Ah, there is nothing like the holidays to bring about the true spirit of goodwill amongst men -- and women.

It reminds me of the goodwill generated by so many race fans toward, well, yours truly during the course of 2008. So many were inspired to write in and tell me what they really thought of the many columns and features that I wrote for NASCAR.COM that I feel compelled, for the second year in a row, to share the best and worst of e-mails received during the calendar year that is about to expire. Last names, even where they were provided (sometimes they are not), have been omitted to protect the innocent.

So here we go with the annual peek into my in-box:

From Paul, whereabouts unknown and not important: "Joe, you are my hero. I have so much respect for you - as a writer and a man. Over the last several years I have watched (Brian) France and (Mike) Helton turn the 'reporting' and discussion of NASCAR events into a 'promote-at-all-costs' mentality that has caused the organization to lose nearly all credibility for me. ... "

Paul went on to explain that he has been disappointed in most of the media for buying into what he sees as this orchestrated perspective. He wrote, "It's been like watching Scientology, or the mafia - "Don't go against the family..."

And finally, he concluded with, "I hope they let you continue to produce your honest and informed opinions. The site would be less without you."

To Paul I can only say that NASCAR does not control what we write on the NASCAR.COM Web site, and we attempt to be as objective as possible. It's true that oftentimes that doesn't sit well with the good folks in Daytona Beach, but it's also true that most of the powers-that-be down there (but unfortunately not all) realize that without objective opinions and down-the-middle reporting, readers would not flock to our site to see what's truly going on in the sport. Oh, and Paul, thanks for the "hero" bit, even if it was a little over the top.

“

Go eat another Twinkie, moron.

”

ANONYMOUS

I began with Paul for good reason -- because it made me feel good during a year when many other e-mailers took a much different approach toward my personal well-being.

There was, for instance, Steve. After I defended NASCAR's decision to award a Talladega victory to Tony Stewart instead of hard-charging rookie Regan Smith in the fall (read more), he wrote: "I don't know what race you were watching or who is padding your wallet to make such comments as you have on this incident. You and (David) Caraviello must have the same optometrist. Bad call and poor vision on your part."

Well, Steve, I must admit that NASCAR.COM colleague David Caraviello and I are on the same company vision plan.

And on the same subject from Rob who lives in Cranbrook in British Columbia, Canada, came this: "That's pure crap that stewart got awarded the win there was room on the inside that's why smith went there, and then when he went there stewart dropped down so he had no choice I hope next time he just wrecks em and it seems nascar just does what they want sometimes, I think they need to be a lot clearer on the rules instead of making them up on their own discretion, if most of the drivers thought it was ok on the last lap it must have been disscussed at the drivers meeting. maybe nascar needs to be clearer but smith got screwed there and I think we all know it."

Rob, do you live in a cave up there? NASCAR is at least as clear about its rules as you are about your punctuation.

And when I made a simple joke or two about the U.S.Presidential race (seriously, folks, they were jokes!), I heard from guys like Christopher, who wrote: "You need to keep your opinions to yourself there, buddy. NASCAR.com is where I go to escape the Presidential race, please don't make stupid un-informed liberal media comments again on NASCAR.com. I will never read your liberal propaganda pieces again. I expect a response."

Christopher, here is my liberal, propaganda opinion response that I get paid to make: Plbbbbtttt! (Continued)