The curious chemistry of the blogosphere

This year I have been exploring ideas about whether universities are partly culpable in the moral and ethical failure that we call the global financial crisis.

These blogs attracted many thoughtful and considered replies.

I have also used the blog for practical purposes in explaining to staff why we have so many large and disruptive building projects underway at the University.

I make clear on my website the parameters for debate - that responses should not be obscene, offensive, defamatory, infringe copyright, or intended to upset others.

An independent moderator (really) makes the decision about uploading replies based on whether or not they are expressed in a civilised manner, not on whether they agree or disagree with me.

To my mind, the benefits of blogging outweigh the negatives, and I will continue to blog. And I hope there are not too many spelling errors in this essay.