Looking Back and Thinking Ahead

In 2014, as in years past, I used this space to offer observations on a wide range of stories and subjects. I critiqued faux journalism that went viral, called attention to the creepy antics of an alternative health advocate, discussed the Science Guy's blind spot on GMOs, revisited a few touchy archaeological issues, and discovered perhaps the most insufferable egomaniac on Twitter. I continued to track the winding Anthropocene narrative and kept current with familiar and tenuous climate change storylines. I also marveled at the durable popularity of an influential environmental speaker. There was much more, including this Q & A and this discussion on GMOs and false balance. Sometimes a post rattles around in my head for days or weeks before hatching; other times, seized by a news event, a recent conference I attended or story I read, I'll push out a post that moment in time. However and whenever it happens, this blog remains a labor of love. I do it in my spare time, when I'm not teaching, when I'm taking a break from reporting and writing stories that appear elsewhere, and usually after my two kids are in bed. Every year, I also think about doing things differently. Should I cast a wider net, covering more subjects, or narrow my focus? Should I critique less and report more? What do you think? I'm toying with some ideas for 2015, but I'd welcome hearing your thoughts. What would you like to see covered in this space? Lastly, thank you very much for being a reader. And if you occasionally take the time to comment, thanks for livening up the place. Best wishes to all for 2015.