Craig Ferguson had an outstanding tribute to Doctor Who on The Late Late Show, and he had a quote aboutintellect and romance over brute force and cynicism. I think it sums up how I have felt about working here for the last four years.
Several of the staff would blurt out "oh god, please don't tell us you're leaving" when I told them I needed to talk to them as a group. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life, when it finally came time to make an exit announcement. I think today is going to be close.
I wanted to work at io9. Even though I launched my own Nerdy Bird website at the same time as this one, I wanted to be a part of a cool team. Annalee Newitz is one of the cool people around. I met them and several io9 alumni at the site's fifth anniversary party, but I never worked with them. I wanted to join them at the office one day, even though I was running the Mary Sue. There were a few times when I talked to the people there about joining up. I like to think I came on at the right time at io9 because I think it would have been a lot different if I had started earlier.
I used to work for Rob Bricken at Topless Robot and we had conversations about him wanting to find the right place for me. It happened at the end of the year as Trendacosta was leaving. I was feeling good. When I showed up to the office for the first time, I was greeted by a large team, but I wouldn't talk about some things we won't discuss. It was difficult to remember everyone's names but I got to know their quirks. After Rob left and I was promoted to deputy editor, I said "thanks" to some other stuff we won't talk about. I was a little scared, excited, and a little pumped for the future, but they never filled my old position so I have been doing two jobs. Rob, you are a nerd. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me.
If you have been with me this long, you already know that these people are amazing, this site is amazing, and nothing will compare to my time here. If you keep up with company news, you can imagine why I started thinking about leaving a while ago. I have to go for myself. Making the final decision was difficult because of my people. I have been called "Blog Mom" because I would do anything for them, they are not just talented journalists, they are some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of calling friends. If you can't handle it, turn away and I'm going to say some silly and sappy things about them.
It has been a pleasure getting to know you, Autumn. You persevered through some rough times in your neck of the woods and never gave up on spreading io9's great works. I can not thank you enough for that. You made us shine. You came in with zingers when we were expecting it and destroyed us. That is talent. In case you didn't remember, say thanks for the socks.
Beebo, Beth, whatever your name is. It wasn't the same without you. I am sorry you had to quit io9 because people love it so much. Your work ethic and creativity is unquestioned. The videos you made for us and the ones we worked on together were very good. You questioned me a lot, but I think that helped me grow as a manager. Your ridiculous holiday movie multiverse pitches couldn't have been written by anyone else. Allow me to move on because I blathered about you enough in your roast.
Charles. Charles! I can't wait to see where you go in your career over the next few years, you are unbelievably gifted. I would like to thank you for sticking with us and not giving up, even if you didn't deserve it. When I first started, I wasn't sure we'd get along but as we got to know each other, I was happy. I made a really cool friend with someone who was talented. You should have left us. I am glad you did not. I am glad I had the chance to make changes to you. I am happy for the side-Slacks. I am happy for the things we shared. For the laughter and the witches. You need to be on that Cindi interview asap.
I can only say that your dog is the greatest thing I have ever seen. There is more. You made my life a little easier as my right-hand woman and I am forever grateful. I loved seeing you bond with me over our tastes in music and TV. I was happy to learn that you did things in the dark before io9. You don't know, I cataloged your many nicknames for Leroy, but you do, yours is the only one I watch. You came up with five more unique horror lists every time I thought you had run out of ideas. How? How? It's funny. I will miss you a lot. You are not going anywhere, but still! The last thing I will say is that we will always have good seasons of the X-Files.
Germain is my main movie man. Getting to know you and your cats better has been a joy and I know we know each other. I will always be jealous of your art collection and the ability to display it on your walls. You are doing a great job. You know how to get the goods in your interviews. It was a pleasure to edit your reviews. I don't know how you do it. Don't forget to sweep the leg and give the cats a hug.
James, you are a bloody git! Did I use the correct ones? I can't believe I've edited you for four years and I still can't break you from putting the exclamation point on the outside. It is impressive. You helped me settle in at io9. I will never understand your love of 1,000 things here, because we have so much in common. I can't believe I allowed you to get away with so much, from terrible jokes and shitposts to inappropriate jokes and sentences the size of paragraphs. It is hard to leave your daily presence because you have been a great partner and friend. Being able to work with each other through some of the most challenging times has been an honor. Continue to defy the odds. Go eat a chip butty after you piss off.
If I didn't mention a few more people, I would be missing out. I am so sad I didn't get to work with you longer but I am excited for what you have done since. Continue kicking. My thanks to my weekend warriors, Julie,Courtney,Valerie, and Justin. I never had to worry about work on the weekends because of you all. That was a present. Thanks to our video producers, we look and sound good. It is not the same without you.
Sorry, there are too many of you. You are like ants! It is a good thing that you are here because the picnic is horrible companies or politicians trying to get away with something. You are the best reporters. Keep it up. To Alex Cranz, eat shit, and take care of yourself.
Allow me to think of romance over brute force. It is the best way to live. Try to remember that times are tough here. I will not be around as much. It is time to leave. Hope everyone is still doing a good job.
Wondering where our feed went? The new one can be picked up here.
