Got a little melancholy reading, re-reading, and just thinking about all of the "Goodbye To FanNation" blogs that have been posted over time. Sort of makes me sad. So many members have spent time building up something, only to feel like they have to bail if they can't keep a certain amount of "steam" up. Why not just hang in there? I'm not keeping track of who posts what and when. My attitude is that I'm happy for whatever you guys and girls produce.
Over time I've had some negative comments about the things I've written that I've taken personally (mostly because I'm really thin-skinned). But I've learned to pay more attention to the overwhelmingly more positive things that fans have written and commented on. If you're (meaning me) willing to put your thoughts "out there," you (meaning me) have to be prepared for all sorts of different reactions.
Sure it would be great if everyone was like, "yeah, you're right on the money" all the time. But if you think about it, is that really feasible? Would you (meaning me) really want that too?
I've had more than a few folks say things like, "while I enjoy reading your posts, perhaps you ought to find a different forum (because so many of my posts tend to sound more like, "this is my life" rather than focused on the world of sports). My first reaction to comments along those lines (and there haven't been all that many) is to get defensive because I am sensitive. But after stepping back and trying to be more open-minded, it becomes clear that the bottom line is that different people have different perspectives. I've learned that even though what I think is done in good faith (some of my posts), can sometimes be misconstrued as self-righteousness.
I've learned that not everyone on FN is my age (a good thing). That there are other fans with varying degrees of sports experiences that they bring to this stage. Those experiences need to be kept in mind. While I can't always meet the varying needs of others, I at least need to be mindful that I am not the final arbiter of opinion. And I have looked for other forums for my writing.
As mentioned earlier, I've been doing college football writing on RotoWire.com. I'm also trying to expand my audience through an "RUGator" blog on WordPress.com (mostly just transferring what I've already created here).
But I fully intend to keep it going here on FanNation. Too many helloes yet to make.
Revisiting the '98 NBA Lockout
Comments (12)
Glad you're sticking around. I don't like it either when people make bye-bye blogs.
Danbash: Ocean City 'till Fri. | 05/17/08, 06:34 PM
Report Offensive CommentYou sound like me a little. I'm pretty sensitive too. When you spend time and research to post a blog that you think is pretty good, it does hurt when people are so negative about it. You seem to have a good handle on it. You'll never get everyone to agree with you everytime and that wouldn't be much fun anyway. I've enjoyed reading your blogs.
smoothsandy - I yam what I yam | 05/17/08, 06:34 PM
Report Offensive CommentFannation wouldnt be the same without you,but Im glad someone else finally saw the greatness in your writings:)
NY - Jersey Shore | 05/17/08, 06:40 PM
Report Offensive CommentI'm glad you're staying. Fannation would be a different place without your blogs. While you can't appease the masses you should take some solace knowing that a majority like your work here.
badgerfan07 watches the CWS | 05/17/08, 07:41 PM
Report Offensive CommentYes,it is upsetting at times to see friends leave the nation.And some feel that they must leave all together.They don't have to,they can just leave their account alone,and tell some people they'll be gone for a while.Good luck with the rotowire gig.
"Cincy" hurts less | 05/17/08, 11:13 PM
Report Offensive CommentThank you for staying, RU. FanNation would be a lonely place without your wonderful blogs.
FaustoCarmonaFan likes cookies | 05/17/08, 11:53 PM
Report Offensive CommentGlad that you are staying here.
dyhard is Up North 7/10-7/13 | 05/18/08, 12:31 AM
Report Offensive CommentGood you're staying RUGator. I like the mix we have here on this site. Alot of old-timers and even some newer folks have been threatening to leave. Makes me sad too.
Just a thought though - some of these "Good-bye FN" blogs strike me as a little like suicide notes - not that extreme but just that they are cries for attention. Thats just what they seem like to me.
Thugmeister | 05/19/08, 01:50 PM
Report Offensive CommentGlad you are finding other avenues for your blogs. They are magazine or newspaper worthy and I enjoy reading them.
Red Zone | 05/19/08, 05:24 PM
Report Offensive Comment"I've learned that not everyone on FN is my age"
Who are qwe kidding - there are rocks that aren't our age. not only do we own shirts older than many here, we have probably worn them in the past month.
yeah, I don't get it either - just take the stuff you like, dump the rest. I can't remember when was the last time I perused the TDs or did a search for blogs.
Prove It | 05/19/08, 10:40 PM
Report Offensive CommentGood for you Gator. I mean think about it, if all the people that make this site what it is , decide to leave, the idiots would have free run of the place. Somebody has to be the voice of reason.
Hllywd: Old Schoolin' | 05/20/08, 01:43 AM
Report Offensive CommentOh, and good luck with the columns and other blogs. You might even check around - even yours truely once got an article published for a whopping $50 at one of these small magazines.
With your writing and abilities, I would not be surprised in the least to see you pick up several monthly columns in these magazines.
Prove It | 05/20/08, 08:08 PM
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