In a way, it's a relief. After 18 months of preparation, tweaking, re-tweaking, thinking, reader research, more reader research, changes, updates and planning, the new Observer arrives on the streets tonight.
We have just sent the last pages of the first edition and now we are waiting for the first copies to come back to the office. It has gone well; probably better than we dared hope. Everyone has really reacted well, done the extra work necessary. We've got some great stories - an exclusive piece about Ruth Kelly, a quite remarkable story which will leave the Education Secretary facing some difficult questions; an intriguing interview with Tony Blair and some nice lighter pieces - an A to Z of how best to improve your lifestyle.
We were actually on time and no, well, hardly no, raised voices - even when Charlie Kennedy did finally decide to fall on his sword late in the afternoon. Now? Well, we're knackered and hopeful that people like what they see. There's late editions. And next week to think about.
A pint seems like a nice idea . . .
