As you may have heard, the Sun-Times laid me off in a sweep of cutbacks that also led to unemployment for a bunch of my friends at the paper. I kept hoping the Sun-Times would ask me to stay, but meh.
I really didn’t expect an outpouring of tributes from well wishers, but that’s what I got. More than 100 emails flooded in immediately after news of my layoff hit the Sun-Times, Trib, Reader and Poynter.org. Not one reader said anything negative until a gentleman, citing his political worldview, wrote, “good riddance” a few days later. More power to you, Random Angry Guy.
Below is a sample of some of your generous emails. I think you’re all awesome for writing in to say anything nice to me. Please forgive me for giving “Amazing Race” zero stars, etc., over the years.
Many Sun-Times readers want to know where they can read me next, which makes me feel super grateful and bittersweet about leaving Chicago.
The answer is, I have very happily said yes to a new entertainment writing job at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. As anyone who know me knows, I love Las Vegas. It's my adopted hometown. And I used to write for the R-J, which I love. So it's a lovefest day for me.
Anywho, thanks very, very much for your kind words, Chicago. It was a pleasure writing for you. May I see you on the other side of whatever.
-Doug

-=-=-=-=-

Sorry to hear that you are leaving our paper. In the morning, it was sports, Elfman, then everything else. I thought so much of your opinions I had my brother in New York reading your column daily. I believe you and he had corresponded a few times, and he always had great things to say about you. Someone with your obvious passion and fearlessness of opinion will be missed. I will be looking forward to see where your words will be printed next, and just like my brother does, I will be following you from afar. Unless you end up at the Tribune, like Rosenthal. Then I will be following you from a-close. Thanks for all the great mornings.
- Scott

-=-=-=-=-

I read this morning that you were part of the cutbacks, which really sucks!
Your reviews were awesome. I usually laugh out loud at least one time, if not more. Will you be writing anywhere online at all, like a blog or something?
- Matt

-=-=-=-=-

Doug,
Phil Rosenthal writes that you're getting the ax. I'm very sorry to read that. You're one of two columnists I immediately turn to (the other being Feder) when I get the Times. Let me know when and where you land, any blog address you have that I may stay in contact, and any other messages you may wish to send out. Thanks.
- Rob

-=-=-=-=-

Hi Doug Elfman,
I was very sorry to read Robert Feder's report noting that you were being cut at the Sun-Times. I didn't always agree with your assessments and felt that I had to lookout four some of your built-in prejudices contained in your columns, but the same can be said of Roger Ebert and Neil Steinberg -- to name two other people I would look forward to reading at said paper.
DEAR SUN-TIMES,
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU KEEP CUTTING THE PEOPLE WE LOOK FORWARD TO READING IN YOUR PUBLICATION -- I think you can figure out the rest of this thought.
Anyway, if I may address you as Doug, thank you for calling to my attention many items that I might easily have overlooked -- you made me a much better-informed viewer. I enjoyed your column and if you continue in the business at another location, please send me an email so that I might keep you as a resource.
Thank You,
- Harry

-=-=-=-=-

Dear Mr. Elfman,
Attached is a copy of the print letter I sent to Mssrs. Freidheim and Barron.
When I read that you were involved in the most recent cost-cutting measure, I was absolutely enraged. I love your voice even when I disagree with your opinions. I'm stunned that they would sacrifice that voice and think it would help sales, would help the bottom line.
It took me a while to figure out how I felt about your reviews and voice when you first started -- say two weeks? -- but, honest to Pete, you're a real reader draw.
In the interests of charity and good karma, I didn't name reporters and columnists whom I would not miss, who I feel are a waste of newsprint. I coulda. I didn't.
But letting you go? Stupid, stupid.
I'm really going to miss your columns, your snarky, modern voice. Fresh and vinegary. Love it.
Though I doubt a written letter will have much impact, I chose to go that route with the paper’s heads rather than send an email.
Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul.
So I will hope that somehow I continue to find you in print.
All best,
- Jimmie

-=-=-=-=-

Just read Phil Rosenthal's column. This completely sucks. I hope to find you where you land next.
- Don

-=-=-=-=-

They really cut you? That makes me mad.
I enjoyed your column immensely. I’ll look for you in other papers, magazines, etc.
Good luck to you. You’re better than the idiots running the paper.
Thanks.
-Jennifer

-=-=-=-=-

Dear Mr. Elfman,
I'm sorry to hear you've been laid off. Your columns have added spark and interest to a wonderfully feisty newspaper. I've written your editors expressing hope that they'll do what it takes to get things fired up again. Hope you're back soon.
-Debra

-=-=-=-=-

Re: whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I will miss you…wish you well.
- Michael

-=-=-=-=-

I will miss your writing. I have written you before to tell you that
you have great taste in TV.
… Thanks for all of the good stuff that you wrote. If you can put me on a list so when you get your next job (and you will, anyone who has ever read you knows that you are good) I can still read you.
Thanks and good luck
- Brett

-=-=-=-=-

Just saw you were let go. You probably won't even get this email. But if you do, good luck with everything. I'll miss having someone to argue about how ‘The Amazing Race’ is the greatest TV show ever.
- Mark

-=-=-=-=-

Mr. Elfman, I have been reading the Sun-Times long before you could say your ABC's, but I have to say you were the best TV review columnist I ever read. Your viewing audiences are going to really miss you!
Good luck!
- Norman

-=-=-=-=-

Hi Doug.
I can’t believe what I read in Feder’s column this morning. I am so sorry to hear that you won’t be part of the Sun Times. Part of my daily regimen was to read your column. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud. You insight into TV was definitely on target with mine. I hope you land some place cool and that I am able to read you in the future. Best of luck!!
Thanks so much,
- Bob

-=-=-=-=-

Dear Doug
I'm really sorry to hear about you getting cut by the Times.
You were always insightful, funny and very informative.
I also found you to be a very serious writer when you wrote about the aftermath of Katrina in your home town, It brought a tear to my eye.
I hope you end up in Chicago, if not, I'm sure your loyal readers will understand.
Good luck in the future.
- Jim

-=-=-=-=-

Doug,
I was deeply sorry to read in Feder's column that you are going to be leaving the Sun-Times.
I'm sorry that it didn't happen on your terms, but I always subscribe to the idea, and it always seems to be true, that when one door closes, another one opens.
We've had a few pleasant e-mail exchanges over the past couple of years, and I'll miss reading your column everyday as I have during that time.
You're a fine writer, and I have no doubt that I'll be seeing your name on a byline again soon.
(Maybe even on the cover of a book?)
The very best of wishes to you in your future pursuits.
- Randy

-=-=-=-=-

Doug,
If you get this message, thanks for all the great stories and columns you wrote about TV and entertainment. Good Luck to you.
- Spencer

-=-=-=-=-

Hi Doug:
I read that you’re leaving the Sun-Times in Robert Feder’s column this morning. Just want to wish you the best.
Whoever thought that newspapers would go the way of radio? They were always the news medium that radio and TV stations looked up to.
Much success,
- Doug

-=-=-=-=-

Hi:
I just read in Feder's column you'll be leaving the Sun-Times. I'm sorry to hear that. I've enjoyed reading your columns over the past 2-3 years. I've even emailed you a few times with comments, especially when you made remarks about our illustrious leader in Washington. I agree with you politically. I hope you'll land where you'll be appreciated. I read papers online from all over, so if you'll let me know where you are I'll continue to be a reader of yours. Mazel Tov on the engagement.
A loyal fan,
- Jeff

-=-=-=-=-

Dear Mr. Elfman:
I just read in Feder's column that the Sun-Times has eliminated your job. I was sorry to read that. I really enjoyed reading your columns and will miss them.
I wish you the best of luck in finding a new job.
Regards,
-Karen

-=-=-=-=-

I really enjoyed your articles. I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
- Pat

-=-=-=-=-

Can you keep me on your mailing list for when you re-land? I'm not sure of the protocol for something like this... (I'm getting ready to move to St. Louis and I realize I'll really appreciate being able to read favorite columnists online...)
- Patricia

-=-=-=-=-

Dear Doug Elfman --
I was saddened to read today of your departure from the Sun-Times. I'm sorry we never had a chance to meet but know that I very much enjoyed your sweet, funny, thoughtful, sometimes cutting television criticism.
I just hope you land a good job soon and that your marriage brings you and your sweetheart every happiness.
Warmest best wishes.
-John
P.S. Loved your observations about Craig Ferguson. I am a night owl and when I'm not reading and writing I drop in on the late night shows and the late, late night shows. For months I had been wondering about my own judgement, but I found myself thinking that Ferguson was a brilliant comedy craftsman-particularly those long opening bits. Glad I'm not alone. Thank you!

-=-=-=-=-

I just read in Feder's column that the paper is letting you go. I'm
very sorry to hear this.
Best of luck to you. I have read and enjoyed your writing since
Rosenthal left. Your column will be missed.
-Don

-=-=-=-=-

Dear Doug,
I just read in Michael Miner's article that you were laid off by the Sun-Times and I am shocked and dismayed. You've been a great asset to the Sun-Times since you started; I can't believe they are laying off their only TV critic, who is also one of their best writers. I was laid off myself a year and a half ago and it sucked. Being out of work for a year sucked. I hope and bet you catch on someplace else. You're too good a writer for someone not to hire you. Thanks for all the enjoyable articles over the last few years and best wishes to you for the future.
Best regards,
-Dave

-=-=-=-=-

Doug -- I read in Bob Feder's column that you are part of the Sun-Times cost cutting and that your column isn't going to be here much longer. I am sorry to hear that. After taking out the Auto Times section and the Classifieds, there isn't much left of the paper. I really enjoy reading your thoughts on some of the shows on TV. With the writers on strike we get to watch reality shows like “American Gladiator,” “Biggest Loser,” “Amazing Race,” “Celebrity Apprentice” to mention just a few of the crappy shows the networks have come up to fill air time. … I also read in his column that you are getting married. Congratulations. Does that mean you will be moving to New York? Best wishes to you wherever you go and just know many readers including myself will miss your column.
Good Luck
- Rachel

-=-=-=-=-

I've enjoyed your work and know I’ll be seeing it again. Hang in.
Best,
- Alan

-=-=-=-=-

Sorry to see that the Sun Times has let you go. Good luck.
- Mike

-=-=-=-=-

Doug, just saw Phil’s story on the news at the Sun Times … bummer. That just stinks.
But be of courage and optimism. … Best of luck in what’s to come.
(BTW, I absolutely loathe “American Gladiator” … you notice in the promos how the Hulkster kind of looks, well, embarrassed?)
- Chase

-=-=-=-=-

I read the other day that you are being let go by the Sun-Times.  I'm 
very sorry to hear that because I truly enjoy your column/reviews and the paper just became a little less enjoyable without you in it.  
Thanks for everything.
- Kevin

	Topic	Posts	Started By	Last Post	Date
	Dude, WTF?	1	Guest	Guest	11-Feb-2008 12:38 PM
	We'll Miss Ya	2	Scott Roberts	Guest	1-Feb-2008 10:51 PM