Week in Pictures Navel Gazing

[flere-imsaho]

This is a self-indulgent post, asking for feedback. If you don't like it, I apologize in advance.


Another season has ended, and that means I've now done four complete seasons, starting with the Divisional Playoffs in 2004. It's generally continued to be a lot of fun, but this year was the most difficult by far, largely because of the arrival of Baby Samuel on August 22nd. I'm exhausted.

This was, however, also the year I finally put together a reasonable archive website. I'll admit a fleeting hope that the website might take off and generate some income, but alas this hasn't come to be. Looking at the stats, I get about an average of 100 unique visitors a week.

Anyway, I thought I'd take this chance to ask people what they liked about this year, what they didn't like, and what they'd want to see in the future. I'm currently undecided about continuing in 2009, mainly because of the time and energy being a father has taken, but haven't ruled it out.

So feel free to let loose. Humorous poll options to follow.

[Eaglesfan27]

Family comes first, but I'm hoping you have the time to do more next year. They always brighten up my day and give me a good laugh. They are my favorite reoccuring thread on this board.

[Alan T]

I enjoyed the Week in pictures during the weeks I actually saw them. I found myself not visiting the website to see the ones put there mostly out of laziness however.

I am probably one of many who read your work when its posted on the forums and don't comment one way or another. It still is one of my favorite contributions to the board that any of the members provide.

[Butter]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Family comes first, but I'm hoping you have the time to do more next year. They always brighten up my day and give me a good laugh. They are my favorite reoccuring thread on this board.

This.

[Kodos]

I think you should continue only as long as it is fun for you. When it becomes work, it might be time to walk away.

I personally love the Week In Pictures. What about adding a group in Facebook, and members of FOFC could become fans. Might draw in more eyes.

[sterlingice]

Easily one of the highlights of the NFL week. I hope you continue writing because I'll continue reading every week

SI

[SackAttack]

Do what you have to do. Family comes first.

Beyond that, I echo Kodos - if it's not fun for you to do, that will be reflected in the work, and people will derive less enjoyment from it.

Draw for yourself. If you're enjoying it, so will we. Guaranteed.

[gstelmack]

As echoed elsewhere, family comes first. But this stuff is better than most comics I read and always puts a nice touch on the season. We need to get you on the Operation Sports front page, and maybe Football Outsiders should take notice. Then we need to get someone like Bill Simmons to take notice to get the word out.

[flere-imsaho]

As a bonus here's the very first one ever:

[muns]

I agree with what most have said here already, however me being selfish I have to state your stuff is one of my favorite parts of the day and it does provide some good comic relief. You gotta do whats best for you in the end though and nobody can fault you for that one bit. Have a good offseason

[stevew]

I enjoy it but I don't think you have to do it every week. Less is more

[Radii]

The week in pictures threads are currently the single best thing FOFC has going. No pressure

Obviously, no one would begrudge you at all if you decided you didn't have enough time to do it or that it wasn't enjoyable anymore. But as long as you still enjoy doing it, you'll have a lot of loyal supporters here.

[JAG]

Pretty much echoing everyone's comments. I love reading them weekly. No one would fault you if you're busy with a little one. I can understand how it must be a grind for you to put out.

As a father of a 2-year old who still doesn't sleep all that well (the fault of my genes), I can say that the sleep deprivation that affects you the first year of your child's life, especially the first 3-6 months, really takes a toll on almost everything you do. I feel like things become easier after that.

I think your best course of action is to just chill and enjoy the offseason and see how you feel when the next season rolls around. Heck, you may have a work stoppage to deal with in a couple years anyway.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by JAG

I think your best course of action is to just chill and enjoy the offseason and see how you feel when the next season rolls around.

Yes, whatever you do don't pull a Favre and retire now, then unretire when the season comes along, then retire again in the offseason, then think about coming back ...

[flere-imsaho]

Ah Brett Favre, always good for an idea or two each week....

[gstelmack]

Here flere, I diagrammed the next couple of years for you



(Sorry, saved it as monochrome accidentally, which took out all the anti-aliasing...)

[flere-imsaho]

[Tasan]

I love it, I just never found myself going to the web site for it. It just didn't feel right there. Please don't ever stop the weeklies during the season either, they make me smile when my team of choice inevitably loses that week.

That being said, as a big thing that takes up your time but doesn't bring in income, I'd totally understand if you stopped. Teary eyed and empty during the NFL season, but understanding.

[MrDNA]

Anything that makes me laugh as much as WIP can't be bad, but if you're too busy you're too busy. Why ESPN or some such isn't paying you to do it is beyond me.