On hiatus

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I sometimes think I must be a frustrating journalizer to read since I'm so intermittent about updating. I'll go for a few weeks posting every (or nearly every) day, then I'll go for just as long without posting at all. This latest gap has been my longest yet.

So, my question: What do you think of my frequent dry spells? Hmmm?

-- Chuck Atkins (chuck@deadpan.net), January 29, 2001

Answers

I enjoy it when you update, Chuck. I guess I don't notice when you don't. Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose. I am a difficult one to frustrate. My preference, though, would be for you to write more often. I hate journal forums, and have never posted to one before. So this probably means something, perhaps.

Cheers, Steve http://stevesdiner.com

-- Steve (steve@stevesdiner.com), January 30, 2001.


I used to really detest when my favourite journalers would go on hiatus (yes, that'd be you, Chuck), but I just sign up for the notify list then read someone else 'till y'all return.

It's a cheap substitute, but I really am fickle that way. Really.

I'm glad you're back. Err... 'ish. Glad you've posted two entries. (man, that Zoe is a CUTIE!)

-- Jolene (jayqubed@home.com), January 30, 2001.


I'm glad you're back, Chuck, for however long it lasts. I know I probably read journals all the wrong way - for me it's not like there's a story or show where I might expect some regularity ('hold your audience' and all that garble we all talk about sometimes). I feel like I'm getting to know people.

And sometimes, you get to know people that you aren't going to see except every now and then, but you're always glad when you do. When it's like that, I miss them for a bit, wonder for a bit longer how their doing, and then just accept it til the next time they drop in.

I'm curious about what you think of your frequent dry spells... whether it becomes a sticking point ('I really oughta...nah..') or just something you don't think about, and what makes you decide you want to come back to it. I honestly didn't think you would be returning this time.

Zoe is gorgeous, by the way, and major kudos on the not-smoking!

-- Lynda B (lyndacat@bigfoot.com), January 30, 2001.


You know we all sit around just wishing that Chuck would cast his words our way, waiting and pining.... It's easy to forget a journal if the updates aren't somewhat regular which is why a notify list is a good thing.

Congrats on the no smoking!!

-- Renee (justme@justme.org), January 30, 2001.


Cool new logo, Chuck. Sort of post-post neo-webmodern, riffing on the lack of content in the new corporate Internet culture. Powerful.

Welcome back!

That Zoe is one adorable kidlet.

Anyway, about your question. I'm with Steve. I don't miss you when you aren't updating because you have always been an intermittent journaler, but I like it when you post entries and I'm happy to see you active again.

You've got us trained, baby.

-- Viv (viv@rosamundi.com), January 30, 2001.



I suffer terrible guilt during my dry spells, but there's a saturation point to it, too. After I've gone X amount of time without updating and have gotten tired of feeling bad about it, I just kind of go "fuck it" and stop worrying about it. And then, soon after, I start worrying about it again.

I'm only half-kidding about that. (But which half?) I've never decided to "come back" because I've never decided to leave. Any time I go any length w/out updating, it's probably because I'm a lazy, lazy man and just didn't feel like doing it. When I do come back, I'm probably just as surprised as you -- chances are I've already half-written two or three entries I never posted, and the one I finished just sort of ... happened.

Some of you have mentioned the goodness that is notify lists. Yes, they're handy if you're following a lazy guy like me, but I'll confess that they make it easier to be lazy. Pre-notify list, I was a lot better about updating, I think, because I felt the pressure of "people keep checking and are being disappointed." Now, with the notification, I figure it's on you if you keep showing up to see if there's a new 'stake. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're here either way, but I feel better knowing I can announce when there's fresh content.

Chuck

-- Chuck Atkins (chuck@deadpan.net), January 30, 2001.


I always enjoy reading your journal Chuck. I feel rather lucky we had our share of email exchanges during this last hiatus so I was able to read your thoughts in detail. To bad we didn't have many points we agreed on but it was stimulating.

I only read your's and Beth's so when neither of you is posting it's a very dry spell for me.

Congrats on the no smoking! Don

P.S. Bush! ;)

-- Don Lafferty (laffert@pacbell.net), January 30, 2001.


I kind of remember you. Didn't we have dinner once? And... a journal... I remember a journal. Mostly, though, I remember the web cam. I loved that web cam. Chuck sitting. Chuck sitting differently. Chuck drinking a soda. Empty chair. It was so pomo.

Welcome back, SuperChuck.

-- Lucy Huntzinger (huntzinger@mindspring.com), February 02, 2001.


I feel lucky just for knowing Chuck. I enjoy it more when Chuck is on hiatus because then he meets me in a hotel room and brings me up to date while slipping me some salami.

Regarding those dry spells: use lubricant, for crying out loud.

-- Dee (dee@nevadaranch.com), February 02, 2001.


Dee, thanks for that bit of info. It certainly explains those prolonged absences from home as well.

-- beth, wife of Chuck (bethra@deadpan.net), February 04, 2001.


I stumbled on to your journal back when the phone booth in the desert made waves around the world. Your trip made me want to go. I'm PO'd now that the phone company took it out! another reminder to not put off any mindless impulses. DO it NOW!

I'm amazed that ANY journaller will post regularly, let alone on a daily basis. Is that because they don't HAVE a life outside of the web? Much as I enjoy your humor, I can forgive you or anyone taking a hike occaisonnally (sp?). Proof positive you do have a life and it's consuming your time and energybut hopefully not consuming you.

-- sTeVeN r JoNeS (deaf1@operamail.com), February 10, 2001.


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