Opinions on commas

In My Humble Opinion (IMHO)
1

Just trying to gauge opinion here: where would you put commas in this sentence?

A few years ago the subject barely interested me but in common with many people my age I have now seen the light.

So as not to influence subsequent posters, please put your answer in spoiler tags.

Thanks.

2

A few years ago, the subject barely interested me; but, in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light

3

[SPOILER]A few years ago the subject barely interested me, but in common with many people my age I have now seen the light.

I wrote it this way because I know I’m overly fond of commas and try to economize…so just one.

I’m not sure why you don’t say “but like many people…” The phrase “in common with” seems awkward.
[/SPOILER]

4

A few years ago the subject barely interested me, but in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

Also, I considered putting another one after “A few years ago,” but it made the sentence sound too choppy.

5

A few years ago the subject barely interested me, but, in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

6

I’d punctuate almost exactly as Annie-Xmas has, omitting the semicolon.

7

[spoiler]A few years ago the subject barely interested me. But in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

[/spoiler]

With maybe another one after

ago

Sorry, I know you didn’t ask for periods, but it really seems like a run-on without breaking it up. I think maybe some people would use a semi-colon but I’ve never gotten the hang of them myself. Never use 'em.

8

A few years ago, the subject barely interested me; but, in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

ETA:
I see I share Annie-Xmas’s views on the subject.

9

I’d replace the semicolon with a comma.

10

A few years ago the subject barely interested me, but in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

11

A few years ago the subject barely interested me but, in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

I can’t make up my mind whether there could be a semi-colon prior to “but”, or indeed whether “but” could be replaced by a semi-colon.

12

To rewrite the sentence so it reads better (IMHO/YMMV):

The subject barely interested me a few years ago. However, like many people my age, I have now seen the light

13

BrainGlutton, where are you? C’mon and weigh in.

14

Perfect.

15

Thank you. Even I believe I am a natural writer. I hate reading sloppy writing.

16

I’m with Struan. I’d say that if you have a comma after “age” you must have one before “in”.

17

[SPOILER]A few years ago the subject barely interested me, but in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

A case could be made for putting a comma after “ago”, but to me that makes the sentence too choppy. Also, I debated on whether or not I should even put the one after “age”. I decided to, obviously.[/SPOILER]

18

A few years ago, the subject barely interested me, but, in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.

FWIW, I would re-write that sentence before bothering with the commas.

19

Two commas: A few years ago**,** the subject barely interested me**,** but in common with many people my age I have now seen the light.

20

[spoiler]
“A few years ago the subject barely interested me, but in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.”

I might use:

“A few years ago, the subject barely interested me, but in common with many people my age, I have now seen the light.”

if I wished to emphasize the “a few years ago”, rather than blast right past it as yo would without the comma.[/spoiler]