You might have noticed a slowdown of stories coming out of AirlineReporter HQ recently. Many of you have been around for a while, so I wanted to take a step back, catch you up, and then let’s move on forward! Do not worry, we aren’t going anywhere.
I have been running AirlineReporter for just shy of nine years now. It started as a hobby, then transitioned to a business. About a year and a half ago, I quit my job and took on part-time work in order to focus on growing AR. Then earlier this year, I quit that job and did nothing but AR. I had good, viable plans to make AR my full focus (and, somehow, source of income), but turns out it is not for me. Just because you might be good at something doesn’t mean you want to do it. I love flying, I love aviation, I love sharing my stories, I love working with my writers, I love sharing their stories — but I hate running around trying to make money off of all that.
Previously I was warned that when you take something you love and make it your source of your living, you can start resenting it. That happened. And that sucked.
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- A380s being built in Hamburg
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- Flying high on a Qatar 787
I think one of the best parts of AR is the passion that we all have for aviation… especially airlines. When you have to compromise some of that passion for money, things get lost. Screw that!
So, a few months ago, I decided to get another full-time job (that I love). And it’s not related to aviation. As I transitioned back to the working world, I had to re-evaluate what that meant for my relationship with AR. Luckily, I have fallen back in love with the work we do here, and am excited to move forward. However, things won’t exactly be the same.
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- Thailand
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- In Hamburg
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- Airbus Beluga
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- Paine Field Fire Dept
For about the last five years, we have consistently posted one story per weekday. That was great, but also a heck of a lot of work and stress, and life sacrifices were made (like sleep). Moving forward, I don’t want us to be locked into a content schedule. When we have cool stuff ready, we publish. When we don’t — we don’t. That said, my soft goal moving forward is to have a story at least three days per week.
Our writers do what they do because they are passionate about airlines’¦ that hopefully shows through. If you have some good stories to share, I am interested in hearing from you — we always are looking to add new voices to AR. If interested, you need to have a passion for aviation AND solid writing skills (editing is not a passion of mine — thank goodness we have Blaine to do much of that).
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- Spotting in Anchorage
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- 747 on the Boeing Factory
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- In the cockpit of a 737 BBJ
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- Flying on a Starship
Every single AR writer has started by shooting me an email with some passion and an idea. Now we have all flown almost 2,000,000 miles and given you stories from around the globe. If you love planes and write well, then email me (da***@ai*************.com) and let’s chat. Or always feel free to share your thoughts and stories in our comments too.
There are many more stories to be told and adventures to be had. Cheers to the future, and thanks for following along!
A smart friend told me several decades ago that when you work for yourself, you spend 1/3 of your time selling, 1/3 administrating (chasing people), and only 1/3 of your time doing the things you love. That’s a bad equation. Sorry you learned this one the hard way but thrilled that you’re back doing it in a way that you can love and all the rest of us can share in.
Hey Jonathan,
I think I was told something like that too… but one has to give it a shot to see if it is true :). I have no regrets and happy to still share some cool stuff!
David
Just back from MPL to find this news! Gosh, what to make of it. Interesting to learn your life lesson. Well, I have to say this has been a great effort so my thanks to you! It may have been hard but it has been worth it, for your readers. And good luck going forward. I think you have given birth to something that can live long and prosper. This is a great little corner of the internet, amongst other reasons because the tone of contributors is civil and generous, at a time when this is not always the case. I think we have to thank you especially David for having set a high moral tone!
Thanks Jonathan (in France)!
One of my favorite parts of AR are the commenters. I can always tell when we are linked from another site, b/c we get some a-hole people commenting. Our long-term readers are all civil, nice, and supporting (even when they disagree). I VERY rarely have to moderate a comment for going too far.
David
Good luck in your new endeavor, David. Whatever you and your colleagues manage to send our way via AR will be read and enjoyed with much enthusiasm.
Thanks Scott! We will keep throwing :).
David
Have enjoyed so much reading the stories and experiences of the writers over the years .
And thanks a million for the annual pilgrimage to Paine Fields.
AR is here to stay now, David
Hey Shams!
Thanks for reading and it was great taking the VIP 737 flight with you :)!
David
Thanks for all you did, it was sure nice seeing and reading the story, Good Luck, Chris CO 36 YEARS
Thanks Chris for reading and for your comments! Hopefully we will have many more stories to share.
David
I have a couple of hobbies that I have seriously considered turning into full-time jobs, but I came to the realization that I love them too much. When you do something because you love to do it, it’s fun. When you do something because you don’t get to eat if you don’t, it’s a lot less fun. Best of luck in your adventures!
Thanks Nathan!
A lot of people have always said that I should get a job in aviation. Maybe some day I will, but I am afraid that too might ruin my passion. It would have to be the right job with the right place. Until then, I can enjoy my passion through here and others!
David
Good on you David. Sometimes life reserves its most harshest lessons to be learned as a part of life itself. Really appreciate the honest candor. Hope it gives you smoother sailing from here forward.
As long as the quality and passion continue to shine through on the posts here at AR, you’ll have a fan. Looking forward to the next awesome article.
Thanks Phoenix for all your comments and discussions on here… it makes writing more fun :).
David
I think we’ll all find that as you cut back a little on the quantity of stories (5/week, wow) the quality and variety will get better. Sounds like a good plan for the future of AR. I was impressed with how easy it was for me to work with you by way of numerous e-mails a year ago when you published my story about {Not So] accessible airline lavatories. Being open to tips and ideas from e-mailers is a great way to learn about odd-ball stuff that might, otherwise, never get exposure. Thanks & good luck!
Hey Malcolm,
It was great working with you as well on that story. And now I don’t look at lavatories the same and have been asking airlines and manufactures about accessibility for passengers!
David
Hello David,
IMO, a group of Very Smart Moves. AR is – and continues to be a great website and you have the numbers to prove it. I have been more than a bit critical about the writing at times (sorry, but some has been truly horrible.) That said, I do not think I have ever criticized AR’s content. The reports and other items are engaging and I believe that you have an eye for what your readers want to see.
Change happens, David. You have already learned that. If the quality remains high and Blaine’s editing as great as it is, I’ll stick around for another year. AR is a great site, the your ‘hobby’ days are long gone. I wish you and AR every success and yes, AR covers the airline industry from a unique perspective. AR will never make you wealthy, but it should be a lot more FUN than you’ve had during much of 2016. I’m with you and AR for the ride through 2017…
-Cook
Hey Cook,
You have always been the one to keep me on my toes and honest. A few times I wanted to hit publish and was like “oh man Cook, will give me shit for this one.”
I always look forward to your comments… no matter if they are good or bad :).
Happy holidays and/or Merry Christmas to you my friend!
David
Hang in there, David! AR is a great site – and you know it. 2016 has been difficult for a lot of us, but 2017 is almost here and it will be better.
Ha-ha! Me, calling you out for the odd error or some very poor writing?
Perish the thought! IMO, the quality of AR has improved substantially in the last 2.0 – 2.5 years, something that you can be Very Proud about.
Please, keep up the good work and improve where possible. ‘Tis an excellent
Thanks Cook. Almost all of that improvement is thanks to Blaine! He’s rad!
I concur with the others – smart move!
ALl continued success with your new full time job, and i look forward to the posts, which fit around what you’re comfortable with. It’s always a pleasure for me to read, but It’s even more so if i can read it knowing the author isnt suffering 🙂
Hey William!
Ha! I wouldn’t say there has been much suffering. Although there were some trips where jet lag was SUPER bad and I still had to go back to my “real” job. I am better about scheduling now :).
Thanks for reading,
David
Thanks David for taking the time to reply! I wish you nothing les than feeling on top of the world and happy every day! We only live once!
Greetings, David: This update is very much appreciated, with understanding and empathy for your dilemma…! Your fans – aviation/airline/aviation history aficionados all – look forward to your sharing informative and entertaining first-person experiences in future, albeit at a different pace and with assistance from new contributors. Wishing you clear skies and tailwinds,
Thanks David for your positive wishes and motivation. I have to say I was a bit nervous sharing this with readers, but super happy with the support and understanding.
All the best,
David
Wise words, David. I love your site and I check it on a regular basis since we first met in Seattle for the delivering flight of the first LAN 787, back in 2012. I’m an editor in El Mercurio, the main trade in Chile and I absolutely LOVE aviation and the airline business. So, I will probably send you an email since I’m interested in writing stories for this site. English is not my mother language, but I write well, I promise.
Hey Sergio!
I remember you. That is still one of my favorite experiences. This is still one of my favorite photos of all time: https://www.airlinereporter.com/2013/08/my-fav-avgeek-photo-lan-airlines-787-delivery-party/
I have never had another experience like that with a surprise dance party. I look forward to your email (sorry if I already have it, I am a bit behind) and chatting!
David
Glad you’re finding a balance and the stories will keep coming 🙂 I’ve been reading since high school and the stories posted here have been a nice break through out university. All the best in the future and with your new job!
Cheers!
Hey Dylan,
Oh I remember looking for any excuse to not study while in college :). Too bad for me it was more video games than airplanes!
Thanks for reading and good luck on your studies.
David
G’day David, and thank you for your honesty.
As others have said, smart move.
I first “stumbled” across you online in March 2010, and I’ve quietly, except for a handful of comments and competition entries, remained a fan, checking daily for any new stories, or comments from your wide base of readers and participants.
I really dig this site, and respect your work.
All the very best with your current job, and may your impeccable hobby skills continue to bring you and those that are fortunate enough to read them, great joy.
The Aussie with Chilean blood.
Cheers mate!
Keep on keeping on!
Hey Patrick!
Thanks for being such a long-time reader… you have been through a lot of our stories :). I have been really impressed with how many Australian readers that we have. Of course we have had great writers from here or love it there to make sure there is always some Aussie love :).
Cheers,
David
Hi David,
I am a long time reader of AP, it is one of the best ways for me to keep up with developments in aviation and each article is unique and so very interesting. I look forward to more quality reporting in the future. You are doing all aviation enthusiasts a great service.
Hey David – It takes courage to step back. It takes courage to open up and share like you have in this post. Kudos to you for that. I remember when we first met in Seattle, still in the days of TheAirlineBlog.com – how we were both starting out on similar journeys. And I remember when we met last year at 3am in Doha (how cool was that!) What a journey it’s been. We faced similar challenges at SimpliFlying, and adapted. We started with three posts a week, but then reduced the number of posts, so what comes out is quality. And I believe same will happen for you. Especially with your open call for writers, I’m sure you’ll have a good flow of content.
I look forward to continuing to read and support Airlinereporter.com. All the best – let me know if we can be of any help! 🙂
Hey Shashank,
Thanks for your words. I remember us first meeting many long years ago and the many adventures since (like the time I did HORRID at bowling with you and your team in Istanbul). I am excited for our next meeting!
David
Hey David,
I just came across your site a few months ago. I also do not work in aviation, just have a strong interest in it and enjoy reading about it online. What I think really separates AR from the pack is that in addition to great stories, there’s a real sense of community here. It’s refreshing to look at a comments section and not see everyone attacking each other. Keep up the great work, looking forward to what’s next.
Dean
Hey Dean,
That has been one of my favorite parts as well. With so many sites getting rid of comments because of hostilities, our readers might disagree with us or each other but do it in a respectful manner. Thanks for reading!
DPB – Congrats on your success to date and the future. Pausing is essential in everything we do – personal or professional. I’m hopeful you attain what you attempt to achieve, and have enjoyed our mostly online interaction over the years. 😉
Some quick thoughts on the AR site. I mostly enjoy the photos and privileged experiences many contributors share while trying not to be jealous. Some stories get long-winded with non-essential detail, so I’d be cautious of those going forward.
Keep on keeping on!
Hey Keith,
That is good feedback. I agree that I prefer short and sweet. I am hoping we can keep it that way moving into the future. Sometimes the details are the passion of the writer and when I cut out too many of them, something is lost. Always trying to find that happy middle ground. Thanks for reading!
David
Truer words have never been spoken.
As you mentioned, sometimes immersing yourself too fully into something you love can take the passion and joy out of it. I’ve felt myself fall into ruts with my hobbies and extra-curriculars, and it can be a really tough thing to acknowledge and climb away from the harsh realization.
Thank you for being so honest, and also supporting us!
I’m a silent viewer from Iceland. Every now and then I check here to find out what’s happening with the planes. But I keep it to “now and then”, because when I do come here I stick around for hours and hours…
So what’s the story with the 727 with Airline Reporter written on it?