Burnout

The last few weeks have been pretty stressful. Ever since Premier Alex Scott started really disrespecting the electorate a couple of weeks back, the traffic to and number of comments on this site have increased significantly. Keeping on top of them while writing my column for the Gazette and doing my regular day job has resulted in me working longer days and left me with less time to do the other things I enjoy.

The events of the last twenty-four hours were the final straw. After an anonymous commenter on this site was exposed as a mischief-making PLP senator (or was he?), I received both criticism and support for my participation in his outing. Earlier this evening I gave my final explanation for my reasons for doing so, and then closed the thread on which the debate was taking place. I then went out for the evening to calm down.

So imagine my surprise when I returned to find that a different, completely unrelated thread, had been hijacked to discuss both that and other subjects. This was despite my obvious intent to bring the discussion to a close and despite my well-known prohibition of off-topic comments. Yet again, I found myself having to waste my time cleaning it up.

I'm tired of this blog taking up so much of my life. I'm tired of feeling so stressed. So I'm going to cut back on my blogging for an indefinite period. If I feel the urge to post I will do so; if I don't, I won't. I am also turning comment moderation back on so I don't have to spend as much time monitoring the comments.

It's unfortunate that it's come to this. But there's more to life than blogging, and right now I need a break from it.

» Several people have asked if there is anything they can do to help while I'm taking a break. There is. My biggest concern is that while I'm posting little new content, I will lose some of the readers that it has taken me two years to build up. As such, I would particularly welcome good guest opinion pieces right now, to keep the site ticking over. More information is available here.

» To be notified by email when I next publish a new post, enter your email address in the "Subscribe" box in the sidebar.

Comments

[Ethiops on 18.10.05 at 00:44]

Phil, i've enjoyed visiting this site, if you feel the need to let go do it man. You're right its a a blog after all. I'm a bit turned off from it all myself. All the bs childish bickering back n forth, bah, who needs it? Much respect for what you've done though its cool that Bermudians at home or outside BDA can log on and feel like they have a voice. Until you delete or edit their post hehe. "Do yah thing boy I ain't mad at cha" (tupac)

[Sergio on 18.10.05 at 01:05]

the Limey NEVER dies?

[Fen on 18.10.05 at 06:40]

Phil, I'm sorry to hear that the blogging has been so stressful. It is always sad when something you enjoy becomes more work than fun, especially when part of the reason for your stress is your success as a blogger.

So leave, turn off your computer, go for a walk and sniff the flowers. Don't come back til you want to. Enjoy your break.

[Slowhand on 18.10.05 at 06:46]

And the Diabolical plan has succeeded. I think Bud came here with a purpose, and his intentions have been realized! And WE helped. We fell for it. I'm embarrassed.
Sorry Phil, I'm not sure how you did it all this time as it is.

[kim swan on 18.10.05 at 07:21]

Phil/Limey in Bermuda,
I am sorry to read about your "burnout", but can understand the level of stress and distress recent events have caused.
I have enjoyed reading and participating (on a limited basis) on this blog.
And, if in fact we witnessed the efforts of a masquarading politician running interference, that is not only unfortunate but demonstrates the paranoia and undercurrent that exist in Bermuda political realm.
I am a politician, a Senator, but prior to that appointment, wrote numerous letters to the editor and guest columns under my own name (as I have witnessed being done by my friend Guilden Guilbert Jr.), as I have also chosen to do whilst participating on this blog.
Ironically, this blog has generated interesting intellectual discourse (with a few understandable deviations and tangents from time to time)on some important topics.
Phil Wells "Limey in Bermuda", I would like to thank you for the efforts of this Blog.
To date, in my opinion, you have made a real effort and indeed a contribution to the wider Bermuda community by not only getting a better understanding of some important issues and making an honest contribution at the same time, but also causing numerous others to think more comprehensively about some important issues.
The one irony I note, that through it all,
we all know who is "Limey in Bermuda".
Sincerely,
Kim Swan
St. Georges

[monkeyman on 18.10.05 at 07:50]

Sorry to hear that Phil. A lot of information and good opinions are shared here.

[chapa on 18.10.05 at 07:51]

This is very bad news. The person/people/organisation that was trying to disrupt this very valuable avenue for debate has won - even before the alluded to threats to Freedom of Speech to be divulged in the Throne Speech.

More and more Bermudians are being subjected to overtones of menace, threats and intimidation by this Government. We need forums in which we can discuss current issues and it is a very sad day that you have decided to withdraw your well intended, popular and important medium for public discussion.

I would urge you to reconsider - your contribution to discussion in Bermuda is extremely important, especially at the present time, when Bermuda is in such turmoil.

However, I can understand your feelings; not only must it be incredibly time consuming but the personal insults are unacceptable.

Perhaps some lessons in 'blog' etiquette should be instilled in bloggers before they are permitted to post.

[Two Cents (Paul Sofianos) on 18.10.05 at 08:16]

Phil,

For some reason today, I feel compelled to add my "real" name to my blog-name

Sorry to hear about your "burnout" regarding the blog. Please remember that you;
(i)Contributed an invaluable service to Bermuda by starting interaction between those parties that chances are wouldn't interact any other way.

(ii) Your mandate of "Getting Bermuda Talking" has been achieveed.

Good Luck

Paul Sofianos
Hamilton Parish
Bermuda

[Martin on 18.10.05 at 08:49]

Sad - but understandable. Thanks for a great site!

[silencedogood on 18.10.05 at 09:12]

I agree with the other post about the value of this site. I hope you come back to it after a well-deserved break when it is fun for you again.

[Chris Broadhurst on 18.10.05 at 09:19]

Hope to see you soon Phil.

All the best,

CB

[jake on 18.10.05 at 09:22]

What's up Paul!!!!

Hey Big Paul, remember Ladies' Night at the Club back in the day???

Hey Limey, come back home. We miss you and promise to play nice.

Seriously though, you should consider adding advertising to help support the site. I would not be offended if there were some ads (not pop ups) which could help to offset the time committment.

We are talking Phil, in ways that have not happened before and frankly as well. It is important in our learning, as I KNOW my thinking has evolved since I started here two years ago.

When we get that drink, we are going to do a few rounds. That will ease the stress a bit.

Don't let BudGate ruin that.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 18.10.05 at 09:45]

D'ont Cry for me Bermuda? Sorry that you let it get to you....Heah maybe its time for A Limey in Bermuda drinking session to pick up your spirts and plot a way forward...and to share the work load re articles ect....Or are you just going to turn Hal off? Anyway I hope this time off helps the East end breeding program ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ Ha!

[Raptor on 18.10.05 at 10:09]

The blog looked like a full-time job in itself lately. I'm sorry about your burn-out; it's certainly understandable. I give you a lot of credit for creating a thought-provoking, beautifully-designed, highly-workable opportunity for Bermudians to discuss the most important issues of our day and to learn about fellow citizens. There's never been anything like this blog before--it's been an amazing community service. And after you get some rest, I hope you'll come back to it with restored energy. Thanks for all the work you've put in.

[Guilden M. Gilbert, Jr. on 18.10.05 at 11:07]

Hey Phil,

While politically you and I may differ, I do believe this blog has had an impact on the political landscape in Bermuda. It has given many a forum in which to express their views.

As I mentioned about two weeks ago, I too decided to take a step back, I guess for much the same reason as you, frustration.

I also understand the amount to time you have had to put into to manage this blog and there comes a point where you have to evaluate how much time and energy you are willing to put into something like this.

I do hope that after you take the time off and re-evaluate the situation that you will find a way to re-ignite this blog.

Maybe its time to look at selling some ad space or even looking at a minimal monthly membership fee so that if you are going to put time into this there is some compensation for your time and effort.

Best regards,

Guilden

[SmokingGun on 18.10.05 at 11:13]

Limey, this is your site, your domain and your heart and soul. It is therefore your decision as to how it is "borrowed", for lack of a better word, by others. You give it openly unto others in good faith and in return "we" all should show the respect of receiving of such a wonderful and honourable gift - the gift of freedom of speech and open dialogue between all people of Bermuda and beyond.

I can certainly appreciate the stress and time this must consume. As you say, you need to get your priorities back in order. Do so. Take time for yourself, family and friends. A Limey In Bermuda is much like your first child, it was born from love but has to grow up in a very difficult world. As much as you can nurture and try to protect, outside influences will allways be there. But your child is a part of you and you must always instill the core sensiblities that you have.

No worries Limey. You have stuck your neck out on behalf of Bermuda and all it's people and the vast majority of those that post or even read your contribution appreciate that. Sincere thanks.

[Blackadder Goes Forth! on 18.10.05 at 11:16]

I can tell you right now that most of the rable rousers who post here are members of the PLP or working in their behalf. Bud was always suspicious, with his bad sentence structure and moronic rantings about blonde models. If you shut down this blog you will be playing into the PLP's hands. It is the one place they are openly critised, due to the cowardice of the local press, and they absolutly hate that.

[idolworshipper on 18.10.05 at 12:16]

Whoa, what happened to Phil? I am writing from the UK and I seemed to have missed something. What did Bud do? Who was unmasked as? What's this got to do with the Government? Should I hurry up and marry a Brit so I can stay off the island?

[Adjustah on 18.10.05 at 12:30]

Non illigitamus carborundum.

Give 'em hell, Phil. Come on back, matey.

I like the suggestion of a membership fee etc. and would happily pay something like that. Where can I get my fix now? Gonna have to move to Bermudasucks.com, or go trade barbs with the tourette-ridden looneys in Bermuda Free Speech Forums.

[Kev on 18.10.05 at 13:02]

Why don't you just open a forum site that will let everyone talk about things they were already doing through the use of the comments (which aren't really designed for that)

Don't see why it would take that much time - even if you wanted to be the one to start the topic it doesn't need a 50 page dissertation to do it.. I think maybe you are overestimating your importance in the whole "getting Bermuda talking" part..

Keep the url open, install a forum, let er rip. Don't even need you...

[JJ on 18.10.05 at 13:12]

Will you still produce a weekly piece for the RG?

[Tiger Bay on 18.10.05 at 13:14]

Phil: If you clear out too much free time the "baby discussion" is gonna come back! :)

By the way, did I mention that I am not really Alex Scott? Want to make that clear. These days it would be a liability!

[monkeyman on 18.10.05 at 13:17]

Where is Bud? One would think he would send some kind of message, or is he/she waiting in the wings to disrupt Democracy again?. Come buddy(just kidding). The race has just begun. Looks like Phil is in the lead, knee socks and all..........

[Third Degree on 18.10.05 at 13:35]

I agree with Blackadder. This is exactly what the PLP would have wanted. You can't pack it in now when you achieved so much. The pressure is beginning to tell.

[Combat Banker on 18.10.05 at 13:42]

I more than understand Phil. Just remember: you've made a difference bro. Seriously. If you want to take a break you more than deserve it. If, after that, you decide to make a second crack at it later, I would be fully supportive of any ad and/or membership ideas though.

Just don't disappear, as I think you may have started something bigger than yourself.

[Cancundreaming on 18.10.05 at 14:23]

A blog is an uncontrollable beast, the best you can hope to do is contain it, not all the time, just sometimes, it's a wild animal, even when you show it the error of its way, you explain to it its transgressions, even threaten to leave or destroy it, right after it will go and continue on in its ways, it can't help it, it's its nature.

[ace on 18.10.05 at 14:24]

"Don't let BudGate ruin that." - Jake

LOL...BudGate! :-)

I hope I'm invited when you guys go for that drink. I believe I promised to buy the first round the last time we tried to organise it.

[sandgrownan on 18.10.05 at 14:52]

Sad, but I totally understand Limey. Looking back over the blog I see many from all walks of life with differing viewpoints, but sharing at least one common thread. We all see the problem and we're just arguing about how best to get it solved, in a civilised way. For example, I don't see eye to eye with Guilden on many issues, but surely that's the point of this? To learn, discuss and come to some middle ground.

Along comes Bud. Divisive, rude, with nothing but negative thoughts and nothing constructive to say. Sadly, I fear Bud and his kind are the reason why race relations in Bermuda will never improve.

[jake on 18.10.05 at 15:56]

The PLP hardly want to remove the site. Most members would never bother to look at it, much less post.

Total tally was Onion, Guilden, Jake and Bud.

That hardly constitutes support in a country where we represent the demographic of the majority.

It is a chance for you - white Bermuda - to talk with and say the things to black people that you normally do not do. I welcome it. That is how I am using it which is why I feel I have been learning so much here. For example, how it hurts when black people are insensitive to white perceptions.

I consider that a valid learning, and not the greatest one, by far.

Take some time Phil, and then let's get back to talking.

[Red Riding Hood ( . )( . ) on 18.10.05 at 17:38]

Phil! you saved me a fortune in psychiatric treatment and my Psychiatrist thinks the world of you as your site allowed(well sort of) me to rant and rave instead of him. Of course I am a cowardly sneak because I wouldn’t dare put my name to what I said in your blog in public.

Phil you are a hero in the eyes of many, you have the biggest set of balls around and you are probably burned out from carrying them all by yourself for so long.

You have made a difference, you have facilitated others to voice their frustrations and helped make them feel that what they have to say does actually mean something(even loonies like me).

Thanks and long live true FREE SPEECH!!!!

[SmokingGun on 18.10.05 at 17:59]

Jake - you speak volumes in so few words. Thank you for validating every reason why A Limey In Bermuda needs to continue and flourish for all of Bermuda. It's a pity the demographic majority are not willing to share the same learning experience as you recognise it for Jake.

How ironic that much of this all started with our own Premier's words:
"In regard to the Freedom of Speech in Bermuda, Mr Brannon you exercise it and abuse it everyday .............."

[The Limey on 18.10.05 at 18:04]

Thanks for the messages of support.

I will be taking a break from my Royal Gazette column too. The demands it places on me are probably more onerous than running this site.

Bud will never be seen here again. At some point I will be publishing revised commenting guidelines which will make it clear that I reserve the right to ban anyone or delete any comment, for any reason, at any time, without explanation. Showing persistent disrespect for the opinions of others will be sufficient grounds.

I will also insist that if you disagree with how I run the site then you take it up with me privately. While I may take your views into consideration, I will ask that you respect my decision or leave. Ultimately this is my site and I will run it as I see fit.

Disagreement with my views on issues may still be done publicly, of course.

While I'm taking my break, I will still be posting if I feel moved to do so. I just won't be going out of my way to post fresh content on a regular basis.

Hopefully it'll only be a matter of days or weeks before I return at full strength.

[Uncle Elvis on 18.10.05 at 18:14]

So I guess this is the time for US lot to step up and maybe do a guest spot, no?

How about some topics? It's the least we can do.
Literally! *grin*

We could also look into finding people to advertise here, to help out ol' Limey in the dinero side of things. A banner at the top, just under the header picture wouldn't be too offensive, I don't think.

How 'bout it, folks?

Don't you worry, Limes... we got yer back. Take all the time you need.

[The Limey on 18.10.05 at 19:36]

I appreciate the willingness of some of you to put up with some advertising. However, most of the time I enjoy running this site and a financial benefit is unneccessary. When writing and moderating becomes a chore, no amount of money can really compensate for the time spent anyway. Besides, ads would muck up my design.

However if you have ever considered writing a guest piece for the site, now would indeed be a good time to do so.

[blovator on 18.10.05 at 21:22]

Compared to a lot of other political sites, this one is kind of large. I guess its because its the only site in Bermuda with a wide range of opinions.

Take a break Limey and good work so far.

PS was Bud really so bad?

[Full Fullish on 18.10.05 at 23:30]

Take a break Limey and good work so far.

PS was Bud really so bad?

Posted by blovator on 18.10.05 at 21:22

If Bud really was a Senator in disguise, then what he did was unethical at the least, in my opinion, and as such ALL of his posts have taken on a jaded tone.

Hey who's up for a brew or two, as posting is intermittant these days, we need our LIB fix somehow! I know I wouldn't mind meeting a few of you lot......see if we can't get something organised......Phill that includes you too!

[Ezri on 19.10.05 at 00:12]

Hi Limey,

I'm not a poster, but I'm definitely a reader of your site and I just wanted to say that I appreciate the forum that you give to people to talk about the issues that are underlay Bermudian general life. As a student who's off studying abroad, I always check this sight to see some of what's going on back home, and it's definitely shown me some new opinions that I hadn't considered prior. I really enjoy seeing the different points of view and seeing people's innovative ideas on how to address problems.

Enjoy your rest, and hopefully de-stress. And most of all thanks for all of your hard work in keeping this site together for all of the readers and posters!

[Monique on 19.10.05 at 07:58]

Well -- seems this is a common stage in the process of blogging. Comes a time when all good bloggers need to step back from the effects of their web site. I've seen it for years now. People with strong views who choose to express their views will attract others with strong views. Eventually the stress is too much the blog takes over. I hope that a rest will give you the energy you need to return. I am a Canadian living in the USA who use to live in Bermuda as a child. I enjoy this site as it gives me another perspective of life in Bermuda. I can get all the pretty pictures and touristy reviews online, the papers provide some day to day reporting but to enjoy discussions about issues concerning those living in Bermuda -- that's what keeps me really in touch.

[The Limey on 19.10.05 at 08:08]

Several people have asked if there is anything they can do to help while I'm taking a break. There is. My biggest concern is that while I'm posting little new content, I will lose some of the readers that it has taken me two years to build up. As such, I would particularly welcome good guest opinion pieces right now, to keep the site ticking over. More information is available here.

[Will McLay on 19.10.05 at 08:56]

Hey Phil,

I empathize how this hobby can be a huge impact on your personal life. This new medium has created challenges unknown to traditional editors.

Be good to yourself and enjoy your break. We all look forward to you stirring things up again!

[JNC on 19.10.05 at 09:36]

Let me echo what a lot of others have already said: this site is incredibly valuable, as a place for people who would normally have a hard time communicating openly and frankly with each other to come and do so. Some of the things that get discussed here - and particularly the racial issues - are things that absolutely have to get worked out, or the future for Bermuda will not be good. As one of the few forums where people seemingly feel free to say what they really think on some very volatile issues, it is incredibly valuable as a communication channel, and I hope the discussion continues even if The Limey doesn't post as much.

BTW, I agree with Jake that this whole imbroglio is not a Machiavellian PLP plot to get rid of this site. (I'd really be curious to know what the PLP, as an institution, thought of this site, actually. Maybe someone could ask them? I wonder how many pigeons such a question would set aloft at Alaska Hall! :-)

[Turtle on 19.10.05 at 10:20]

I'm sorry to hear of the toll this has taken on you Limey. Take all the time you need to recharge your batteries. Just a thought - try a vacation in the west end - it's not known as 'up the country' for nothing! We lot know how to relax . . . although I have to admit St. Joe is special too.

Your site has contained some of the most thought provoking and valuable reading (posts and comments) I have seen for years. You have provided something which never existed before: a venue where Bermudians can actually talk to each other!

Thank you Limey!

[Robina on 19.10.05 at 11:06]

Thank you so much Phil for allowing us an insight into the views and thoughts of so many Bermudians. Bill and I read on a daily basis, and though rarely post, it does enrich our lives. You and Mandy have also been kind enough to extend your warm hospitality when we have visited. Take some time off and go and make babies!
Robina. The Limey in NH.

[Gray on 19.10.05 at 22:26]

I want to echo so many of the responses. Great job you've been doing. I haven't always agreed with the contributions, but they've all given me food for thought. Hope to continue reading your blog even if it is on a less frequent basis.

[Tim Taylor on 19.10.05 at 22:50]

Dear Phil,
Yes, take a breather.
Yes, listen to your wife and give her at least as much attention as you have been giving your column and this blog.
Yes, give yourself time to enjoy, and smell, the roses.

But remember this.

Very few people are allowed to stir up the pond like you have.

a) Peter Woolcock, because his cartoons are tasteful whilst biting, accurate and yet gentle. Other political cartoonists (and they have told me this) wish they were him.

b) The Barritt family: Bruce Barritt, the Sound of St. David's - my colleague in NTUU and afraid of no man. Bruce calls it like it is and makes us laugh at the same time. Also (it runs in family) Fred for his delightfully barbed weekly column in the Sun, and cousin John for choosing to serve his country when his employers ran out of balls. And let's not forget Bobby , a politician that everyone, and I mean everyone, voted for back in the day.

c) Not The Um Um Show - the longest running satirical comedy show of any kind in Bermuda - kicked the UBP for sixteen years, now kicking the PLP. Represented Bermuda in Washington D.C. Equal opportunity satirists.

d) Eva Hodgson - Indefatigable writer of letters to the Editor and the brunt of many tasteless jokes (how many people does it take to change a lightbulb? - Eva doesn't care - but she wants to know why the lightbulbs are all white.) ...now highly respected political commentator and critic. I have now matured enough to agree with her opinions more than I would have thought possible. Thank you Eva.

e) Politics.bm - Why this site and it's author hasn't been firebombed by Goverment Information Officers remains a mystery.

f) BermudaFreeSpeechForum - Um, had to mention these guys because if you believe in free speech, you have to accept the right of people to express opinions other than yours. They represent the way, way, far end of the curve. You may not like the prevailing attitude on this forum (I don't, but Hitler would), but that's democracy for you.

And then there's you.

An innocuous, goofy looking English software writer who, all by himself, has created a forum where Bermudians and residents can, basically, mouth off.

No small achievement.

Don't let it go.

Not because of the posters who just want an outlet for their worldview. Not because of the hundreds of readers who won't post, but want to tune in on what locals REALLY feel. Not because, although this forum is polictical, it's political in a way that ordinary people, as opposed to party machines can relate to. Not because there is, God knows, little enough opportunity for unedited opinion to surface on this rock, but because you have opened a Pandora's box and you now have not only the right, but more importantly, the responsibility to carry on, even if it's not in the original format.

You are now, strangely and unbelievably quickly, a legitimate figure in local opinion and politics. That's an accolade won by few. Bear it well, bear it humbly, but PLEASE continue to bear it.

[jbhvt on 19.10.05 at 22:57]

Gosh I love this site and was so happy to find it (that's what maternity leave will do for you!). How I wish the Internet and forums were available when I lived and worked in the media in Bermuda over ten years ago.

At any rate, I wish you well, and also urge you to keep talking in whatever way that is while striking a balance in your personal life. I'm glad you were able to create such a great blog and forum for discussion and am glad you are married to a Bermudian and can't get kicked off the island for saying what you think. Sadly, there are so many who must remain silent or anonymous due to fear of this very real consequence. So kudos to you for taking the time to do what many couldn't (or wouldn't)!

P.S. If you think your time is monopolized by a blog, wait until you have an infant! At least they don't talk back...yet...:)

[James Mason on 20.10.05 at 00:21]

Limey,
Great job on this site as I have said before. I grew up in BDA and have not lived there for many years but read and sometimes post on your site everyday. IMO BDA needs what your site is providing, and that is the ability to converse and discuss critical matters that affect all of the island's residents on a daily basis.
Taking a break is a good thing which will allow you to continue to be subjective to all the posts on your site. I hope you come back refreshed and with new hope that BDA will become a better country than it is now.

[Bald Eagle on 20.10.05 at 09:00]

Have a well deserved break Phil, but do please continue when you feel up to it. Without this forum Bermuda has no way of pulling issues from under the rug for open, healthy debate.

[Cdninbermuda on 20.10.05 at 09:01]

First time posting, and I wanted to say how much I enjoy this site. Take your break, but please come back.