I think it’s fairly difficult to draw a bright line distinction between what should first be handled privately vs. what should be pointed out in an informal publication like a blog. If somebody just made an honest screwup in a public talk, publication, or blog post, it’s not inherently insulting to point it out in a blog post, any more than it is to do so in a letter to the editor. And if the honest screwup really isn’t a screwup at all, then a reply that points that out is equally appropriate, and provides an incentive for those making such criticisms to make sure they have their facts straight.

Although it is true that Maher displays unskeptical attitudes on just about any topic other than religion.

Also, come to think of it – and this is relevant to this conversation – he has responded to my criticisms in such a way that we both came a mutual agreement – in public, right there on his blog.

That, to me, really stood out as a shining example of the self-maintaining nature of skepticality.