My wife, Lilandra and I are going to be co-bloggers at Patheos.  I’ve already heard speculation about that decision, and I want to address that at the onset.  I haven’t talked about this until now, because I’m concerned about how this move will be perceived.  I don’t want anyone to think this is personal.  There are reasons behind this decision that are entirely strategic for my own purposes, and I don’t want this move to be seen as a negative reflection on anyone associated with FreeThoughtBlogs.

We had considered moving the blog a couple years ago, but I didn’t want to do it then because that’s when FtB was under attack.  I thought it would look like we were bowing, or cowering to criticism of anyone who blogs at FtB.  I also stayed because I could use myself as an example against the absurdly stupid stereotypes people tried to pin on this group back then.  I often pointed out that, if everyone on this network is required to work in lock-step with a hive mind, as so many outsiders have alleged, then why am I still tolerated whenever I publicly disagree with so many of my associates on this network?  That strategy must have worked because I haven’t heard any such criticisms in quite a while now.

Lately I stayed out of loyalty, primarily to P.Z., because that’s just how I am.  For that reason, I realize there’s never gonna be a good time to do this.  That time had to come eventually, and I’m sorry that our move coincides with other people moving too.  I’m sure that will lead some to the wrong impression, but something always does.  I have an opportunity now, and I think it’s time to take it.  So thank you FtB.