Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

The German artist Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) once wrote, "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." Henry David Thoreau strongly advised "simplify, simplify!" And bringing the idea closer to home, Frank Lloyd Wright declared that, "the architect should strive continually to simplify." Architect? Hey, I'm building a website here! Work with me!

The point is that in order for The Chicago History Journal to continue I have to simplify. I am going to eliminate Chicago History Online and The Chicago History Online Library, including their respective "social media" pages. The information contained on those sites will not be lost, however. I plan to re-post on CHJ. New posts will simply appear on The CHJ itself. The constant changes "facing" us by the site who shall remain nameless (ya, the Yahweh of the Internet) is mind "blogging," at least for me. And now Blogger is changing their dashboard. Seriously, I can't keep up! By the time I finish screwing around with all the technical doodads, there is no time to read, research, or write. What fun is that? Something had to change. And, let's be honest. They ARE the weakest links in my chain of sites.

So, a few things will change, but we will be moving forward. I'll be returning to my sites next month, and to celebrate I will be giving away copies of Gary Krist's upcoming book  City of Scoundrels: The 12 Days of Disaster That Gave Birth To Modern Chicago. I'll give you a hint. Think 1919. BIG year! Be sure to watch for details on the giveaway.

I guess that is about it...except that I want to thank everyone for staying with me through all this. My last surgery two weeks ago was a toughie, but I am starting to get my old energy level up and am getting ready to work. To those who sent me emails that have gone unanswered, please forgive me. I will respond.

Adapt, improvise, overcome. Always good advice. See you soon...