I am contemplating an extended absence, perhaps even a permanent one from these pages.
I have been blogging since 2004, and in the beginning it was a thrilling exercise in the sense that I was learning to do a new kind of writing and enjoying a remarkable camaraderie that characterized the army of Davids we were back then. You could write, and if it was good, you'd get linked and people would read it. My pleasure in that process reveals a lot about my motivations--I find writing the best way to organize my own thoughts and I have enough of an ego that I appreciate it when people find the expression of those thoughts compelling, or at least entertaining. I saw myself quoted in the mainstream press, on cable news shows and occasionally as a prominent cold front in a blogstorm. It was fun.
Things have changed rather drastically in the past few years, and I've come to believe the blogosphere is pretty much a dead letter--at least the blogosphere that I used to know. It all came to a moment of perfect clarity yesterday as I read an Examiner.com post extolling a dozen of the "best" conservative blogs. They were in fact the blogs that the author knew about, but hardly the best. I clicked on a link to one he mentioned that I hadn't been to in a while and saw single line references to news stories. I was not impressed.
The political blogosphere has become a careerist venture for the ambitious where marketing and schmooze can do way more for you than a genuinely original insight. The reality that there is no money in it doesn't seem to dissuade the hopeful--a confirmation of the economics of crack cocaine--dealers live with their mommies and make less money that if they worked at McDonalds.
You could post the equivalent of Hamlet and it would languish unread in this environment. Of course, I've never posted Hamlet, so maybe I'm wrong about that.
Ultimately, I just find it depressing that no one ever changes their minds about anything unless you traumatize them. The blogosphere, talk radio, the entire mediasphere is really just a an exercise in apologetics--people want to hear affirmations of their beliefs, and successful media types prosper by affirming them. Pointless unless you get paid.
I hesitate to make my departure definitive, but I am going to post "part-time" for the foreseeable future. If that works, then fine, but if the traffic drops to zero then I'll know to shut the doors.
To my loyal readers--your attention has been the most excellent compliment I've ever received.
Be well.
Comments (11)
Mick,
I, too, have seen this shift in blogs. Yours is one of a dying breed; among very few worth reading. If you do decide to hang it up, I hope you know that your insights, wit and style have been for me a great resource amid the thoughtless writing of most other media available.
Thanks for what you've shared.
Posted by Jason Black | February 24, 2009 3:05 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 15:05
Not happy news. In my humble opinion your blog is so much ahead of the others, and I mean all the so called "best blogs" that it isn't even a contest.
Most blogs, even the so called "best blogs" are basically on the level of chat room gab.
I understand your feelings. What ever you choose it has been a great ride for me.
The very best.
Posted by Edward Cropper | February 24, 2009 7:19 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 19:19
FWIW, I come here everyday and really enjoy what I read. Most of the posts are very thoughtful and the ones that aren't are entertaining. If this blog shuts down I will miss it very much. So, at the very least your traffic will have one person checking everyday for that little tidbit of info I won't find anywhere else.
Thanks!
Posted by Tom | February 25, 2009 2:27 AM
Posted on February 25, 2009 02:27
I too would miss your insightful and entertaining posts. But I understand your sentiments.
5 years is a long time to keep this up!
Posted by Terri | February 25, 2009 6:10 AM
Posted on February 25, 2009 06:10
You'll be missed in Canada...of all places!
Hope to come across you in another medium sometime.
Posted by Rob | February 25, 2009 7:31 AM
Posted on February 25, 2009 07:31
Mick,
This is unwelcome news, but very understandable. The blogging world certainly has changed, and not necessarily for the better. It's becoming something different than many of us used to think it would become.
That said, I've reset my own expectations and goals accordingly and still find a lot of value and enjoyment in it. Perhaps you'll do the same and give it another shot after some reflection. I'd certainly hate to see you close shop permanently.
Posted by Bogus Doug | February 25, 2009 10:16 AM
Posted on February 25, 2009 10:16
Mick, I have read many excellent posts on your blog. I think you have some really good insights.
My blog has never gotten much traffic. But I have to keep blogging because I have to mouth off. I don't feel satisfied unless I express my opinions on the issues of the day.
http://provocateurjim.blogspot.com/
Posted by Jungle Jim | February 25, 2009 3:35 PM
Posted on February 25, 2009 15:35
Your site was one that I got on every day. We need people like you more than ever. I hope that you will feel the need to get back to a full-time schedule eventually. Thanks for your insightful blogs.
Posted by AC Chickadee | February 25, 2009 5:41 PM
Posted on February 25, 2009 17:41
Damn.
Posted by mlu | February 25, 2009 8:03 PM
Posted on February 25, 2009 20:03
Don't do it. Often I think, "Why isn't Mick on Hot Air, Politico, or the Hugh Hewitt show?" Your insights often top what they've got.
I preferred your Uncorrelated name- the new one doesn't roll from the tongue. It almost seemed like you were trying to hide your site. If you stop blogging (even though you have partners) readers will go down.
Now that newspapers are going by the way-side; the fairness doctrine is looming, and the new Attorney General wants gun control in the U.S. to alleviate gun battles in Mexico (mentioning guns just to point to gov't newspeak): you can't give up.
Hang in there
Posted by lynn | February 27, 2009 2:47 PM
Posted on February 27, 2009 14:47
Take stock of yourself. Get refreshed, change your blog name to "takingStock" and let's move on.
Your perspective has been a valuable resource.
Did you enjoy listening when Dean Barnett was on the Hugh Hewitt show? Suddenly (too young) he's gone. I miss him.
Posted by lynn | February 28, 2009 1:15 PM
Posted on February 28, 2009 13:15