A News Sandwich As Our Editor Departs

5 Jul

Changes At Dramface - Already?

As we approach the six-month mark, it’s time for Norrie to step forward and share some actual Dramface drama in this little news corner where I lurk. Huffs, spats, walk outs and fall outs are the theme.

Except they’re not.

It’s not a very well kept secret that Dallas is stepping down as editor, we accidentally scheduled the Benromach piece ahead of this news post, so the word is out. Here we’ll simply share why.

Firstly, it is a somewhat rude departure. In as much as, facing the six-month mark for Dramface, he steps down leaving us in rude health.

Thanks to a strong and tight writing team, amazing background folks and certainly not least your amazing support as members, all the indicators are that Dramface is clicking along very nicely indeed. By our inaugural editor’s rough estimates, we’re about where we wanted to be after 18 months or so. To have arrived here so quickly means we know we’re getting some things right. He’s done us proud.

Now the nitty gritty filling - why?

Well, those of you who know Dallas (who parades around under real-world aliases and nom de plumes such as JJ, Jason, @whisky_rover and @glenmhorwhisky - another intentional poorly kept secret) will know he’s very prolific and committed to sharing words and insight on whisky. He initially got involved with Dramface at it’s inception, with the understanding he could help with advice and direction. Before long he was knee-deep and running the back end as he built a writing team. Wally always knew this was a finite resource and deliberately left things unsaid in the hope he could eek-out as much of his stewardship as possible. This rather neglectful strategy worked and it wasn’t until mid-May that Dallas finally announced it was time to step back.

It seems the work rate and tenacity he’s renowned for now needs to be focused on his own whisky sharing and research projects, as well as his busy and young family. Despite this, Dallas agreed to stay onboard for another six weeks but alas, the day has come. Wally now steps in to stab and prod at the back end buttons, feigning competence for as long as he can. Thanks to Dallas’s foundation-building, he’s feeling pretty cocky about things.

Now the rest of the good news in this sandwich; he’s not actually leaving. In his own words;

‘I’m sure you’d want to read about creative differences or another meaningless No.10 Downing Street attempt at camouflage or misdirection. Not here. The reality is, Dramface is way ahead of where we anticipated even in a best case scenario. From a start-up, to where we find ourselves today, is a credit to everyone, including those backstage who make this place tick and are rarely mentioned.
From my own perspective, I promised my family I wouldn’t become all-consumed once again. I’m making true on that promise as difficult as it is, I know it’s the right decision. There will still be occasional whisky mutterings, Dredd-ism and a firm grasp around my pet Glen Mhor project, which continues to enthral in unexpected ways.
For you, the readers and members, I hope you won’t notice any difference. I’ll still be here to offer advice and an ice cold perspective from the post-apocalyptic wasteland called Fife.’
DM

Dramface and Dallas Going Forward

He’ll step back as editor and site admin, yet even as these words are penned, there are notifications pinging from him reminding us that there are links and errors needing attention. He believes in independent opinion in whisky and is pretty proud of the place Dramface takes in that space. He will continue to contribute to the site and his words will still make up threads of our fabric for as long as he has the mood and energy to offer them. He has also promised to be on hand when Wally needs a little spit and sellotape to mend the things he’ll inevitably break.

So there you have it. No drama, I’m afraid. Just a job well done. I’ll take my place in the queue to say thanks.

I hope you’ll join me.