Phoenix Rising

David Giacalone has announced that he’s hanging up his keyboard.  His weblog (he never called it a blog or a blawg, but always a weblog), co-authored by his curmudgeonly alter ego, Professor Yabut, f/k/a, was simultaneously the conscience of the blawgosphere as well as the literary break from the awkward prose and self-serving posts that comprised the bulk of its output.  David was the safe haven for thought and continuity, never led astray by shiny new objects or self-aggrandizement.

p.s. Seven-Day Countdown: Speaking of feeling our emotions, getting things moving and setting ourselves free, the f/k/a Gang plans to stop adding to this weblog as of March 1, 2009.   It will remain online, with thousands of haiku and senryu, and a lot of law-related and cultural punditry. But, the last f/k/a posting will roll off your Editor’s fingers no later than Feb. 28, 2009. We’ll try to write a few more posts related to lawyer fees before we hang up our blawger sword; then we’ll be looking for something more enjoyable and less stressful to do online.  Naturally, we’ll have a little more to say when we sign off at the end of this week.

It’s not the first time that David decided to call it quits.  In his first incarnation, ethicalesq., David decided to leave the building, only to return as f/k/a.  This time, David’s resolve appears more firm.

But don’t think of this as the death of a weblog, but rather the rebirth of a great lawyer.  Times change and with it new goals come into our sights.  David has rededicated his efforts to other areas, and something must give way.  As it turns out, it will be the weblog. 

Some will miss David’s haiku and senryu.  Some will miss the clear-eyed skepticism which David brought to bear on every new toy the children of the blawgosphere found lying on th street.  Some will miss a fellow curmudgeon, who elevated the level of discourse through his insightful commentary and refusal to join the crowd because it was the path of least resistance. 

But not me.  I fully expect David Giacalone to keep his keen eyes peeled on the blawgosphere, chiming in whenever needed to remind us when we’re being foolish and trendy and self-serving.  In the meantime, I admire and envy David’s decision to dedicate his time to purposes more productive.  While I will miss f/k/a, this is no Requiem for a Heavyweight, but Phoenix Rising. 

Hope you have great fun on your next adventure, but don’t stray too far so I can find you whenever you’re needed.

3 thoughts on “Phoenix Rising

  1. David Giacalone

    Many thanks, Scott. Of course, you’re being way too kind. (I almost said “as usual,” but deleted the phrase to preserve your reputation.) I don’t want to be anybody’s conscience any more, but I’d like to do a better job nurturing my own consciousness and muse. And, I am hoping you’re right and this sometimes-crusty old bird can be a phoenix.

    As you know, dealing with the vagueness and vagaries of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has made the past 15 years rather interesting for me, and at times quite challenging. If I’m going to spend most of my productive day at this laptop, I’d love to find a way to make a living again, within my limits of energy and talent. [Yes, that is a hint to those with job advice or offers for me.]

    Although I won’t be practicing law, I sure hope to get a lot of practice at enjoying myself and earning my keep on this planet by making it a little better place.

    Yes, I plan to keep an eye or two on you, from here in the peanut gallery. Thanks for all the inspiration (and occasional aggravation).

  2. SHG

    I might suggest to the New York Times a tag team deal with Randy Cohen, kinda like a God Squad for ethics, but given the vagaries of the Times’ continued vitality, that may be too risky a proposition.  That said, the internet is replete with smiling faces trying to stick their hands in any pockets they can find.  There are far too many schemers, back-slappers and ruddy-cheeked children pretending to be adults for my taste because they are told that it’s the surest route to success and riches. 

    Us “sometimes-crusty old birds” need to stick together.  At least we get each other’s jokes.

  3. David Giacalone

    No God Squads for me — I’m abandoning finger pointing and baby-splitting. Like you, I have no interest in hearing from the schemers. I will not pay for career advice. Responsible adults who’ve seen what I’ve done for 6 years at f/k/a, are my preferred source for recommendations.

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