Well. That’s not factually true.
Since I began this on-line journey into the egotistical sublime back in the heady days of 2006 I’ve managed to rack up a mind-numbing 920 posts. I’ve been pretty darn consistent too. 3 posts a week for much of it, covering a wealth of subjects that have ranged from TV shows, politics, news events, social issues, home life and whatever doe-eyed beauty off the telly that I happened to fancy in any given moment.
But most of you won’t have failed to have noticed a gradual tailing off of productive output. A creative brewer’s droop. A distinct lessening of literal vitality.
My Bloggertropolis mojo is all but spent.
It’s time to draw a line beneath, put an end to and snuff out the guttering candle that is Bloggertropolis.
Oh hush your wailing. The end has been nigh for months now and the writing has been on the wall for longer than that.
The rot for me began when my blog was outed and touted by those who know me in real life (as opposed to just virtually). Without going over old wounds it caused upset and strife and made life difficult. Mostly for me (and I have to say my life is the one that I’m most concerned about). Certain subjects became taboo. Certain emotional chakras were suddenly blocked. Despite my best efforts I found myself gelded and my teeth pulled and a whacking great gag shoved into my mouth. Sure I kept going. Kept the writing production line rolling. Desperately tried to search out loopholes and ways round the restrictions... but euphemism and metaphor can only express so much.
Suddenly I woke up and found that Bloggertropolis had lost its bite, its bile and its balls (though thankfully not its alliteration).
I had become the blogging eunuch.
As much as it has tickled me to be a thorn in the side of so many for so long I have to admit to myself that the pale reflection this blog has become is now more of a thorn in my side than anybody else’s. Simply because it is not doing what I want it to do nor allowing me to express myself in the way that I would wish.
So, my old muckers, mateys and fellamelads, ‘tis time to say goodbye. Time to sign off and let the blogging underwriters evaluate my creative credit. I have other projects planned. Some of them not involving world domination or getting into Professor Alice Robert’s handsomely scientific knickers. Some lucky few of you will receive an email from me soon describing ways in which we might stay in touch.
The unlucky few can kiss my blogging ass.
This is how my blog ends.
Not with a bang (alas). But with you whimpering.
37 comments:
Oh no Steve! I'm really sorry that you are giving up Bloggertropolis. I've loved reading it even if I haven't had much time to comment lately what with the book n'all. If you start up again, we are Facebook buddies so let me know. I'm not going to kiss yo' ass but here a kiss (x)for your fair cheek. I'll miss you...
Oh golly! I am not sure this is allowed. I thought you would always have this blog. When I feel a bit nostalgic for blogging I always come here and reassure myself that blogworld continues and that if I wanted to come back I could do any day I fancied.
Oh dear!
I shall miss this blog a great deal. But I hope we will stay in touch on Facebook and maybe one day even meet up and drool over photos of dearest Keely together.
Good luck Steve xxx
I know what mean: it's very difficult to write about your life once people you know start reading the blog. Sorry to hear you're calling it a day - farewell and good luck old bean, I've enjoyed reading.
Well I think it's been a bloody good ride all in all- but the same has happened with me. i don't like walking into a room and people not telling me things cos they are frightened they'll end up on the blog.
i hope you'll put your writing energies elsewhere and to good effect. In fact, I'm certain you will.
l.
Misssy
What?! NO!!!!!!!!
Hoisted on your own petard? No well I don't think you ever wanted to harm anyone but now you are like a sausage on a skewer or a petard whatever that is!! Ho hum like many good bloggers you have become a victim of your own success. Farewell my pretty I will miss you but now I want to read some novels so get scribbling.
I should have realised this was going to happen when you complained about other bloggers disappearing. He who moans becomes the cause of further moaning. This is a pity, but don't think that announcing your retirement means you aren't allowed to resume blogging if the itch returns. I'll make fun of you if you do, but you're man enough to handle it.
Bloody hell. I never thought I'd see the day. I'm seriously shocked, Steve... but obviously, having packed in SOS earlier this year, I understand completely.
On the other hand, it wasn't long before I came right back with another blog that re-energised my blogging juices... so I live in hope that you'll find a way to do the same.
Whatever, don't be a stranger.
I echo Rol
dont be a stranger
I have enjoyed my time here
I understand what you mean about the gag.
I've had my husband's family 'stalking' on mine and it certainly does nothing for the feeling of spontaneity.
I am going to miss Bloggertropolis very badly...but I hope it means that you will be undertaking other forms of writing.
It better had!
Good luck in any and everything you undertake.
This is really too sad! I can't imagine a week without reading Bloggertropolis. It's taken me so long to spell correctly in my browser!
Say it isn't so. Now you've not only gone and left us, you've put a Hall & Oates song in my head.
Oh you copy cat! No, you did mention that you were thinking along these lines. I hope I am one of those to get 'the' email - if not I shall just email you. You cannot escape. Best wishes to you and yours.
I think I discovered your blog just before your outing phase. I was delighted with your playful verbage, witty repartee and general naughtiness. I do understand the writerly loss of drive, though not coupled with gagging I must say (my blog was called genial recently).
You are also at that point perilously close to Mid-Life crisis... so anything could happen. I will have more time in England next summer and would still love to have that coffee with you sometime. All the best.
Steve you have a very fine literary talent, and I've enjoyed every single one of your posts. I kind of felt this was coming, but hoped it wouldn't. I echo too Rol and John...don't be a stranger.
I was only thinking yesterday that I hadn't seen a post for a while........
If I'm not on that email list of yours I shall be very very cross!
Well, it's a shame 'cos I enjoyed what you wrote. Good luck with you future projects and if you ever find yourself in the Vendée, pop in for a bun and a glass of something.
Um....um....gosh......not sure what to say...but I echo all the other sentiments....don't be a stranger.
So sorry to hear it, your witty take on life has kept me entertained for a while now, even if often I have nothing to pop in the comments box.
Hope to see you hanging about twitter or elsewhere on the interwebs.
Whimpering has begun...
Nooooooooooooooo!(melodramatically throws her arms to her head).
I'm nearly with you...but something just keeps me from pulling the plug just yet.
You are a gent, a wit, a fabulous writer and have given me many a laugh out loud moment.
Take care of you x
Waaaaat? Jaysus, I was only gone from the room for two minutes to make a cuppa tea and dust off the scones and now this!!
I will miss this blog of yours, I know I have been rather crap at leaving comments lately but I still loves ya!! All the best, and am still keeping the rabbit hutch for your visit (altho' we do still get shakes from time to time....)
I suspected as much, you have been hinting at it for a while now. And hey, all good things come to an end, or at least evolve into something better after a period of gestation.
I hope your stalwart and reliable comments my way will still continue. It's like having a mate I have never met, which is weird in a reassuring way !
So, onward to greater things, more power to your elbow, and fuel in your tanks. If there is ever anything I can do or say or help with on your further adventures, you know where I am.
I won't say goodbye, just until tomorrow.
Have fun.
About time old buddy. Let some new life into the bloggy tree tops.
It's evolution - you've moved onto tagging street walls and spray cans. We've all got to grow up sometime.
As for Professor Alice - did she buy that or what. I remember when she was just a spotty PhD clambouring over rocks, happy for any air time. Now she has a programme to herself "Meet the Family".
I think you're well out of it. The Bloggosphere is not the place for a sensitive soul like yourself.
Mind you what's to stop you adopting a new persona and plaguing us once again. I'm on the case.
Bye old buddy.
Gosh Steve, I know what you mean about being gaged a little...too many people close to me read mine now so I find I'm not as blunt and then it just destroys creativity too.
I've not blogged or visited much recently and so, now I read this, I am sorry to have missed your last hooray !
I hope you can keep up by another method, once a blogger always a blogger I reckon.
Forgot to say...
GOOD LUCK
Steve, life will never be the same!!!!
I take my hat off to the fact you have managed to post three times a week come hell or high water.
I cannot believe anyone could have been so offended by an Ashes to Ashes review. Or was it Dr Who? Ok, so work is a dodgier subject and I stay well off it on mine, but am amazed you've apparently managed to offend so many people. Far from being miffed, someone should offer you a job on the strength of your writing skills.
I know what you mean about feeling limited and like you, my identity's never been much of a secret on my blog as I did originally intend it to be a shop window for my poetry (ahem). On the other hand there's always going to be subjects in each of our lives we have to tiptoe around for various reasons if mention at all unless we each start a completely anonymous blog, but there again there has to be a minimum of identifying details or someone somewhere with nothing better to do will put the pieces together. Hope we can keep in touch and good luck with your writing projects. You've been a first rate blog mate over the years, so thanks for all your unstinting support. It's been much appreciated. In turn I've really enjoyed yours.
Although I also write a professional blog which takes up a certain amount of time and have struggled to post regularly on mine for various reasons this year, I will keep going as I still think blogs are priceless and I don't want to live in a world of Twitter and FB alone.
Laura x
Thanks for all the fish Steve, they were very fine indeed xxx
Steve, noooooo!
Seriously, I'm devastated. I have loved reading your blog.
I know you'll keep writing. I will be on the lookout.
Would you believe this is the only post of yours I have ever read. Typical! Am 'learning' twitter so all is not in vain. Good luck fella.
Grumpy Old Ken: I bet you'd be late for your own funeral too, eh? Here's hoping...
;-)
What was it they said not so long ago ? "The king is dead... long live the king !"
Owen: a blog! A blog! My kingdom for a blog!
Oh no! Don't go! Will truly miss you, though sure there's a life outside a blogger! x
Hannah: I'll be in touch.
Steve, I have just read this - is it true, that like me, you have really jacked the blogging thing in? No!! Shall we speak on Facebook? Oddly enough tonight I was just (somewhat egotistically) re-reading my old blog posts and marvelling at the effort I put in - not to mention the wonderful and supportive comments I received from you and a host of other people like Amanda and Timewarden...made me pretty sad and I do miss those days!! Anyway hopefully we will chat soon?
OC: I'll be in touch soon. ;-)
Post a Comment