The Air Vent closes shop

I’m dismayed to see this, but not at all surprised. People (like Jeff, like me) who own businesses and are self employed while trying to raise family have it tough in this economy. If I didn’t have guest posters, and help with moderation, I couldn’t keep WUWT alive. I also understand Jeff’s frustrations with unruly posters. My only saving grace is that I had 25 years experience in TV news dealing with the public and the inevitable emotional BS that comes with highly charged debate.

Jeff has made a powerful contribution to the climate discussion, the most important of which is the publishing of a solid rebuttal of the Steig et al paper which used mangled Mannian math to smear warming on the Antarctic peninsula all over the continent, giving a false impression of continent wide warming. Even Steig himself agrees with the rebuttal.

Let’s not forget the pivotal role TAV played in Climategate as well.

Please take a moment to wish Jeff well, and to thank him for his contribution here.

Jeff, the door at WUWT is always open to you. I give my sincerest wishes for health, happiness, and success to you and to your family. Enjoy your retirement.

– Anthony Watts

Here is his post:

Closed

Posted by Jeff Id on January 21, 2011

Update:

There is a lot more I could say about this group of people who have read and commented here.  I know of very few unmoderated blogs which have been able to maintain such a civil tone through such controversial subjects.  That says a lot about the quality of this group.  Of all things, I think that is what makes tAV special.  The world is a rough place and when I sat down one sunny Saturday morning to start this blog just over two years ago, I expected very little. In the end, tAV contributed more to the discussion on a truly global scale than I had ever imagined.

I may be back after some time off but it is better to let readers know where I’m at.

Best regards to all.

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On the SOP thread we got into too heated a discussion.  I’ve had more than my fair share of the public lately and don’t know when tAV will be back.

Of all the elements of the periodic table stupididium is the most abundant.  The idiots pushed me over  the edge tonight.   I’ve had well enough of people who think they know — well anything — yet don’t have a clue.  The blog has been very much entertaining and I’ve appreciated the technical contributors very thoroughly.  I may continue someday in coming years but at this point… I’m done.

I’ve spent two years of my life in climate science, digging fairly deeply – I think you’ll agree.  My conclusion is that those who believe they know believe for unknowable reasons.  This includes BOTH sides.  In what I believe is the rarest of cases, the middle ground is the correct ground and that is where the climate battle lies.

I don’t know if I will post again here, it has been fun though.  Thanks to all who have been supportive and thanks to the guests.

Jeff Condon