Man de la Maza

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Bowing Out

I believe this will be my last entry in this blog. Rather than just let it fade away, I thought I'd bring it to a close. Though I'm still having fun playing chess, I don't really want to actively work on chess improvement, and that's what the Knights are about. It has also become apparent to me that I am no longer the right person to lead the Knight's Errant Order. I leave the choice of a successor open to the active knights. Whatever you decide, please post it in the comments to make it easy for future newcomers to find you.

Thanks to all. It's been a hoot!

-Randy

PS after reading some comments
Dear Knights,

You speak as though I am resigning my membership which I am not. I am and will always be a Knight Errant de la Maza.

My decision not to post is in my own blog is more a decision not to water down the record of my experience. It has been challenging and rewarding, and I want it to stand on its own. I don't want it to divert attention though from the active body of Knights.

I will still post in your comments, and if something particularly noteworthy happens (making class A comes to mind), I will post. I just want to make sure that someone who stumbles on my blog doesn't think the Knights are dead because I haven't posted in 3 months.

posted by Don Q.

31 Comments:

  • What made you think we'll let you walk out just like that? But honestly, I get sad when one of the knights decides to withdraw. Even in the case of the orange knight (if anybone still remembers him). The knights is more than the circles I think, its the camaraderie.. So, I'll keep your link (for sentimental reasons). Hope you still read our blogs from time to time.

    And - since sancho has some things going on - hey tempo, do you want the throne? Or at least temporarily until sancho or whoever volunteers to take it.

    By Blogger Nezha, at 6:21 AM  

  • There are many more fields to conquer, my friend. Strategy, endgames, openings, the list goes on. Are you sure you don't want to set your sights on new chess vistas? I at least hope that you will continue your chess study even if you don't blog about it.

    By Blogger CelticDeath, at 7:11 AM  

  • Thanks Man de la Maza for all you did for us Knights. We must accept your decision We keep your blog linked and it is a good advice to all newcomers to read it carefully.

    I support Nezha's nomination of Tempo.

    By Blogger Christian, at 7:50 AM  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Christian, at 7:51 AM  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Christian, at 7:51 AM  

  • I'm sorry to hear that you might stop blogging, and I'd like to urge you to continue. Since you're still playing chess, I think you should keep posting about your games and results.

    There's very little data about how well people do after finishing a De Maza-type program, and it would be really useful if for people considering one to know how it works out.

    Plus, your blog is a fun read, y'know?

    By Blogger ed g., at 9:10 AM  

  • Thanks for being the pioneer. I think these blogs may continue for a few years to come...

    So, you have to tell us: did your rating go up 400 points?

    Temploschlucker would be great. He'll be around forever with his 800 circle plan! :)

    By Blogger Blue Devil Knight, at 10:23 AM  

  • Aw man. I was afraid of this. Dude, it would be a great loss to lose your leadership. If it wasn't for you our little community wouldn't have thrived like it did. Could we at least call one last meeting on ICQ before you make your decision, or have you already thought it through? We can also set a time to vote at that time too if we need to. Man, I'm so bummed out now.

    PS

    By Blogger Pawnsensei, at 11:39 AM  

  • Here's my take.

    By Blogger David Glickman, at 12:42 PM  

  • Not so quick. . .


    You need to report back once in a while about your rating. . .and let us know if this was worth it all. . .

    By Blogger Unknown, at 1:50 PM  

  • Aw man. Say it isn't so. Please say it isn't so.....if it is so, then at least take Jim's words into account. We'd love to hear how your chess comes along from time to time. Nothing major, just a little something to let us know what life is like post-circles. I've enjoyed reading your blog from the get go, and I dare say this whole thing probably wouldn't have gained momentum if it wasn't for your excellent, thoughtful, and humorous commentary.

    And if you must absolutely go for good, please don't take down the blog. It's packed with so much important insight into the circles program, and what one should expect along the way.

    Thanks for the great writing and good times.
    Sincerely,
    Sid Williamson
    aka....

    By Blogger Pale Morning Dun - Errant Knight de la Maza, at 3:07 PM  

  • But remember, you still have to win a tournament to prove your improvement! Only after this your errant is complete!!

    By Blogger GoodChessClub, at 5:54 PM  

  • Almost forgot.... and happy running!

    By Blogger GoodChessClub, at 5:55 PM  

  • Randy,
    It would be kind of silly to pull a MDLM and just disappear. Besides I thought once one completed the Circles of their choice they were no longer expected to post on a regular/semi regular schedule. Graduated is the term I think.
    If nothing else you should just drop by to check in and let us know if or how the completion of the Circles has influenced your approach to other pursuits.
    I realize the Knights have grown so large that it is impossible to keep up with everyone else's progress without having to spend 2+ hours a day just reading the blogs, never mind responding. It is just too daunting a task. Don't get me wrong it is really inspiring to see these folks band together and do something positive. I can honestly say that the Knights Errant is the friendliest and most helpful group of chess enthusiast on the planet.

    Since none of us are professionals it is expected at some point that we have to stop and take a break. Sometimes the best thing one can do is step away from a project, if for nothing else to gain a new perspective. Other times life dictates a break. Speaking of which I guess I will have to give an account of my past month and a half in my next post.
    So just drop us a hello once a week or so.
    Once you are in the family, there's no getting out... :)

    By Blogger Sancho Pawnza, at 8:02 PM  

  • Hi man, although I'm new here, that's sad to hear you're stopping. The Knights Errants is really a great group, and as I can see by posts from other(older) knights, wouldn't be the same without your leadership.

    Anyway, as stated by Sancho, don't shutdown the blog.. you could post now and then, at least to say 'hello' to us. ;)

    Good luck with your new projets!

    PS: I really hope that's not this de la Maza system that drive ppl away from chess..

    By Blogger knightwiz, at 12:38 AM  

  • Tempo seems a good choice. What say you Tempo? Do you accept the mantle of First Knight, Defender of the Faith, and the Guy who maintains the Offical Membership Roll?

    Jim, You can following my rating by clicking on my link under graduates in the sidebar. I'm doing pretty well in the club's current ladder tournament. If I can rack up another win next week, I may get into the 1700's.

    By Blogger Don Q., at 5:24 AM  

  • Don, Thanks for getting the blogging started and blazing the trail forward! Without running into you and the Knights I might never have made it as far as I have with the program.

    Keep in touch!

    PS How is the QGD coming along?

    By Blogger fussylizard, at 12:51 PM  

  • Well, first you have to know that companies where I work tend to go bankrupt (6x now!)and the chessclub where I am treasurer is halved just 6 month after I accepted that function. Further you may have noticed that I hang not very strict at the DLM-doctrine. But if you all can accept that, it would be an honour and a pleasure to me to wear the Mantle.

    By Blogger Temposchlucker, at 4:31 PM  

  • Don,

    Ok then. You BETTER make Class A dude. Heheheh. But seriously though, I felt a lot better after reading your PS. As long as you keep active on our blogs you'll still be around for guidance and support. I know it's selfish of me but I can't help it. Your posts were too damn funny. Plus I never would have started blogging if it weren't for your posts in ChessNinja.

    I would be happy with either PMD or TS as a leader. PMD for his sense of humor and upbeat attitude, and TS for his wealth of experience.

    PS

    By Blogger Pawnsensei, at 8:04 PM  

  • PMD or TS get my vote as well.
    Add to that list J'adoube too.
    Why not a co-leader deal, takes the strain off placing it all on one person.

    By Blogger Sancho Pawnza, at 8:31 PM  

  • The De Maza book is not available here locally. How about mailing me the same; I'd like to give it a shot!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 11:35 PM  

  • Don, I'm not sure what to say. I guess the best way is to say thanks for taking the leap, inspiring us, and posting those witty entries here in blogspace.

    Farewell Knight Emeritus, and best wishes on your journey!

    Spill

    By Blogger King of the Spill, at 11:39 PM  

  • Sad to see another good blog come to an end. But I see your reasoning. Good luck with everything.

    By Blogger Will, at 10:32 AM  

  • >>I don't really want to actively work on chess improvement...

    Why not??

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:11 PM  

  • I think that it is important to hear about life after circles.
    And if the progression last. So please, let us now if you are doing well in chessworld.
    After all, you ARE our exemple.
    Thank you so much for your inspiration!

    By Blogger Margriet, at 5:47 AM  

  • maybe a little off topic but what does Michael de la Maza do for a living?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:25 PM  

  • At the moment he did the circles he was unemployed, I believe (not due to:)

    By Blogger Temposchlucker, at 1:11 AM  

  • I know he was unemployed when he was doing the 7 circles. I'm interested in knowing what his profession is. CEO of some company? Engineer? Accountant? Any of you guys know?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:49 PM  

  • I believe he works in Artifical Intelligence. He is now Dr. De la Maza

    By Blogger Don Q., at 6:01 AM  

  • I ran across this blog yesterday (2-2-06). Today I read it from start to finish. I am really impressed with your entire chronicle. I started really getting into chess (tactics, slow games, Dan Heisman, etc.) back in 2003 and 2004. But then I went back to school (MBA) while still working full-time. When I'm done with school this October, I will refer back to this blog (and all the other Knights Errant) and follow all the tips you published (I liked your 10 circles of Hell). Anyway ... THANK YOU for a great & useful blog!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:56 PM  

  • Good luck, Rocky Rook. The Knights Errant seems to continue growing. I'm sure they would welcome a new brother.

    By Blogger Don Q., at 3:05 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home