The Daily Nole

Sunday Centerpiece: A Goodbye

Shortly after the 2015 Peach Bowl, editor Mike Ferguson and myself decided to embark on a new journey. We switched over from another site where we had both been contributing, and decided that we would attempt to build our own website in the world of Florida State athletics coverage.

The Daily Nole was made to give the most complete coverage of FSU athletics and FSU history.

At first, I was slightly worried. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come along initially, simply because I didn’t know if I wanted to continue writing. Eventually I said I’ll join, and thought to myself, if it doesn’t work out, no big deal.

For the past four years, you’ve shown me that I made the right decision to come along.

It’s almost impossible to remember everything I’ve witnessed and covered in the past four seasons. Two football head coaching changes, national championships in soccer and softball, a meteoric rise in the women’s and men’s basketball programs, the retirement of Mike Martin, and countless other stories. In terms of exciting changes and never-before-seen achievements, I don’t think there’s been a more active time in FSU history.

Was I busy a lot? Yes. Did I have a ton of fun along the way? Even more so. Some of the stories themselves were not fun, but even then, it’s a worthwhile venture to make sure fans know the full truth.

Not everything was so fun, however. Bigger sites occasionally ripped our scoops and would never credit us, but the same sites would throw a screaming fit if they were explicitly credited but not hyperlinked. Some members of the beat treated us as if we didn’t exist, despite us providing better and more consistent coverage of the same sports. It was frustrating and an eye-opening experience to what it’s like working in this industry.

Yet at the end of the day, I am proud of what we have provided for FSU fans throughout the years. I came in at a great time and now, I’m on to a different path in my career.

The reason I’m leaving The Daily Nole is because…life happens. When I was attending FSU and able to report on the games in person, things simply came together quicker. Even in the first year after I graduated, I was able to contribute to the site often.

But now, I’m in Tennessee working as a news reporter, and the time for me to contribute just isn’t there. I don’t talk to many people from Tallahassee anymore and it means that I’m not able to bring our readers the same stories and insight I once did.

The site itself will still be going, thanks to the tireless efforts of Mike, whose list of current employers could act as a resume in its entirety. He still brings what I would say is the most unique view of FSU sports on the beat.

It’s been a fun ride and I’m glad that I was able to do it! It’s taught me more than I can put into words. For now, if you still want to know what I’m doing, you can follow me on Twitter @WBBJ7ClintE. I can’t guarantee I’m on there much, but maybe that’ll change with 2020 ahead.

For now, continue to enjoy the coverage brought to you by The Daily Nole. I’ll be making sure to sit down and read every piece — this time, as a fan.

Clint Eiland was the lead writer for The Daily Nole. Follow Clint on Twitter @ClintEiland. Like The Daily Nole on Facebook. To pitch an idea, author a post or to learn more about The Daily Nole, email Mike Ferguson at Mike@TheDailyNole.com.

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