In every editor's life, there comes a time when he must scram, vamoose, take a powder. This is one of those times. After nearly six years at the tiller of the good ship Currents (and a few months manning the ComputerUser.com Web site), I'm moving on to another plane of existence. Well, I'm moving across the bay to CNET, where I'll be assuming the post of Executive Editor.
But before I go, I'd like to thank everyone who made this job fun, illuminating, or helped me maintain my sanity. The first tip of the hat goes to Computer Currents readers, who have been generous with their praise and their criticism. You always kept me on my toes, reminded me of just how many left feet I have, pointed out my mixed metaphors, and taught me a thing or two about computing.
Another doff of the chapeau to all the vendors and PR people who suffered through this editor's dumb questions, frantic last minute requests, and occasional grumpiness. I know editors pick on you guys, but hey--without technology companies, there wouldn't be anything to write about. And without their trusty PR people, we'd never hear about them.
A very big tip of the brim to my foxhole buddies here at the magazine. The Angst Fleur de Lis with oakleaf clusters to all the managing editors who have suffered me over the years and kept things going when I was off in Key Biscayne, investing in sand dab futures. Special commendations to Doug Dineley (he da man!), Peggy Nauts (yo cuz!), Heather Howarth (we're gonna make you a star), and Keri Hayes Troutman (see? I finally turned something in on time.) The Why Did I Leave PC World award to Melissa Riofrio, our first and only senior editor, who was the best right hand an editor in chief could hope for, and who, from her lair atop the Zugspitz, manages to edit for us still. A Don't Make Me Edit That or I'll Go! Medallion to former associate editors Terri Stone, Rick Overton, and Stephen Lee, who fought the good fight and then wisely trundled on to more fertile fields. A special Croix de Strunk to Erica Gies, who created our copy editing system and kept us on track for nearly three years, and to Kathleen Cullen, Lisl Hampton, Jenn Tust, and Elizabeth Seymour, who ably picked up the reins. And a big thank you to Wendy Coffee, the best assistant editor around, who'll probably be running Teen Beat by the time you read this.
On the graphics side, a flourish to Bill Mulder--now happily working with Slime™--who did a fabulous job crafting covers for the magazine in 1999. Nor should we forget those many other artists who lent their creative talents to our covers over the years. Head of the pack is Steve Campbell (www.sirius.com/~campbell), who composed dozens of covers for us, hitting our impossible deadlines and coming up with one clever idea after another. Another big thank you to David Bishop (www.dbsf.com), ace photographer and digital stylist, who graced our covers with his unique view of world. Thanks too, to Dave Whammond, Mel Lindstrom, Scott Nash, and Jeff Berlin, superb artists all.
But ultimately, a magazine is no better than its writers. I've been lucky enough to have a veritable swarm of topflight pros. Thanks to them for patiently answering my too-many questions, turning pieces around on a dime, and making Excellence Job 1. You know who you are.
Of course, I couldn't end this without shining a spotlight on David Needle and Lynne Verbeek (past Editor in Chief and Managing Editor respectively, and also husband and wife), for graciously passing the baton to me back in '94.
And so I bid you adieu, faretheewell, so long, adios muchachos, I'm outta here. See you on the Internet.
