It's hard to believe that it's already been a month, yet it has.
The month of August represents the first complete calendar month in 6 years that I have lived outside of Las Vegas, and it's kind of flown by.
Since I have been all over the place for the past five weeks, I must concede that I have almost completely neglected the usual "behind-the-scenes" stuff. With the exception of a few text messages and PM's, I've more or less been out of touch with most people that are not in my immediate circle.
Since the end of July, I have received 1,740 emails in my "blog" email account. Some of them are SPAM, some are from advertisers or from people wanting to exchange links, but the majority of them are actual correspondence from people who have something to say about my move. Of all of the articles I have written over the years, this development has drawn (by far) the largest response.
Fortunately for me, most of the email has been quite positive. Probably a solid 80% of it. Many people express some disappointment, but end up wishing me well. I appreciate this. If people aren't disappointed when you leave then you never did anything worth missing. You were never relevant. I think half of the so-called "Las Vegas blogs" could disappear tomorrow and nobody would notice, much less have people still expressing disappointment a month later.
Of course, not all of the email has been positive. Some of it has been mean and downright weird.
One person has dutifully emailed me every day for the last 5 days. On each of these days, he has outlined in painful detail everything that he thinks is wrong with me, and he always ends his correspondence with a declaration that he will never read my articles again. The thing is, when someone leaves you 5 days in a row, you can't help but question their commitment to the break-up. "I will never, ever read you or contact you again ... see you tomorrow!" is just not convincing. For this particular individual, I would like to reply with the following:
To the left, to the left, everything you own is in a box to the left.
I've moved on. I'm fucking Beyonce' doggy-style now. Sorry.
Of course, a few people in the angry-mob crowd are wannabe-Vegas bloggers who are pissed as frenchmen in deodorant factories that their press release copy/paste "blogs" never quite took off. To you folks I say the following:
Now's your chance. It's your shot to be VegasWhatever. I left Las Vegas and you now have a prime opportunity to take over where I left off. You're not going to get there by sitting at home all day hitting "refresh" on my blog or making comments under 12 usernames through an anonymous proxy. That's not going to do anything for your credibility or your bottom line. Don't worry about what I'm doing. Put the keyboard down, rediscover daylight, and go live the life that you swear exists in Las Vegas. While you're at it, blog about it, take photos and share it with everyone else. Don't tell me how it's done, show me how it's done. Anyone can be a critic, but those who can make something better are few. Don't be a sayer, be a doer. Get out there, bust your ass, and take your rightful place in the blogosphere.
While you're at it, resist the urge to be Creed. Like the tourism industry and the successful Vegas housing market, the VegasRex-era is over. When I say "take over where I left off", I don't mean verbatim. I mean develop your own style and be yourself. "I hate VegasRex, but look at this ironic photo I took of an overflowing trash can in front of the Bellagio" is not believable. Don't be a biter while being a hater, and please don't call press releases "blog posts". Find your own voice and don't contribute to the almost complete lack of originality that currently exists in Dirt City.
Channel your frustrations toward me into your own endeavors and don't sit around waiting for someone else to fill the void. Do it yourself.
It's good advice. Take it.
As for everyone else, well, I feel as though I have left more questions than answers about my own blogging future, and also my future with Las Vegas. I haven't really allowed "Vegas-philes" to obtain closure, and I haven't really outlined my own path going forward.
As such, I will try to rectify this once and for all.
In no particular order, I will address the most common recurring questions (some of them stupid), comments, and concerns, and hopefully this will serve as closure for the Vegas-centric content that was liked by some, hated by others, yet paid attention to by most in the online Vegas world.
Will you still be VegasRex?
Did Minnesota Fats change his name when he moved to Nashville?
No. He's not even from Minnesota.
Did the Jets change their name when they moved to New Jersey?
No.
Did Bushwick Bill change his name when he moved to Houston?
No.
Did Amarillo Slim change his name when he was indicted on indecency charges with a 12 year old girl?
Hell no!
Yeah, I don't get that last one either.
Anyway ...
Frankly, I've earned the name "VegasRex", and 20 years from now when I'm sitting around with my pecker in one hand and a keyboard in the other ... and I come across one of my archived photos from the Adult Entertainment Expo, I'm going to say "Hey, I took that!", and then I'll rub one out in my own honor. There is still "VegasRex" content all over the internet, and it's all mine. I created it. I wrote it. I took it. As long as it remains on the Internet, so shall I. I am he and he is I. I did decent stuff, and Las Vegas' failings were necessarily not my own.
Just because there won't be tons more content from Vegas does not change this. I made the name just like Jordan made #23, and just like Jordan's number, the name retires with me and I get to keep it as an honorary title wherever I am in the world. If you make your mark, you can do that.
That being said, I will most likely choose to use it more honorarily among the old-timers than literally. I'll probably stamp my stuff going forward with a new name, perhaps just "Rex".
I think I let Las Vegas get famous by riding on the coattails of my name for long enough.
It's time for the town to make its own way.
Read Group Therapy
Comments
DCO
i know this is not going to be popular opinion but i actually like the Rex Report more than Vegas Rex. I dont read everyday like I used to but I think Rex's blogs are more diverse and interesting. Good on you for improving your life, I wish more people would do the same. Best regards. Dan.
William Beem
This is very good stuff. I will be back later for more. I enjoy your photos of beverages and small dogs.
VegasSam
BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mrglenn
Congrats on the move. Not sure why you chose Oly but hey, to each his own. I was stationed at Ft. Lewis and met my future wife who is from Olympia. Her folks still live there. I didn't mind the area (at least not when I was single, hehe). Just not a big fan of being rained on so much. Oh, and because I'm terrified of Sasquatch! Had plenty of Big Tom burgers and seen all the skanky hoes in Olympia (three total, I think). Anyway, best of luck to ya. I've been quietly observing the VegasRex Show and now I look forward to seeing what ORex will bring.
PDX Girl
Been fan of yours for a year now. Hope you like it here. It's certainly different from the desert but I think you'll like it despite the lack of sunshine. As you've noticed we make up for it during the summer. It's really a beautiful place to live and there are lots of things to do and so much going on. I'm looking forward to what you think about Portland and the rest of the PNW. It's been my home for 10 years and I love it. It'll be interesting to hear your take on it.
MedicluvsLasVegas
Rex,
Glad the move went well. I am sad that you will not be doing daily Vegas blogs. You are one of the true people who I looked to everyday with a bright spot knowing I'll have something to look foreward too. Loved the pictures and the blogs. Made me feel like I was there.
On the other hand I hope all goes well for you, and your new home. I'd love to learn about Seattle.
There were a few places on Man VS Food there. The show next week will be in Portland. Can you maybe make it so some of the places on the show and let us know what you think?
eastla
I'm sticking around for the Rex train also. I'll see where it takes me.
Brian - Where the fuck did you come up with this stuff? You have poor reading comprehension.
Rex states this above. --> "I'll probably stamp my stuff going forward with a new name, perhaps just "Rex"."
If you're going to stalk Rex do it right.
Phil
ITA RON FROM MI!
Btw Brian's just another 98er and a hater. What Rex wrote must've hit a nerve.
Jon
If Vegas photos were the only things I was looking for, I could easily google them. I read you b/c of your writing, regardless of the topic, you make it entertaining. I don't read you b/c I agree w/ you. Most of the time I actually don't agree w/ you. But I still enjoy your opinions and rants and respect the fact that you back up your views, right or wrong. So keep up your non toned down, Un PC, in your face writing b/c it brightens the day of twisted fucks like me.
@Brian and all the other names you use. Why don't you losers take Rex's advice and get out there and make a better website then put your url up here so we can all check it out. If you're good then you'll get some loyal readers. And stop blaming Rex for your failures. Look in the mirror and figure out how to improve yourselves instead. I can see that Rex was right, he's got some fucked up stalkers. He's been out of Las Vegas for a month and you're still stalking his ass. Rex I don't envy you at all in this regard. I would not be able to contain my temper and would kick some stalker ass.
Also please read the following carefully. If you are leaving, LEAVE ALREADY and quit coming back to tell us you're leaving again and again and again!
brian
Wow- what a difference from the Rex I started reading 2 years ago- you know the one..... funny, informative etc. Then he got a contract with some commercial website and sold out. Now he blows Vegas without so much as a "Thanks for the popularity, now go Fuck yourselves" and thinks people are going to CARE about the same type of page about 'whats going on in Seattle/Olympia' while still hanging on to reporting Las Vegas info from out of state like all the poser bloggers he belittles.
I'll miss the Rex of years ago, but sure am not going to keep reading the blog of a arrogant, pompous blowhard that used to be entertaining.
Rex- compare the monthly website hits from last year on VegasRex and match them with the hits a few months from now when no one cares about 'TacomaTaylor' or whatever you might be calling yourself.
Steve
Good move Rex, I really enjoy reading your blog. Goodluck in the Northwest!
mapman
I experienced 82 days in Oregon without seeing the sun. When it finally came out shoppers and the storekeepers stepped outside and applauded. And you don't like trees? Enjoy the winter you self proclaimed MJ of the internet.
BuckeyeFan
Rex, i will miss your Vegas updates. You gave me a connection to my favorite vacation spot that no other blog could do. Best of Luck.
LizzieGirl
@Ron from MI - WELL SAID!
Chris
I would apprecieate more pics of the girl on the front page.
Thanks
briguyx
I'm happy to see after years of putting down Vegas bloggers who don't live in the city, you're being clear-eyed about your new circumstances.
It seems like you've picked up some new readers here at Casino Top 10 and I recommend they find your Vegas Rex/Rex Report site and read some of your archived work. It's well worth it!
Frank
Thank you Rex. I don't blame you for leaving at all. You did what you had to do to make a better life for your family. I never saw Las Vegas as a good place to raise kids. My daughter considered it a few years back but I put a stop to that immediately, for my grandkid's sake. And boy is she glad to have taken my advice, which was more like a direct order. Sometimes fathers do know best and in your case you did the right thing as well. Good for you. Add me to those that are sticking around and enjoying the ride.
RON FROM MI
You know, I just don't get it.
I think we need to give Rex some level of gratitude here.
Being angry or upset is natural, but protesting becasue he left Las Vegas is just plain stupid.
Let's give him a round of applause than a shout of condemnation; he worked hard for all of us: all the commentary, pics, vids, time and unbiased opinion in the last several years.
With the current economic and social condtions that had belted Vegas in the last few years, it is no wonder that the trasient nature of the town has gotten bigger. I feel Rex had to swallow his pride about the town and had used some due diligence on his part.
Some things have to be done; otherwise, people can't grow.
It's up to us, as Rex Said, to know what's happening in Vegas. It also doesn't mean he's abandoning the town entirely; just less.
So again, lets give him the utmost gratitude and not kick him in the nuts when he's down, please?
Fair.
keith
yet another "angry typing guy" with nothing better to do with his life
BILL DICKS
Rex,
We would appreciate reports about where you are now. Reporting on hookers, the homeless, and Northwest life in general would be very interesting! Funny that you call Vegas "dirt city!" Never will you look so far and only see the color brown!
Lori
^^ Yikes. I see what you mean about creepy stalkers.
TriState79
How about telling everyone how you were forced out of Vegas? Talk about sour grapes.
your stalker
Oops sorry I'll try not to email you everyday. How about every other?