August 15th, 2010 - The Long Patrol's 14th Anniversary
Today is The Long Patrol's 14th Anniversary. To mark the occasion, here's some insight into what's coming for the site, which hopefully explains why you haven't seen much activity here in awhile.
The site is undergoing a massive redesign on the coding side of things. I've got two thick volumes on CSS and XHTML that I've been reading to try and brush up on my coding skills and would like to add some PHP and MySQL functionality in there, as well. I've always coded my websites from scratch-- text files with every bit of HTML typed out-- with scripts like the Forum being the sole exception. When it comes to basic HTML, I got very, very good at getting pages to turn out how I wanted them to, manipulating tables for layout purposes and so forth. But, as anyone who's done any coding knows, tables are downright archaic in web design and virtually everything these days is done using some form of CSS codes, PHP, MySQL, and combinations of the three. Having not really pushed my coding chops since, oh, 1999-ish when the AOL "Web Diner" area closed (back in the days when AOL had honest to goodness areas), it's a lot of ground for me to cover.
I have some-- I'll be conservative and say "adequate"-- CSS coding skills now, but I'm playing around and trying to get them better and get an easy-to-use design that looks the way I want it to. Coding, of course, is only half the issue, because I'd also like to swap out the color scheme of both the site and the Forum when I go live with the redesign. I'm currently exploring options here-- I'm leaning towards something on the green palette-- but am open to suggestion (and have often thought about putting it to a vote for the guys on the Forum).
Once the coding and color scheme is picked out, I can start working on the site's image-work... new banners for the various sections, probably not an image-button navigation approach (you'll probably see the return of a sidebar, or at least a non-image map masthead). The trick here is that I've always preferred the site to maintain some feeling of "Redwallishness". Tapestries, parchment, vines... have I always achieved that? No. And it's some of the impetus behind the redesign (that and this one has been in use nearly eight years). So locking that down is a lot of trial and error. If I had the time to devote to this the way I used to, it would probably already be done by now, but unfortunately...
Content wise, The LP will probably move towards an archival look. There will be a static introduction page with the full navigation, dynamic updating might be relegated to a blog feature. Instead of a rundown of what's new on the site, it would likely be home to a series of one-off essays-- likely informal writings (because I can edit formal pieces to death) about the books, BJ, club, etc.-- that keep the ball rolling, but don't require fresh coding each and every time.
Elements like the Book Reviews would be brought up to date (I've honestly got a fairly large stack to wade through in terms of writing them) and maintained, but that would probably be the only section to continue in the current fashion.
The Editorials page I'm looking into options for. The three that immediately come to mind are either maintain the present articles strictly as an archive and close off new submission, take down the section entirely, or integrate some modified, moderated blog and have submissions handled that way (allowing for active commenting and bringing in some editors to help maintain the section without needing FTP access).
The pass-a-long is a low priority, because it's not going anywhere... but when I get around to it, there will probably be a notice posted, a story planning session held via something like AIM, and then a core group (or just myself) would proceed to wrap it up so that some semblance of an ending can be achieved. Think of it as a writer's retreat like the ones used for TV shows or comic books.
The BJ section probably needs an overhaul-- at least a new introduction by me, since I wrote that thing back in 1998 (and I'm a much better writer now than I was back then). It's still in brainstorming stage right now.
Releases I'll probably drop altogether. It's a weird carryover from when I split off the Newsline as something separate that was kept around because it was handy, but it's been a bit superfluous for awhile now.
Links I'll probably cut even more. I haven't gone through that list in ages, I imagine there are several dead links there now, so that'll be addressed.
The thing I think you guys will find most interesting is the launch of the Feature section. Honestly, it's probably where I see the site going as it moves forward. There are four or five subject matters I've got in mind, there will be in-depth analysis, accompanying images/multimedia as the case may be, and an exploration of areas of Redwall that frankly interest me more than "Who's your favorite character?" or "Was Veil good or evil?" (Although, on that note, I will probably get around to editing and posting the mock-trial the LP role-played out back in 1998 tackling this very subject. It was an organizational nightmare, but very rewarding.) For instance, one of the things I'll be tackling is prior expectations to Redwall. When I started reading the books, I was given a list of all of them (although Mattimeo was misspelled "Mattimo") and as I worked my way through the list, each title brought to mind an image-- a cover, an expected plotline, an atmosphere to the world-- that wound up being completely, entirely wrong. But I still remember enough of those expectations that I can share them and see if you guys had an experience similar. That's probably the most mundane of subject matters, but it gives you a taste. The rest I'd rather surprise you guys with.
Oh, and something I've long thought about doing is archiving the old "Remark on Redwall Week" discussions from the Forum as part of the site, since they can provide some interesting examinations in their own right. Beyond that, special book-centric chats whose logs are also archived on the site is something else I've long considered doing.
So, that's a lengthy bit of insight into where I see the site going. It's all hostage to code-work, image-work, color-scheme, and above all, time. That's the sad truth. I wish it weren't so, but unfortunately it is.
Incidentally, afore-mentioned plans regarding the Newsline are something wholly separate. Those I'll keep to myself for now. ;) I can promise you the site is neither ignored nor forgotten. But I am going to give myself the time to do it all right rather than rush something to "print" (as it were).
Thanks for your support! Happy Anniversary, all!
August 15th, 2009 - The Long Patrol's 13th Anniversary
As of today, The Long Patrol is 13 years old. It's truly amazing-- 1996 seems like a lifetime ago.
Unfortunately, breaking with tradition, I have neither an update nor an anniversary image to share with you. I'm in the midst of a site redesign, which unfortunately is not quite ready and spread out over several computers. Rest assured, you'll see it in the coming months. Just not today.
Until the site redesign is complete, you won't find much in the way of new content. Once it's done, though, I've got some interesting stuff coming your way.
As always, thanks for visiting!
August 15th, 2008 - The Long Patrol's 12th Anniversary
Today marks 12 years since HTML was first put to text file and The Long Patrol was born. I find that as more and more of these milestones roll around, none of the feelings of awe and gratitude go away-- they're only amplified. That this site has been able to attract such a loyal group of visitors who make it all worth while is humbling. That it has served as a gateway for me to interact with various creators who have worked on Redwall over the years is amazing-- something I know I didn't envision back in 1996.
On that note, we actually have an update for you today-- The Long Patrol's interview with Troy Howell is finished! Read it here.
Troy's been with Redwall since the beginning, giving him a unique perspective. My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Howell for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check it out!
More updates are on the way. Thanks for your support over the past twelve years-- I hope you'll stick around for twelve more!
November 11th, 2007 - David Wyatt Interviewed
I've just posted the latest interview in The Long Patrol's series. This time we're joined by U.K. cover artist, David Wyatt!
Since his Redwall debut in 2002, Wyatt has drawn U.K. covers for Triss, Loamhedge, Rakkety Tam, High Rhulain, Eulalia!, Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, The Angel's Command and Voyage of Slaves.
In the interview, we find out about David's background, what kind of work goes into producing the cover artwork for the novels (Brian gets involved in the process!), and the challenges of Redwall versus Castaways. You'll also see his Eulalia! cover from its start as a pencil rough all the way to the finished product. Read the interview here!
I want to thank Mr. Wyatt, once again, for taking the time to answer my questions. It was an incredibly enjoyable experience!
Check back in the future for our interviews with Troy Howell and Bret Blevins.
November 11th, 2007 - Updating Cover Art
I've been going through and updating the cover art sections in The Bookshelf. Primarily adding in the U.K. Audio Book covers, which mostly feature the same Sean Rubin artwork as their U.S. counterparts, albeit with different framing (which I thought warranted adding them).
As part of that batch, we've got four covers that haven't hit U.S. shores, though. There's Rubin's artwork for The Bellmaker and Outcast of Redwall (full versions of which are on his website) and a pair of non-Rubin covers for Castaways of the Flying Dutchman and The Angel's Command. I've added the CD versions below, but you can see more of the art on the cassette tape versions (which were also posted on the Bookshelf).
Another cover addition is the Blacksheep UK cover for The Bellmaker... or should I say, the second version of the Blacksheep UK cover. The cover was redone to make Joseph a hooded mouse. You can see the comparison for yourself below.
In all, you'll find new covers on Redwall, Mattimeo, Mariel of Redwall, The Bellmaker, Outcast of Redwall, The Taggerung, Triss, Rakkety Tam, Castaways of the Flying Dutchman and The Angel's Command. More on the way.
October 21st, 2007 - David Elliot Interviewed
I've just posted the next interview in The Long Patrol's series. Our subject this time around is none other than David Elliot!
David is the fifth (and current) Redwall illustrator, who took over with Triss in 2002. Since then he's illustrated four more Redwall books, as well as two from the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series. He's currently at work on the next Redwall book, Doomwyte (due out next year).
I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Elliot for taking the time for this interview! It was a wonderful experience!
Our next interview will be posted next week. Be sure to check back.
August 15th, 2007 - The Long Patrol's 11th Anniversary
It was exactly 11 years ago today that The Long Patrol first went online and if there's one thing I've noticed during that time, it's that the older you get, the faster the years go by. Too fast, in fact.
I've got a couple of essays sitting on my computer, about 70% completed, that I'd hoped to have for you today, but I'm afraid circumstances conspired (for clearly it was malicious on their part, those rotten circumstances ;) to keep me from getting them finished in time. I'll have them for you sometime this week, just not today. (I've also got a bunch of reviews to throw at you. Once I finish the coding and image-work, they'll start trickling in alongside the essays.)
Redwall fandom has changed remarkably in the 11 years I've been a part of it. I wanted to explore that a bit-- it even ties into (sort of) one of the essays-- but I'm running short on time, so it'll have to wait. Instead, I'll just take this opportunity to say a few words.
To the few of you who have been with us for all 11 years, words cannot express my gratitude towards you. Your support has meant a lot to me, it's helped make this site possible, and I hope you'll stick around for the next 11 years, too!
To those of you who have just stumbled onto the site, the "newbies", thank you for visiting! I hope you enjoy the site and that you'll be back for the essays later this week! Stick around!
And to everyone else who falls inbetween the two groups-- thank you, from the bottom of my heart! You're the lifeblood of any site-- the ones who came in at one point and decided it was worth sticking around for. Thank you!
Eleven years goes by in the blink of an eye. Happy Anniversary!
The next installment should be ready to go soon. Keep your eyes peeled.
May 28th, 2007 - Introducing The Liverpool Bookshelf
Things have been rather quiet since the last update. That's because I was hard at work on the section that's debuting today-- The Liverpool Bookshelf!
Prior to writing Redwall in 1985, Brian Jacques was very active on the Liverpool folk scene. He was part of the folk-singing group The Liverpool Fishermen, had his many monologues and stories about Liverpool life published, penned his own stage play (Brown Bitter, Wet Nellies and Scouse) which was performed at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, and he, ultimately, wound up with his own radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside, Jakestown, which ran until last autumn.
Next up is the record album Swallow the Anchor from his days as part of the group, The Liverpool Fishermen (complete with lyrics).
Finally, there's the record album A Gig wid Brig, a recording of a live show Brian, his wife Liz, and Tony Higham put on in Solihull in 1974 (also with lyrics).
There will be more additions to The Liverpool Bookshelf in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out!
The next interview should be ready for posting soon. Thanks for being patient.
April 15th, 2007 - The Long Patrol Interviews... Everyone!
Longtime visitors will remember when The Long Patrol first began interviewing members of the production staff of the Redwall Television Series-- still one of the coolest things I've ever been able to do for the site. Since that last interview in 2002, I haven't done much in that area, but that all changes today-- in a big way.
Today we begin a series of interviews with the various individuals who have worked on Redwall-- past, present, and future-- over its 20 years of existence. Among those who have generously agreed to be interviewed are (this list could very well grow as we've got requests in to a few more individuals, as well):
Stuart Moore, the comic book writer responsible for adapting Redwall into graphic novel form, due out October.
David Wyatt, the current U.K. cover artist (whose work can be seen one update down).
Troy Howell, U.S. cover artist and the only illustrator who has been with Redwall for all 20 years.
David Elliot, the current illustrator for both of Brian's series, 'Redwall' and 'Castaways of the Flying Dutchman'.
We thank each and every one of them for taking the time to answer The Long Patrol's questions!
The first interview to kick us off is with Stuart Moore, the writer responsible for adapting Redwall into graphic novel form. The interview was conducted before I'd been given the chance to see the finished product-- which is absolutely phenomenal!-- so there are quite a few questions about the structure of the story and the creators' approach. Also included: a five page preview!
