No rest for the wicked...

So there I was, thinking I was off the the hook for a while on the blogging front, when the posts began to drop suggesting The Editor's Chair should continue. (Not everyone, I might add, but enough to make me frown).

And then a few colleagues (and a boss) said the same: "Why are you stopping the blog?! Like it or hate it, it's got a following." Or words to that effect.

And so, instead of driving off into the dusk following a hard day at it, I'll knock out a few lines on how Day One and Day Two at Fort Dunlop went to those who want to know.

It was bloody hard graft all round. Friday saw us producing the Mail, Post and Mercury from Printing House Street AND packing our 'bags' to move.

On Saturday and Sunday the removal firm sprang into action (well done BMG, IT and project manager Richard Newbould).

And by 12 noon yesterday when the journalists turned up for the Post shift (and Mail overnight pages), the whole editorial floor was ready for us to continue as if nothing had happened!

The result? The Post came out this morning, followed by the Mail later today, without a major hitch. Plenty of problems. but all tackled by heroic efforts all round. Not a missed page between us. (Production of the Mercury continued at Printing House Street until end of play Saturday, and will be continued in the Fort from tomorrow for next Sunday's edition).

So what was all the fuss about then? DON'T say that!! The stresses and strains behind the scenes to move without hitches were momentous, from all departments. In editorial iteslf, teams stretched every sinew at all hours to make sure we coped.

On top of the move, remember, we're coping with the brand new Content Watch system, with all the user-issues that any new system brings. And despite all the very best intentions, there are plenty of creases to iron out on the initial seating plan.

It's not just a case who of who's sitting where in terms of pals, lights, drafts, etc. In fact, none of that. It's all about where to place scores of people in six new teams in a one-newsroom, no secrets structure, with centralised 'page finishing' and all-in-one conferences.

But again, it's now towards the end of Day Two, and the papers are on sale.

Plenty of improvements to come, but Fort Dunlop has begun.