I can't help noticing numbers. Deep down, and sometimes well hidden, I remain a chartered accountant. And as yesterday unfolded I noticed the volume of traffic on this site growing.
There were 29,822 reads yesterday. Most were on freeports and Boris Johnson. But the future of Scotland also got a good look in. That was the site's ninth best day, ever.
I'd like to thank those who came.
I'd also like to note the importance of this. Yesterday saw organised attacks on press freedom by our government. To their credit, the BBC, ITN and major media all chose to highlight the fact.
My description of Johnson's video on Friday as ‘tawdry' was motivated by the contempt for the mainstream media implicit within it: it was propaganda, and not news. And when the media is under attack every means to highlight that is important.
Please don't get me wrong by thinking I am suggesting that this blog is at the forefront of some press freedom campaign. That is not my point. My point is that all those who seek to provide alternative views that will highlight the corrosive and controlling views of this government are challenging it.
Whilst we can, that is.
And that point is also important.
I do not take this freedom for granted.
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Thank you for providing this ‘hub of rationality’.
Keep up the good work, Richard. Hopefully your blog will continue to increase in influence. At this time, we desperately need voices who will be heard in the mainstream.
A few more radio interviews should move you up the scale – and for each of those, I hope you will think carefully about how your comments might be received. Better to say less more simply and with some cut – always leave them wanting more from you.
Hi! I’m doing my bit to increase the numbers, having recently discovered your blog. I must admit, the posts on Scotland are of particular interest, but I do enjoy the eclecticity. I’ve added your RSS feed now, so will be seeing every post. Keep up the good work!
Thank you
Mira Brant expressed the need for frank and fearless voices rather well: “…they turned to the bloggers, who might be unfiltered and full of shit, but they were fast, prolific, and allowed you to triangulate the truth. Get your news from six or nine sources and you can usually tell the bullshit from reality.”
“Everything is ‘just a story.’ Tragedy, comedy, end of the world, whatever, it’s just a story. What matters is making sure it’s heard.”
I trust that you also note those of us who read your email every day but don’t usually visit your website; what you are doing is important. I am delighted to see that more people are beginning to recognise this.
Thanks
Congratulations for being widely heard.
Those of us who read your blog daily are well aware that you’re not a single issue commentator or campaigner, don’t worry.
We read you, in large numbers it seems, to hear a rational, measured, truthful voice in the cacophony of hype and misinformation.
You’re clearly on the side of freedom, truth, and justice.
Not to be taken for granted indeed.
Thank you for your commitment and your work.
I still wonder what makes me want to blog every morning…
I am told that not everyone does!
You have convictions and opinions, not everyone does! 😉
🙂
This is very worrying. History tells us that nothing good can come of not allowing criticism of government.