OBJECTIVITY and BLOGGING

Ignorance is preferable to error, and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing than he who believes what is wrong. - Thomas Jefferson

The question of objectivity and point of view come up occasionally in emails and comments I get from readers -- the latter mostly from people who don't like the fact that this blog even exists.

First, the comments on this site are always open and will not be censored except for abusive posts or ad hominem attacks. The counterpoint to a post is always welcome. Nevertheless, everything I write, unless purely factual, is written with a point of view formulated with the evidence in mind. You can respond. I hope you do. I have even posted a particular author's response on one occasion. He declined to have the entire email exchange posted. But it was his choice.

Second, the sources that I use are clearly written with a particular policy objective in mind. My responses are written similarly. Where possible, I email the authors of various articles or reports to inform them of this blog's critique of their point of view. In other cases, authors mine the web themselves for responses, using Google Alerts or other such services. I put their names in the keywords and tags to assist them. I have received responses on occasion. Few wish to go on record.

Third, this is a blog. I don't do scientific or medical research. I do very little original reporting (so far). The concept of blogging is based on discussion and reaction. As such, I do not pretend to hold myself up to standards better associated with scientific journals, policy white papers, or similar devices. These types of instruments seek to answer questions. I ask questions. I also make suggestions. This is how blogging works.

I hope you will join the discussion.

OB vers. 0.2 [created 6/4/07, updated 2/19/2008]