[Fenris6]

"They, however, don't have columns in the Wall Street Journal in which they could announce it."

See? "There you go again." :) Noonan had a responsibility to inform her readers that she was leaving the WSJ and why - to avoid any conflict of interest. But you seem to twist that into self-promotion or selfishness.

Also - there are quite a few Bush supporters other than Noonan at the WSJ. Any of them take leave w/o pay? How about our pals at the Wash Times?

[Miss Marple]

The common way to announce a leave of absence is in a small not at the bottom of the column, either by the columnist or by the editors.

I don't consider anyone on the WSJ my "pal."

You are refusing to understand the problem, because you have a single-minded loyalty to Ms. Noonan. I am certain she will appreciate it.

I have no wish to continue this discussion. You have your opinion, and I have mine.

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

You construed Miss Marple's comments as though she were guilty of self promotion or selfishness. Miss Marple merely stated fact: most volunteers do not have the advantage of a column in which to inform others of their intentions.