John Egelkrout, I always enjoy your writing, even when I disagree with you.

We writers are our own best audience, and too often, this is underappreciated. The claps and comments reinforce or question the arguments or feelings expressed.

I'm impressed and delighted daily by the sheer number and quality of responses to editorial and opinion articles in the New York Times, for instance. They greatly multiply the value of the original. The original is a beginning of thought and enjoyment, not the end.

Thanks. Best.