Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Where are you, Jack Bauer?

I've had Jack Bauer on my mind since 2005.  Lately, he's taken a back seat to other things.

Let me start off by saying this isn't an announcement that this site is closing its doors. I'm not done cracking wise about the world of "24."  But lately, I've been overwhelmed by some amazing but drastic changes in my life.  Lately, I've sat down to write about "24" and I found I have little to add.  And then I think about other things I want to write about and I find myself also at a loss for words.

I'll confess something to you all- writing is my therapy. It's not that I work out my problems through writing, but the act of communicating with you is something I find cathartic. I really have benefited from having this outlet over the years- through tough times and many personal travails. So, here I am at a high-water mark in my life-- I have a life that is by no means perfect or "done" but I've been on a winning streak since May that has been ridiculous. I'm content right now- I'm not restless and I'm not "working shit out" through my writing.  To be painfully blunt, I feel like I've become stale in my happy state.

Maybe this is the beginning of a state of unrest that will motivate me to write something interesting again-- the calm before a new storm.  That would be great (for my writing, at least), but it's too early to say. I still have a lot to say, but I'm trying to figure out how to transition my thoughts into something interesting (and maybe even humorous).

Comedy is a charm game- I've been wooing you for years now, trying to get you to laugh and like me. You've been extremely generous in your praise and loyalty, and I am truly grateful for your kindness. But I've done the Jack Bauer schtick for a good while now- and while Jack is still a worthy subject of humor, I'm looking for something new to add to the discussion here.

The cool thing is that this is my site and I can focus on anything I choose.  But I also want to engage you, not lose you to videos of cats engaging in acrobatic feats.  Hey, come back!

You may be reading this and thinking "Okay, so what's he saying?"  I'm not saying much, and that's the problem!  I'm like Billy Joel during the time around his An Innocent Man album- what the deal with that guy? He married Christie Brinkley and wrote songs about absolutely nothing!  So, here I am, adjusting to a good life where I've been conditioned for so long by chaos.  Ah, we should all have these problems, eh?

So, I'm taking a knee- sitting out the next play or two to gather myself for the next effort. I'll probably wander about for a few days and return with a piece that is completely unanticipated. Ideas are simmering in my head, but I can't find an angle on it yet. I hope I have something worthwhile for you soon.  One thing is certain- I am not coming here to fill space and give you mediocre effort. I respect you too much to waste your time.

Feel free to weep and tip over your tables in disgust in the meantime.  The comments section here has given this site a whole new (and entertaining) dimension.  But all I ask is for your patience as I figure out my next moves here at The Jack Sack.

-Adam

51 comments:

Spencer said...

There's always a time to let go of something.

I don't know it that's useful or helpful in any way, if you already knew that, or if I'm just depressing the hell out of you and everyone else on this site. It's just something to consider. 24 has ended, and while there may've been sites that ended with it, you kept your ground and tried to continue it. I just want you to know that you don't have to.

Happiness is a complex thing. There can be a difference between happiness and freedom. You sound like you might be looking for freedom, and this might be a hard journey to take, and you might have to abandon a thing or two to get going.

But that's just my opinion. If you love this site enough to continue with the largest of plesure, do so. Plus, ya know, we're fans without lives, so we'd like that.

Just do what you want to do.

BauerLuver said...

I'm afraid I must disagree with Spencer on some of this. When I first discovered this website,I
That being said, I would honestly like to tell you that if you stopped or cut down on writing 24, I would be very disappointed, especially since we're in the middle of a season. I personally love the way you write, and wouldn't change anything about it. And Spencer's right, while other 24 sites shut down, you remained faithful to the show, another thing I love. HOWEVER do not think in any way, shape, or form that I will not COMPLETELY respect whatever you want to do. I just want to give you an honest opinion of how I feel, as a reader. I cannot thank you enough for the joy, laughs, and tears of laughter you've given me with your amazing writing on all things 24.

BauerLuver said...

Sorry, my computer froze up in the middle there. I was going to say that when I first discovered this site, it was like finding buried treasure, and I read almost all the site in three hours, I was so hooked to this amazing writing.

B said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
B said...

Meh! I left an ugly "this post has been removed by author" mark. :( Delete, por favor??? ;) :)

B said...

Patience granted.
:) :) :) :) :)
Rock on, brotha man.
Glad you found you some happiness.
P.S. This is not a goodbye, btw.

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

We all appreciate the time and effort you put into this site. One thing I was thinking of, is when you feel overwhelmed or unable to find something to say, maybe you could "outsource" the episode. By that, I mean have one of the regulars try their hand at reviewing the episode. It could work, or it could be a disaster (no offense to anyone). In the latter case, I disavow this post. :)

Dietcoke said...

I like Alex's idea. Outsource an episode when you're finding that you don't have anything to say.

Please be patient with your creative writing and don't run off to become a mime. Sometimes even mimes run out of things NOT to say.

I was just talking about this website on a 24 message board. We were lamenting the closing of the FOX board and Benny's Blog but I said at least we still have Jack Sack to reminisce about the good 'ol days.

Spencer said...

Well, Adam, if you feel like you might want to exit this site, I don't think you should do it immediately. I just think that if you're in a state confusion, you should consider all options and directions that you could go.

TheJackSack said...

Gang- I'm not abandoning the site- I hoped to make that clear in my post.

As for the idea of guest posts- I'm open to that, but I want to put some editorial guidelines out there first: Basically keep to what I've said about comments- don't cross the lines we've talked about and be otherwise creative. Just ask yourself "Would Adam delete this sentence?" You know what I'm all about.

So-- I invite you to discuss among yourselves and divide up the next few reviews. When you write them, just email them to: thejacksack@gmail.com and I'll post them-- and hopefully with no edits ;) Deal?

Spencer said...

So let me get this straight- we can review some of the episodes for you?

I'd love to do this. Reviewing a whole season and be funny would be a disaster for me, but I might be able to review an episode or two.

This is what I'll do; We're on episode 12, right? I've just finished re-watching season 5, so I can go from episode 12 through the rest of the season and decide what episode(s) I'd particularly want to review, and like you said, we'll all talk and settle who'll do what.

BauerLuver said...

Wow I must admit... that IS a pretty good idea. Of course I love your writing Adam, and I hope you'll still do some of the reviews, but it will be cool to get a little variety! I'm not quite sure I'm as talented as you at writing tasteful humor though...

Spencer said...

BauerLuver, I hate to give advice to someone who could very likely be older than me, but it's all about what you think, and whether or not you're satisfied with what you've written. As long as you think that you stuff's funny, it doesn't matter if other people don't like your humor.

BauerLuver said...

I know, I guess you're right (and trust me, you're older) I just kinda find it hard to be funny! But I'll try, and I appreciate the advice :)

B said...

Oh, I'm aware that you're not done with TJS yet, Adam. I think you expressed that pretty well. :)

I don't think I'll be much aid in the quest for guest reviews, however; I'm more the 'reacting and commenting' type, myself.

Awesome way to band together though, gang! It makes my heart swell with Jack Sack love. Go team!
(And long live Jack Bauer and 24 - somehow or another;))
:) XD :)

BauerLuver said...

@Brittany- amen to that, sister!! And I agree with you that Im more of a "commenting/reacting" person myself. But hey, I'm not alone now!! :)

BauerLuver said...

But I might try writing a review if needed, or maybe just to give it a shot!!

Spencer said...

I'm already on episode 14, and I think I'll find one or two that I really want to review, but hopefully we can figure this out.

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

Where did we leave off? Episode 12? I can take one a few into the pipeline. I'm super busy with school and stuff, but I can squeeze and episode in I'm sure during a weekend, but I'd like it to be at least a couple down the line (say, episode 14 or 15) simply so that I have enough time to make it quality. So if you all are fine with that, I'll gladly take 14 or 15. :)

Spencer said...

The last episode he's reviewed was 11. Yesterday, I watched 12, 13, and 14. I'll probably knock off a few more tonight, but so far I'm suprised and a little dissapointed at how little I have to say so far. But I do have to ask this; can I do the season finale?

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

In that case, if someone takes 12, I'll take 13. I think I can swing that. Yahoo seriously.

Spencer said...

Alex- Of the three episodes I've seen, 14 is the one that I feel like I could review the easiest. However, if you want to review that, it's cool with me. But yeah, please guys, review 12 and 13, lol.

BauerLuver said...

Hmm, you know what, I'm feeling adventurous tonight, and maybe I'll sign up for a review. Do you guys need ep. 13 done? I think I'll do it!!

BauerLuver said...

Oh wait, Alex has that one. So either episode 15 or 12 if nobody else wants to do 12.

Spencer said...

BauerLuver- I could trryyy doing 12, but can I at least watch episode 15 tonight and make sure that I wouldn't absolutely love to review it?

BauerLuver said...

Sure, go ahead !!

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

That's cool. I'm down with whatever, BauerLuver. If you want to do 13, go for it. I'm just not sure I could do 12 within a reasonable amount of time considering some personal stuff I have going on this week, but 13, 14, or 15 is completely feasible for me.

B said...

Awww!!!!! This makes my heart gush with happiness.
I kind of feel like we're in the midst of a social experiment (Lord of the Flies, anyone? Those miners in Chile?) where the environment (or the nature of the game) is changing and therefore new 'societal' structures must emerge. But instead of falling apart in chaotic dissonance or abandoning ship, it's like a new mini government is forming right before our eyes! Freakin' A. The geeky part of me just thinks that's so ridiculously cool!!! Way to rock my freakin socks off, guys.
Sigh. Love. :)
P.S. Go, Jack Bauer, go. ;)

BauerLuver said...

Ok, i feel best with ep. 13 but I'll try twelve if I must. And thanks, brittany!

B said...

Gee, I have an idea. Why don't we just declare that there's a longer time window for the 1st guest review (ep12), and that way nobody has to feel pressured to give less than their best effort? I'm game for being patient.
:)

Spencer said...

@Brittany- that's a good idea. And can I say that I love your awesomenes?

I personally look forward seeing how this works out. You guys could make some really good reviews.

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

BauerLuver - 13 is yours. :) I will take 14. However, your first born must be named after me. ;) Have fun with 13!

BauerLuver said...

@Alex- haha indeed he will be!! But you might have to wait awhile cuz I dont plan on getting married for a long time!! Seriously tho, thank you!! Is Spencer doing 12?

Spencer said...

I tell ya what, if everyone's ok with it, I'll write a review of 12 tonight and send it to Adam's email.

BauerLuver said...

That sound great Spencer! Thanks (I can't wait to FINALLY move on with the episodes)!!

Spencer said...

I look forward to you guys reading my review. So far I've been carefully watching through the episode while writing it. It'll be finished and sent to Adam's email by tonight, so hopefully he'll post it on this site tommorrow.

BauerLuver said...

That sounds great! Hope he gets it up by the usual time, too.

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

Sweet molasses! I'll do my best to get 14 in the pipeline soon!

Spencer said...

@Alex- Take your time. I look forward to reading it. And not that it's a big deal, but do we have a definite person for 13?

BauerLuver said...

I'm doing thirteen, if that's ok.

BauerLuver said...

And also, I was wondering, is this a once-every-Monday thing, or do we just give it to Adam and he posts it any random time?

Spencer said...

I'm wondering that, too, and sure you can do 13!

TheJackSack said...

Hey gang-

First, Wow-- this is exciting! I can't wait to read your reviews- I am thrilled that you've taken up this venture. Alex- great idea, man. And the rest of the gang, I am truly amazed at your willingness to step up.

Second, I'm happy to post reviews more than once a week- I'll probably let a review live on its own for at least 2 days to give the author his or her time in the sun. How does that sound to you all?

Spencer said...

@Adam- That'll work. I'm making good progess on my review, which is the next episode, so it'd be great if you could take the time tommorrow or the next day to post it here.

BauerLuver said...

This is awesome! More 24 in less time! That sure is a win-win situation.

Alex Getts — Art & Illustration said...

@Adam - Thanks, I'm glad you liked the idea!

Spencer said...

Sorry guys, it's taking a little longer to write the review than I expected. I'll finish it once I get home from school.

Spencer said...

Alright, the review's finished and has been sent to Adam's email.

BauerLuver said...

Great!! I think I'll start watching the episode now.

TheJackSack said...

The blog lives again- Spencer's review is up!

singingdoll said...

Adam,

Sorry I haven't gotten around to writing... I too have been very busy in mostly good ways lately.

As someone who studied writing and someone who studies therapy (and someone who hopes to bring the combo of writing and therapy to the masses someday as a career possibility), I absolutely understand what you're saying. The need to write comes and goes for a lot of people. Like you, I tend to write when I have a lot of stuff I need to work out, whereas when I'm pretty content (and/or really busy), I don't feel the need to pick up the pen. And even if I wanted to write in those moments, it would just be... hard. You can't force inspiration. It just doesn't work that way.

I have no doubt that at some point in time, you will feel the need to write again (although hopefully you'll still be on your lucky streak and just have inspiration gleaned from some other source). We will all be waiting for you with open arms, whatever it is you choose to write about. Thank you for the years of service you've given to blogging, to the 24 community, and to us, your faithful readers.

For now, I'm excited to see what guest blogger Spencer brings!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotations, which I think is fitting given the subject matter of this post. It's a poem that's linked here (it's probably too long to post here in this comment box, but it's not a long poem, I promise!):

http://www.blueridgejournal.com/poems/aw-isaid.htm

Take care,
Molly

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