Back last spring when Tim decided to introduce the Continental Telegraph, we discussed the kind of content that I could produce.
I suggested we offer a serial—or soap, if you prefer—that comments on current mores, politics, social behaviours, and culture.
What ensued is what you will have read or passed over: The Metropolitans (strap line: A saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture). A story about a prime minister and her entourage negotiating Brexit. Plus, a cast of other characters—an Uber driver and a hedge fund manager, as well as the trials and tribulations of 20 somethings, and others, living and working in the Big L, including the (fictional) PM’s plumber husband.
A key intention was to mirror in the serial current events in Britain. The big and the small stuff. In a humorous and wry way.
We agreed to try the serial for a year. If you look at the latest episode, we’re at Number 49, you’ll see that we’re pretty much there. Next week will most likely be the last for a bit.
Which brings me to the reason for this post.
There’s definitely a readership for The Metropolitans as we can track eyeballs for the pages, but it isn’t great, and—given the effort involved—it probably isn’t worth it to continue to write it.
However, before The Metropolitans goes dark shortly (I’m not saying it might not light up again, it’s “au revoir” and not “adieu”, as it were), it would be good to know whether readers here at the Continental Telegraph like the idea of a serial or think it isn’t really suitable content.
If they think a serial has a role, what should it be? More of the Metropolitans? Something else? Or should the Continental Telegraph concentrate on the kind of articles on economics and politics that have been posted recently?
To help us decide what to do, please write a comment to this post or, if you prefer, send me an email directly at:
Thank you.