Hey, everyone. I’ve been weighing this option for several weeks, and I’ve come to a decision. I’m going to stop posting on the Northumbrian Countdown.
Why? Well, a quick glance will show that I haven’t been posting on this site with any frequency for the last year or so. Part of that has to do with the time spent watching my kids full time. What free time I do have is going to The Also-Rans podcast and a couple of exciting new projects in the pipeline that I can’t quite share yet.
But I’ve also been discouraged by the lack of engagement. I knew this site would take a hit when I left Twitter, but I was surprised by the magnitude of the drop off. The only comments I get nowadays are either non-constructive or off-topic.
So it is time say adieu. We covered a great many things on this blog: ranking presidents, imagining running mates and cabinets, creating alternate timelines, fixing up Disney World, ranking Elton and Beatles songs. And, of course, there was all the Rock Hall commentary. I was perhaps most proud of the Countdown being a tentpole of the Rock Hall Watching community for several years. I’m delighted by the support and fellowship we all achieved, with special shout outs to Nick, Phillip, Tom, Michelle, Donnie, Eric & Mary, and particularly Neil Walls and Future Rock Legends.
If you want to stay in touch, I’m still on Facebook. You can buy my book, My Brother’s Keeper: George McGovern and Progressive Christianity. You can listen to my podcast about unsuccessful presidential candidates The Also-Rans. And I’ll keep this blog up, so you can still comment if you really care to.
But for now, the Countdown has finally reached zero. Thank you all for your readership over the years. Good night and good luck.
As a reader of your blog for several years – first with the presidential ranking, then with your tons of well-formed opinions on rock history – thank you so much.
My own interest in popular music is unfortunately dying so I haven’t been commenting as much as I used to. It’s less because I’ve been approaching 30 and more because the industry is hostile to the idea of new superstars, wishing instead to maximize profits from those with well-established stanbases.
Sorry to see your blog disappear. Keep posting your thoughts on Facebook. I’m always interested in what you have to say.
RIP Legend.
Genuinely saddened by this. I always loved your posts, though I don’t always comment. I get it though. Real life takes priority, but it also takes a toll. I’ll be listening to your podcast meanwhile, and reading your dad jokes on FB.
Not on Facebook so I’m posting this here…
Given what’s probably going to be the #1 song in the country this week, you thankfully closed your blog just in time. I’m glad it didn’t live to the point where “owning the libs” has become the main way of breaking new artists.
Fair enough. I’m more delighted that a drag queen has the #1 song on the Contemporary Christian charts than I am angry at “Try That In A Small Town.”
Alex,
Sad to see you go, I’m sure gonna miss seeing you on here, Anyway, Could you please send me a friend request on Facebook when you have the chance so that I can still talk to you (I’m on Facebook at (https://www.facebook.com/richie.leitner.9/) and Also, What are your current predictions for the #RockHall2024 nominees/inductees (If 7 inductees again)?.