There is an old saying: “If you can’t beat ’em, trick them into joining you.”
Or something like that.
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been neglectful of my duties here at VT of late. I have all the normal excuses you’ve all heard from me before, and I won’t rehash them all right now, but I fear that life simply does not allow me the time to devote to writing that it used to. This impacts the quantity, consistency, and quality of the work you all read on our pages. Quite some time ago, I determined that this was unacceptable and something would have to change.
Talking about my gloomy forecast for our site with my trustee cohort, Brett, he said something to me this winter that stuck with me for quite some time.
“We need our own Arif,” he told me.
Brett was referring to powerhouse Vikings analyst Arif Hasan who most will recognize for his work over at Daily Norseman. The statement stung a little bit, knowing full well that Arif was everything I wish I could be from a blogging standpoint. His thoughtful, analytical, and informed onslaught of football articles had been pissing me off for quite some time… because there was no way for me to ever top it.
After our own version of Arif Hasan failed to materialize out of thin air, I decided to reach out to him, to see if he’d be interested in joining us here at Vikings Territory on a permanent basis.
He was. And he has.
So, please join me in welcoming an incredible addition to Vikings Territory in Arif Hasan.
I am excited about the in-depth analysis and unique perspective Arif will bring to us here on a regular basis, but am also excited about what this means for the future of our site. With Tom Pelissero no longer on the Vikings beat, I personally think we now have the best Vikings writer out there playing on our team, and that should instantly make Vikings Territory a premiere source for all things purple.
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way to go, adam. this guy is very good. welcome, arif
Thanks, Cal, I couldn't be happier about this!
VT just became my favorite Vikings site. Arif is incredible.
Glad to hear it!
Welcome Arif. Looking forward to your writing. You've done some awesome stuff at DN.
How's Johnny doing these days?
Pretty good Adam. Can't wait for this miserable winter to end.
Only about 10 weeks left johnny. The snow was melting by Mother's Day last year.
Don't say that Coach not even in jest. I'll end up in the Looney bed if that happens. Now let's hear my bigger sister's comment about how warm it is in his neck of the woods
That's exciting news Adam. From a follower's standpoint, I'm sorry to hear you've become that busy. I've enjoyed your observations over the years (I've been following you since the old site). Even though I haven't commented much, I was there when you moved, when Brett was brought on board, and when the baby was born. I especially relied upon your thoughts and insights around this time of year. Instead of relying on, "I just have a feeling" or regurgitating what someone else has said, you provided an analysis of your own (much like what Arif does) on the players; from a Vikings standpoint. I appreciate the work you've put in; Thank You very much. I look forward to more in the future; hopefully. I'm glad Arif will be affiliated with a site. I hope this means all of his work will now be available in one location. I like reading his articles, but it can be difficult (at least for me) to find them. It seems like he's everywhere. Anyway, I think it's a great move, and I look forward to Arif's contribution to the territory. Welcome and congratulations.
Tom, thanks for the kind words and for your loyalty to the site. Your comment means a lot to me.
In the foreseeable future, it would be impossible for me to match the pace and quantity of articles that I used to produce... And that other sites produce. The guilt and stress associated with not being able to keep up has me feeling quite depressed actually. So I actually hope that the addition of Arif helps take away that stress and allows me to focus on quality of work instead of quantity. Between Arif, me, Carl, Lindsey, and Brett I'm guessing quantity will no longer be an issue!
So, yes, I will still be contributing regularly. Also, I know Brett is already exploring some great new technical enhancements to the site.
Arif will still have some writing obligations elsewhere, he will be detailing those in a DN post sometime soon, but VT is his new "home" and his primary focus.
Thanks again Tom!
I didn't even know this is the free agent signing period for blogs, Adam. Nice grab! And welcome Arif. Look forward to your perspectives, and I'm sure you will be impressed by ours too. (Well... if not impressed, at least startled from time to time.) Here's hoping you're the final piece in the Super bowl puzzle!
Wow! How'd you pull that off? Kidnap him Dexter style and threaten his family? Congrats to all and welcome Arif!!!
Wow....that's good. I have read some of Arif's stuff from the DN...when he gets going it's like reading a novel...he is one smart dude. I mean, he's no Freds, but who is?
Welcome Arif!
Dang, I guess I better make sure my responses are well thought out...I've seen him rip guys apart over there.
Thanks Adam!
Just when I thought I could move on with life without football "THEY PULL ME BACK IN!"
This pleases me greatly.
Great grab Adam. We are still going to need your insight on the Vikings. Welcome Arif.