Sometimes a post isn’t worth writing, yet it has to be written. Like the one where you announce your “resignation” from a blog network you were fortunate to be part of for two years — almost to the day.
That blog network, of course, is 9rules, and yesterday I sent them the email telling them I was giving up the leaf and the membership. To a lot of people, this news isn’t news at all. But some folks here will want to know. And they’ll want to know why or what happened. And the historians of the future web demand it.
Nothing happened, really. And, after seeing plenty people make the move before me, and making a bit of a fuss about it, it turned out to be surprisingly easy. No life-changing events took place, there was no sudden need to sort out business or work-related issues, I did not need to reconsider the value of blogging in my life…
Two years in internet time are like aeons elsewhere and it felt the right thing to do. Obviously, I do have other considerations, like my job and a relationship I want to make work, and of course I don’t want to fail expectations or feel the pressure of not living up to standards.
I’ll keep writing on the web, I’ll keep reading 9r blogs and I’ll keep hanging around over at Chawlk and its nine new satellites. And maybe NDNL will change focus, maybe it won’t; maybe I’ll write less, maybe I’ll post more. Who knows this shit anyways.
So, were there no issues at all? No annoyances or criticisms with that club of clubs, that little circle of web warlords that was and is and will forever be called an elitist clique? Sure, over time I’ve had them all, but none are relevant, important or worthwhile. In the end, 9r is the Triad’s business; it’s their baby and they run it as they please.
And while I was a member, I was always a proud one and I still think 9rules and almost all of its bloggers are the cream of the crop. So, I thank you Mike, Tyme and Scrivs for, well, just for letting me be part of it all. I’ll miss the Treehouse. We’ll see each other around soon enough. Good luck.
And now, there’s nothing to see here folks, move on.
31 May 2008 at 3:01 pm
I don’t see any explanation for your departure here really, but good luck.
31 May 2008 at 3:05 pm
That’s because it isn’t an explanation but an announcement. Really, there isn’t much else to say except that it was time to leave. And thanks, I think I’ll manage ;)
31 May 2008 at 3:21 pm
So… what, no fish?
Sorry to see you go, man.
31 May 2008 at 3:25 pm
No, no! Thanks *a lot* for all the fish. But yeah, still: so long :)
31 May 2008 at 3:49 pm
Sucks for 9rules, they’re losing one of their best quality bloggers. I’d like to hear more about why you decided to leave though, I’m sure there’s more to it than “it was time”, right? Regardless, I don’t think 9rules has the reputation it used to anymore (particularly with a lot of the best blogs, with the best reputations, running for the exit), so I guess they should be sadder about losing you than the other way round.
Your blog looks different everytime I look at it, by the way!
31 May 2008 at 4:08 pm
I never did write a ‘I quit 9rules’ post. I think I was either too lazy or didn’t think it blogworthy. 9rules seemed like it was on the right path when I joined, though. What made me quit, as you know, was the new contract that required me to participate in the 9rules forums/notes section. I’d always thought of the site as a place to find well-written blogs on a variety of topics, and not a community where not participating (outside of publishing regularly to your blog) was frowned upon.
31 May 2008 at 4:34 pm
Is it out of line to leave a comment that says “no comment”? ;)
Seriously, though – keep up the good work (or don’t), whatever works for your life. I think you made the right choice, but you already know that, so.
31 May 2008 at 8:24 pm
I get accepted and then immediately one of my favorite blogs drops out. Blah.
31 May 2008 at 8:28 pm
Groups and communities are overrated.
I’m glad you followed your heart Nils.
1 June 2008 at 1:02 am
I’m very tempted to agree with Travis… and Tom. All the best.
1 June 2008 at 10:17 pm
I got, um, sidetracked there a bit, guys. But thanks for all the comments, compliments and well wishes.
You people replying here are some of my favourite contacts on the web, so I appreciate it. cheers.
2 June 2008 at 9:18 pm
I’m sad to see you go, Nils. You were one of the best 9rules members ever. I hope we stay in touch.
2 June 2008 at 9:24 pm
Thanks Joe. I gotta say I’m a tad overwhelmed here. Nothing much is gonna change, though, except maybe that I’ll be working harder to make NDNL worth people’s time even more. I really do appreciate all this. And sure, I’m not really going anywhere so in touch we will stay.
3 June 2008 at 3:09 am
9r brought us together man and I know that we will remain friends either way, I don’t read here all the time (I don’t read anywhere all the time anymore) but I do enjoy swinging in past from time to time.
Your writing has always been diverse and interesting and always will be, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors whatever they end up being…
Take it easy mate.
3 June 2008 at 9:05 am
Hey Alan, another comment that means a lot to me. Every single one here has been personal and flattering to the point of being moving.
Yes, we’ve chatted and talked and worked together even for a while indeed and I certainly consider you as a mate. Hopefully we will eventually meet (it’s been postponed too often already) but we’ll definitely stay pals and keep it touch. No worries. Cheers!
4 June 2008 at 3:04 pm
Welcome to the free world. :)
4 June 2008 at 3:18 pm
;)
7 June 2008 at 2:27 pm
I know I’m a little late to commenting on this entry (re-organizing my feeds, halp!), but I hope I can be forgiven ;-)
Glad to see you following your heart, buddy. I re-applied to 9rules in the latest round for shits and giggles, but I’m still undecided as to whether or not going back is worth it. It was a great little club to be a member of, but I’m wondering now if I want to be a part of any club.
At any rate, I don’t think you’ll be losing readers any time soon. Keep up the good work!