Death Of A Blog: Pattaya Ghost R.I.P.
The world got slightly poorer on November 1st with the demise of The Pattaya Ghost, Thailand’s probably youngest and in such a short time most successful farang blog. Bob, the brain behind the ghost, just got tired and – in the manner of the great – closes The Ghost “at the zenith of its popularity.”
Chapeau Bob, what a strength of mind. You were not only successful in creating one of the most entertaining, beautifully designed, informative and innovative Thai blogs. You also master the discipline to set priorities, as closing down The Ghost involves substantial changes in lifestyle.
We the pathetic are only talking about it, but you’re all set to shape up your body and mind and learn proper Thai. Again, chapeau. The Ghost was a beautiful child and could have grown. But along with the urge to write you had to share the blogger’s fate. There’s so much fame and fortune – and money! – in blogging.
Meaning, it’s slavery to keep a blog well maintained and up and running. Your intentional demise is testimony to the countless anonymous bloggers out there trying to … trying to … what the heck do I know what blogging is trying to achieve. A zero sum game for many, a hobby or end in itself for others, a vocation of some.
You made me think Bob. All those hours spent do keep a blog alive – what’s it worth. But there’s so much to it. You see a blog grow. Analyze the stats like an addict. See the direct traffic, feed count growing. Get feedback, comments, a hate mail or two. As a blog slowly develops a life of its own.
Living – and dying – with its readership.
That bond between blog and readers is real.
Despite the occasional hints of burnout syndrome, you Bob convince me:
Writing about the PAD and other lunatics may not be as much fun as writing about Pattaya nightlife and witnessing all the human tragedies and excesses.
But we love what we do and are in for the long run. Hey, it’s all real!
[...] See the original post: Death Of A Blog: Pattaya Ghost RIP [...]
A R.I.P. for a ghost? An oxymoron! Probably a rare Sodom and Gomorrah luminary who rose and jumped in mid flight, I suppose it’s called an excorcism? Let’s hope you dont do the same BD! You have your work cut out for you here …
Why even write about this loser? All his blog did was promote the image of thailand as a hangout for sex tourists.
So despite the wannabe political posts, when it comes down to it you are just another go-go going farang?
Shame.
Have to disappoint you bongo. If so I’d maintain a girlie site. But enough con men around already, aren’t there.
You should be able though to stand the little heat – isn’t our “Elaborate & Profane” title a warner?
Of the several comments you posted so far not one was constructive or even slightly enlightening.
You just mimic those go-go venturers.
But I liked the way The Ghost wrote about the human condition and miseries in the sunny dump called Pattaya.
The Ghost didn’t promote Pattaya, he felt pity with that hideous spawn.
BangkokDan
I just mean that when Thailand’s international reputation is at an all time low, the death of a blog about go-go bars, massage joints and hookers is hardly a great loss. Still, looking at the average foreigner in bangkok, maybe the stereotypes really are true and the bongo is simply marching to the beat of a different drum. Thanks for the review of my commenting skills tho. I’ll use it for the blurb on the back of my autobiography.
Thanks for the nice writeup Dan. Closing the blog left me with a mixture of relief and regret, but, on the whole, it was the best thing for me to do. Glad that I made some difference to some people in just the short 5 months.
Don’t worry about Bongo. He’s just as negative on every blog he comments on!
BTW Bongo — If you’d read the blog, you’d see nightlife stories made up just a small portion of the subjects covered there.
I didn’t had the opportunity to see that blog and when I read this article and the comments, I regret it.