This post might make me sound a little grumpy. I hope not. Anyway, here goes.
Comments that are posted on this blog come to me by email for "approval" prior to posting. This is standard practice, and believe me, you wouldn't want t see some of the spam that people try to post as "comments".
Comments that are posted on this blog come to me by email for "approval" prior to posting. This is standard practice, and believe me, you wouldn't want t see some of the spam that people try to post as "comments".
Among the comments waited to be vetted this morning were two at opposite ends of the non-spam spectrum.
One was a grateful and thoughtful comment from "Tom" on my post, ARDL Models - Part I . Here's the exchange in full:
Thanks, Tom, for the original suggestion and the follow-up.
The other, which was "signed" (but I've removed the name) read as follows, in its entirety:
"Dear Prof Giles
I need some write up from you to develop insight regarding GARCH MIDAS.
Thanks"
It was intended as a "comment" on my 2012 post, Econometric Modelling With Time Series. It could have been worse. Usually these demands don't use my name, and they're anonymous. And he did say "Thanks"!
"Comments" of this type arrive pretty much on a daily basis. You can guess where most of them end up.
And then, of course, there are all of those people who email me directly, expecting me to answer their homework questions; engage in step-by-step guidance with their thesis; etc. Do these people and their supervisors have no conscience?
Don't get me wrong - I've had readers approach me with some very interesting questions, and their requests have been totally reasonable. I'm always happy to help if I possibly can, and I certainly learn a great deal from many of the comments and requests that I receive.
I know that this is part of the deal when you start blogging. However, please don't be too disappointed if I don't post/follow up every request for help.I simply may not have the expertise, and I also have to strike a balance between writing new posts and helping in other ways. Moreover I do have a full-time job, and it's not titled "Free Consultant"!
On a more positive note - I really do welcome suggestions and requests (not demands) for possible posts. It would be better if these came to me directly at dgiles@uvic.ca, rather than in the form of "comments". That way I can reply directly.
My blogging isn't just for me - it's for you, too.
My blogging isn't just for me - it's for you, too.
You're a gentleman and a scholar.
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