Monday, February 25, 2013

Pining for the Fjords

"I know a dead parrot when I see one!"
How does one, as a blogger/podcaster, tell the world that he's taking a break from blogging/podcasting? I mean without writing a blog post or making a podcast about it?

Such is the dilemma with which I've been wrestling for the past two months. In the meantime I've been doing very little to get the word out regarding where the hell I am and what I'm doing.

Which I reckon is an answer in itself.

In that time I've slept on a number of amazing moments in geeky music, from another Vocalist/Producer Challenge to Frontalot hitting basic cable to a sweet new Dual Core video to Nursehella's second coming to, Christ, probably a cool half-dozen new EPs from Adam WarRock. I've let it all pass by unremarked upon, internet. Because I'm tired—oh so tired!

It wasn't until a friend asked if I had closed up shop here at Hipster, please! that I began to consider my answer to a question that, it turns out, was being asked by more than a few of you. Up until that point I thought that the project was merely resting. Like the Norwegian Blue.

Pithy Python references aside, I'm still not sure what's to become of Hipster, please! and Radio Free Hipster. I only know that I, as the proprietor, have wearied with age and circumstance.

I am currently stretched thin emotionally, financially and, given the toll it's obviously taken on my output, creatively. I'm finding my way into a new life that may or may not include this as a part of it. My gut instinct is to bookend things, to wrap up the podcast—which has really become the focus in recent years—for the sake of closure.

The thing is as much as I consider this site a pet project, a one man show, it's not. There have been, since the earliest days, folks behind the scenes providing art assets and story scoops and moral support and pretty much propping me up at every turn. And just because their names aren't beside the posts doesn't mean they don't have a stake in this too.

The site itself is in dire need of some housekeeping, a redesign and, y'know, regular content, and it's not something I can do myself right now. Whether that means I let things ride while I attempt to get my shit together, write the whole thing off as another faded internet relic or bring in some help to run the store remains to be seen. But whatever the outcome I simply wanted to take a moment to say how very much I've enjoyed the experience, and that I genuinely hope to have the luxury of enjoying it again in the not-too-distant future.

17 comments:

eye-shuh said...

I was moments away from asking you about this! I took a long internet hiatus myself and came back to find that all the sites I followed had a billion posts, save this one. Thanks for all the wonderful music and good times! Good luck figuring things out and making your decision.

Dammit Jim said...

Im so sad to hear this news. I hope everything works out for you my friend!

Unknown said...

Hey Z.

Whatever you decided to do, I want to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate all of the work that you've done to build this community.

Best of luck with whatever the future holds for you.

John

Unknown said...

No matter what you decide, I wanted to thank you for the years of nerd news, reviews, and interviews. I was late in discovering the nerd music scene (Front's Final Boss was my introduction), but thanks to Hipster, Please, I was not only able to quickly discover tons of new nerdy music, I was also able to find what I missed before I joined the scene. Thank you for the hours and hours of podcasts. Radio Free Hipster has been the soundtrack for most of my road trips over the last 4 years. I wish you all the best.

GeekOnABlog said...

Hi Z!

Been a big fan for a long time, I think the work you do is awesome. Do what's right for yourself and you'll find that we all support you. Would love to have more, but if you decide to stop, thanks for all the great content!

Tom B. said...

Yeah, like everyone else is saying: I love the podcasts, but if you find you need to stop for your mental/financial/general health, then we'll understand.

No matter what you decide, thanks for introducing me to so many great bands!

Shannon said...

You've been an inspiration for me over the years. I'll be forever grateful for the dedication and zeal with which you've shared music and culture, and will pine for the geeky fjords that might bring you back into the fold.

MC-3PO said...

I -- along with the other members of Death*Star -- have always appreciated your output, your generosity, and the point of view you bring to nerd music on the Internet. If you close up shop, it will be a very sad day in Nerdville, but we can't say you haven't done your part for the cause (and the C0s... play... I guess). Do you what you gotta do, man, but if you turn out the lights, we'll all miss you.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say thanks for all of it Z. I'm diggin a whole ton of new music and it's all thanks to You.

talkie_tim said...

Like everyone above, thanks Z. RFH has provided hundreds (how long exactly?) of hours of great listening. Through your recommendations and news you have been a part of pretty much all of my new music listening for many years.
If this is a hiatus, then I know you'll come back stronger. If this is the end then thanks for all the fish, I mean music. Either way, good luck dealing with what you're dealing with. We'll wait.

/talkie_tim

Z. said...

Just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and for wishing me well in my struggles. I'm currently weighing my options right now, and, further, I'm also slowly trying to craft a proper podcast that will at least provide me with a stopping point, be it temporary or long term. You guys are the greatest!

mcpierce said...

Z, I totally empathize with you on the burnout. You need to feel the fire, and when they're just embers you have to make a choice.

Whichever way you go, know that you've provided a lot of people with a lot of great entertainment. You've introduced me to some great musicians I may never have heard otherwise, and for that I thank you greatly.

I hope you find your spark. KTF!

Unknown said...

thanks for all the entertainment..... not trying to do a farewell episode? a best of episode? please?

Christopher S said...

Hey Z,

Just wanted to add my voice to all those showing appreciation and support here. I would hate to see Hipster, Please! or Radio Free Hipster dwindle or disappear - but you've got to look after yourself and do what you need to do.

Just know you have a devoted and appreciative audience waiting here, whatever you decide, and we'll be delighted whenever you want to continue, or adjust course, or start something fresh and new.

SGT Wilson said...

Hey man,

Thanks for the work you've put in over the years. Your site and podcasts have introduced me and my friends to entire worlds of nerdy music. For that, we are forever grateful.

Regardless of the direction you take from here, we wish you the best of luck.

Anonymous said...

Z,

You have introduced me to music that i never knew i loved. i hope to 'see' you back, but whatever you decide, just know that i'm grateful for what you've done and will probably not ever stop listening to what you've put out there!

b

alienbobz said...

Z - You have been such a huge influence on not just my musical tastes, but some of the shows I have picked to watch. I have found so much great nerdy music because of you. Hell, I partially "blame" you (and a few others) for me getting into My Little Pony, not to mention Gravity Falls. I have so much to thank you for and I will miss your podcast a lot.

I understand where you're coming from though. Several months ago I decided to stop taping. My life has changed so much in the last year that I just don't have time to do that anymore.

I hope some day you come back, but I understand if you don't. I also hope that I can meet you one day to thank you in person.