I ALMOST FEEL GUILTY about going on vacation after reading this bit from Eric Alterman on Romenesko’s letters page:

And while we’re on the topic of my moderate liberalism — along with that of Frank Rich and Robert Scheer — a sentiment with which I agree, by the way, but I would like my own column in one of the Timeses in return — I wrote about this very topic on Altercation today, which I’m plugging here, because Jim does not like linking to weblogs and Instapundit seems to be on vacation.

When my absence causes Big Media house bloggers to be reduced to begging on Romenesko’s page that’s — well, that’s just kind of disturbing.

Of course, maybe this is just the wave of the future. Thiotomoline, anyone?

UPDATE: Eric Alterman emails to object to my use of the word “begging.” He says he was just kidding around. I figured that. So was I!