Patterico's Pontifications

5/22/2012

Hello, I must be going.

Filed under: General — Karl @ 7:27 am



[Posted by Karl]

Last week, I informed Pat of my decision to reduce my blogging and take a hiatus from Patterico after a run of a bit over three years.

In recent weeks, I have had an unusual amount of work coming in the door.  Even more recently, it seems I have some reason to believe I may have substantially less work at year’s end.  Thus, I am in the position of having to spend more time working now and more time to help assure I have work six months from now.  This issue is common in a number of businesses and it’s apparently my turn now.  In this economy, that’s not a complaint.  But it is a reality.

During the same time period, I sort of became the default guest-blogger here.  When I accepted Pat’s invitation years ago, it was with the understanding that I did not want to be a regular blogger — and to his credit, Pat has never nagged me to write.  The impulse to serve fresh content daily has come from me, which actually makes it worse because it tells me I will fall into this counter-productive habit again unless I do something about it now.  Otherwise, I will increasingly start to chase the non-newslet of the moment (because it’s fun and draws comment), overly rehash may favorite old theories (because it’s easy and I’m pressed for time) and write things where I subtextually try to convince myself to keep going.  I would do those things at the expense of things I should be doing off the grid.

The other reason I accepted Pat’s gracious invitation (as opposed to others at the time) was the community of commenters here.  Many of the regular commenters here also frequented (and frequent) my prior blog haunt, which made my writing seem like a natural fit here.  Indeed, that even extends to the, er, dissenting voices that appear from time to time.  Other commenters were new to me, but I have enjoyed discussing and debating the politics and policy of this era with all of you.

I will not be vanishing entirely.  I will try to lurk and to comment when I think I have some value to add to a discussion.  I will also try to write two or three things for HotAir’s Greenroom weekly.  The daily news is already covered there, and they have plenty of contributors from whom to choose on slow news days.  I hope that situation prevents me from backsliding into compulsive blogging, while still affording the opportunity to write when something really strikes me and I have not seen it elsewhere.

In short, this is not a farewell so much as an au revoir.  One never knows what the future holds.   Someday, I may blog here again.  But that day won’t be tomorrow.

Thanks again to Pat and to you.

–Karl

UPDATE BY PATTERICO: If there were a way to give a standing ovation on the Internet, I’d be giving one right now.

This is a sad day for me. I’m not really up to the task of putting into words how grateful I am to Karl for his contributions here. Karl’s posts are well written, his points are insightful, and his topics are always timely and interesting. The burden of keeping fresh content on the site has lately fallen heavily on his shoulders, and without him, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do.

I wish Karl the best of luck and give him my deepest thanks for all his great posts here. I’m bumping this to the top.

74 Responses to “Hello, I must be going.”

  1. This sucks ballz

    JD (e4883a) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:21 am

  2. crap. no offense to pat, but that’s a loss. but i do understand how work can interfere. best of lucky to you and i’ll keep an eye out for your writing.

    Aaron "Worthing" (73a7ea) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:21 am

  3. Thank you sir for your efforts here. We look forward to your future participation as it comes.

    MD in Philly (3d3f72) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:23 am

  4. Always high quality work, Karl.

    SPQR (26be8b) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:28 am

  5. At a purely selfish level I’m really sorry to read this news, Karl. On so many different topics on so many different days you’ve caused me to look at things in a new or different light– and then to flesh out in my own mind what I really thought about it. Please stay around as much as you can. All the best.

    elissa (e46b2e) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:29 am

  6. Best to you Karl, (and hopefully we’ll elect someone to help with this economy).

    The best salute to you I can think of – Ding!

    Darin H (48242a) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:35 am

  7. Sorry for our sakes to hear that — enjoy reading you here and via Hot Air — so am glad to hear you’re not leaving the Greenroom. Thanks for the good work here and hope to see you around in future.

    no one you know (325a59) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:38 am

  8. Many thanks and best wishes, Karl. Your posts will be missed by many, many people.

    Simon Jester (226cce) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:41 am

  9. Thanks for the best political coverage I’ve ever read. Obviously you love the topic, but you put a ton of time into it.

    Best wishes in your business efforts.

    Dustin (330eed) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:46 am

  10. Nooooooo. as happyfeet one pithily expressed Want Karl!

    Your blogging is real a touchstone of sense and reality. There are many fine writers in the ol blog circuit but no one ever left my understanding more improved. I’ll be looking for your pieces and your comments.

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:47 am

  11. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

    steve (369bc6) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:57 am

  12. Seriously, I’m sorry to see you leaving. I don’t always agree with you, but always enjoyed reading what you had to say.

    steve (369bc6) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:58 am

  13. Say it ain’t so!

    daleyrocks (bf33e9) — 5/22/2012 @ 7:05 am

  14. donkey nutz!

    Well, take care of bidness and yourself. Then drop back in–we’ll be looking for you!

    vinman (8fbd4a) — 5/22/2012 @ 7:06 am

  15. good luck Mr. Karl your insights will be sorely sorely missed in the coming months of fear loathing and darkness

    happyfeet (3c92a1) — 5/22/2012 @ 7:11 am

  16. Good Luck Karl,

    May your future be not the roller-coaster ride you’re predicting.

    Xmas (acc66e) — 5/22/2012 @ 7:54 am

  17. Thanks for your awesome posts. I can imagine what time doing this right requires, and I truly appreciate your efforts – and everyone else’s here as well.

    Amphipolis (d3e04f) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:05 am

  18. Thanks, Karl. And good luck with work. Too many have the opposite problem at the moment. Glad you don’t.

    Dan S (cdeb05) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:20 am

  19. All the best. Thanks for the countless great posts.

    EricPWJohnson (982473) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:31 am

  20. Thanks for your insightful writing. I will miss you. You have been a great asset to this blog, especially when job constraints limited Patrick’s posts.

    Good luck.

    Corky Boyd (9c6284) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:31 am

  21. You will be especially missed in the run-up to November. Thanks for the education you have provided to me.

    Old Coot (d115ca) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:40 am

  22. Hasta la vista y vaya con Dios, amigo. God willing, we will be seeing each other again, many times.

    nk (875f57) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:42 am

  23. Thanks for your posts. Good luck!

    aunursa (c6d6d2) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:54 am

  24. . I’m still in denial.

    Sarahw (b0e533) — 5/22/2012 @ 9:34 am

  25. Au revoir. You’ll be missed. Cheers!

    ombdz (2a81ef) — 5/22/2012 @ 9:49 am

  26. Guy can’t even depart without a long-winded screed.
    😉

    Icy (a60384) — 5/22/2012 @ 9:49 am

  27. D@ng, Karl. One of the first blogs I read was PW(I rarely go there anymore), when you and Dan posted articles there. It was my fav at that time. Good luck, and auf Widersehen!

    ∅ (721840) — 5/22/2012 @ 10:08 am

  28. Thanks again to everyone, and particularly to Pat for the kind words in his update.

    Karl (f07e38) — 5/22/2012 @ 10:31 am

  29. Thank you Karl. I’ve enjoyed all your posts, even when you’ve been wrong. I think this blog works best with multiple authors and I hope that Patterico can find co-bloggers just a worthy in the future.

    Kevin M (bf8ad7) — 5/22/2012 @ 11:20 am

  30. Talking about standing ovations:

    This article says there are too many of them. Every Broadway show seems to get a standing ovations. But a sitting ovation maybe mnight mean something.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/nyregion/standing-ovations-a-broadway-epidemic.html?_r=1

    I would like to make the case, officially and urgently, for the return of the sitting ovation. Because we really have reached the point at which a standing ovation doesn’t mean a thing. Pretty much every show you attend on Broadway these days ends with people jumping to their feet and beating their flippers together like captive sea lions when the zookeeper arrives with a bucket of fish. This is true even for doomed stinkers that find the casts taking their curtain calls with the pale, hopeless mien of patients who have just received a terminal diagnosis.

    Sammy Finkelman (d22d64) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:29 pm

  31. Good Allah, Sammy.

    JD (318f81) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:30 pm

  32. Good Luck, Karl.
    Your contributions here were intelligent, well researched, and thoughtful – if not always appreciated by the Usual Suspects.

    Now, if I can only get that ringing of that damn bell out of my head.

    AD-RtR/OS! (b8ab92) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:39 pm

  33. I’m not sure what the problem with teh dings are.

    Karl invented it, but I don’t think he usually dinged anybody else’s posts.

    The same person who does the post can do the ding.

    Once somebody commented there is no need for a ding.

    Sammy Finkelman (d22d64) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:43 pm

  34. There is no problem with dings.

    JD (318f81) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:49 pm

  35. There is no problem with dings.

    JD (318f81) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:49 pm

  36. Your posts have been educational and interesting. You’ll be missed.

    Mike K (326cba) — 5/22/2012 @ 12:59 pm

  37. I’m a regular reader of this blog but rarely read comments or post a comment. I’ve enjoyed your posts offer the past couple of years Karl. I wish you all the best and hope you will return to blogging some day.

    Mattsky (d39e6b) — 5/22/2012 @ 1:18 pm

  38. This is a sad day. Karl is knowledgeable, analytical and writes well, and his posts are always instructive. But I’m conflicted because even though I’d like to see him return sooner rather than later, it’s good to have work in today’s economic environment. Best wishes, Karl.

    DRJ (a83b8b) — 5/22/2012 @ 1:56 pm

  39. Sammy,

    This is a thread to celebrate Karl.

    My understanding is that the ‘ding’ is a simulation of a bell, akin to the bell that is rung to commence a boxing match.

    It’s really not necessary for you to question people who say ‘ding’ in this particular thread.
    All they’re doing is paying homage to Karl, who customarily wrote, ‘ding,’ to commence a post.

    Seriously, Sammy, if only you were as nit-picky with Obama, as you are with everyone else.

    And please don’t provide three different links to studies at Psychology Today, Science News, or The Economist which “prove” that people who like the sound of a bell are 57% more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s within twenty years.

    Elephant Stone (0ae97d) — 5/22/2012 @ 2:01 pm

  40. There is no problem with dings.

    Except when they’re in the fender or door of your Ferrari!

    AD-RtR/OS! (b8ab92) — 5/22/2012 @ 2:20 pm

  41. Make hay Karl!

    Craig Mc (1c02ba) — 5/22/2012 @ 2:38 pm

  42. world got stupider
    one less ray of teh sunshine
    now that Karl is gone

    Colonel Haiku (5a3e75) — 5/22/2012 @ 3:31 pm

  43. Thanks for your efforts, Karl. I’ve enjoyed reading your stuff.

    bobdog (166386) — 5/22/2012 @ 4:34 pm

  44. I wish you well Karl. I have always enjoyed your stuff. Best wishes and hope you can come back soon.

    Ipso Fatso (7434b9) — 5/22/2012 @ 4:39 pm

  45. Well done, sir. Well done indeed. Thanks very much for your service to the community.

    Leviticus (870be5) — 5/22/2012 @ 5:34 pm

  46. Karl,

    I am always challenged by your posts. No matter how meaty, they demanded full attention and thought be given. I haven’t always agreed, yet I can say without hesitation that the mere quality of your writing has compelled me to become a more disciplined reader and thinker.

    Also, loved the convo w/you from way back about “Away With Her”. It was nice to chat w/someone who appreciated the small, not widely seen film.

    Wishing you the best.

    Dana (4eca6e) — 5/22/2012 @ 5:41 pm

  47. Good luck Karl. You did great work.

    Ag80 (b0b671) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:08 pm

  48. You are a good writer Karl. I wish you the best for your future!

    Noodles (3681c4) — 5/22/2012 @ 6:49 pm

  49. Karl,

    I will miss you greatly.

    BfC (3ec31f) — 5/22/2012 @ 7:27 pm

  50. Once again, thanks. Y’all made it worth it.

    Karl (6f7ecd) — 5/22/2012 @ 7:29 pm

  51. You are a good writer, Karl.

    Random (de9896) — 5/22/2012 @ 8:47 pm

  52. …have always considered Karl one of the more thorough bloggers that I would regularly spend hours on his posts…following their links and having a much greater knowledge of the subject when I was done.
    Best to you Karl and hope you are as successful with your business endeavors as you are with your blogging.

    Baxter Greene (459563) — 5/22/2012 @ 10:08 pm

  53. A very loud “DING!” from me to you, Karl. Let the celebration of Karl continue.

    felipe (3cc5df) — 5/22/2012 @ 10:46 pm

  54. I’m sorry Karl’s bailing out. I enjoy his perspective.

    Hopefully, he’ll be back some day.

    Dave Surls (46b08c) — 5/22/2012 @ 10:54 pm

  55. Oh dear. Today I am a sad Karl fan.

    MayBee (6fd0ce) — 5/23/2012 @ 3:37 am

  56. Have really enjoyed your work, Karl, but I certainly understand how real life must intervene.

    Mr. D (063632) — 5/23/2012 @ 3:53 am

  57. Sad to see you go.

    Is there any link to that beacon of human kindness, Mr. Kimberlin?

    slowjoe (0e4e68) — 5/23/2012 @ 6:43 am

  58. slowjoe,

    I’m not blogging from an undiclosed location. 😉

    Karl (f07e38) — 5/23/2012 @ 7:18 am

  59. Karl,

    When I had first seen the title to this particular post, I instinctively figured it had to do something with Phil Collins, as inferred by the title to his blockbuster 1980s album (“Hello, I Must be Going.”)

    …thought maybe Collins had made some remarks about politics, or something.

    As other people have stated, it’s good to be busy with work—particularly during the Obama Economy. After all, only one person out of 300 million is Constitutionally authorized every four years to spend his days eating arugula, drinking champagne, and loitering on five star golf courses at taxpayer expense.

    Hopefully, you’ll be able to squeeze in some posts here periodically while juggling your other obligations.
    On the other hand, maybe if you were to just go get a cushy position with a federal agency, that would free up tons of time for blogging !

    During my brief time as a “regular” commenter here, I’ve enjoyed your blogging, and I’m sure the esteemed Patterico will find someone to keep your seat warm during your long-term (hopefully not eternal) sabbatical.

    As Phil Collins might say, “No Jacket Required !” “Su-su-ssu-di-o !”

    Elephant Stone (0ae97d) — 5/23/2012 @ 7:20 am

  60. Oh Karl, I find you to be one of the most insightful writer on the innertubes. You always have a fresh point of view, an interesting take and your writing is excellent. Please don’t be a stranger. I’m not a commenter but dang, I’m going to miss you! Best of luck, I know you’ll succeed in whatever you do.

    jeannebodine (92b7df) — 5/23/2012 @ 9:05 am

  61. I used to be recommended this blog through my cousin. I am now not certain whether or not this put up is written by way of him as nobody else recognize such certain approximately my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thank you!

    One of the best Adobe After effects Project (41fe20) — 5/23/2012 @ 10:24 am

  62. “Ding!” indeed. Thank you for your posts, Karl. Always informative, well-reasoned, and well-written. Not that I always agreed with you … but that’s the whole idea behind discussion. I’m going to miss seeing your byline, and hope you come back now and again. Type you on the intertubes!

    htom (412a17) — 5/23/2012 @ 11:13 am

  63. The title reminded me of the entrance song Groucho Marx sang at the beginning of “Animal Crackers”.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6yLRmo7CjU

    felipe (3cc5df) — 5/23/2012 @ 12:08 pm

  64. Let’s all “grab” Karl as he tries to leave!

    felipe (3cc5df) — 5/23/2012 @ 12:10 pm

  65. Thank you for some other fantastic article. Where else may anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such information.

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  66. Karl,

    Apparently, even a few automated spammers wanted to drop in and commend you for your blogging !

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  70. If Karl were still here he could do a post about the nice article by Tommy Christopher over at Mediaite. Tommy’s writeup is about the big arse whippin’ Jay Carney gave to the press corps gaggle traveling on air force one. Carney berated them for buying into GOP BS. Tommy’s pretty jacked.

    elissa (35e94b) — 5/24/2012 @ 1:06 pm

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  72. Hey Karl,

    Hope the work thing goes ok. I don’t comment as much as I used to, with work being a little busy, but I always enjoy your writing.

    Lemme know if I can buy you a capirinha or something.

    best,

    carl with a c

    carlitos (49ef9f) — 5/25/2012 @ 2:51 pm

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  74. I am new to Patterico website – that became known to me – because of the serial harrassment – of Conservative bloggers reporting The Truth.

    After reading through it all – and coming upon Karl’s “Hello I must be Going” writing, I find his take on life – to be inspiring.

    All of us have to live through the day/night – with various bumps in the road, detours and obstacles – to maintain a healthy and Fresh view of Life.

    I can see – as a “newbie” that Karl will be greatly missed.

    I will attempt to catch up to him on the blogosphere – to see what else Karl has to say – in between Karl touching base here from time to time.

    *

    Thanks, Patterico – for ALL your work – and keeping up the Good Fight!

    I hope to be one of your new crusaders.

    Fina Biscotti (db209f) — 5/27/2012 @ 4:37 pm


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