Slog Sep 22, 2014 4:53 PM

I Am Leaving The Stranger, Everybody!

by Dominic Holden

Comments

1
Oh Dominic! We will miss you. :(
Lissa on September 22, 2014 at 5:00 PM · Report this
2
Godspeed and good luck.
CPN on September 22, 2014 at 5:01 PM · Report this
3
Well fuck me runnin'. Alright little buddy. Spread those wings and fly.
spokevin on September 22, 2014 at 5:04 PM · Report this
4
:'(
Puty on September 22, 2014 at 5:04 PM · Report this
5
This sums up my reaction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaLxFIV…

Unless you're planning to run against Tim Burgess next year, in which case, rock on.
junipero on September 22, 2014 at 5:08 PM · Report this
6
Will keep an eye peeled for your byline wherever it may next appear. What a treat to watch your reporting and writing develop. Thanks for all the great reading (and arguing) material.
TomJohnsonJr on September 22, 2014 at 5:08 PM · Report this
7
Bummer.
DOUG. on September 22, 2014 at 5:08 PM · Report this
8
Does this mean we get Goldy back?

Hah, naw Dom we'll miss ya!
Foghorn Leghorn on September 22, 2014 at 5:11 PM · Report this
9
Good Luck, I'll miss you.
Merchant Seaman on September 22, 2014 at 5:12 PM · Report this
10
No! Take Constant, Mudede, or Herz instead! There are so many other people who need to leave before you!
on September 22, 2014 at 5:12 PM · Report this
11
Been here for just about a year, but have thoroughly enjoyed all you've done. Good luck and thanks!
Cool on September 22, 2014 at 5:12 PM · Report this
12
thanks for your all your hard work, and good luck! We'll miss you.
JonnoN on September 22, 2014 at 5:15 PM · Report this
13
No more bitching about the tunnel then?
Keenan C on September 22, 2014 at 5:15 PM · Report this
14
You will be missed! Good luck.
Dr. Z on September 22, 2014 at 5:16 PM · Report this
15
You done good work Dominic. Excelsior.
Gurldoggie on September 22, 2014 at 5:18 PM · Report this
16
Thanks for your work Dom.
Timothy on September 22, 2014 at 5:20 PM · Report this
17
You are a fine young gentleman, Dominic.
Best of luck to you.
MrBaker on September 22, 2014 at 5:25 PM · Report this
18
sheeeeeeet....I WILL MISS YOU... and look forward to hearing about your new adventures. THANK YOU FOR THE WORK and FOR YOUR VOICE.
go bulldogs on September 22, 2014 at 5:25 PM · Report this
19
Okay, okay, I suppose you should follow your damn destiny. But my little Puty heart is still very, very sad to see you go. I've really enjoyed your work over the years. You made a difference. Thank you.
Puty on September 22, 2014 at 5:27 PM · Report this
20
Good work! Please keep it up elsewhere.
Phil M on September 22, 2014 at 5:27 PM · Report this
21
We will miss you!

You're right about the lack of guts in Seattle, and it will be fun watching Sally Clark's head explode.
Will in Seattle on September 22, 2014 at 5:28 PM · Report this
22
So long, and thanks for all the fish.

When can I buy my copy of your book about the political failures and personalities that led to Bertha, and the future repercussions of the tunnel? Because I got $20 set aside for that, and I hope you're already writing it. Please explode the Seattle Process on your way out.
Joe Szilagyi on September 22, 2014 at 5:28 PM · Report this
23
Wah! :(
westello on September 22, 2014 at 5:29 PM · Report this
24
Never heard of the guy.
on September 22, 2014 at 5:29 PM · Report this
25
Really enjoyed your writing over the years. Best of luck!
mike in oly on September 22, 2014 at 5:29 PM · Report this
26
Thank you for some excellent work, Dom. May you continue to kick ass and take names.
bleedingheartlibertarian on September 22, 2014 at 5:31 PM · Report this
27
I'll probably always be a Bartleby the Scrivener kind of guy, in person.
So being "self-conscious, timid, and feckless" is actually more attractive to me than "direct, imaginative, and deliberate."
Best of luck to you. May Seattle regress.
dnt trust me on September 22, 2014 at 5:31 PM · Report this
28
Congrats on the life-move. I wish you all the best. You'll definitely be missed around here.
Bored@School on September 22, 2014 at 5:34 PM · Report this
29
"Thrilled" is LIBEL. We're going to miss you so much. CRY.
Bethany Jean Clement on September 22, 2014 at 5:34 PM · Stranger Staff
30
You do have a talent for writing Dom. That with your persistence and strong passions captivate ALL your readers. Good luck.
raindrop on September 22, 2014 at 5:34 PM · Report this
31
Sad to see you go but best of luck to you anyways.
skidmark on September 22, 2014 at 5:36 PM · Report this
32
Hello Seattle Times Editorial Board!! ... just to piss of Goldy. (amirite?)
Rhysling on September 22, 2014 at 5:39 PM · Report this
33
So he's mounting a run against SC, right?
on September 22, 2014 at 5:41 PM · Report this
34
@5 - Here's my reaction.

http://youtu.be/f7Unnx5eLbk

I'm the blonde in this scenario.
MacCrocodile on September 22, 2014 at 5:49 PM · Report this
35
Not the only staffer jumping ship or at least trying to.

Guess who else is interviewing around town ...
on September 22, 2014 at 5:50 PM · Report this
36
crap! Who will succeed you as Adorable Helmeted Cop Baiter? Best of luck to you.
neverbeenthere on September 22, 2014 at 5:57 PM · Report this
37
Godspeed.

I've often disagreed with you, but you care and you get out and report on real issues. Gawd knows the diminished Stranger needs more of that - not, as the trend has been, less.
Warren Terra on September 22, 2014 at 6:02 PM · Report this
38
Good luck Dominic!! Yup, you will be sorely missed!
pat L on September 22, 2014 at 6:04 PM · Report this
39
@36 raises a good question. Where do we go to come bother you at work?
MacCrocodile on September 22, 2014 at 6:23 PM · Report this
40
How'd you like it if *I* came to where YOU work and posted a blog entry about MY going freelance, huh? You wouldn't like that, would you?
NotSean on September 22, 2014 at 6:26 PM · Report this
42
Dominic dear, I shall miss you in our little iron lung called Slog, but I am excited to see where your next phase takes you. Don't be a stranger.
Catalina Vel-DuRay on September 22, 2014 at 6:38 PM · Report this
43
Best of luck!
Teslick on September 22, 2014 at 6:45 PM · Report this
44
Jesus, Catalina, "our little iron lung called Slog," that's IT.
TomJohnsonJr on September 22, 2014 at 6:55 PM · Report this
45
Best of luck.
ferret on September 22, 2014 at 6:56 PM · Report this
46
Aw man... that sucks. Best of luck to you though.

So long!
Urgutha Forka on September 22, 2014 at 6:56 PM · Report this
47
Omg no way.. Moved here 8 years ago and LOVED your pieces..sad I can't count on reading you weekly but happy you are following your path..
Don't ever stop being the AMAZING writer, activist...supporter of the less fortunate and warrior private detective you are!!!
AIC on September 22, 2014 at 7:00 PM · Report this
48
Take care, Dom.
Matt from Denver on September 22, 2014 at 7:04 PM · Report this
49
Bye Dom! Slog has been so much richer for your presence. Please come back often to flog your new work, 'kay? Promise?
emma's bee on September 22, 2014 at 7:05 PM · Report this
50
You have been one of the things that has kept this rag/slog/twitter feed important. Please, don't be offended that I called you a "thing." It was a compliment.

If you keep up what you have been doing for the last few years, you will be even more successful at whatever you pursue; so please don't start selling skin-care products or insurance or magazine subscriptions.

I admire your work and wish you the best.
stonato on September 22, 2014 at 7:06 PM · Report this
51
This is like the Beatles dying in order of decreasing coolness.
seatackled on September 22, 2014 at 7:17 PM · Report this
52
FUCK! This is so not acceptable!

Take care Dom...gonna miss you both here and in the weekly rag in a huge way.
gnossos on September 22, 2014 at 7:18 PM · Report this
53
PS: you should give it up if you are aiming to outdo the Alaska fuck it I quit newscaster.
seatackled on September 22, 2014 at 7:20 PM · Report this
54
I liked your writing and will miss it.

But "leaving to pursue freelance projects" sounds a little too much like the politician "retiring to spend time with the family."

Just another sign of the decline of the Stranger from alternative news weekly to cheap bar rag.
LMcGuff on September 22, 2014 at 7:23 PM · Report this
55
This is a sweet good-natured goodbye thread of comments. I'm afraid when the brilliant Paul Constant leaves the Stranger, people may begin crying, possibly even threaten suicide.
dnt trust me on September 22, 2014 at 7:31 PM · Report this
56
Good r̶i̶d̶d̶a̶n̶c̶e̶ luck!
cynicalcyclist on September 22, 2014 at 7:50 PM · Report this
57
Dom, your impact here has been incredible. You will be sorely missed and I wish you the best of luck in whatever future endeavors you embark upon.

The world needs more people like you. Keep fighting the good fight.
Pridge Wessea on September 22, 2014 at 8:01 PM · Report this
58
dag.
reverend dr dj riz on September 22, 2014 at 8:02 PM · Report this
59
Good luck with your new adventure Dom. You'll be missed in these parts.
johnny_blvd on September 22, 2014 at 8:18 PM · Report this
60
Seriously you brought me back to the Stranger. Thanks fire being a part of making the paper pretty damn credible.
on September 22, 2014 at 8:22 PM · Report this
61
Finally, something we can all agree on. I'll keep an eye out for your byline.
Fred Casely on September 22, 2014 at 8:30 PM · Report this
62
Ohhhh, this fucking SUCKS!
despicable me on September 22, 2014 at 8:38 PM · Report this
63
Our loss.
Sandiai on September 22, 2014 at 8:39 PM · Report this
64
Lump me in with all the rest: I am sorry to see you go, Dom.

If one wishes to follow your work in the future, where would one look?

Also, as others have noted, the depth and quality of The Starnger's reporting has, well, thinned out the last couple of years. The story of the FBI/Cop year-long stakeout/sting of the harmless poker party guys was sorta the end of Big Long Stranger Stories.

Where is our beloved (or hated) Starnger headed?
Dr_Awesome on September 22, 2014 at 8:44 PM · Report this
65
Seattle is most certainly a TOWN and you couldn't be more right about how timid it is. Everybody works so hard to be "agreeable" and "polite" rather than authentic and honest. So unhealthy, not to mention lame! Get thee back east where you have actual cities and actual real people. Best of luck!
Confluence on September 22, 2014 at 8:49 PM · Report this
66
I'll miss your articles and voice. Thanks for the work you've done, and the work you will do.
on September 22, 2014 at 8:50 PM · Report this
67
WHY!?????
Sargon Bighorn on September 22, 2014 at 8:56 PM · Report this
68
Nooooooooo! Not Dominic! What about OUR feelings?
crone on September 22, 2014 at 9:14 PM · Report this
69
best to you keep it up up. cities are your bias!
on September 22, 2014 at 9:15 PM · Report this
70
Good heavens. Who's left besides Anna? How can you abandon a just-barely-afloat ship?
sarah91 on September 22, 2014 at 9:30 PM · Report this
71
Oh no! Dom! It cannot be.
rainandkale on September 22, 2014 at 9:35 PM · Report this
72
Bummer. Best political writer here by a solid margin. You'll be missed.
david jw on September 22, 2014 at 9:45 PM · Report this
73
Are you running against Sally Clark? Because then I'll be okay with this. But right now I am so sad. Thanks for everything, Dom, especially your coverage of police issues. You'll be missed.
seattleeco on September 22, 2014 at 9:47 PM · Report this
74
Good riddance and best of luck. You're leaving a big hole in one of the last alt weeklies that still makes a difference (or tries to).

xoxoxo
south downtown on September 22, 2014 at 9:50 PM · Report this
75
NOOOO!
Bmesick on September 22, 2014 at 9:50 PM · Report this
76
Onward and...upward? At least some kind of horizontal motion? I hope you're staying in town, at least.
Hernandez on September 22, 2014 at 9:51 PM · Report this
77
Best of luck Dom. It was always a pleasure reading your impassioned and well written journalism. One of the few bylines in this town worth following.
Claypatch on September 22, 2014 at 10:29 PM · Report this
78
Dominic, I was very honored to speak with you at a Slog Happy many years ago. I don't comment on Slog as often as I did back then but I still read it faithfully. You are a brilliant writer and I predict a long and happy career for you in your chosen field. Best wishes.
RainMan on September 22, 2014 at 10:38 PM · Report this
79
Good luck at the police academy!
Gern Blanston on September 22, 2014 at 11:00 PM · Report this
80
What the - ? Does this mean no more debauched parties at your place?

THANK THE GODS AND GODDESSES!!! SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP, YA' KNOW?

(But seriously, best of luck in your new endeavors!)
COMTE on September 22, 2014 at 11:46 PM · Report this
81
Knowing how hard it's been at The Stranger for you lately, I'm not too surprised. And I'm super sad that you're not gonna be using The Stranger to pound some goddamn sense into the rest of this town anymore.
You certainly made a difference, for the better. We've all been fortunate to have you at the news desk at our only paper. Godspeed, my friend.
NaFun on September 23, 2014 at 3:57 AM · Report this
82
@80 I think I'm gonna suggest a "Dom's leaving The Stranger" rager for, lessee, week after Decibel. Riz, you'd play the backyard, yeah?
NaFun on September 23, 2014 at 4:00 AM · Report this
83
I'm sorry to see you go Dominic. You've done a lot of great work at The Stranger and I look forward to seeing what you do next.

In any case, what is going on? Is this a conspiracy? Does the Kings County Sheriff's Office secretly own The Stranger and only now have they enacted their revenge? It seems likely.
delirian on September 23, 2014 at 5:15 AM · Report this
84
Oh my gosh, Dominic! It just occurred to me that if you were to run for council and win, you'd probably be assigned to City Light (for some reason the junior council member always gets the cash cow)

If that happens, remember your Auntie Catalina (and your dear neighbor Candy) won't you?
Catalina Vel-DuRay on September 23, 2014 at 6:26 AM · Report this
85
Good luck and happy trails.
Pope Peabrain on September 23, 2014 at 7:35 AM · Report this
86
Good luck Dom. Those bananas are almost ripe.
BiffaloBuff on September 23, 2014 at 7:54 AM · Report this
87
Best of luck at your new gig, editor of the SPOG newsletter!

Seriously, you've managed to make Seattle a better place through your work, which is why so many of us will miss you.
Sir Vic on September 23, 2014 at 7:56 AM · Report this
88
Your articles were always a treat to read! The Stranger won't be the same without your talents.
on September 23, 2014 at 8:04 AM · Report this
89
Take care, little buddy! Your contributions to The Stranger were excellent!
Keister Button on September 23, 2014 at 8:21 AM · Report this
90
Seattle's only newspaper just got a lot less newspapery. Good luck and godspeed!
Westside forever on September 23, 2014 at 8:47 AM · Report this
91
Calm seas and a prosperous voyage.
Griffin on September 23, 2014 at 8:48 AM · Report this
92
@90 Exactly! Best wishes!
Tracy on September 23, 2014 at 8:56 AM · Report this
93
Oh no! The Stranger won't be the same without you. Best of luck on your new projects!
mitten on September 23, 2014 at 9:08 AM · Report this
94
Dominic, I'll miss your reporting on underdeveloped mass transit and bad Seattle cops.

Yes, Seattle is too timid. Too timid to live up to it's "progressive city" PR and substantially address the aforementioned issues.
neo-realist on September 23, 2014 at 9:29 AM · Report this
95
All good wishes; you will be missed!
Gidget on September 23, 2014 at 9:58 AM · Report this
96
Worst April Fools post ever. (Shitty timing, too.)

Love, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial
David Schmader on September 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM · Report this
97
I'll keep an eye out for your by-line. Your writing is consistently great. I always feel smarter after reading one of your articles.
Schweighsr on September 23, 2014 at 10:12 AM · Report this
98
Good luck Sir. You're a self-centered pain in the ass, but you were also a fixture of known quality.

The trouble with these events, which seem to be accelerating, is as @67 puts it so well: why? Somehow natural turn-over, particularly in the case of Mr Holden, seems unlikely. We'll suspect a nasty profit taking shallowing of content until proven otherwise. Woe unto an active independent media locally.
theophrastus on September 23, 2014 at 10:15 AM · Report this
99
God damn it, Dominic! You think just because you need new challenges in your life and the ability to pay for rent and food that you can just up sticks and leave us behind? That's so unfair! Don't think about yourself, think about US, dammit!

Well, whatever it is you end up doing, I hope it's something that we can see, and maybe even pester you at there as well. You'll be missed here.
Fnarf on September 23, 2014 at 10:19 AM · Report this
100
miss you already
Chris Govella on September 23, 2014 at 11:02 AM · Report this
101
Over 100 comments Dom!!! Feeling loved? Seriously, your work for the Stranger will be missed, but it's great to know you're not fading away. Consider rejoining the Connelly Clan Expedition Adventure next fall.
civilmajor on September 23, 2014 at 11:14 AM · Report this