I'm already embarrassed by what I wrote earlier. Perhaps shouldn't have bothered. But talking to a member of my clique earlier I realised that it was also quite an interesting phenomenon and one that was worth discussing. I'm also pathetically grateful for all the nice things everyone's said. Thanks for that. But let's move on. Sorry for the fuss. I'm still going to take a bit of a blogging holiday, probably worth doing anyway. See you in a week or so. And Marcus - calm down.
where am I? Where's my shirt? Why are my trousers tattered? This is all rather confusing.
Posted by: Hulk Brown | February 02, 2007 at 04:43 PM
I'll show you the arm-bar tomorrow, just in case.
Ps. Heard some rumblings about who might be behind it, looking forward to discussing it with them.
Posted by: Colman | February 02, 2007 at 04:48 PM
what kind of discussion did you have in mind Mr. Colman? I'm calm, honest, I'm calm.
Posted by: David Banner Brown | February 02, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Sausage deprivation on English expats was the discussion I believe.
Then you got a bit cross.
Seriously - hope the break does you good Russell, see you upon your return.
Posted by: Will | February 02, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Discussion about manners.
Posted by: Colman | February 02, 2007 at 05:17 PM
As Oscar Wilde said: there's only one thing worse than being talked about, and that's not being talked about.
Posted by: andrew | February 02, 2007 at 05:19 PM
Have a good break Russell.
Posted by: Adrian Lai | February 02, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Okay, how do the British say this... uh... to bloody hell with the slaggers.
Nah, I can't pull that off. Anyway, I've always enjoyed your writing. Have a good break.
Posted by: L.Vazquez | February 02, 2007 at 06:46 PM
In addition... I think it takes a lot of courage and committment to open up and share the way you do on your blog. I wish there was a GOOD graphic design equivilant.
Don't let the pettiness of a few people who don't have enough sense to just LEAVE IT ALONE OF THEY DON'T LIKE IT get to you.
Have a good one.
Posted by: L.Vazquez | February 02, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Keep doing what you do Bro. .
Posted by: Rodney Tanner | February 02, 2007 at 08:00 PM
This blog is one of the first I check for updates simply because I find it more interesting than most. You write with honesty and integrity and I admire you for it. Love the random stuff. Love the blurred lines. Love the half thunk thoughts. Have a good break. Look forward to your next post.
Posted by: Andrew Smart | February 02, 2007 at 08:25 PM
OK, I’ve never posted a comment here even though I am an avid & loyal reader. Unfortunately, a very small minority have gotten under your skin. I thought you should know three things:
1. I interviewed at W+K Portland about 10 years ago. I can’t tell you anything about the interview or even who I met other than you. You were the only one who seemed genuinely interested in meeting someone new. To me, that’s a large part of planning and it had a big impact.
2. I love the Sunday New York Times, but I don’t really read the fashion section. The same thing with your blog – not all things I dig, but you’ve opened my eyes to things I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Again, that’s a large part of planning.
3. Being in the US, I’ve watched the mantel of planning leadership pass from Jane Newman to Jon Steel to what appears to be somewhat of a void. There really isn’t a true leadership figure in planning in the US anymore. Like it or not, your blog has assumed that role for many – including me.
Undoubtedly, there are thousands of more like me.
Enjoy the holiday, but realize you will be missed.
Posted by: CraigM | February 02, 2007 at 09:20 PM
Phew, back to normal:)
Have a good holiday! You said a couple of weeks, right? that's 2! 14 days..including this one, ok?:D
Posted by: Andreea Ionita | February 02, 2007 at 09:44 PM
"I wish there was a GOOD graphic design equivilant."
Errr?
Posted by: Ben | February 02, 2007 at 10:11 PM
Hey Ben, that's (notice the position of the apostrophe) an interesting way to spell equivalent, don't (notice the position of the apostrophe) you think?
Posted by: davidthedesigner | February 02, 2007 at 10:26 PM
You know what the silver lining of this dark storm in a tea cup is...
unity. Those of the so called 'clique' and those avid readers who are coming out of the wood works to support you. That's real and thats unity. Nice.
+ on a personal note. May i add to the luvviness and say. Keep on doing exactly what you're doing.
Posted by: Kirsty Hobbs | February 02, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Damn. I wish I saw this post before I commented on your last post. But the urge to comment straight away was too strong.
If you've got over it, then I can go back to being a silent reader.
Posted by: williamdeed | February 03, 2007 at 03:28 AM
I am with Marcus. And with Paul. And the silent thousands who see your blog as a "how-to" guide to living and writing by your principles.
When your ideas, generosity and good grace make you stand out from the crowd, then you are also an easy target. Especially for cowards. The small minded. Those who can copy. one. syllable. words.
The blogging community would be much poorer without you.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | February 03, 2007 at 12:08 PM
OK Russell - I presume the meeting is still on then.
Ben - we need to talk too - and I don't mean about my brochure. This spelling's getting out of hand.
Posted by: TomLR | February 03, 2007 at 09:11 PM
I am almost tempted to copy and paste what CraigM said. His point about your blog filling the void of US planning leadership is very true. I'd like to add, however, that your blog goes much further than that. I moved to New Orleans to be a part of the post-Katrina recovery of the city last August. Since then, I've shared your blog with many New Orleanians. None of these people are planners (I believe I am the only planner in the city) and not everyone works in advertising. Creative generalists, rebuilding the cultural economy of the gulf coast, monitor your blog for creative and strategic inspiration. I am aware of several instances where someone here has read one of your entries and used your words to help guide their decisions. Your blog mean more, to more people, than perhaps you realize. Your authenticity is a key component of this.
Posted by: Chris Wojda | February 04, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Ben... actually, I remembered... right after I read it back. My bad.
Posted by: Luis Vazquez | February 05, 2007 at 03:57 AM
I'm also the bad speller. Ben just copied and pasted what I originally wrote.
Oh, and "equivalent" ...thank you.
Posted by: Luis Vazquez | February 05, 2007 at 04:01 AM
Well, I for one am delighted that you have an interesting clique of friends. It feels as if you introduce us to them. Those connections are priceless.
On the criticism thing,...let's face it, if you appeal to everyone then, maybe there's something wrong.Can't think of anything worse.
Love your work, ...thanks.
Posted by: David MacGregor | February 05, 2007 at 06:27 AM
I'm not sure you realise how much of a legend you are to many young creatives out here.
Which is also a big part of the reason why we love you.
Enjoy your break and am looking forward to more interestingness
Posted by: Jonesy | February 05, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Russell, the value of your witterings far, far outweighs the value of the time it takes to read them. Enjoy your break, but don't forget to come back to your loyal readers. Even the non-planners like me.
Posted by: Richard | February 05, 2007 at 02:35 PM