I’ve written what I believed were thoughtful, extended posts on what I believed were material, important subjects — only to watch those posts generate a virtually weightless smattering of comments.

And then, on Friday, in 39 words here and 137 at Central Sanity, I announced my decision to devote some near-term energy to helping those who want to moderate today’s GOP — a personal matter that I thought should be disclosed and explained, but hardly a topic that’s material or all-that-important in the scheme of things.

I was wrong.

Those simple 176 combined words sparked more than 5,700 additional words from co-bloggers and visitors, both here and at Michael vdG’s space. A variety of voices debated if any energy should be devoted to either major political party or if, instead, moderates should rise up in rebellion and focus every waking moment on the creation of a third, fourth, or more major parties.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

If I’ve learned anything in the last five months of participating in the moderate/centrist/independent corner of the online world, it’s this: The universe of disillusioned voters is growing. Americans are increasingly fed up with both major parties; they don’t feel either speaks for them, and thus, they want alternatives to rise up and represent them.

Great idea, though I’m starting to wonder if it’s mis-directed and ultimately doomed to fail. Go ahead, throw some sticks and stones my way. Declare me blasphemous. Label me a heretic. Light the torches and burn me at the stake.

But before you do, please, allow me a moment to explain.