When I first created Somervell County Salon, I did so after looking extensively at other blog/news sites that had multiple top level posters, as well as commenters. Since it's been so many years, I don't remember which ones I looked at, but essentially the elements I liked were that the top level posters were regular, approved posters, and if, they liked, would have an avatar of a photo appearing with their screen name. I also designed it on the basis of showing the most recent posts, by poster, with page counts. My goal was to create an inviting site that the posters would be glad to post on, with plenty of room for both registered member and anonymous comments. Over time, we have had a variety of people who have posted, including some that regularly posted. Peter Stern of Driftwood is one of these. I looked the other day and he has been posting here since 2007. I seem to remember I met him through 2 other people that I had lively and interesting exchanges with, and invited him to post. He's a moderate Republican. I don't always agree with his point of view but I like the way he presents it and the way how, even when there isn't consensus, we can discuss the issues. I'm glad he posts here. 

Concerned Citizen has also posted here as a top level poster since June 2013.

Now, Somervell County Salon isn't a blog site for everyone. If there are those that don't like our (the many diverse opinions of top level posters) subject matter, no one is forcing them to read here. I said from the beginning that I wasn't doing this blog site for money (if I was, I'd have lots of kitten videos and Missing White Women posts), nor for popularity reasons (if it's only me that posts and reads, that's fine too), but because I wanted a platform to discuss politics and other subjects of interest. I also strongly believe in participatory journalism. That said, I have a distaste for right-wing politics, and, since this is my site, I simply do not want what I view as extreme opinions representing this site. That, of course, doesn't stop anyone that wants to read such other types of opinions elsewhere, in fact, I agree with the view that the answer to bad speech is MORE speech. But it doesn't have to be on THIS site, which is unabashedly LIBERAL or at least moderate. 

All that said, if you're someone that would like to post about local, state or national government and  are not one of the fringe righties, I welcome you to come join us as a poster. You can send a message to talk@glenrose.net if you have questions about this.