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It’s been 1,293 days since I began working full-time at Grandex but it feels like yesterday. To anyone that has read the site or listened to our network of podcasts, I can’t express anything other than my sincere thanks for reading the site day-in and day-out and enduring the hiccups — both major and minor — along the way.

As you’ve noticed, there hasn’t been anything posted on the site today, November 14th. This is a product of major changes that have taken place at Grandex, one of those changes being difficult layoffs that have affected me (and the company) both personally and professionally.

In addition to other employees that were let go, I’ll confront the people you’re wondering about — Dave and Dillon. Yes, they were a part of the layoffs. This clearly means that drastic changes are on the horizon not only for this very website but for Touching Base, the podcast we hosted together.

Dave hired me in 2015. On my first day of work, he picked me up from the parking lot I incorrectly Ubered to and brought me to the office where I would work closely with him for the next three-and-a-half years. Not only was he my boss and confidant for much of my tenure here, but he remains one of my best friends who I plan on continuing my relationship with despite the changes we’ve seen.

I walked into Dillon’s office in March of 2016 with an idea — I wanted to record an episode of a podcast with him. We didn’t have any grandiose plans to turn it into anything more than a standalone piece of content, but many of you know that it was the first episode of what would become Touching Base.

And boy, was it a ride. A very bizarre, weird, niche, unorganized, enjoyable ride. The most fun ride I’ve ever been on; a ride I shared with not just two coworkers but two people who mean more to me than I can even begin to explain. For three years, I talked to Dave and Dillon more than I talked to anyone — my other friends, my family, my girlfriend, anyone. Hearing the news that they would no longer be with the company I’m still employed by was news that I still haven’t fully digested and will likely carry with me for longer than I’d like to admit.

I’m a sap. I’m soft. That’s not news to anyone. And more than anything, I hate business. I hate numbers. I hate the realities that go along with anything business-related, especially when it involves people you grow with and love. The harsh reality is that business decisions often get in the way of the fun, and that’s the only way I can put it despite its complete lack of eloquence.

This wasn’t a decision I made, nor was it a decision I had input in. But everything aside, it was a decision that was made and the only thing I (and you) can do is understand that a lot of things in life (especially the things you don’t want to accept) are out of our control.

I know this isn’t helpful, but I don’t have much of an explanation for what’s going to happen moving forward. That’s what the next few days, weeks, and months are for — to figure that shit out. What I do know is that Touching Base is no longer. Am I going to make every attempt possible to pull off a Charlie Conway and get the band back together to record a farewell episode? Absolutely, but I can’t promise it. As far as the other podcasts on the Grandex network that the affected employees were a part of, well, I think you see the writing on the wall there as well.

As for the site itself, it’s my first priority to sort out the logistics of what’s going to happen. Frankly, I don’t have an answer right now for what it’s going to look like tomorrow, next week, or next month. That’s for me, Grandex, and our incredible remote staff to figure out.

I understand there will be a lot of questions, concerns, and comments from you, the readers and commenters. While I’m sure they’ll be difficult for all involved parties to read, I assure you that I’ll read every last one of them. Fair or foul. Compliment or criticism. Statement or speculation.

The community they were instrumental in building is a strong one. From anonymous trolling to engagement rings, I’ve seen it all. I’m sure many of you will have things to say, and I ask that you say them with a kind heart and an understanding that certain things are the way they are despite how miserable those things may seem right now.

I know this feels bleak, but things are on the horizon. Bear with me. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got beers to drink with Dave and Dillon. Maybe even an El Dave if things escalate. .