I agree entirely on the sense of loss since the change to this comment format.  And, the real problem of not being able to get a discussion going.  Part of the problem is the short comment length - can't develop an idea in the limited space.  Well, some can.  I can't.  And part of the problem is interrupters, who seem to deliberately sidetrack or attack.  This is selfish of me, but one of the problems is those who "feed" the disrupters by replying when knowing no decent discussion will result; another problem is long back-and-forths, each trying to get the last word.  No learning or enlightenment going on - just useless.

I don't comment nearly as much - I just don't like the tone as much any more.  But, I like the range of stories at this NCR.  

Other good sources are Catholica out of Australia, Eureka Street out of Australia, and the Association of Catholic Priests - Ireland.  America Mag., Commonweal are good, but don't get into gritty stuff as much.  Big Pulpit - ugh.