That's just dandy: Newspaper paywall blocks explanation about paying to avoid newspaper paywall.

You simply can't make this stuff up.

The News and Tribune provides a link to a page breathlessly explaining the new fee 'Bama retiree-mandated corporate fee structure ...

You can now buy 24-hour passes to newsandtribune.com

 ... and predictably, you're not allowed to read the sales pitch without paying for the privilege.

Still, speaking only for myself, I'd consider subscribing to some sort of on-line-only access, but only if a couple of conditions are met.

First, a simple thank you from management for 13 whole years of directing traffic from this blog to the newspaper's web site. I may be critical of the newspaper at widely scattered intervals, but I signpost the route for readers to decide for themselves.

I adhere to the rules of the game. Management diddles. So it goes.

Second, simple courtesy when it comes to crediting NA Confidential when the blog breaks a story. It's not every day, but it happens. When reporters ask me about something they've seen on the blog, I'm never coy and always answer them straight.

It'd be nice to experience some reciprocity now and again. Breath duly held, I now go forth and proceed ... to avoid Harvest Homecoming.

Only one more day, people.

Just one more day.

Jeers for Islamophobes, homophobes and pop-up ads for car dealers.

I'm in agreement with this jeer, but how does one cancel a subscription anonymously? When I cancelled ours last week, I had to tell the helpful young lady exactly which street address to remove, which had the effect of giving away my identity. Of course, anonymity's always been a foreign concept for me.

Hmm, I wonder if the Islamophobe referenced here by editor Van Hoy was the same as one of the two homophobes (Saundra Bottom and Betty Robertson) who wrote letters on August 4 to advance the bizarre position that as Christians, they're actually the victims of persecution if they cannot use their religion to justify persecution and discrimination against others in this, a secular society.

Apparently it's peak season here in the Open Air Museum of Ignorance, Superstition and Backwardness. By the way, how'd you like that ice-cold Budweiser down by the river last night?

JEERS

... to the anonymous caller who apparently decided to cancel her subscription because of content on the Mini Page, of all pages.

A recent edition of that page — which is aimed at young children — contained a lesson on Islamic history and Ramadan. Taking “God out of everything” did not sit well with the reader.

God, Allah, Buddha, Flying Spaghetti Monster, insert your favorite deity here, nothing at all — it’s all fine by me.

— Editor Shea Van Hoy