And now that we’re all done arguing about paywalls, let me say that I appreciate all of you who follow me here, and read my cranky comments. I try to gift most of my articles, and I appreciate those for you take the time to read them - and a special thank you to those of you who subscribe. - ThreadSky

radiofreetom.bsky.social • 40 days ago

And now that we’re all done arguing about paywalls, let me say that I appreciate all of you who follow me here, and read my cranky comments.
I try to gift most of my articles, and I appreciate those for you take the time to read them - and a special thank you to those of you who subscribe.

Comments

oldohman.bsky.social•39 days ago

This subject tired me years ago. I'm not a journalist or reporter but who do readers think does the legwork, analysis and writing - some monks supported by a mystical church of journalism? We all need water to live but someone's paying to get it delivered.

joewebster1965.bsky.social•39 days ago

I think people are misunderstanding my point. I wasn't asking for free stuff. I was simply saying that isn't what I come HERE for. If I want to buy a subscription I know where and how.

oldohman.bsky.social•39 days ago

So you want journalists to not spread their work on social media?

joewebster1965.bsky.social•39 days ago

I'm not saying that either. I understand that Tom is a working journalist and that this is a platform for him to tout his work. I'm saying that I come here to read his posts and gain some small insight, not be barraged with links to paywalled articles.

sonsofliberty.vote•39 days ago

I hope to one day see a published collection of your lectures from your tenure at the US Naval War College ala Feynman.

Perhaps with your lamb recipe as a forward?

grand-sophy.bsky.social•39 days ago

My mother-in-law (100 next August) was telling me today about the interesting article she read about how Pete Hegseth should resign. I guess that gift subscription is paying off. 😉

norquistnemesis.bsky.social•39 days ago

Your greatest asset has been to relate on SM beyond the limits of your experience, views, etc. Sharing you as a person--who knew you had a cat! Who knew you had some personal, painful things but you shared you're a real person. Music, entertainment, peeves have made you relatable.🙂

radiofreetom.bsky.social•39 days ago

🙏✌️

norquistnemesis.bsky.social•40 days ago

Well, I'll say I appreciate you & believe your expression of kudos to us is sincere.

mary48.bsky.social•39 days ago

Long-time subscriber who provides a subscription to my son each year. I frequently gift your articles, and others. Some of the most intelligent journalism we have, much needed in these times. Thanks to all of you.

devgruppo.bsky.social•39 days ago

Hate to keep beating a dead horse but at a time when media is kowtowing to a lunatic, Laurene Powell Jobs has drawn a line in the sand without fear. Most of what I see linked from this acct points to her publication. If you’ve got 80 fucking bucks, pay the woman

tom1957.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thank you! I subscribe to Atlantic and highly recommend it. I also protest for Democracy every week. I highly recommend that too.

chriscat.bsky.social•39 days ago

Your writing is a big part of why I subscribe to the Atlantic. You and Molly-Jong Fast.

nthmurphy.bsky.social•39 days ago

I’ve gotten my money’s worth with The Atlantic. 😉

phillyfrog.bsky.social•39 days ago

Polite Tom is the best Tom!

phillyfrog.bsky.social•39 days ago

Also...I was an Atlantic subscriber from years ago.

timw1956.bsky.social•39 days ago

I am a long time subscriber of The Atlantic. Your insightful writings are a big reason I’m willing to continue to subscribe.

lisasarkisian.bsky.social•39 days ago

You are the voice we need in this hellscape, plus we like you, cranky.

bstyba.bsky.social•39 days ago

Tom. I like The Atlantic but as a Canadian I am opposed on principle with spending $$ on anything in the US

bwcarter.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thank you for gifting your articles.

romli490.bsky.social•39 days ago

You are one of the reasons I subscribed. The Atlantic is wonderful.

kevinmac27.bsky.social•39 days ago

Nice.

mariablack.bsky.social•39 days ago

There's a whole feed for gift articles too.

trcytstcbitchcakes.bsky.social•39 days ago

Really? *runs to feeds*

mariablack.bsky.social•39 days ago

It's the craziest thing no matter how many times I update this app I cannot share the link to the feed but I've seen other people do it and I don't know why I don't have that option or I would share it with you 🤷🏻‍♀️

mistykitty3.bsky.social•39 days ago

You can pin it too.

mariablack.bsky.social•39 days ago

I can pin it but I can't share a link to it 🤷🏻‍♀️

mistykitty3.bsky.social•39 days ago

Like this?

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:o4s55v3tsfph6whswxccpsia/feed/aaaixbb5liqbu

mariablack.bsky.social•39 days ago

Yer Killin me 😂🤣 I've seen many ppl link it. I just don't have that option 🤷🏻‍♀️ Crazymaking

mistykitty3.bsky.social•39 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:o4s55v3tsfph6whswxccpsia/feed/aaaixbb5liqbu

ewigeliberal.bsky.social•39 days ago

🕊️

Beneficent you are. But they be laying siege to your posts like monarch's to lachrymose.

mtcrace.bsky.social•39 days ago

Broken done weekly, the subscription really isn’t that much. Don’t tell anyone so they don’t raise the price.

michexposures.bsky.social•40 days ago

You are an excellent writer.

radiofreetom.bsky.social•40 days ago

Very kind of you to say, thank you

michexposures.bsky.social•39 days ago

No problem.

jwatsonco.bsky.social•39 days ago

FWIW, I subscribe but also read your gift articles. It's a pain to go login, and I appreciate the convenience of the gift links, so thanks!

jubilado251.bsky.social•39 days ago

We love you, Tom. Screw the critics. You’re a national treasure.

abdrgnldy.bsky.social•40 days ago

Subscribing to The Atlantic (because of you), was the best decision I've made. I love reading not just your articles, but the others on the site as well. Thank you Tom! PS - Give Lily a head bump and kiss from me 😻

alexanderbeetle.bsky.social•39 days ago

You are a bit cranky, but I appreciate what you write

windy-b.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thank you so much. Truly grateful for all that you do, and hold you and The Atlantic in the highest esteem.

marcusbrodyspen.bsky.social•39 days ago

Amen.

whimsytx.bsky.social•39 days ago

The gifts are appreciated

tommyunger.bsky.social•39 days ago

No doubt. Atlantic is one of my very few subscriptions. Consistent high quality and high signal to noise.

blastmilk.bsky.social•39 days ago

Also, cats.

oceanmusic.bsky.social•39 days ago

Your articles are what led me to subscribe to The Atlantic.

It’s daily reading for me - superb writing.

Thank you.

betraythedark.bsky.social•39 days ago

You're the one who finally got me to sign up for the other site. I appreciate your insights.

thisuserisdumb.bsky.social•40 days ago

Now that we are done discussing paywalls and garlic powder, can we start a debate about whether Flo's or Anthony's is better :)

radiofreetom.bsky.social•40 days ago

They’re not really comparable! Anthony’s is a wonderful fish market and both of them have great dinners

thisuserisdumb.bsky.social•39 days ago

It is no fun to debate someone when I agree with them🤣

IMHO, Anthony's Portuguese Fish Chowder is the best chowder I've ever had.

eveningscroll.bsky.social•39 days ago

The Atlantic is fearless

timlow3.bsky.social•39 days ago

Bless

trcytstcbitchcakes.bsky.social•39 days ago

I appreciate the gifted articles. SSDI doesn't leave much for subscriptions, I'm afraid.

mistykitty3.bsky.social•39 days ago

I do too. And we don't know when our SS and SSDI payments will suddenly end. I'm hearing very shortly. I'm afraid to spend money right now.

avadecenizas.bsky.social•39 days ago

Being a cranky dude is a part of your charm

laurenbrns.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thanks for your work, Tom.

To me, you and several other never Trumpers are proof that there was/is such a thing as real conservatives of principle and good will.

laurenbrns.bsky.social•39 days ago

That there turned out to be far fewer of them than advertised makes you folk all the more precious as folk who can help preserve the best conservative characteristics.

laurenbrns.bsky.social•39 days ago

And inasmuch as we are facing a radical movement, several of those characteristics are important to preserve.

furtivephilologist.bsky.social•39 days ago

As a High School teacher, I genuinely appreciate the gift articles you and others provide here.

texaskiwi70.bsky.social•39 days ago

🙏♥️

annie-bodi.bsky.social•39 days ago

Keep being cranky. In few years we can say your comments are curmudgeonly.

thecorrectopinion.bsky.social•40 days ago

You're welcome

hendyhenderson.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thanks Tom for all you’ve written the past few years since I have been reading. It has made me smarter, more considered and better at articulating my own opinions. But first and foremost you seem like a family man, and on some level we all relate to that.

lauriesandberg.bsky.social•39 days ago

Your writing is the main reason I subscribe and it's the only subscription I pay for.

historian1661.bsky.social•39 days ago

kimoralynn.bsky.social•39 days ago

I often don't agree and you are not the reason I subscribe, but I often agree in part and sometimes change my mind, and you generally ground opinion in facts even if I don't agree with the conclusion. We all need that perspective. Fighting on common ground with honor and verifiable common facts.

skulker13.bsky.social•39 days ago

I appreciate the gift articles. No longer needed, as my better half just surprised me with an Atlantic subscription for my birthday!

rktlaw.bsky.social•39 days ago

Hey, it took a lot of work for my girl to set that paywall up. Ixnay on the iftgay.

radiofreetom.bsky.social•39 days ago

dbsunrise.bsky.social•39 days ago

Can you share a subscription link?

radiofreetom.bsky.social•39 days ago

Standard. Cheaper for teachers/students
https://accounts.theatlantic.com/products/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WITHIN_Search_Brand&utm_content=core&referral=GOOGLE_PAID&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADye0IQSRFNHojXRCvtdfZwWJBZsx&gclid=CjwKCAjwwqfABhBcEiwAZJjC3iqucE6WO66nJ0QEJgj93LxFzlpscSiZ4gs5MwlO8pzQoxqxEY8ugBoCKlkQAvD_BwE

mistykitty3.bsky.social•39 days ago

They need a "seniors" level for subscriptions.

nobuenoatall.bsky.social•40 days ago

You're all right Tom. I don't agree with you about everything, but I've followed you and read your stuff since way back in the twitter days. Also, you turned me into a Boston fan although I'm still not sure Led Zeppelin is as terrible as you think.

jamesbobo.bsky.social•39 days ago

Keep doing you.

kellyapostol.bsky.social•39 days ago

I subscribed because I forgot when the free trial ended but I did end up renewing last year. No regerts.

dougfir177.bsky.social•39 days ago

Aside from your bizarre opinions about music, everything you write is worth reading. The Atlantic is one of my two paid subscriptions. The other is the Salt Lake Tribune.

pyoter.bsky.social•39 days ago

We have to Tom... you're a national treasure. From a fellow cranky Old Head...

nd7654.bsky.social•39 days ago

This is what i call engagement with fans.

rlgottwald.bsky.social•39 days ago

I was already a subscriber but you joining them upped the value a LOT

jeremiah77002.bsky.social•40 days ago

If people are complaining about paywalls they have to understand that everything can't always be free. Plus they should make use of Bluesky's gift link/gift article feed. Popular articles have good probability of being shared there.

joewebster1965.bsky.social•39 days ago

I think people are misunderstanding my point. I wasn't asking for free stuff. I was simply saying that isn't what I come HERE for. If I want to buy a subscription I know where and how.

jeremiah77002.bsky.social•39 days ago

I jumped into this w/o reading the thread. So I don't really know what you wanted.

I did look under bluesky's gift link/gift articles feed. And Tom Nichols' article is available for free there.

https://bsky.app/profile/bluegreen625.bsky.social/post/3lnjtupwo3s26

debiann.bsky.social•39 days ago

You’re one of the voices I value.

radiofreetom.bsky.social•39 days ago

Honored

wmac1969.bsky.social•39 days ago

@radiofreetom.bsky.social there are two reasons why my wife and I originally subscribed to The Atlantic:
1) You, and
2) @davidfrum.bsky.social

We read every article, the writing is top notch. Bravo!

msinformation.bsky.social•39 days ago

You are one of my go-to sources for commentary—you’re the real deal, the adult in the room, and I really appreciate you. And subscribing to The Atlantic has been one of my better decisions.

azmoderate.bsky.social•39 days ago

Subscribe to the Atlantic, Dispatch... Cancelled the NY Times and WAPO. Haven't turned on the local or cable news since election day. Still left of center but enjoy all views from intelligent people.

gmsantamonica.bsky.social•39 days ago

I've subscribed to The Atlantic for a l-o-n-g time: I made a point to see Emerson's house in 1980. But under Jeffrey Goldberg's editorship, the magazine has provided even more essential reading ~ including your articles, Tom ☺️
It also makes my Apple Imac *extra* special.

catgang4.bsky.social•39 days ago

The crankier, the better.
At least you're honest and you're factual. A gift by any standards these days. And thank you.

stephenbergman.bsky.social•39 days ago

The Atlantic is the one essential magazine published in this country.

snakephoto.bsky.social•39 days ago

🫡

erinpsyd.bsky.social•40 days ago

I very much appreciate your cranky comments.

theirsharona.bsky.social•39 days ago

I value your comments because they offer a slightly different viewpoint than I’m used to. I cancelled WAPO and subscribed to The Atlantic and have never looked back. I love the pictures of Lilly just as I followed Carla on SM.

tedhoffman.bsky.social•39 days ago

We're just glad you provided a Greek recipe that we can substitute steak for lamb, carrots for potatoes, and whatever dry rub we want instead of garlic powder and oregano, and have a holiday dinner that's delicious and makes us feel like we're in Athens.

williamhaugh.bsky.social•39 days ago

angelaisms.bsky.social•40 days ago

You remain my favorite curmudgeon on the internet.

buzzmom3.bsky.social•39 days ago

Same. Even on the rare occasion when I may not agree with Tom, I’m still either learning something or getting a good chuckle.

Tom is also the reason I subscribed to The Atlantic. So many excellent writers like him.

trinamcmahan.bsky.social•39 days ago

Same here and hi Buzzmom!👋

buzzmom3.bsky.social•39 days ago

Trina! So good to see you again! 😍

brianreymann.bsky.social•39 days ago

I am a delighted subscriber, so you’re welcome!

tacothecat.bsky.social•39 days ago

I really recommend subscribing to the Atlantic. The online content is great and the monthly magazine is also excellent. I was really pleased at the variety of content available and the quality of the writing.

markaormsby.bsky.social•39 days ago

Agree, it's a great magazine with in-depth and well-thought-out articles.

popmartyb04.bsky.social•39 days ago

My sister gave me a subscription for my birthday last month. ImSbe probably got tired of me bugging her for copies of full stories.

lonestargooner.bsky.social•40 days ago

You’re a mensch.

todddavidadams.bsky.social•39 days ago

Of all the media I subscribe to, which is many, the Atlantic is the one I couldn't do without. I read it every day and appreciate the eclectic and diverse range of topics I find there.

mktsutherland.bsky.social•39 days ago

Most valuable subscription in the USA at this time

idgarabert.bsky.social•39 days ago

Forty plus years ago, the Atlantic was my first subscription I paid for.

lizziebennet65.bsky.social•39 days ago

It's so important to support news papers, magazines and news outlets especially these days!

kujayhawkfan26.bsky.social•39 days ago

Your insights are beneficial and I always enjoy reading your articles when I can ❤️

daburton.bsky.social•39 days ago

I subscribe to many venues… Atlantic, Guardian, Wash Post, New York Times. But then I have several good friends who happen to be journalist. I understand the value of objective news sources!

alexmenter.bsky.social•39 days ago

How is payment from Apple News+ to the Atlantic? That’s where i read. Is it “fair?”

shuckabeeblutarsky.bsky.social•39 days ago

Remember that we can disagree on the issues, and still respectfully throw garlic powder in each other's eyes when we disagree.

birmo.bsky.social•39 days ago

I love your crankiness, Professor. It maps directly onto my own.

stepmit.bsky.social•39 days ago

It’s worth it for the lamb recipe.

scott-conway.bsky.social•39 days ago

The Atlantic and Bulwark are two of my favorite subscriptions…they are keeping me informed and sane in this upside down world.

And your articles and pods are great 👍.

rockinprofessor.bsky.social•39 days ago

In all honesty, you are one of the main reasons we subscribed to The Atlantic.

baconpress.bsky.social•39 days ago

I was very happy when you moved to the Atlantic so I could read your articles. I thank Carla for bringing you to my attention. I’ve subscribed for decades. It’s a great magazine.

thegreymouser.bsky.social•39 days ago

Well, Tom...we are, after all... RATIONAL ACTORS.

😉

joewebster1965.bsky.social•40 days ago

That was a real hoot. But I do appreciate your gift articles, so thanks for that.

michellethebuddha.bsky.social•39 days ago

I will always follow anybody who likes cats

hombrelibre.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thanks,Tom. I am a subscriber, and I enjoy your work.

4legsrgood.bsky.social•39 days ago

I really appreciate that you gift so many articles.

And want to see more of that cute kitty!!

dasquires1.bsky.social•39 days ago

You are a gifted writer. I subscribe to The Atlantic and highly recommend to those who want to read the best writing on current topics. Also highly recommend The Death of Expertise. It is a tour de force about a vitally important subject.
And you are a curmudgeon. Perhaps the best ever.

jonnsall.bsky.social•39 days ago

I’m grateful for the gift articles. I wish I could afford to subscribe, but I cannot. I’ll keep following you (Lily and your wife). Thank you and kind regards from Denmark to you 3

herkajerk.bsky.social•40 days ago

Well it’s about damn time I got some ‘ppreciation around here!

radiofreetom.bsky.social•40 days ago

kimoralynn.bsky.social•39 days ago

LOL

greyseermatt.bsky.social•39 days ago

My 25-yr-old got a subscription to The Atlantic based on what he read in a couple gifted articles. He found some cash by canceling one of his streaming services. It’s a matter of priorities. Choose one way to spend your $. Choose another. But don’t demand others’ work be available for free.

mkabir.bsky.social•39 days ago

Thank you 🙏 for the gift articles!! Appreciate it!

slw73.bsky.social•39 days ago

I'll second that ✋️

wilderspells.bsky.social•39 days ago

The smart complainers notice that the misinformation is free, funded by the extravagantly rich, and the real information is pay-walled. So, the core issue is the super rich distributing lies for "free" but charging for anything with a fact in it. We gotta get it out of their hands.

devgruppo.bsky.social•39 days ago

AP is free.

ellenahzulu.bsky.social•39 days ago

The two groups of rich ppl you use in your complaint aren't the same groups of ppl.

dookielazer.bsky.social•39 days ago

Anyone can distribute lies for free. I so wish that it was only the “super rich” responsible for bullshit online. It would be so much easier if that were true.

craigcheslog.com•39 days ago

Many libraries offer free passes to online newspapers and magazines for library card holders. I use them all the time.

Also, you may want to check out this Gift Links/Gift Articles feed by @davidsacerdote.bsky.social. You can find popular articles there.

https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:o4s55v3tsfph6whswxccpsia/feed/aaaixbb5liqbu

drreginamichelejd.bsky.social•39 days ago

There’s a gift feed here. You can go there and find almost any article.

annothername.bsky.social•39 days ago

It's among my favorite parts of BlueSky

elahyam.bsky.social•39 days ago

Where?

drreginamichelejd.bsky.social•39 days ago

Click on the 3 lines in the top left corner. Then click feeds. There’s a search bar. You can save the gift feed.

cabbageridge.bsky.social•38 days ago

I was once given a subscription to Rush Limbaugh newsletter. So slanted information isn’t always free

karenbeth.bsky.social•39 days ago

More pics of Lilly!

aliceabbott.bsky.social•39 days ago

You are the reason I subscribe. Thank you!

randomguy1017.bsky.social•39 days ago

You get what you pay for. Journalists that get resources from well funded newspapers can probably provide better content than AI bots or from sites that need your click to survive.

randomguy1017.bsky.social•39 days ago

I don't understand how everyone assumes everything should be free for them and only them because obviously "I am owed the thing I want regardless of how long it took to make or how much effort it took to make it."

joewebster1965.bsky.social•39 days ago

I think people are misunderstanding my point. I wasn't asking for free stuff. I was simply saying that isn't what I come HERE for. If I want to buy a subscription I know where and how.

randomguy1017.bsky.social•39 days ago

I wasn't specifically saying you.

randomguy1017.bsky.social•39 days ago

I meant more in general about the people who respond whenever he shares an article that isn't free to read.

ryanbposting.bsky.social•39 days ago

And the heartiest thank you of all to those who make their lamb with fresh garlic

rnrdiva.bsky.social•40 days ago

I appreciate the gift articles. I do get the daily Atlantic emails.

kmwny.bsky.social•39 days ago

I subscribed to the Atlantic almost two years ago (mostly because of you). The added bonus is the monthly print edition that I share with my husband, who reads it cover to cover.

lmaxw.bsky.social•40 days ago

You're not the only one who's cranky. Thank you for the articles.

ps9714.bsky.social•39 days ago

My parents (lifelong subscribers) gifted me my first sub of The Atlantic. After my first year in the Army, I was on my own. Thanks to the APO (army post office), I have read your magazine in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa. Consider me a subscriber for life. 🙏🏽

tctinvr.bsky.social•39 days ago

👍

5thgenfljane.bsky.social•39 days ago

A proud subscriber here.

thx4sharingjerk.bsky.social•40 days ago

Keep fighting the good fight, Tom

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