In the vain of other Blogging Tories packing away the keyboard, this morning I would like to announce my own exit from the blogosphere and from The Politic effective immediately. It’s been a fun couple of years writing here, with few exceptions, but recently I have begun to feel that I’m a bit out of my league given the attention that my posts have attracted to me. In particular, the recent events with a certain MP from Halton, the overwhelming rejection of my points from the PZ Meyer crowd and the deeply hurtful words from the likes of those over at Canadian Cynic have lead me to believe that I simply cannot compete on the internet anymore. He may not be right on much, but the one thing that Smarter than Ezra was always right on (even if he didn’t know it for certain) was my desire to control the debate and have it focused on my terms and topics. The wild west mentality that the blogosphere is morphing into has become too much of a wildcard and I must confess growing frustration with too many posts going off the rails.
That aside, I also have to consider the reality that blogging has kept me away too long from my friends, people I’ve grown distant from, and from focusing on the marriage I hope to one day share with someone special to me. In other words, it’s time for me to move on. I’ve done my best here, and feel that I can’t do any more. All the best to everyone out there. It’s been real!
ORLY Update: As some had guessed, the post above was my contribution to April Fools! Day, although I have to confess that I was touched when reading all the nice comments left for me and I truly appreciate the kindness that others have shown me here; in fact, I kinda feel like a fool myself now because of the sincerity that I received after writing a prank post. I hope that everyone who truly thought that I was a goner can share my actions in jest and if I have truly offended you, please know that it was not my intention to do so! Regards- Matthew
Platty wrote:
Happy trails Matthew, here’s hoping you find everything you are looking for in your life.
Platty
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Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 12:41 am | Permalink
Ben in Ontario wrote:
I’ve always enjoyed your columns; thanks for everything and best of luck in all you do!
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 12:46 am | Permalink
Joanne (TB) wrote:
I won’t hide the fact that I’m disappointed, Matthew! If CC’s plan is to annihilate the Blogging Tories one at a time, then perhaps he/she is winning the war.
However, you’re right that blogging can become addictive and overshadow the more important aspects of life - especially relationships.
I think we can all take a lesson here.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 6:03 am | Permalink
mahmood wrote:
Today being Apr.1?
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 6:45 am | Permalink
Rocky wrote:
Sounds like it could be an April 1 days joke.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 7:21 am | Permalink
Mark Francis wrote:
“…The wild west mentality that the blogosphere is morphing into…”
And here I thought it was getting tamer.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 7:51 am | Permalink
Progressive wrote:
“have lead me to believe that I simply cannot compete on the internet anymore.”
You mean the marketplace of ideas works?
Yay!
Don’t blame this on anything else but your little adventure into libel, buddy.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 9:19 am | Permalink
Shane Edwards wrote:
Hey dude. Sorry to see you go. There is so much you loaded this post with that I would like to understand better, but hey, life is full of not knowing the whole story.
It is important to remember that blogging is a hobby, but family and friends are your life. Never let a hobby interfere with your life. That’s why I came to thepolitic actually. I recognized that I could not run my own political blog on my own content successfully without sacrificing my family and friends big time. Bloggers that post multiple times a day consistently, you are right, have space in their life for hours of investment a day. You don’t, and I don’t. That is why I probably only average 2 or 3 posts a week. That’s why I always liked the group blog concept.
May you get the distance you need, and return one day refreshed. All the best.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 10:51 am | Permalink
Scott from Winnipeg wrote:
If only.
Regardless of whether you’re packing it in our not, I’m sure I would not be alone in wishing you nothing but the best - happiness and good health. Everyone deserves that.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 11:50 am | Permalink
igloogirl wrote:
Matthew, I will miss your posts! Will we be able to read your thoughts elsewhere? Will you have your own blog? Best wishes for the future and God Bless you.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 6:34 pm | Permalink
mahmood wrote:
The “deeply hurtful words from the likes of those over at Cdn. Cynic” were pretty much the give-away. No one with half a brain can take that crew seriously…but sweet Jesus, you sure had them hopping over there, nicely done…heh heh.
are we done here?…yeh, we’re done here.
Posted on 01-Apr-08 at 10:26 pm | Permalink
Progressive wrote:
It’s completely within the bounds of sensible behaviour to give up talking when one has nothing to say or when what one says causes damage.
Glad to see Matthew has even less sense than that.
Posted on 02-Apr-08 at 6:06 am | Permalink
igloogirl wrote:
You SOB! Ha, ha, ha! I’m always on the receiving end of April Fool’s jokes! Guess I’ll never learn. Glad you’re staying on.
Posted on 03-Apr-08 at 6:57 pm | Permalink