First, a couple shout-outs to Marc at The Office Quotes, and Tom and Chris at Unofficial Office Scripts and Reviews. Marc revamped his site recently, and Tom and Chris have been releasing new scripts at a regular clip. Be sure to check them out when you have the chance.
It’s become increasingly clear that I no longer have the time and resources to update Northern Attack. I will continue to maintain the forums (and episode threads), which continue to enjoy healthy traffic thanks to a wonderful and active community, but the rest of Northern Attack (recaps, news updates, etc.) will go on indefinite hiatus. It’s been a great run, and I appreciate the support you all have given me over the past few years.
And that brings us to the future: things may be winding down here, but I’m not ready to duck out quite yet. I’ve had something in the works for a while now: something big, something ambitious, and something I eventually realized was completely out of my league. So, I’ve spent the past several months refining the idea and breaking it down into more manageable pieces. Think of it as a community for fans of television, a place where people can gather to discuss their favorite shows and get to know each other without dealing with the inconveniences presented by online communities today. I want people to feel invested in their contributions. It may not sound that different from the discussion forums you’re used to seeing today, but I’m hoping with the proper execution and polish I can create something people can get excited about.
Here’s where you folks come into play: I’m looking for input on how to go about this task. What have you liked about the forums at Northern Attack? What have you disliked? How about forums elsewhere? What features would you like to see in your forum software? Please let me know if there’s anything at all you can think of, either here, or in the forums, or by e-mailing me. With my schedule clearing up over the next couple months, I may have an opportunity to finally put this plan into motion.
Think of this less as the end of Northern Attack and more like the beginning of something better. Thanks, everyone.
Oh shoot, don't get me wrong, my favourite part of NA were your recaps -- they were the prettiest art of all art. I'm just taking your last sentence to heart and something "better" than Northern Attack just gets me excited. And with James behind it you know it'll be great. Ok, enough of me now...
Like Marc, the recaps have always been my favorite part of the site. I wonder if it might not be possible to farm this out to others if it's no longer feasible for you to do it yourself?
I second the idea of continuing to allow others to post recaps. It is my main reason for visiting this site, and I think it provides a valuable and almost essential counterpart to the episodes themselves. "The Job" was a phenomenal episode but it's even better with the recap posted by Jamie. In fact, I was moved as much by the recap as by the episode.
I understand it may cost too much money or take too much time to keep the site up with others doing updates, especially with a second site, but I sincerely hope you consider continuing to allow others writing the recaps.
Oh my gosh, i may die without the recaps! Sad! i agree, can't you work it out so that others might do the recaps in your stead? we'll miss them so much, the best recaps on the internet!
No more recaps? That makes me very sad. I never realized Northern Attack even had a forum. I only came here for the great recaps with the witty comments and intelligent episode analysis. No more recaps?! I guess I'll just have to rely on TWoP. But I though Northern Attack's recaps were much better.
This can't be ahppening. Where am I to get my witty, insightful musings of The Office? I need to know that I'm not the only one who is completely enamored of The Office and all of its glories.
Oh well. Thanks for a great run though James... and the rest of the fabulously talented re-cappers!
"I'm going to get right to the point...Do you believe in magic? Because if you do, then I've got a deal for you!"
Wow, I just found this site, and now it's stopping?!? and I would have given a kidney to read your recaps of the last two episodes too...
Good luck with whatever else you are dedicating your time to though!
Thanks, Kate. The recaps for the past few seasons are still available here.
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
I run a fansite for Hulu, and I was wondering if you would like to be a member of a panel for our Hulu Awards Ceremony.
You would be one of 20 panel members who would be asked to suggest and vote on the best Hulu content in a variety of categories.
Please let me know if you are interested. Either email me at uictoday@homtail.com, or leave me a comment here: http://thehulureview.blogspot.com/2008/10/hulu-awards-ceremony.html
Be sure to include your name, website, and email address if and when you respond (and I really hope you do).
Thanks!
Matt "The.Hulu.Man"
Thanks again for the shoutout, James. The forums are underrated and I can't see them slowing down any time soon. I guess that has something to do with the unqiue format of The Watercooler.
I'm really excited for your next project! I'll have to do some brainstorming and see if I can do anything to help out. It sounds like you're creating the "next best thing." Once you're far enough along... you know where to look for an eager beta tester! :)