It's baaaaaack!

The popular local blog Fort Wayne Observed is back after being turned off for a few weeks, and with some changes. Blog owner Nathan Gotsch is doing the "other pursuits" thing (hope that means things are going well for him in California) and has transferred the blog to Mitch Harper, the former state legislator who now runs the Indiana Parley blog.

Here are statements from Mitch and Nathan, which are on the new version of the blog (will be available here starting at midnight; but the old link, which you can find under my blog roll, should work, too).

Statement from Mitch Harper:

I have been grateful for the advice, pointers and encouragement that I received from Nathan Gotsch. I have come to admire him for his industry, consistency, and high standards.

Nathan developed a large amount of traffic in a short period of time. That he freely shared that traffic with other weblogs is a testament to the mentoring role he sought to play.

His promoting of weblogs, including my own, is greatly appreciated and I know that many others would echo those thoughts.

I am grateful for the role he has played in encouraging the development of an active blogging community in Fort Wayne, one that gives voice to persons whose outlook might never be shared through any other medium and one that tries to make media and government more transparent and accountable.

I am taking over the site because I want to help make sure it continues.

Statement from Nathan Gotsch:

I'm pleased that Mitch Harper has agreed to my request that he take over Fort Wayne Observed. The most important mission of the site is to encourage growth and discussion in the Fort Wayne blogosphere, and I think he is uniquely equipped to handle that task.

The fact that his political beliefs are well-known and that he served for many years as a Republican in the state legislature has not disqualified him from being a good -- and fair -- blogger. Just look at several of his Indiana Parley posts from the past few days: a pleasant exchange with Left of Centrist blogger Robert Rouse and breaking the news that Democrat Geoff Paddock would like to run for State Representative should Ben GiaQuinta retire.

And I suspect Harper's knowledge and understanding of local politics will be an asset for Fort Wayne Observed, especially in this election year.

As a side note, I want to let people know that Fort Wayne Observed's recent disappearance had nothing to do with any legal issues related to my decision to publish Carroll (the Book). As FWOb readers already know, I am not intimidated by threats, legal or otherwise.

I thank the city of Fort Wayne for the opportunity to report and comment on its news these last nine months, and I look forward to seeing its blogosphere continue to grow.

The site has a nice, clean look, topped with an old Fort Wayne photo (plans are to rotate a series of old photos). But it's content that matters, so Harper's vow to keep the growth of the Fort Wayne blogosphere going is important. As the number of blogs grows, there will be many perspectives and personal missions. Having a clearinghouse, this early in our blog history, to keep track of what's going on should enable all the budding posters out there the freedom to explore their own unique nitches. It should also help the combined effort of local bloggers become a powerful new source of news and opinion for people. A lot will depend on how distinctive Mitch makes his blogs; not just Mitch I and Mitch II but two different missions. Perhaps this will allow him to further elaborate his political views on Indiana Parley.

I hope one of the effects of all this isn't the loss of the Indiana Blog Review, another site started by Nathan. In its attempts to note the most interesting stuff from all over the state blogosphere, it has also been a valuable resource. Postings there have been spotty since Nathan gave it over to someone else -- nothing new since Feb. 9, for example.

Good luck, Nathan, and congratulations to Mitch. May the growth of local blogs make your job ever harder.