Good signal to noise ratio.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Comments from a good audience. Spam removal.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Polemics. Lack of comments. Excessive verbosity.
Echo chambers where only one viewpoint is tolerated.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Pictures of Jane?
I like information about various conflicts of interest. For example, a stock broker might buy stock through a dummy, place an order for stock, and then immediately sell the stock he bought. Discussions of how common this is are interesting.
Whose interests are served by various policies?
How does the amount of money invested in a movie reflect the type of movie which can be made?
How screwed up is our current patent system and how should it be changed? Will it be?
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
I don't read any others, so I don't know.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
I would be a 28 year old, white male vegetable. What's a demographic control question?
1) Because they are interesting and informative.
2) I don't. Because I either agree with, disagree with them, or they are dry,
3) You. See 2.
4) See 3.
5) Interesting, informative, challenging thoughts.
6) Repetition of other blogs. Stupidity. Dishonesty. Lack of memory.
7) Why do people choose an economic paradigm? Wjat does the future hold (given an economic model).
8) You assume I read economic bogs.
9) Prickly. With spines and noxious emmissions so thay I wouldn't be eaten. Read it again. This is valid.
Posted by: Byna on August 20, 2006 02:39 AM1) Because.
2) Because.
3) Thinking... There aren't many very good ones. Not really.
4) Because.
5) Still thinking...
6) Hmmm. Still thiinnnnkinnnnng...
7) Brain is now exploding!! OMG. :)
8) Absolutely. The bottom line to resolving our economic imbalances. No more 'feet of clay' from econ blogs. Leave the bark on and spell it out. Identify viable solutions. Step up.
9) An unnamed exotic vegetable from Central America that I found in the mountains of Panama (it didn't kill me...much to my surprise), surrounded by mountain flowers from Zermatt, Switzerland. Or Andermatt. Yeah, Andermatt. Better flowers. Fewer tourists. More alcohol late at night. There is some wicked alcohol in that quaint village, once the skiing capital of the Alps (before WWII). And one great pizza place. Tops!
10) Add sound, as in music. Perhaps a radio station link from Europe.
You want real answers, eh?
Ok. Here we go. Fasten that seatbelt.
Blog Scope Recommendations:
Additional main posters and/or guest posters may be needed to accomplish the following.
Appropriate economic analysis and broader focus could include:
1. Retail Goods
2. Intermediate Goods
3. Food products
4. Automotive - domestic and international
5. Retirement issues and related policies
6. Trade policy - domestic and international
7. Federal Reserve analysis at the Fed Bank level - in other words, a heads up summary of reports and research flowing out of the separate Fed Banks.
8. Bond market and equities, including hedge fund activities
9. Services
10. Unemployment - real details, including state level analysis
11. Research and development
12. New products - brief article updates, indicating consumer and economic changes with a focus on impacts.
13. Environmental and global warming economic considerations
14. Economic analysis - go deep on key issues. Example: new pension fund legislation.
15. Industry and trade analysis - absent from most econ blogs
16. Corporate business management, budget, and taxation
17. Federal Budget and taxation alternative strategies
18. Social programs costs and policy
19. Your favorite economic subjects
If there a noteworthy shortcoming with all of the economic blogs I have read, it falls squarely on the lack of understanding of how the business environments operate. The disconnect between macro econ theory and business decisions on the ground is noticeable and disappointing. Actually, it's a crying shame. And it can be fixed if an econ blog has the courage to reach out and address it, providing some space for business people to share their thoughts.
Additionally, someone supporting your blog should cover the White House...and only the White House for economic issues. There is seldom any specific analysis of Administration initiatives packaged and orchestrated at that level.
Similarly, if you had enough volunteers, different individuals could be responsible for covering the departments of the Administration. And, yes, I am suggesting go beyond BEA and BLS data. What are the policy implications and economic impacts by all of the departments? How would we know? This is the type of information that doesn't make the econ blogs as a general rule, though the economic implications are worth noting.
One idea for pulling in more professional economists as main posters could include a Guest PhD program, whereby you could solicit blog articles from various econ departments around the nation.
Another worthy consideration could be a Guest Fed Bank program, inviting staff members and principals of the Fed Banks to make monthly or bi-monthly presentations. We have the right number of Fed Banks to make this fly. I would love to see the Dallas Fed's Richard Fisher do a post here. That would be great. He's a character. Some of his Texas friends call him 'Harvard Boy'. And they say, "Look here, Harvard Boy" when some of them are talking to him. They keep his ego in check... It's rather funny. :))
Similarly, solicit Capitol Hill staffers to make posts occasionally on economic legislation. Guest Capital Hill Committee program.
I also recommend consideration of a Point and Counterpoint program post on occasion. One-sided posts get old, unless quite brilliant. And there is very little of that on econ blogs - very little is original content as opposed to follow the leader or ping pong posts - adolescent stuff. I am looking for both sides of the economic argument. I would prefer to see both before I offer a comment post...at least on some subjects.
A Mystery Poster program could have merit. A guest poster who remains nameless, and therefore avoids personal scrutiny for talking 'out of ranks'.
You can take the econ blogs to another level. You can set the new standard. It's my judgment that it is needed. Too many econ blogs are predictable and rather boring. But I can envision what they could bring to the table. It would be exciting to drop in on your blog and not have any idea what new subjects are being posted! I would be willing to get up an hour earlier just to check out what was under the Asymmetrical Information tree.
A sister blog could also work. Similar to 'A Fistful of Euros'. New main posters could start over there, and work their way up from the B Team to A League ball. Or get "pushed down" to the B Team if not performing well at the A level. I have lazy posters in mind...
Just a few thoughts in hopes of helping you reach for the stars. And most of those stars would love to come play, if offered the appropriate encouragement. Imagine Ben Bernanke doing a cloaked post. Or any other well known figure.
Make it happen. Bust the econ community wide open! Take them to a new level. Step up. Add sound, whatever it takes to make it better, more educational, and a finer experience.
Build it and they will come...
Readers deserve better econ blogs that what we are now observing. Someone will break this game open, and the other econ blogs will step up or collapse into the internet black hole.
Best,
MG
1) Why do you read blogs?
They tend to have information I am interested in - which is often not in the MSM.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
I am an economist and am interested in the subject and its variations.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Marginal Revolution, Econlog, Cafe Hayek, TaxProf (I have a specific interest in tax), and because he is often so wrong Beat the Press.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I had a pointer to it.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
In places like Instapundit (non economics but important) or MacMerc I find out things that I could not find elsewhere.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Some of the self righteousness in many of the political blogs.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Stuff that I am interested in. (How in the world you could accomplish that would be a real question!)
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
No
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.1
A nopale - which is a Mexican Cactus. Very healthy but not in everyone's diet on a daily basis.
1) Why do you read blogs? For social and educational reasons.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically? I've always found economics interesting; although more as entertainment than in any sort of scholarly way.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs? Not sure, I read many of the ones previously mentioned.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog? Variety of topics, caliber and style of writing, seeming commitment to fact, and quality of commenters (myself excluded).
5) What are your favourite blog features? Immediacy of information - range of opinion available - always available.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you? Trolls and other miscreants.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one? More on the realtive efficacy of public versus private programs.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see? No.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? Broccoli (Broccolee, Broccolie, Broccolay), of course.
Posted by: too many steves on August 20, 2006 10:37 AM1) to learn from the informed and to confirm my own informed views
2) they pierce or at leat question through much unknowing speculation
3) Cafehayek; Marginalrevolution
4) for intelligent insights
5) honesty
6) I don't read blogs which annoy me
9)cabbage
1) Why do you read blogs? Entertainment, enlightenment, intellectual stimulation. Project my own little voice into the datasphere. If a tree falls in the forest, and no one reads my comments, did the tree or me really make a sound?
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically? I have a passing interest in economics, though not well educated or thoroughly read in the subject.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs? This one is the only one I know about that's only about economics, but I shall check out some that others have mentioned now that I know about them.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog? Appreciate Megan's and Mindles' interesting posts. Blogs are only as worthy as the intelligence and interestingness of its authors, and its commentariat.
5) What are your favourite blog features? Good posts and good participation by the commentariat.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you? Commentariat: People without manners or civility or thought. Knee jerk reactions. Hostility. BDS. Lacking something intelligent to say, pointing out someone else's spelling and grammatical errors or poor typing; that's really obnoxious.
Blog itself: when I check it more frequently than it has something new posted. Megan, please post a scrap daily if possible. Throw me a bone.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one? A daily post, as mentioned above.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
A true appreciation of the Marxist socialist perspective. Doing something for the Revolution. Just kidding.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
I'm long and tall and a redhead, so I suppose I would be a carrot. At least that's what the bullies called me in elementary school.
What I dislike about blogs is sets of questions such as these.
Posted by: John Salmon on August 20, 2006 08:11 PMBlogs have interesting content that's not available elsewhere, particularly with respect to economics, which is not a widely covered topic. Arnold Kling's blog is my favorite, but I enjoy Jane Galt's blog because it's more controversial. I enjoy seeing unsusual viewpoints, but I dislike overly confrontational posts, as I feel that it is important to respect other people's views and to refrain from personal attacks. I like to see practical solutions for pervasive problems offered by economics blogs. I would like to see more information on how ecomomics impacts everyday life. Aubergine is a stunning color, so I'd rather be an eggplant.
Posted by: shamus on August 20, 2006 08:51 PM9) Vegetables are far too low on the food chain. If I must be a plant, I'll be the one in Little Shop of Horrors.
Posted by: mark on August 20, 2006 10:56 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
I read them to get information from a particular point of view.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Same as above. Blogs (or the ones I read) articulate a position well. They inevitably raise questions or points I need to consider.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Marginal Revolution, Asymmetrical Info., Ventureblog
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Well written, also represents my basic worldview.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Links to blogs I hadn't seen or heard of.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Shrieking and disparaging posts. Disrespect of opposing views, ad hominem arguements.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
No response, I think you can find most anything you want on blogs in general, but I like this one for its relative consistency in subject matter.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
No.
1) Why do you read blogs?
I get tired of the insanity and bias of the mainstream media, and find the contrasting insanity and bias of the blogosphere refreshing.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
They're among the less insane blogs, for some reason.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Well, this is the main one. I also regularly view EclectEcon and EconLog. Among "sorta"-economics blogs, I'd include Outside the Beltway and TCS.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I have a soft spot for non-ugly, young, intelligent women.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Well-moderated comments.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Badly moderated comments, and foaming mouthedness in general.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
Longer, more thoughtful articles that are still entertaining.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Insider stock tips are always a plus. ;)
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
A potato:
Ruby tuber toot,
Ruby tuber toot,
I am a vegetable
And not a fruit.
1) Why do you read blogs?
Mostly to be informed, sometimes to be entertained.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
To be informed on economic issues by people who should know what they're talking about.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
This one, Tax Prof
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Informative, well-written, writers have interesting personalities.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Don't know what you mean by "feature".
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Andrew Sullivan's yearly money beg made me quit reading him.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
I think you do a pretty good job. Sometimes, I might like to see more historical context for some of your economics, sort of like Wretchard does for world events. It would really save me a lot of time if you occasionally reviewed new books out in the field of economics and let us know any that were worth our time. I'd love to read more, but I have little idea of what is likely to be worth reading.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
see 7)
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Rutagaba, because I just like saying the word (yes, I know it's not truly a vegetable).
Posted by: Rob on August 21, 2006 12:20 PM1) Why do you read blogs?
Unique perspectives on the news from people who are outsiders enough to have a different perspective than most of what you can read in the press.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
Economists tend to have a perspective that engages real world problems with intelligence and systematic thinking.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Jane Galt, Marginal Revolution, Greg Mankiw, Freakonomics, Cafe Hayek, Econlog, Becker and Posner
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
Jane combines intelligent reasoning and good writing better than any other blog.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Linking to other blogs and comments that give you several perspectives on the same story in an easily accessed way.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Hyperpartisanship in blog comments, lack of regular updates.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
I would like more opportunity for readers to request topics. This blog could use more and longer posts and more pictures of Jane.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
I would like more opportunity for readers to request topics.
1) Why do you read blogs?
For the same reason I used to spend an hour or two a day on Fidonet, (and later, newsgroups), and had subsriptions to both The Spotlight and Mother Jones -often wondered what the mailman thought- and the Toronto Star: get views and news that was filtered by the MSM. My "blog" bookmark sub-directory presently has 56 entries. I hit some of them daily - don't like to miss a Bleat, for instance- and others, maybe every couple of weeks.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
For the same reason I read other blogs; the fact that any particular blogs is focused on a specific subject is not a plus or minus. Again, differing views and facts not covered elsewhere.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
Your's, of course, and Daniel Drezner's. The Long Tail is a sort-of econ blog.
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
I've got a thing for tall women. I just put up with the two ugly guys.
5) What are your favourite blog features?
In any given blog, the quality of the comments. Blogs in general - diversity.
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Repel is a little strong. I dislike comment hijacking, and if it becomes exceeingly annoying, I remove that blog - so I guess you could consider it repellant. Linkspam, of course.
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
International effects of changes in the US economy.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
Can't say. Come up with something new, and I'll know if I like it. :-)
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Well, at work, I'm definitely a mushroom, so that seems appropriate. Besides, there's multiple thousands of "mushroom" looking fungi, but less than 100 aren't poisonous.I like to think of myself as slightly dangerous.
1) Why do you read blogs?
Like to see commentary on current events that does not talk down to the reader. Like perspectives, both left and right, different from CW.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically?
libertarian economic reasoning is more to my liking. It's how I look at things, or try to.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs?
This one of course, ChicagoBoyz, EconLog, Environmental Economics, Cafe Hayek, Marginal Revolution, Newmark's Door, Becker-Posner Blog, The Commons, The Sports Econoclast
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog?
a. your essays on very interesting topics
b. the generally high level debates in the comments
5) What are your favourite blog features?
Links to interesting articles or news, comments that add to my information or present a perspective I never thought of before
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you?
Without question extend comment strings that are nothing but a series of tit-for-tat ad hominem remarks
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one?
You're doing fine. Keep up the good work.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see?
No
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? This is our demographic control question.
Sugar Maple
2) So that I can steal ideas....apologies, so that I can read the various sides to an argument before writing it up elsewhere.
9) Marmite.
Posted by: Tim Worstall on August 22, 2006 08:43 AM1) Why do you read blogs? -- Blogs offer quick, distilled access to news and analysis that otherwise might not emerge from the traditional media filters.
2) Why do you read economics blogs, specifically? -- I enjoy the subject matter and find that there is a dearth of insightful coverage in traditional media.
3) What are your favourite economics blogs? -- Asymmetrical Information, Marginal Revolution, EconLog, TCS, Dynamist
4) Even more specifically, why do you read this blog? -- I enjoy the broad range of topics addressed and the sometimes unpredictable positions taken.
5) What are your favourite blog features? -- Insightful commenters who offer information or analysis to augment the parent post; links
6) What aspects of blogging annoy/repel you? -- Blindered commenters who make the same point over and over, regardless of the parent post
7) What would you like to see more of on economics blogs in general, and specifically on this one? -- To an extent, I'd agree with an earlier comment regarding historical context, which would be of particular value to us amateur economic thinkers.
8) Are there things that aren't currently found on economics blogs that you would like to see? -- See #8.
9) If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be? -- One of the tubers, I'm afraid.