Christopher Glamorganshire: The story so far (as seen on the blogs)

At the risk of upsetting the sensitive souls of those in power [in Wales anyway], I wondered what I could do next. Shall I talk further about a well-known catchphrase of all talk and little action or failures that have left Wales firms 'poor cousins'? The economy in crisis seems to be a popular topic for the foreseeable future and has been for some time. Not today.

Standing up for a blogging brother. This will do for now.
Following the original article in the Western Mail by Martin Shipton, 9th July 2008 there clearly has a lot more mileage to go in the story of Christopher Glamorganshire, with the latest from the real journalists being that of the BBC, Political Editor Betsan Powys on 18th September 2008.

Betsan clearly has the insider's view looking at the detail of information provided, but we still haven't heard from the Glamorganshire blogger despite numerous attempts from the media to get a message to him. Both Matt Wardman and I have been contacted over the last few months to see if we can get a message across [mediums in the blogging world], and I can only imagine that other bloggers have also been contacted this way. We both are unsure as to whether we are doing this former blogger the power of good by documenting his case in this way, nevertheless we support you, and the best of luck to you Christopher.

My sources in the Welsh power-hub tell me that the tribunal is set for January 2009 [not confirmed].

The following is a list of blog posts to date that cover discussion [those I can find] on the "neutral" blogger that was sacked by the Welsh Assembly Government:

1. One law for the rich, 9th July 2008 Socialist Party Wales
2. All the best Chris 9th July 2008, Miserable Old Fart
3. Chris Glamorgan goes to Court 9th July 2008 Valleys Mam
4. Welsh blogger's legal action 9th July 2008, Ordovicius
5. Freedom of Speech: Standing up for the right to blog 9th July 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
6. Christopher Glamorganshire: What a price to pay for freedom of speech 10th July 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
7. LITERATURE - Christopher Glamorgan's Blogging 10th July 2008 Damon Lord Linguanaut
8. Dooced Welsh Civil Service Blogger goes to Industrial Tribunal Today 11th July 2008 Wardman Wire
9. In Wales they sack bloggers, don't they? 11th July 2008, The Daily Telegraph Blogs
10. Welsh Civil Service Blogger goes to Industrial Tribunal Today 11th July 2008, Matt Wardman for Our Kingdom
11. Inside the Assembly jail 11th July 2008, Cambria Politico
12. On Exams, Christopher Glamorganshire and blogging 11th July 2008 On a Hill
13. Tidbits electronig 12th July 2008 Dancing the Polka with Miss El Cajon
14. What a price to pay 12th July 2008 Facebook Causes
15. Risk worth taking? 12 July 2008, David Jones MP
16. Welsh Assemby sacks blogger 12th July 2008 Paul Canning
17. Christopher Glamorganshire sacking story cut and paste Promotional Tour 13th July 2008 Wardman Wire
18. Civil servant who blogged about government dumped 13th July 2008, So Said the Organization
19. Seen Elsewhere (7) 13th July 2008, Question That
20. Blogpower Roundup - Ian_QT 13th July 2008, Blogpower
21. Should you be fired for blogging? 13th July 2008, Dube
22. Setback for public sector bloggers 13th July 2008 Dave Press
23. Christopher Glamorganshire: Questions to be Answered, 15th July 2008, Wardman Wire
24. Christopher Glamorganshire: Questions to be Answered 16th July 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
25. Previous Welsh bloggers who lost their jobs: This is a new ballgame 16th July 2008 Wardman Wire
26. Welsh Blogger Fired from Assembly, Sues 16 July 2008 Committee to Protect Bloggers
27. Previous Welsh bloggers who lost their jobs: This is a new ballgame 17th July 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
28. Matt Wardman on Radio Wales Good Evening Wales 4th August 2008, Wardman Wire
29. Blogging civil servants 4th August 2008, Peter Black AM
30. Matt Wardman on Radio Wales Good Evening Wales about Civil Service Bloggers 4th August 2008, Wardman Wire
31. POLITICS - Did I kill Pippa Wagstaff [includes section on CG]? 11th August 2008, Damon Lord
32. WAG and the Assembly Commission catching up with the times...eventually 12th September 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
33. Free speech, huge bills? 18th September 2008, Betsan Powys (BBC)
34. A Betsan by any other name would smell as sweet 18th September 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
35. Betsan has the inside on this one, 18th September 2008, Valleys Mam
36. Still Supporting Chris! 19th September 2008, Miserable Old Fart
37. The 'Welsh' Civil Service Code v Christopher Glamorganshire's Blog, 19th September 2008, Miss Wagstaff Presents
38. Christopher Glamorganshire Back in the News: Welsh Civil Service Code, 19th Sept 2008, Wardman Wire
39. This was Christopher Glamorgans profile - good sense of fun, 19th September 2008, Valleys Mam

Matt Wardman's entire series can be read HERE, and my own can be viewed HERE.

If you have seen any articles that are not on the list, please let us know in the comments section.

The frustrations of an internet Troll

It seems that I owe Sanddef an apology after jokingly not thanking him for the Miss Tory Staff comment. I have discovered the troll behind certain comments on my posts, which are not particularly damning and not even time consuming to delete. Any blogger will be able to tell you that it's very easy to delete comments when managing a blog.

The pointless 'Miss Tory Staff' comments that ended up - several times - in every post over the last few weeks seem to have stopped (more will come my way due to this post) which proves that the said blogger has realised his mistake. Strange to think that The Steamer has referred to me as "a well-known Labour insider". Each blogger has their own opinion of me, which leaves me none the wiser as to who I actually am. Someone will let me know one day.

Anyone who reads this blog will realise that I'm not in the habit of outing a person, but an anonymous blogger on the other hand is different due to the anonymity.

Perhaps it's because I always look for the best qualities in people that I often get disappointed so easily. In truth, I've always liked the nationalist blogger Che Grav-ara of the Guerrilla Welsh-Fare blog. For starters, we may have different political views, but I do enjoy reading his posts, and respect the fact that he includes links to a wide variety of political bloggers on his own blog (which is always a major plus in the blogosphere, and unusual of a Plaid blogger).

Any blogger is welcome to contribute in the comments section. I rarely delete comments, and if I do, I end up publishing them without the bad language and attribute them to their original owner.

Understandably, 'Che' finds it difficult that I tend to criticise the 'One Wales Government', after all, he is a "mainstream Plaidie; wants independence, has no time for New Labour, and backed the red-green when it came to it." Let's hope that he now practices what he preaches. Let's draw a line under this, 'Che', then hug, and make up.

What has been your best blogging experience?

It is always a good experience to have people comment on your blog and to start a active discussion. I have been lucky of late in that my post seem to have been getting a lot more attention. I am unsure if the content has become more thought provoking or just the hoards of bloggers that have nowhere else to go now Blamerbell has retired are choosing to spread their views around the blogs.

Do you have any prejudices that you are prepared to admit to?

What are they? Although my views are pretty fluid I do carry the stigma that all Tories are bad, all liberals say whatever you want them to just to get your vote and all Labourites are Tories. However I am happy to admit this is a generalist view and that there are a number of Tories (especially the Glyn Davies’ of this world) that contradicts that analysis and do the Conservatives a credit. Whilst they are decreasing there are still some dedicated old guard Labour members (i.e Hywel Francis) that go against the grain of Tony Blair’s spin era. The liberals……well you can’t win them all!

N.B. No bloggers were harmed during the making of this post. No slur caused by labelling someone a tory - on the person or the party. This blog has always been, and remains, non-aligned. Readers [particularly those of Labour and Plaid] should note that the blog description remains the same - as always - and can be read at the top of the page.

To Blog or Not To Blog Debate Videos

This is the full set of the speech videos kindly recorded by Peter Black.

The event itself provided the answer to the question in the title, when the agenda was partly changed due to "advanced feedback" after a debate on the blogs (especially here).

You can read my reflections, and also find a list of articles about the event, in my previous article about the "To Blog or Not to Blog" event.

Introduction

Part 1: Daran Hill, of Positif Politics (and the first bit of Peter Black).



Part 2: Peter Black, and the first part of Eleanor Burnham AM.



Part 3: The rest of Eleanor Burnham AM and Betsan Powys, BBC Reporter and Blogger.



Part 4: More Betsan Powys and the first part of Annabelle Harle of the Electoral Reform Society.



Part 5: More Annabelle Harle of the Electoral Reform Society, and the first part of Matt Wardman



Part 6: More Matt Wardman

and Victoria Winckler, of the Bevan Foundation.

Welsh Politico Award: Gold, Silver, and Bronze

The results are out for the Welsh Politico Award in which four judges chose their favourite posts from the last 12-months in the Welsh political blogosphere. All nominated posts can be found here. Congratulations to Ordovicius for organising the award.

Gold Post: ...Go on, say something! Author: Amanwy Blog - Bevan Foundation Blog

Silver Post: Beth yw pwynt Llywydd Plaid Cymru Author: Penderyn Blog - blogmenai

Bronze Post: Welsh Conservatism and devolution Author: Dylan Jones-Evans Blog - Dylan Jones-Evans

The debate started before the Cardiff Blogging Debate began

I'm pleased to hear that from the uproar in the comments section that was caused by my good friend's post discussing the future 'Cardiff Blogging Debate', Matt Wardman has now been invited to join the pro-blogging panel.

It goes to show that a small amount of constructive criticism goes a long way in blogging.

Update: It says a lot about the Welsh economic downturn when we have to import English bloggers due to our home-grown being too expensive [laugh].

Cardiff Political Blogging Debate misses the point

A day after writing a piece about the Slugger Awards celebrating blogs as a tool for creating a greater involvement in politics by ordinary people, I have run across an example that is in the opposite direction.

There will be a debate about the value of political blogging organised by the Bevan Foundation in the Senedd on Tuesday 21st October:

To Blog or Not to Blog?

6.00pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 21st October 2008
Conference Rooms C&D, Ty Hywel, National Assembly for Wales

You are invited to attend a debate on the value of political blogging.

Speakers are Peter Black AM and Betsan Powys, Political Editor of BBC Wales, and Eleanor Burnham AM and Annabelle Harle from the Electoral Reform Society. In the Chair is Victoria Winckler, Director of the Bevan Foundation. This event is being held in the Assembly with the support of Peter Black AM. Refreshments are provided with the support of Positif Politics.

I think that that list of names for this debate, comprising two professional politicians, a specialist in the political process and a big media journalist, misses the point. It is also a symbol that the most important aspect of political blogging - the potential for engagement in the political conversation by those who would not do it otherwise - may not yet been sufficiently absorbed.

I can't help asking why Valleys Mam (for example) - or somebody (anybody!) using a political blog to comment on politics from below - is not speaking in this debate? It may be that the focus is "the value of political blogging for politicians", in which case the focus itself is in the wrong place.

I'm not trying to show disrespect for the participants - all of whom are excellent in their own right - but it is the wrong group of people.

My suggestion is that there is still a week to go, so why not add a couple of political bloggers into the debate? I'd also invite Mick Fealty to give a 20 minute address + 20 minutes of questions afterwards about what can be done.

No more fantastic imagery from the breath of the dragon

I wasn't planning on posting today, but in typical fashion I made the mistake of browsing through the blogs and came across the sad news that The Cynical Dragon is no more. David from Newport has decided to call it a day in what he sees as inevitable.

This blog is now dead. A former blog. Due to work and personal commitments I've found it impossible to keep up and know that these commitments will consume more
of my time in the coming months. I've enjoyed the experience. Thanks to all my fellow bloggers who've helped, commented and offered support.

All I can suggest is that you keep the blog open in case you get the urge to blog again, even if your posts will be sporadic. Finding time to blog is always difficult, and I've noticed this morning that the rumour mongers didn't sleep last night on this blog. In truth, I have felt the same way as David on two occasions over the last year, and found that my work-life balance wasn't working out for me - I wasn't having much of a life.

Not that I want this post to be dominated by bad news. On a better note Dylan Jones-Evans has decided to return to blogging. Welcome back Dylan.

On this sad day there's only one person in Wales that will be pleased with this outcome, and the rest of us will notice that there's a place in the Wales Top 40 that will be noticeably empty.

New Welsh Blogger: Hywel Williams MP

Hywel Williams MP (Caernarfon)

Fi ydi Aelod Seneddol Caernarfon (neu Arfon ar ol yr etholiad nesaf, a chymeryd
y caf fy ail-ethol!). Rwyf yn AS ers 2001, a fy mhrif ddiddordebau gwleidyddol
yw Polisi cymdeithasol; Diwylliant a Iaith a'r celfyddydau.

Welcome to the blogosphere. This new addition is more welcomed than most due to its uniqueness among the majority of Plaid bloggers - in being a Plaid blog that actually links to a wide variety of non-Plaid blogs.

A rarity in the world of Welsh political blogging, and a new addition that simply doesn't just provide an act of blogging fallatio in a desperate attempt to seek approval from the master.

New Welsh Blogger: The Western Male

The Western Male

So this is a brand spanking new blog.It is purely done for cheap kicks and humour, not to make any political points.

The blog's existence is inspired and continues to be inspired by The Daily Mash.

www.thedailymash.co.uk

To not tread on the toes of my inspiration, I will be focusing my satirical ire on Wales focused media stories.

If anyone is thin skinned enough to be offended by the post, I repeat, it is all done in jest and to hopefully raise a smirk.

For the first few weeks, I will link to the 'real' story, to allow readers to see the comparison.

Welsh Politico Blog Award Nominations

A competition run by Ordovicius has now received nominations from all four panel members.

Oudles of thanks to those panelists that chose a post from this blog [Adrian Masters and Alan Davies]. If a stranger ever sends a drink over and waves to you from the bar, you'll know who she is. Further congratulations to all that were nominated.

The Welsh Politico Blog Award consists of the Gold, Silver and Bronze seals of Owain Glyndŵr, which will be awarded to the three blogposts that the panel judge to have made the greatest contribution to or had the biggest impact on Welsh politics in 2008. The following is the final shortlist.

The Panel

Alan Davies
Managing Director of Junction 31 and Director at Cymro Consulting.

Daran Hill
Managing Director of Positif Politics and Chair of Public Affairs Cymru.

Richard Wyn Jones
Director of the Institute of Welsh Politics at the Department of International Politics, Aberystwyth University.

Adrian Masters
Presenter of Dragon's Eye, and former presenter of the BBC's Politics Show Wales.

Adrian Masters

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT VOICE Peter Black AM: Welsh Liberal Democrat leadership race to begin soon?

As well as blogging regularly and for the longest time, Peter Black has consistently taken an honest and open approach to blogging. In this post as ever, he allows us to see behind the scenes with candour and without innuendo.

MISS WAGSTAFF PRESENTS: How to make enemies and alienate people

Insider gossip with substance. As always.

PAUL FLYNN - READ MY DAY: Hypocrisy' versus 'hypocrisy

His account of voting with the Tories against his own government. Like Peter
Black he allows all of us to understand what it's really like in politics.

Daran Hill

PETER BLACK AM: Different Meetings

Peter Black’s blog posts are at their best when he gives a cheeky bit of insight rather than cutting and pasting the latest story from the Western Mail before anyone else because he seems to get up earlier than other bloggers. This short missive from the Black bunker is a great example of his frank style. Mischief maker or party political saviour – the jury will be forever out perhaps. In this post, the impact and economy of his last sentence is provocative blogging indeed.

HUW LEWIS AM: Adam Price's Kind Offer

Huw Lewis doesn’t blog for fun but to make political points and that’s why he’s always worth a read. He’s one of those politicians that it’s impossible to be neutral about (even within his own party) and his blog is always forthright. This post is a juicy morsel of political defence. It’s also worth noting that the two bloggers in question, Huw and Adam, are conducting a dialogue on their own blogs rather than posting on each others. That in itself speaks volumes.

A VIEW FROM RURAL WALES: Tipping Point

Absence from a legislature has made Glyn Davies no less relevant to Welsh politics and his blog remains a must read. One of the best things about Glyn’s posts are his provocative openings, which are usually engaging enough to draw me in (apart from the gardening posts). He usually develops a narrative which sustains interest and challenges the reader to revisit our conceptions. The non-Cardiff perspective which shines through is always well constructed and in this post he really makes you think about how devolution is delivering. Glyn remains one of the few bloggers in Wales who manages to write both from the heart and with precise language. Never afraid to cite examples, it’s never a rant, and always a pleasure.

Alan Davies

MISERABLE OLD FART: Holy Smoke
MISERABLE OLD FART: Leanne Wood - Communist or Nationalist

Very Witty writer + runs two blogs simultaneously in both English and Welsh. But doesn't merely translate from one language to the other. The content of both of his blogs is original, informative, and entertaining. A Welsh nationalist and a Plaid sympathizer (albeit from the right of the party) Miserable Old Fart is prepared to speak out against Plaid Cymru policy and hold Plaid Members to account, where others fail, which perhaps does not endear him to many plaid members.

MISS WAGSTAFF PRESENTS: Wiped from the Face(book) of the earth

Miss Wagstaff Presents is a must read- first for all the juicy inside gossip from Cardiff Bay. First to get political scoops. She/he/it has a finger on the Welsh political pulse like no other journalist. This story is testament to her growing influence, and the fear she strikes in to our Welsh political classes (particularly Labour ones!)

DYLAN JONES-EVANS: State of the UK economy
DYLAN JONES-EVANS: Welsh Conservatism and devolution

Dylan Jones Evans is one of Wales' foremost Economists, sums up the economic challenges succinctly in lay man's terms. His language is simple and his style is very engaging. Bloody good read.Whilst engaging with many economic issues, DJE is also an aspiring politician who not shy away from engaging with some contentious political issues, least of all his party's very own stance on the future of devolution in Wales.

A Frank and honest debate on Conservative Party policy on Devolution. Rather refreshing for a Tory politician on the question of devolution, which has long been shoved in to the long grass by other senior Tories.

Richard Wyn Jones

PENDERYN/BLOGMENAI: Beth yw pwynt Llywydd Plaid Cymru? (English translation)

AMANWY (BEVAN FOUNDATION BLOG): …Go on, say something!

VAUGHAN RODERICK: Y Gwir yn erbyn... (English translation)

Sauregurkenzeit Award Winner (Thanks, I think?)

Charmed, I'm sure! Thanks for the cucumber prize. One question... Should a judge congratulate the winner [don't know why] and then tell the wider blogging public which blog is their particular favourite? I demand a recount, unless the cash prize is enough to buy a new dress.

The winner of the prestigious Sauregurkenzeit Award for political blogging in Wales is:

Miss Wagstaff Presents [according to Cambria Politico]

Commiserations to Cynical Dragon who really really wanted to win this.

Congratulations to Pippa Wagstaff on consistently good blog content, on a successfully accomplished redesign and upgrade and, of course, winning the most votes in the online poll.

Judges Verdict: The standard of Welsh political blogs is getting better but is still lacking in significant ‘journalistic cutting edge’, impact on the political process or a coterie of regular post commentors. By rights, Peter Hain should have been the Welsh blogosphere’s first political victim but this opportunity was missed and taken by Guido Fawkes instead. Another major criticism is that many Welsh blogs are just rehashed versions and comments on other blogs or media stories with little original content. However, there are encouraging signs.

Judge’s Favourite blog: NoGoodBoyo

Getting on or off your modern soapbox

Not being sure whether this is a public event or selective gathering within the Senedd, Peter Black brings to our attention, the not-so-well-publicized interesting debate [to bloggers anyway] that is taking place on 21 October 2008.

Just a pity that we're not all invited. We could watch, listen, possibly ask questions, raise important points, and most importantly - guess which person in the audience matches their blog persona.

Could be the biggest Welsh public outing this year since the last one was cancelled.

Peter Black AM's To blog or not to blog?

The Bevan Foundation and Positif Politics is to stage a debate in the Assembly from 6pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 21 October 2008 on the value of political blogging.

Speaking in favour are myself and BBC blogger Betsan Powys. Opposed are Eleanor Burnham AM and Annabelle Harlle from the Electoral Reform Society. In the chair is Victoria Winckler, who is Director of the Bevan Foundation.

Miss Wagstaff Presents has been forgiven??

Valleys Mam has some news for me.

"Shhhhhhhhh you can access your blog from some Assembly computers [looks around], two people have told me so :>)"

It seems there are some who think we are the same. If only she had linked to this blog in her post I would've noticed her news sooner ;)

Is Coe harassed for being a Tory?

Understandable uproar in Wales, and particularly the Welsh Blogosphere about the alleged comments of Seb Coe in London's press, covered by Ian James Johnson, Miserable Old Fart, Amlwch to Magor, Ordovicius, Up the Valleys and Peter Black.

As Damon Lord sums it up:

It is also covered by Nick Webb, who justifiably asks did Coe really say it?

There is further mystery to the story, however. Did the paper actually print the story? I don't doubt Ian James Johnson's comment that he saw it on page 5 in the paper, so here's a link to a jpg of thelondonpaper's story (Hat tip to Dougthedug's
comment on Welshfootball.net).

The article however has now curiously disappeared from thelondonpaper's website, and also from the Metro's site, but I've managed to track down an online cached version of the Metro story. So, in probable breach of some copyright law, I'm reproducing the text of the Metro article below, so people can see what exactly was printed and reported before the cached version disappears as well.

As we aren't sure that Seb Coe actually made this comment, isn't most of this fuss in Wales down to the fact that he is a Tory?

Welcome to Tomorrow's Wales

Introducing a 'new' Welsh blog that seems to have been around for a while. I haven't noticed it being part of the blogroll of others. Take a look!

Tomorrow's Wales

The Executive Committee of Tomorrow’s Wales is made up of individuals who are serving in a personal capacity, but drawn from sectors such as academia, business, trades unions, the voluntary sector, the legal profession, popular culture, faith communities and all of Wales’ political parties.

A significant amount of work has already been accomplished by Tomorrow’s Wales, engaging over 300 organisations in Wales to ask for their support, and arranging events across Wales in partnership with other institutions.

Members of the Executive Committee reads as a Who's Who in Welsh life: Mr Graham Benfield, Mr Deian Creunant, Mr Cynog Dafis, Ms Catrin Dafydd, Mr Gerald Davies, Ms Philippa Ford, Mr Michael German OBE AM, Ms Meri Huws, Mr Hywel Ceri Jones, Mr Saleem Kidwai OBE, Mr David Lambert, Mr Gethin Lewis, Lord Richard Livsey of Talgarth, Ms Katie-Jo Luxton, Mr David Melding AM, Most Rev Dr. Barry Morgan Archbishop of Wales, Ms Sharon Morgan, Lord Elystan Morgan, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Mr Peter Price, Most Rev. Peter Smith Archbishop of Cardiff, Ms Fran Targett, Mr Geraint Talfan Davies, Mr Alan Trench, Mr Paul Valerio.

A Betsan by any other name would smell as sweet

Another Welsh blogger has taken to reporting about the fate of Christopher Glamorganshire, with more success than I when it comes to the latest gossip.

Betsan Powys' latest post covers what she's heard in "Free speech, huge bills?":

"If you were born in Cardiff, why didn't your parents call you Betsan South Glamorgan?"

A question endured in school over and again but now, of course, I know the answer. As Christopher Glamorgan has proven, it would have been too dangerous a name to adopt.

Who is Christopher? He is - or was - a civil servant of many years, employed by the Welsh Assembly Government and who was sacked as a result of publishing an anonymous blog.

Whether the case against him stands up or not has been a matter of some discussion in parts of the Welsh blogosphere (particularly here) already.

For what it's worth, this is what I know.

The latest suggestion is that his tribunal case is going ahead, that it's unlikely to be heard until next year but that it will be discussed in an internal meeting, presumably in government offices in Cathays Park, next week.

Why was he sacked?

His thoughts on "Who would be a leader in a wicked, wicked world" drew the attention of someone in Cathays Park in July of last year. A flurry of confidential Emails started:

"This is the blog I mentioned earlier - reading it all and the profile places the individual in the Bay picking up plenty of insider stuff on WAG".

The then Permanent Secretary, Sir Jon Shortridge, gets involved.

"The Permanent Secretary has asked me to check if any emails have gone out to this blog site (or if people apart from ... have browsed). The site has contained some detail which may have links with leak enquiries".

He was sacked and and as things stand is taking his case to tribunal, despite his union, the PCS, heeding advice they've been given that he has some mountain to climb, such a mountain, carrying the threat of such a big bill at the end, that they've decided he must climb it alone.

Solicitors acting for the government don't mince their words. In letters I've had sight of they sum up the conclusions of the Employment Judge (and bear in mind I'm quoting their own summing up here, not quotes from a transcript) like this:

the "claim has little reasonable prospect of success", the blog was "contrary to the civil service code" and "has the potential to cause an embarrassment to the Welsh Assembly Government", therefore breaking the code.

Had 'Christopher Glamorgan' been guilty of "excessive internet abuse and potential copyright infringement" alone the judge seems to conclude that a final written warning would have been enough. However the blog, "the most serious of the issues", means dismissal "would fall within the band of reasonable responses available to a reasonable employer".

The letter ends on what I'll call a blunt note: go ahead and we'll apply for a full costs order against you, one that covers all fees, charges, disbursements and expenses incurred by WAG.

Give in now and we won't.

Thanks for the hat-tip Betsan.

There's only one Clive Betts (if signed-in)

I don't mind answering emails while on leave, and today, took time out to answer one that was sent by the journalist Clive Betts of Cambria Politico. He's felt the need - and quite rightly so - to remind everyone that we shouldn't believe all that we read on the internet. He goes into detail in his post 'Forgery on the blogosphere and a lot of internet rubbish' - which is understandable.

Speaking for myself, I only believe the commentary of other bloggers is said with conviction if they've 'signed-in' to leave a comment. The comments made by those that are anonymous are always welcome, and received and taken with a pinch of salt.

This blog always welcomes anonymous comments under our own set of terms - this is done for numerous reasons. Whether those comments are from those that try to help in some way; those that don't; those that have clearly had one drink too many; and even those that are clearly insane (mainly politically).

If I ever decide to come out of the blogging closet, I am sure to agree to meeting up for a coffee with Mr Betts, gladly chatting on life and blogging down the bay.

Now that I've felt the need to write a post of my own on the matter, I can go back to reading my book. Holidays are better spent without internet access!

Healthier fresh face for the Welsh Blogosphere

I may be taking a short break at the moment, but thought I'd point you in the direction of a new Welsh blog. Take a look, and follow its progress when you have time to spare.

BMA Cymru Wales

As someone who's interested in health, politics and blogging, I thought you
might be interested in a new blog by the BMA's Welsh Secretary, Dr Richard
Lewis. Hopefully the blog will update you on health issues and BMA comment.

Total Politics Results: Top 100 UK Political Blogs

Five Welsh blogs (numbers 58, 59, 61, 72 and 79) have made it into Iain Dale's Top 100 UK Political Blogs list for his Guide to Political Blogging in the UK 2008-9. Last year's position is in brackets.

1. (2) Guido Fawkes

2. (1) Iain Dale

3. (4) Conservative Home

4. (3) Dizzy Thinks

5. (-) Political Betting

6. (-) Devil's Kitchen

7. (9) Spectator Coffee House

8. (12) Burning our Money

9. (42) John Redwood

10. (14) Ben Brogan

11. (20) EU Referendum

12. (15) Tim Worstall

13. (-) Tom Harris MP

14. (13) Archbishop Cranmer

15. (54) LibDem Voice

16. (16) Mr Eugenides

17. (-) Hopi Sen

18. (85) Daniel Hannan MEP

19. (-) Three Line Whip

20. (70) Stumbling & Mumbling

21. (35) Donal Blaney

22. (128) Boulton & Co

23. (-) Liberal Conspiracy

24. (8) Nick Robinson

25. (-) People's Republic of Mortimer

26. (11) Recess Monkey

27. (56) Adam Smith Institute

28. (27) Comment Central

29. (72) Luke Akehurst

30. (47) Waendel Journal

31. (38) LabourHome

32. (30) Ministry of Truth

33. (22) Tom Watson MP

34. (33) Nadine Dorries MP

35. (46) Dave's Part

36. (-) Letters from a Tory

37. (17) Norfolk Blogger

38. (-) Shane Greer

39. (-) Sadie's Tavern

40. (45) Samizdata

41. (32) Slugger O'Toole

42. (111) A Very British Dude

43. (21) Harry's Place

44. (-) SNP Tactical Voting

45. (61) Quaequam Blog

46. (104) UK Polling Report

47. (182) Socialist Unity

48. (59) Daily Referendum

49. (53) Liberal England

50. (172) Lynne Featherstone MP

51. (18) Paul Linford

52. (68) City Unslicker/Capitalists at Work

53. (51) Our Kingdom

54. (-) Labour Outlook

55. (63) Millennium Dome Elephant

56. (155) Paul Scully

57. (-) A Very Public Sociologist

58. (90) Peter Black AM

59. (78) Glyn Davies

60. (195) Obsolete

61. (99) Ordovicius

62. (-) UK Libertarian Party

63. (40) Biased BBC

64. (7) Croydonian

65. (69) James Cleverly

66. (-) Is There More to Life Than Shoes

67. (-) J Arthur MacNumpty

68. (120) Normblog

69. (-) Raedwald

70. (-) Three Thousand Versts

71. (-) Tory Bear

72. (-) Miss Wagstaff Presents

73. (52) Bloggers4Labour

74. (-) Pint of Unionist Lite

75. (151) Theo's Blog

76. (-) Kezia Dugdale's Soapbox

77. (71) Beau Bo D'Or

78. (25) Bob Piper

79. (-) David Cornock

80. (-) Forgesian Thinking

81. (-) Heresy Corner

82. (103) Love & Liberty

83. (125) The Daily (Maybe)

84. (161) Peter Hitchens

85. (81) Melanie Phillips

86. (0) Redemption's Son

87. (10) Ellee Seymour

88. (0) Lenin's Tomb

89. (83) Liberal Burblings

90. (-) Scottish Tory Boy

91. (-) Stuart King

92. (86) Matt Wardman

93. (34) Pickled Politics

94. (0) Ewan Watt

95. (41) An Englishman's Castle

96. (0) Centre Right

97. (0) Never Trust a Hippy

98. (0) Red Box

99. (76) Chris Paul's Labour of Love

100. (50) Last Ditch

The full list and entire series can be followed by clicking on the following link to Iain Dale's Diary.

Welsh Blog Index Awards 2008: Results

Having been away for nearly a week, I'm humbled to have returned to the following news from our very own Welsh Blog Index Awards 2008.

A big thank you to everyone that voted for this blog, and a hearty round of applause to my colleagues - Dotcommentator and Senedd Whip - for their huge effort over the last several months.

• Best Politicians Blog: Glyn Davies
• Best Media Blog: David Cornock
• Best Other Blog: Ordovicius
• Best Welsh Language Blog: Vaughan Roderick
• Best Newcomer (established after the last awards of August 15th 2007): Miss Wagstaff
• Most Improved Blog: Miss Wagstaff

I can only assume that those who voted for Miss Wagstaff Presents in the 'Most Improved Blog' category are old readers that have stuck it out since the beginning :)