Bloggers who keep at it are those who have an urge to write. These are people for whom writing is cathartic. Most of the bloggers listed are excellent players who got too busy to write, Think of this as the January-gym syndrome — they thought they would “of course” get interesting hands all the time. But frequent bloggers are not those who find interesting hands or play them well. Frequent bloggers are those who like to write. Bridge itself is secondary.

Hi Paul:

A very provocative question. indeed! You spent a lot of time researching and compiling it, and it IS cause and time to query the reasons. When I added up how many posts I have made since I began .. about six years ago, I couldn’t believe the number. However, it is a labor of love and I have enjoyed making contact with so many people from all over the world who share our incredible interest.

I am sure there are several other sites of like nature. One, in particular, is quite controversial. When I took an active part in it, I found there were not enough restraints in place and “freedom of speech” was the reason given for letting the insults fly. As time went on, it got more and more out of hand and individuals said what they damn pleased. It was gradual in coming, but now I see some blatherers were put on notice (or so-called probation) for inappropriate remarks or accusations. It serves as a venue for unknowns and up-and-comers to be heard as well as those established players whose names and achievements are recognized and respected universally.

Bridgeblogging.com is quite different. Thanks to the ownership and management by Linda and Ray Lee, things seem to be kept in their proper prospective. The aura of common courtesy prevails though commenters are able to disagree without fear of rejection. The subject matters vary. Bobby has his bridge column (with a two week delay) thanks to the generosity of United Media. Others devote their marvelous energy and love for the game to a variety of subjects .. from mathematical probabilities to actual hands that occur and present options and problems. Another (though infrequent contributor) injects much humor into his presentation although often ‘kidding on the level.” My own is a mixture of memorabilia collected over half a century, real life present day problems I witness and axes I have to grind about what is happening to our game. I welcome comments although I may not necessarily agree with the position taken, but as long as rendered in a non-confrontational manner, I enjoy reading the outlooks of others.

And .. though the bloggers seem to have vanished as compared to earlier years .. make no mistake about — MANY, MANY individuals read our sites .. though they do not often make comments. I receive dozens of personal replies via email from those who agree or disagree .. but are uncomfortable going public for fear of looking bad.

Would love to hear from others as to their ‘take’ on the disappearance of our once-active bloggers.

Lak:

My writing is far from “cathartic.” Further, I do not consider myself an ‘excellent player.” Thirdly, bridge is far from “secondary” as it has engulfed my entire life. Perhaps I am the exception to your vision of a frequent blogger.

HBJ here
Paul you have raised a very good question to which there may be many answers. I would imagine most bloggers hope to elicit responses in order to keep up their motivation and inspiration. Receiving zero comments can be very dispiriting especially if you have written a thought provoking perhaps controversial article.
Indeed. Many bloggers on this umbrella site struggle to get comments except of course Judy who has in my view has a captivating audience , reflecting the quality , range , depth and fascinating content of her articles.
Time is also a major factor given how many articles there are to read with little or no time to respond to even one of them ….. let alone dozens.
As for myself I am on a crusade which is to expose wrongdoing, injustice and incompetence in the bizarre world of bridge.

Hi Judy,

Your comment on “other” sites is spot on – whenever I post there I find that the majority of comments are “smart-alecky” ones designed solely to impress others rather than to try and help. You and Bobby on the other hand are always helpful, and are always giving back to bridge. Kudos to you both!

Hi HBJ,

It is quite refreshing to feel appreciated. My involvement in bridge, particularly in blogging, is a form of payback as our wonderful game (or hobby as some prefer to view it) has gifted me with an incredible six decades of friendships, excitement of personal participation and an opportunity (via Norman and Bobby) to travel and witness top level competition on several continents while getting to see the world.

Your crusade and unique method of presentation combines humor and a pressing desire to right the sinking ship caused by selfish, self serving individuals whose primary concern is me, me, me (and more me). Your frequent exaggerations do a banner job in driving your points home. And, as has been said by someone far more astute than moi .. many a true word is spoken in jest!

Stay on your mission. The game needs policing and your style certainly gets the message across!

Hi Paul,

I appreciate your agreement and support about the comments alluded to on other more ‘free speaking’ sites. I am a firm believer in the American credo of free speech, but we both concur that lines must be drawn somewhere. Since we have been friends and fellow bloggers for several years, we both are aware that few (if any) restraints have been placed upon the contributors to Bridgeblogging.com as their points are usually well taken and tales told in good taste. I consider it an honor to be one of their active bloggers and appreciate the opportunity to share my views, issues, complaints, praises, rebuffs .. whatever .. as long as comments are exchanged in civil tones .. which seems to be the norm rather than the exception.

Cheers,

Judy

Hi Paul,

I’m with HBJ.

I for one am disgusted at the indifference shown by bridge officials (certainly the ACBL) at redressing some of the issues surrounding the integrity of the game.

I wonder how the Lynch scenario will play out and even if the offending (German) team is stripped of the title – will Lynch advance? Not if the WBF has the ACBL rules where advancement is not possible because the whole event has been contaminated.

The ACBL needs an Ombudsman, a third party to mediate disputes, restore equity and perhaps recognize some of the injustices done. But their knees quiver like jello at the prospect of litigation and doing the right thing just isn’t in the cards.

Personally, I have all but give-up playing except recreationally, and I would rather spend my time and energies elsewhere.

When you can’t win when cheaters have poisoned the event – well there is something wrong with that. I sincerely hope Lynch prevails and some positive actions ensue. But I am an optimist.

Best,

C

Dear Sir,jivan ek geet ahe,Ganare sagalech ahe pan,sukh kasha madhe asta ? ya phaahnscre ekach shabdat uttar ahe… samadhanat ! keshav tharat yani yogya dilele ahe sukh he phoolat, phalat, mansat,kontyahi gostit ahe.pan hi gost manane kabul keli pahije! Mag sagalikade shantateche vatavaran rahin.Regard Amol Shinde

Thanks for another informative blog. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.

This guy is KRAZY, like all KALIFORNIANS… Thanks God we live in another country. Rino is always a RINO. I think he just signed his termination papers

There's a comment of mine stuck in the system somewhere, Tan, be great if you could find it.[Responding to anon in the earlier thread, just questioning whether he wasn't overstating things and expecting too much of someone whose focus in anti-wars-for-Israel and pro-veteran. I admitted I might have to do some further study myself after reading some of uour comments in this thread.]

rockson you rock la.. everytime read your blog will laugh.. haha.. dont be scared of those act smart fuckers.. got thing to shoot just shoot! love your style man (=