There are going to be some changes around here over the next month, so if you’re just waking up, grab a cup of coffee and read this carefully.
At this stage in my life, I want to do less, not more. And yet, due to a number of factors, most of them financial and most of them caused by the aftermath of the Dorchester meltdown, I find myself back to writing two-books at a time, plus comic scripts, and having very little free time for my sons, my fiancee, or my friends. That sort of output was a lot easier when I was 30 than it is at 43.
Years ago, I switched from the Blog format of Hail Saten to this website. Since then, I’ve endeavored to have new content here almost every single day. Starting next week, that will change. I’ll be taking a page from the Neil Gaiman, Nick Mamatas, and Warren Ellis handbook, and posting a more journal-like entry a few times a week that will include updates on various things (new releases, writing, genre news, links, Deluge, etc.) Basically, the amount of content you see here won’t change, but how it gets posted will. This will free up a lot of my time.
The second thing that will free up a lot of my time (and this is the part that will undoubtedly piss off some folks) is that I’ve decided to shut The Keenedom down for good. See the poll over there to your right? If there’s one common theme in the poll, and the thread on Facebook (which as of this writing has 115 comments), and the responses on Twitter, it’s that the vast majority of my audience is no longer using the forum. This stands to reason, since research has shown that social media is pretty much turning message boards into dinosaurs. I don’t have time to devote to the forum the way I’d like to. I shut it down once before for that, and thought it would be easier now, but as I said, in the aftermath of Dorchester, I’m writing more than ever, just to make ends meet. Something’s got to give. I’ve decided it will be the forum.
Several publishers have stepped forward to offer forums to Keenedom regulars. Cemetery Dance will be hosting an official forum for James A. Moore and several of their other authors on their new message board. Deadite Press will be launching a new forum that will be the official home for Bryan Smith, Carlton Mellick, J.F. Gonzalez, Wrath James White, etc. And if you are a reader or fan looking for a good forum to just talk about books and movies and things, I highly recommend The Horror Drive-In. Just be respectful there, if you sign up. It’s a nice place, and they’d like to keep it that way. And although most of Horror World is dead and could use a good culling, The Cellar portion is still fairly active and provides a home for those readers and fans who fled the old Dorchester forums. You might enjoy it, as well.
How will this impact Facebook and Twitter? Well, again, look at the poll. Twitter works as far as getting my news out, so you won’t see any changes there. And I’m still reading through all the comments in that long discussion on Facebook, so it’s too early to say how that will be utilized going forward.
So, to recap – a more Blog-like approach to this site again starting next week (except on Deluge days and days when a new book goes on sale), and the Keenedom to close its doors forever within a month or so.
As always, thanks for your support and understanding. And I’d like to especially thank Val, Dezm, Noige, Mark, and Brandon, as well as Kent, Deb, and Zombielover, all of whom have kept that forum running over the years, in all of its various incarnations, and who all deserve a big standing ovation.
Makes perfect sense to me.
All sounds pretty reasonable, Brian. Gotta do what’s necessary, and that’s the bottom line. You”re taking care of what’s most important, and in the end, that’s the stuff that lasts.
Good on ya, sir! I think the ch-ch-ch-changes will be good!
Brian
Hey Brian, we have not talked in a very very long time.. But one thing I have always believed in, you have to take care of you, and yours first. Do whats right for yourself !! the rest will fall into place.. and believe me those of us who believe and care about u, we will always be here.. Good Luck man, in whatever u do.. As for me, my next adventure.. I am skippin dodge and going to live on the beaches of Mexico.. Take care Man… hey Drew says Hi… he is gonna be a daddy soon..Poor guy…doesnt know what he is getting himself into..haha..
I absolutely applaud you for this effort to more for yourself and those close to you. It is never an easy decision. Inevitably, it will happen. Thank you for all of your time that you have given to us. Now enjoy a little more for your self!
Thanks for the update. Do what works for you man.
It’s your life, not ours. I’m all for the changes. I’m nearly 50, oh crap, and I have less time to do what I want. Thus, I read several author blogs, comment rarely, and social media irritates me. A big cheers for your decisions.
I hear where you are coming from… Do what you gotta do, B. I fought for The Keenedom the last time you considered shutting it down, but not this time. Although I will always have a special place for it in my heart for the many wonderful people, books and events it brought into my life, I have to admit that I haven’t been on there in months. Everything is covered elsewhere, even the friendships. I hope this gives you a lot more time to enjoy your life and the people in it, and to breathe a little more freely.
While this totally bums my ass out, I can’t say I’m shocked (or pissed). Shocked and pissed is how I felt last year when you made this same announcement. Sad and happy are how I feel now. Sad for me. Happy for you. More books for your devoted readers is a great thing. More time for you to pursue life’s pleasures and fortunes is better still. Thanks for letting us crash on your sofa for as long as you did, Brian. I hope to have the chance to buy you a whiskey, and toast you, at Horrorfind. You’re a righteous dude.
Sounds like a reasonable decision. As long as there is at least ONE way (regardless of whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, web site, or KeeneDom) for me to get updated information on your books, comics, and other offerings . . . I’m a happy camper. Have to make sure at least one of my supply chains is up and running for my Keene addiction.
As for Twitter vs Facebook, if you use a client like Tweetdeck you can write one message and post to both.
I support you, darlin. I’m all for more time with you and the boys.
Ya gots to do, what ya gots to do. No worries here.
It’s a shame to see the forums go, but it is understandable.
Brian,
You do what’s best for you. You give a lot to make us happy with your writing so don’t worry. Do what you need to and we the fans will be there.
I’m like Jeff. I’m happy for you, but sad to see the board go. I had a lot of good times there over the years and I will definitely miss the place.
Another vote of support on this side of the pond, we all know you do more for your fans than most authors, and as with most things, you have to get the work/life balance correct…Dont worry, I’ll still stalk u on twitter, etc, lol
Look out Horror Drive-In, Im coming for ya!
Totally understandable and I support you 100%.
Might finally get to meet up as you will be in Portsmouth NH in November and I live in Manchester NH which is only 45 min. away and I will probably be attending the convention on Saturday.
Understandable, and inevitable. I’m really sorry to see the forums go, however, as they’ve introduced me to at least a dozen good authors I might not have otherwise run across. Also, I’ve been using them surrepticiously for the last couple of months as my link to sanity, and I’m going to miss that as things here keep moving forward.
I agree with Qwee. The last time the board shut down I was truly disappointed. Yet, I haven’t been on the board in months. I just don’t have the time for it anymore–just as you certainly do not. I met a handful of friends from the board and will be sad to see it go, but times are always a changin’. I’ll keep following you over on Twitter.
I just want to say thanks for having me on the forum, it’s been great. I agree, I think the days of the forum are over, the other services just end up being easier.
Makes total sense. Its kind of sad to see the death of bulletin boards (I still remember BBSs from the 80s as well as the original Keen board where the fans got to talk shop with you about everything from Religion and Lovecraft to good movies and music), but this kind of change is inevitable. ..especially when something like Facebook is happening at the same time.
At any rate, regardless, we’re always behind you 100% Brian, so keep moving forward. Sounds like you’re right on track.
-shawn
I learned this some time ago myself. I love forums but they do take a heck of a lot of time and effort to run. They are like weeding a garden that grows new weeds every day.
Brian, obviously everybody who’s commented agrees with you. Keep life simple! It’s to darn short to waste! Besides, with a Twitter account, Facebook page, personal appearances and so on I don’t think anybody will lose touch with you or your projects. Best of luck as always and I hope to catch up with you at a future convention!
John
Good for you Brian
All I need is to check the main page here or your twitter account to see if something new is out. Im an easy fan.
I’m sad to see the forum go. Met alot of cool people there, and was introduced to so many great authors. That being said, I totally see your point. I guess I’ll finally have to sign up for twitter.
Damn, I’m on there a few days and you get rid of it? Of course you realize, Mr. Keene…this means war.
You, Yourself First Brian all the rest after
Thanks for being available to your fans. Got all our support
plus I rather have you writing more so I can buy more LOL
The blog format for this site is a good call. I do that on my own site–ie. genre stuff, music, comics, reviews, etc.–and it’s a lot of fun. I’m sure you’ll find the same thing when you get things rolling in that regard, Brian.
Peace.
KEALAN: Check your email. I’ve arranged for Cemetery Dance to give you and their other authors a section on their brand new forum, if you want it. And Deadite will be doing the same for their authors.
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Thank God foursquare didn’t win your poll.
Sweep the leg…
BK I’ve only recently become a fan and have really enjoyed your work, your website as well as your quick wit and those of your readers who post. I don’t think its every day that authors mingle with the fans like you do and I thank you for that. Enjoy life my friend, and keep in touch when you can.
Sincerely,
I”m sad to see it go as it helped me learn about the genre and introduced me to many many other authors and met many friends and had a lot of great conversations on here. I understand, especially for, that its time to move on from the board. I’ll miss it. Considering i’ve been a member of every incarnation of the board, maybe one day it’ll come back. I don’t ever think the Keenedom will every truly die but it shows its evolved to Twitter, FB amongst others.
My two cents seem to be just a repeat of all said by others. Last time the Keendom almost closed, I was horrified and felt sick. Now, like most others, I will look back fondly. I mostly tended to just read stuff lately anyway, rather than contribute.
As I always say, I am always grateful for whatever interaction you give us. It’s not a requirement, but man, it’s awesome.
Sounds like a good plan–have to make time for the kiddies before allelse.
I’m bummed about the board closing down, but you need to do what’s best for you, Brian. I think I’ll check out the Horror Drive-In and Cemetery Dance.
They look pretty cool.
I’m just glad I got to use the Keenedom for what little time I was there.
Might I say that the reactions seen here only shows what a top-notch following you have. I applaud you all, and especially Brian for doing what’s necessary to maximize your time for priorities.