Five years, 261 columns, 1,300 messages

Let’s take a moment for me.

This column started on the Journal’s Opinion Page on Oct. 19, 2017 — the column you’re reading is episode No. 261. I’ve gone five years and one week without missing an issue, which isn’t easy during those weeks when you have nothing to say.

That comment about having nothing to say is an example of self-deprecation, and I’ve learned over these five years that self-deprecation is a surefire way to win readers. In fact, my self-deprecation skills are superior to just about anybody you know.

In addition to deprecation and flawless attendance, I’ve ha...