To the editor:

I was disappointed to see the format change on the reader reply and chat section. It seems as if about a dozen people are now responsible for holding up arguments that used to be supported by hundreds of readers/bloggers. Sad.

Anonymity is something people can hide behind for nefarious reasons or for very good reasons. I thought the bloggers did a good job of taking to task anyone who started personal attacks. The monitors were good at removing vulgar or inappropriate language although, later, sometimes it seemed more a matter of “I dd not like what you said.”

I want to say I miss the free exchange of ideas that the old system brought, good or bad. Thanks to all who contributed for so many years. I may not have agreed with you and you may not have agreed with me, but we had a conversation and that got people thinking. That is all this was meant to do.