Robert, when you started Stars coverage full time, I immediately became a paid subscriber because I remembered your DBD days and I knew that I would see thoughtful, well written and top notch coverage of the team I fell in love with when they arrived in Dallas. I look forward to the articles you will bring in the new season as a true beat writer. In fact, I think you and David Castillo provide coverage in two totally different ways but when meshed together provide the best coverage in Stars history. Keep up the great work!!!
Back in the day, Mark Stepneski's Andrew's Dallas Stars Page was my go-to for Star's coverage. Then it was Brandon Worley's Defending Big D. I remember Brandon Worley introducing you as a new DBD writer. You immediate proved yourself to be a witty and entertaining writer. Since then hockey coverage has evolved into a pay-to-read model everywhere, and being recently retired I am more frugal. I cannot justify (at least to my wife) to subscribe to everything. You have tough competition, but nobody provides better consistent game-to-game coverage. Your level of off-season coverage has been a pleasant surprise. I recently became a full-time subscriber because for my money, you provide the best. So have confidence that you can take time to go on vacation and enjoy life.
Been reading your stuff since the DBD days. I still maintain you should publish a collection of your best stuff from those days. IIRC it was called "After Thoughts"??
The old platform didn't have a way to export by author, unfortunately. Then they changed over, and a lot of them got lost for good. But some are still hanging around out there!
Take a vacation and enjoy yourself! We will still be here. My husband and I were really excited when the Athletic came about because we could get consistent Stars coverage. After the Stars part of that died, we were lost. So happy to find you and your excellent work, we signed up right away. We look forward to many successful season on Stars Thoughts!
Unlike some on here, you don't center half the articles you write around yourself. And while this one semi-sorta, kinda is, it's more than well earned. I always look forward to everything you write. And like CScotty said, after your time off, we'll still be here, more than ready for your next terrific article.
Many writers, especially in the sports space these days, don’t pay attention to their craft the way you do. You have a smooth, clear, intentional writing style and voice that engage the reader. This is both a talent and a gift. It makes the reader want to invest his or her precious time in the telling of a particular story. Thanks for sharing your stories with us. They really are a joy to read!
As DrewL said, it is very appreciated that you care for the craft! So many don't, not in Finnish sports "journalism" anyway. Oh, what would I give to make them care even for the basic spelling! It's great to read your well written articles, with super nice bonus of wittiness. Loving it. Even your day to day covering with tight schedule (I would imagine) is well written, like you would actually care about the craft. Thank you.
Nuts and bolts of it: you've earned your time off!
(I'm actually in the business of selling nuts and bolts, in an independent small company of my parents. So I understand the do I dare or not feeling of it, fear of leaving your customers on their own - or with the bigger establishments - for a week or two. But they'll be there when you're good enough, and you are.)
Enjoy your time off!!! You’ve earned it. We will all be here when you get back (impatiently) awaiting your next insightful article!
Thanks! I think that week will be in mid-August, but I’ll let y’all know.
Robert, when you started Stars coverage full time, I immediately became a paid subscriber because I remembered your DBD days and I knew that I would see thoughtful, well written and top notch coverage of the team I fell in love with when they arrived in Dallas. I look forward to the articles you will bring in the new season as a true beat writer. In fact, I think you and David Castillo provide coverage in two totally different ways but when meshed together provide the best coverage in Stars history. Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks, Jerry. That means a lot.
I just wanted to say I heard you on the Power Play the other day and it was nice to you "hear" you and I loved your thoughts as always.
Thanks, Billy!
Back in the day, Mark Stepneski's Andrew's Dallas Stars Page was my go-to for Star's coverage. Then it was Brandon Worley's Defending Big D. I remember Brandon Worley introducing you as a new DBD writer. You immediate proved yourself to be a witty and entertaining writer. Since then hockey coverage has evolved into a pay-to-read model everywhere, and being recently retired I am more frugal. I cannot justify (at least to my wife) to subscribe to everything. You have tough competition, but nobody provides better consistent game-to-game coverage. Your level of off-season coverage has been a pleasant surprise. I recently became a full-time subscriber because for my money, you provide the best. So have confidence that you can take time to go on vacation and enjoy life.
Mark was incredible, and I'm fortunate that I got to cover a couple of games with him back in 2019-20. His story is very cool.
He sat next to me during a Stars prospect camp a dozen or so years ago. He was quite a nice, soft-spoken guy.
That’s him all right. Great guy.
Thanks for your support, Dennis. Really does mean a lot to have y’all longtime fans on board.
Been reading your stuff since the DBD days. I still maintain you should publish a collection of your best stuff from those days. IIRC it was called "After Thoughts"??
The old platform didn't have a way to export by author, unfortunately. Then they changed over, and a lot of them got lost for good. But some are still hanging around out there!
Take a vacation and enjoy yourself! We will still be here. My husband and I were really excited when the Athletic came about because we could get consistent Stars coverage. After the Stars part of that died, we were lost. So happy to find you and your excellent work, we signed up right away. We look forward to many successful season on Stars Thoughts!
This makes me genuinely happy to hear. Thanks, y’all!
Unlike some on here, you don't center half the articles you write around yourself. And while this one semi-sorta, kinda is, it's more than well earned. I always look forward to everything you write. And like CScotty said, after your time off, we'll still be here, more than ready for your next terrific article.
I now somewhat regret my opening snark here. Just skip the first two sentences. :)
Many writers, especially in the sports space these days, don’t pay attention to their craft the way you do. You have a smooth, clear, intentional writing style and voice that engage the reader. This is both a talent and a gift. It makes the reader want to invest his or her precious time in the telling of a particular story. Thanks for sharing your stories with us. They really are a joy to read!
Very kind of you to say, Drew. Means a lot. Thank you!
As DrewL said, it is very appreciated that you care for the craft! So many don't, not in Finnish sports "journalism" anyway. Oh, what would I give to make them care even for the basic spelling! It's great to read your well written articles, with super nice bonus of wittiness. Loving it. Even your day to day covering with tight schedule (I would imagine) is well written, like you would actually care about the craft. Thank you.
Nuts and bolts of it: you've earned your time off!
(I'm actually in the business of selling nuts and bolts, in an independent small company of my parents. So I understand the do I dare or not feeling of it, fear of leaving your customers on their own - or with the bigger establishments - for a week or two. But they'll be there when you're good enough, and you are.)
Thank you for the encouragement and kind words, Elina. It is much appreciated.