I've got an idea

In dealing with angry commenter and part-time nemesis "Rope-a-Dope" in comments below, I struck on the idea of giving old Rope enough column space to hang himself by offering him his own post, free of charge.

I realized it was a pretty good idea. Old Rope, despite his dyspeptic nature and the fact he jumped ugly over a minor oversight, did offer some interesting and worthwhile opinions on Boland and which way he would jump. (Rope contends Boland's staying put, and gives reasons why.) His thoughts were buried deep down in a long string of comments and should be more visible.

Upon further reflection, I took it a step further. Why not give certain commenters a spot here, say once a week, where I'd give them a post of their own for them to say whatever they wanted?

They could be "guest posters" and offer their insight, opinions, views, recipes, gripes, jokes, visions, advice, or whatever. If I could get at least 7 of our more illustrious commenters to sign on, we could have a daily guest poster.

I like it.

So how 'bout it?

Dissenter,

Rope-a-Dope,

Political Wind,

MaybeSomeday,

IllinoisOne,

Hud50,

YoungDem503,

Diehard,

YoungRIDem,

LL Cool T,

LatinV,

TexasQCer,

even HeadUsher?

There's a good baker's dozen worthy candidates already.

And RawkEyelund, Corn Husker, None, even Miss Manners, haven't heard from her for a while.

(Wow, looking at that list makes me grateful for what a great bunch of commenters this site enjoys. Thanks to every one of you for what you bring to it!!)

Hell, I'd even give space to RepublicanJoe for some opposing views. I'd even be willing to let Dave and Senor Badbreath say their piece, if they promised to behave. It would force them to come up with something to say rather than simply reacting.

And though they've posted only once, the commenter with the exhaustive handle Shamalamadingdong21 really provided some great insight and would be welcome to become a weekly guest poster. (DownLeft, Carl Nyburg, and QCImages, your comments are great too, and I'm always happy to see them, but you already have your own blogs. And "ByGump", where'd you go? We miss you. Come back!)

Here's how it works. Contact me via e-mail through the link in the sidebar (or in comments, if you prefer) and say, "Hey, that's a great idea! Sign me up." We can then decide what day of the week would work best for you. (So don't delay or your day may already be taken) I'll fill you in on the few guidelines, and then you can submit your post to me via e-mail and I'll post it on your day to be honorary guest poster. Simple as can be.

In exchange, you'll get to share your wisdom, and brilliant ideas and views with the masses, and also experience the thrill of having people both praise you and question your sanity in comments. (Trust me, it's fun in a masochistic way.) And for some of you, it would be a good first chance to try your hand at being a real live actual "writer".

If you don't have something every week, don't sweat it. The world won't stop spinning. We'll play it by ear and make it work.

To paraphrase the words of the immortal Harry Caray, "LEMME HEAR (from) YA!" Let's do this! Don't be the last one on your block to get to be an official Dope Guest Blogger!