Decision ‘08

And Now, The End Is Near…

…though neither I nor my blog face the final curtain. Some changes are afoot, though, as Decision ’08 enters a new phase. I am going to go ‘dark’ / go on hiatus / take a blogging vacation for a few days, while I ponder the future, and I’d like your opinion on where this blog will go. I’ll return soon, probably by next weekend at the latest, and I reserve the right to return sooner if earth-shaking news breaks that I can’t resist commenting on.

This blog has been mostly a blessing and a bit of a curse; it’s been pretty successful, not monetarily, because this was never intended as a commercial venture, but in terms of getting a small but well-informed and reasonably devoted readership, and in offering a forum to comment on the news of the day.

I signed on with Pajamas Media some eighteen months ago, excited by the opportunity to associate myself with some of the bigger names in (mostly) conservative blogging and grateful for the opportunity for more exposure. Recently, my agreement with Pajamas came up for renewal, and I chose to opt out.

This is not a reflection on Pajamas; I’ve nothing but good things to say about the way they’ve treated me. It was and is a great venture, and I leave them with nothing but the best of wishes for their future and with not even the slightest negativity. However, given my own uncertainty about the future of this blog, I thought it unfair to them to commit to an extension, and I felt it would put undue pressure on me to preserve the status quo in order to honor my commitment.

So why the need for change? Well, blogging is a peculiar thing, in that it is perhaps the most ‘instantaneous’ form of mass media yet devised. As such, there is an unending need to ‘feed the beast’ and search for new content that, to say the least, is not conducive to a well-balanced life. At least, that’s the case with the style of blogging that I’ve practiced up to now. I would define that style as ‘instant reaction’ to current events.

I’ve updated this blog 5-8 times a day almost every day for 2 ½ years or so. I simply don’t feel that I can continue at that rate and still accomplish everything I want to accomplish in other spheres. This is my hobby, and not my job, and I have sometimes set goals for this blog that I can now see are unrealistic for essentially a one-man amateur operation.

I could go on and on, but I’ve asked you to indulge me for long enough with this navel-gazing, I’m sure. But I would like your input, if you please, on a few questions about the future. Questions such as:

Would you continue to visit this blog if it were updated more irregularly, say once or twice a day on average?
Would you prefer that I seek out ‘guest bloggers’ and make this a group blog, if I’m able to find suitable choices and they agree? That’s the only way that I could preserve the current frequency of updates - though it would have to be a labor of love for them, too, because as I said before, this blog isn’t about money and after my hosting fees, there’s hardly anything to share – a condition that will be reinforced with the expiration of my Pajamas agreement (incidentally, I’ll be taking down the Pajamas ad code in the next day or two, so there may be some design tweaks on the sidebars yet to come).
If it stays just little ol’ me, would you prefer shorter posts mainly commenting on excerpts, as is mostly the case now, or more lengthy ‘think pieces’ in the style of, say, a Glenn Greenwald?
How about the focus? Do you like the broader focus, again much like now, where I comment on anything and everything I find interesting, or would you prefer a more narrow focus on the 2008 election, as the blog’s title implies?
Should I just hang the whole thing up, and try to find an outlet elsewhere, like, say, a diary on RedState or something of that nature?

Of course, I welcome any other comments you might have, and though I can’t promise I’ll do as you suggest, I do promise that I’ll consider all suggestions.

I appreciate each and every reader of this blog, and I don’t want to give the impression of someone who is whining or ungrateful. I simply want to find, if possible, a way to continue that is exciting and fresh both to me and to my readers, and that allows me the time I need away from the blog for the other things in my life, as well. So, with that said, I’ll close this lengthy piece and say goodbye to you for a few days, news cycle permitting. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments.

32 Responses to “And Now, The End Is Near…”

1 Erin Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I would visit if you would do say a Right Wing News kind of thing with 3 stories each day and some links to others and of course you can always add if something huge happens and guest bloggers are a big deal, I have blogged myself 4 times on All Things Conservative because the host loved how I responded to his stories. I think along with some bigger names you could do something like that as well. It gives your readers an opprotunity to submit something as well ( your choice of readers) and engages them in the process. I submit to you though do not go away as your blog is decision 08 baby and we are just getting started!!!!
2 Aaron Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 3:32 pm
1. I’d still visit if you updated less often.

2. Guest-blogging could be interesting, too.

3. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — your current format of commenting on excerpts works well.

4. I would think that if you were going to reduce the frequency of updates, it would make sense to focus more on the 2008 election. Maybe an “off-topic” story once a week.

5. PLEASE, NOOOOO!!!!!
3 Colin Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I like the current format, where you comment on a wide range of issues. Also, I think the group blog format works out really well. Everywhere I’ve seen it tried, it has only added more depth and knowledge the the blogs in question. Anyway, that’s my two cents.
4 too many steves Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
First off, don’t give it up, you offer an interesting perspective on the issues of the day and have attracted a regular crowd of folk that add much value to the discussion(s).

1. Updating less often isn’t a problem: I’m thinking quality over quantity.
2. Guest blogging would be very interesting and might offload the posting requirement and give you an energy boost.
3. I like your current format and approach.
4. I also enjoy the range of topics on which you post - we apparently share many interests. I suspect the focus (on the election) will increase as ‘08 approaches.
5. And don’t hang it up, unless you need to for some reason you haven’t shared.

You’ve got a pretty nice place here Mr. Coffey, and some thoughtful and interesting friends - it would be a shame if it ceased to be.
5 JB Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Like Aaron says, perhaps focusing on the 08 election would be the way to go. It would be a shame to bolt now that the election cycle is about to really take off. Besides, the wide open field means this will probably be a very interesting election cycle.

I visit this site everyday, multiple times. I enjoy the thoughtful, moderate posts as well as the discussions that go on in the comments section, where all sides are usually represented and discussions are conducted in a respectful manner. Whatever you decide, I hope you stick around in some way or another.

Besides, this could be your way of contributing to the very necessary defeat of HRC.
6 Fargus Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I’ve appreciated your blog, Mark, for very nearly the two and a half years that you’ve been writing it. Here’s my two cents:

1) I would absolutely continue to visit if it was updated less frequently. I’ve got you on my RSS reader, so I always come when I see that there’s something to read. Less frequent updates wouldn’t stop me from visiting when there’s something to see.

2) I think some guest-blogging would be a welcome addition, though not because I feel some dire need to see quantity over quality. I think it could do good to maybe have some discussions in different threads by authors who may have different opinions on things. It may spur more comments and user participation, for those who read and don’t comment, you know?

3) My feeling on the excerpt vs. longer pieces question is this: If the updates are going to be less frequent, I think it’d be more worth it for me if there were some real meat to the posts. I’d personally like to see longer, more thoughtful posts reflective of your own personal philosophy, even if the composition of such posts would further increase the interval between updates. Such posts might do a good job of spurring comment discussions that would bridge the gap between those updates.

4) Like Aaron and JB, I think that a focus on the election is probably the way to go. The season is starting so early this time, and we’re already right in the thick of it, so there’s certainly no lack of material about which to write.

5) Like I said, I’ve read and appreciated your blog for nearly the entire duration of its existence. It’d be a shame to see it go away now.
7 Sandy Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 8:25 pm
I’ve marvelled at how much energy and time you devote to keeping the rest of us informed and amused and selfishly hope you continue in much the same vein. However, in the interest of your leading a well-balanced life, I understand the need for a new approach.

1. I would visit Decision ‘08 if you only updated once a day.
2. Guest blogging could be interesting if these folks had your same sense of commitment.
3. What you’re doing now is super duper and holds our attention without being overly (uselessly) wordy.
4. I really appreciate your style, standards and range of subject matter. In the beginning I expected the election to be the only topic and was delighted to see such a range of subjects.
5. I’m now on espresso #2 since I started reading this post and the thought of your hanging the whole thing up is driving me on to #3. Don’t even think about it. That’s the selfish, overcaffeinated me speaking. Sorry.
8 Martha Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Mark, I have looked forward to your blog and most days check it more than once a day. I like it the way it is and would hate to see you quit before Decision 08 happens. As you know, I didn’t even know what a blog was before yours. It has been interesting and an eye opener for me. Updating once a day is no problem to me.
9 - Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Please support your party. We are all responsible for our nation and our nations actions. Our leaders are voted into office by us. We share the responsibility. Show America who you support. http://www.ineedapresident.com
10 Gulf Coast Bandit Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Question 1: Duh. Of course, I’d visit.
Question 2: Guest-blogs? Cool.
Question 3: It’s fine, leave it alone.
Question 4: Eh, the title is Decision ‘08. And it is coming up. And there’s no shortage of stuff to write about. I’d say focus on the election, but breaking news takes precedent.
Question 5: Don’t even think about it.

Dude, you started the Coalition of the Chillin’. You made it on CNN. You can’t back out. Decision ‘08 has to be around at least until January 2009 in some form or fashion.
11 politicaster Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Mark, Decision08 is in my Firefox toolbar. It’s one of the few things I check every day. There’s a lot of good things to be said. My personal favorite is the comments section when you blog on controversial topics. Seeing you, peter, too many steves, fargus, mikebdot, aaron, and many others go at it is simply great.

I agree with GCB that Jan 09 would be a good time to start winding down if you ever want to do so. You’ve come this far, why retreat now? Maybe slowing down for a while would be good. You could even go to posting only a few times a week for a while. I’ll bet that when the election is in full swing next year, you’ll be recharged and wanting to blog more often.
12 Fred Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I agree with everyone. I currently visit here two or three times a day and appreciate all you’ve done. But I’d stop by if you updated only once a day, too. Of course, I like your style now, but I understand it consumes an awful lot of time. So if you had to cut back I’d suggest concentrating on politics. And guest blogging would be a fine way to fill out the site if it became necessary. It’s too close to ‘08 to stop now.
13 miriam Says:
April 1st, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Mark–once a day is just fine, better than fine. I enjoy reading your blog a lot. As for the rest, suit yourself. If you feel stale, blog about other topics you care about.
14 Tom Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:01 am
I’m a Democrat, but I read your blog once a day. I don’t need hourly updates. I like to see what the other guys are thinking. A group blog would be fine with me,
15 Jojo Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:41 am
1) I would stop visiting if the total quantity of content significantly dropped. What about updating once a day, but posting a bunch of stuff all at once?
2) Group blogging would be good, but please don’t get idiots. Your guest bloggers don’t have to agree with you, as long as they were intelligent in their posts.
3) There are far too many op-eds in the world already. Please stay as a blog. I think your excerpts are already too long!
4) Focus on the elections, but that still gives you broad topics of conversation anyway. Everything affects 2008.
5) More beagle posts!
16 Gwedd Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 7:10 am
Comrade Mark,

I also have you on my daily “to read” list, and would hope you continue.

Though I do not comment much, I do read everything and I appreciate what efforts it takes to not only write the copy, but put up with the local customers, sweep out the trash, shoo off the trolls, etc.

You are much appreciated, and I would hope that you continue to write here, in whatever manner and.or fashion strikes your fancy.

Have a good rest, knock back a few, and let us know what’s to be.

Respects,
17 Anonymous Liberal Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 9:46 am
Mark, I can sympathize. I too have been blogging for a couple years now and have managed to build a decent-sized readership. And I understand how demanding it can be, particularly when you have an even more demanding day job. But I don’t think you have to worry about your readership deserting you if you blog less frequently. I’ve gone through periods of weeks at a time where I haven’t posted anything (usually when a case flares up). But once I start posting again, my traffic levels return to normal. I’m pretty confident your readers will continue to stop by even if your posting becomes lighter. I know I will.

My suggestion would be to write fewer posts, but to try to make them more meaty. The more substantive a post is, the more likely it is to draw links anyway. Glenn Greenwald is probably the most linked-to blogger on the internet and he generally writes only one post a day.

As for guest-bloggers, it’s not a bad idea, but I’d suggest not enlisting ideological clones of yourself. The best group blogs are ones where the posters disagree on a lot of things.
18 Dennis Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 10:16 am
I’m going to disagree with everyone here. I want 20 posts a day! Dance! Dance for my amusement!

OK, not really. Like the others, I come here because I like your take on things, not because of sheer numbers. If anything, fewer posts might be easier on us readers too; sometimes I don’t have time to check you out for a few days, and I find myself frustrated because I’ll see a conversation that started a couple of days ago that I’d like to get in on, but since it’s been superseded by six or seven other posts, I feel like it’s too late.

I don’t have any strong feelings on guest bloggers, although I would like more of an emphasis on the campaigns, particularly the strategies they’re employing. That would differentiate your blog from the zillions of others jabbering about the events of the day.

I don’t mind occasional longer essays, but I’d be wary about making a habit out of them. Glenn Greenwald’s stuff is self-indulgent; the guy writes like he’s paid by the word. Writing an engaging long-form essay is hard, and when you’re writing with the limitless ink of the Internet, it’s easy to get in the habit of repeating yourself, engaging in turesome screeds, etc. It’s just politics we’re writing about here. The longer an essay gets, the more self-important the writer becomes.
19 Scott Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:31 am
Not surprisingly, I seem to have a different take from many of your readers.

I have enjoyed your blog because you have been responsive and repectful of differing opinions (at least you have of mine). There are many opinions available for reading, but your blog has offered a forum for discussing and debating in a timely way. As such, I would be less likely to read and post if you were not able to respond as frequently.

A guest blogger would be nice, but once again, I enjoy the interplay so I would hope that whoever that person is would be responsive.

Good luck with everything.
20 Steve Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:52 am
Mark, I would continue to visit this site if I knew it would be updated (period). The frequency could be zero times a day, two times a day, once a week, as long as I know an update is coming. We seem to have many common interests so any topic you cover would be of interest to me. I especially like your political points of view and “Decision 08″ is rapidly approaching. As I have told Martha, this is how I keep up with you. Enjoy your well deserved break.
21 peter Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 11:59 am
1) frequency of updates unimportant to me
2) guest blogging would be great
3) length of blog unimportant — you could just post provocative quotes and ask readers to (in the voice of my fifth grade teacher) “discuss amongst yourselves”
4) I would suggest keeping the focus to politics and policy
5) hang it up? it’s certainly your call to make, but I hope not
22 crawlinkingsnake Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Mark, I check out your blog once or twice a day. It helps balance out the usual political madness.

1. Yes, but probably less.

2. Disagreeing with most I dont like the idea of guest blogging. I come here to read your posts and get your perspective. Its cool to read the comments, but youve earned our respect and loyalty… other people have not.

3. Lengthy think peices

4. I like the broad focus, but if your looking to save time, focusing on the election is cool.

5. Hang the whole thing up? What are you Nancy Pelosi now? Maybe you should blog from Syria!
23 Gunga Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Funny…I’m having the same reaction to blog reading lately. It’s not that I don’t care/appreciate/enjoy it as much as it is that I’m looking for something fresh…how utterly “American” of me. Whatever you decide…I’m keeping you bookmarked. I really don’t know how mere mortals keep blogging for more than a few months. I’m half convinced that Instapundit is a machine operated by a nascent “Skynet” and if he ever becomes self-aware…
24 Ryan Bonneville Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Mark, I know I’ve been around a lot less often than I used to be (finishing grad school and finding a job has taken up a lot of my time), but I still make sure and check in every couple days to see what you have to say. You are my conservative antidote to the lunacy at Redstate, and I would really hate to lose you.

That said, I think the idea of guest bloggers is a delightful one. I always enjoy a well-done, thoughtful group blog (the Volokh Conspiracy works really well, as did Left2Right in the beginning), especially if all of the authors get in and mix it up in the comments the way you do.
25 Muffin the Cat Says:
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Is this an April’s Fools Joke? Look at the date.

Putting that comment aside, I truly hope you do not quit blogging. I do not know how you have been able to keep up the pace. You must have a very understanding employer. Take a week or so off every once in a while and cut down a bit but do not stop. Some is better than none. Many of the proprietorship blogs take time off and have guest bloggers step in for a week or so.

Based on the above comments from people on both the left and the right your site is much appreciated and you did come in second place in the Weblog Awards Finalist competition.

I’ll keep the site on my bookmarks and check back on a constant basis.

Enjoy some time off. Take care.
26 The Anchoress Says:
April 3rd, 2007 at 10:57 am
Take a break, refresh yourself and come back when it’s nearer the ‘08 elections. I understand how you’re feeling - I’m feeling it too, a little bit - blogging can be wearying and you get burned out. And too, I think the extreme earliness of the ‘08 campaign season (a very bad idea) is going to burn out many bloggers. Best to take your break now and come back hale and ready when we need you!
27 Sean P Says:
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:09 pm
I can certainly sympathize with the blog burnout. Sometimes I’m too busy to read and comment on all the blogs I like to. During times like that I can’t imagine maintaining a blog as well. Get some rest and (hopefully) we’ll see/hear from you soon.
28 Josh Says:
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Mark, as you know Mason turned me to your blog and for the past 6 months I have been checking it at least once a day. I would continue to read your blog even if you trimmed it down to a couple of posts a day. This blog has really helped to open my eyes to other’s opinions (you know from experience Mark that you don’t get a lot of debate in Lubbock, TX), and it would be a real shame if it disappeared all together. WRECK ‘EM TECH!
29 Bob from Ohio Says:
April 4th, 2007 at 10:07 am
It would be sad to lose your calm view of the world. You should keep going, 7-10 posts a week would keep your hand in until you feel more like posting. Even brief ones.

I have to dissent from the guest or group poster consensus. I think most groups are highly uneven in quality. I read this for your views. (See Jeff Goldstein’s blog recently for the mess a group can make of a good blog.)

Don’t go to Red State. I find it unreadable and never go there.
30 Decision ‘08 » Blog Archive » Just Checking In… Says:
April 4th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
[…] Jackasses : « And Now, The End Is Near… […]
31 Darrell Gossett Says:
April 10th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Having just discovered your work today, lemme tell you first that it’s entertaining and smart. At a once-daily update, I’d still read it. Also, the idea of guest-bloggers sounds like a winner. And finally, reinstate the “Jackass of the Week” feature. Aside from its humor quotient, it would seem to serve a valuable function in pointing out the idiocies which might otherwise be subsumed into a debate. Of course, the work that goes into it could be farmed out as well, by soliciting guest nominations/essays. Good luck whatever you decide.
32 AL Says:
April 11th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Thought I had left a comment here, but I don’t see that it came through. Here it is again - I am glad you have decided to keep at it. I enjoy this blog quite a bit (though I would enjoy it even more if I got a return link in your blogroll - since you are in mine.)

Keep uo the good work.

AL