In Which I Say Goodbye... Sort Of
May 08, 2009
It's been an incredible year for me at Discovery.com, and a journey that has seemingly whizzed by in an instant. The bad news is that it's time for me to say goodbye. The good news is "sort of."
Before I explain, however, hear this:
The level of talent behind these here digital walls is truly humbling. From the operation's leadership and editors, writers and bloggers to the video, fan site, knowledge site and associate producers, it's impossible not to be impressed. These people make my head a-splode.
They are all going places -- assuming they're not there already -- and I'll sorely miss interacting with them/annoying them on a daily basis. Even if it is from my living room desk in my Guinness pajamas. I kid you not.
So, about that elephant in the room... Why am I leaving?
It has nothing to do with the people I work with, or that I don't love what I do. Au contraire! Honestly, I've seen first-hand for several years how tough it is for companies both big and small to prosper in the online news/media industry. And my sense is that it's not going to get better any time soon. My illustrious colleagues are armed, dangerous and prepared when it comes to this world, but I feel that I still have some teeth-cutting to do.
Reservations aside... The plan that the Discovery.com overlords have built for the future has the potential to revolutionize how online companies bring in that elusive online mother lode of $$$. Furthermore, even though I'm leaving my full-time post as "Space Producer," I intend to keep working with Discovery.com and do what I can in seeing that vision to fruition. So stay tuned!
Ok, next big question: Who will run the show after today?
That's a mixed bag of sorts. After I start my new job as a Web editor at a non-advocacy nonprofit, I'll still be able to help out around here. Hence, the "sort of" up top.
But I do know that the full-time replacement whom the Discovery overlords recently tapped is an astonishingly awesome person, and you'll find out soon enough who that is... Right now I'm not at liberty to say, but if you frequent this blog (or any space sites, for that matter), you'd be as giddy as I am.
Again, running Discovery Space has been incredible -- and I hope that you'll see me around, playing some role or on this spaceship of sorts. Even if it is just swabbing the digital poopdeck.
<3 Dave
Comments
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nice
thanks
Posted by: شات | May 23, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Wow, I am really sad to see you go, Dave - you will be missed!
Posted by: Tavi Greiner | May 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Oh no, Dave! That is sad news - for Discovery.
I'm sure you'll do fine and have lots of fun in your new work though. Good luck to you! :-)
Posted by: Stellare | May 11, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Dave, I thought you were pretty funny with the "bam" in your face pictures and the videos were always informative. I had just started watching your channel on youtube the past couple of months, maybe 3. Well its odd you are moving on, but I hope it will be a fun new beginning. If possible please stay doing something on youtube. Will you continue anything at all blogwise so that we can follow up on what you are doing new?
Posted by: Timothy2035 | May 11, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Oh noes! So sorry to see you go. I always enjoy your weekly videos! Best of luck in your new endeavors. And I hope we still see you on the space blogosphere in some way.
Posted by: Nicole | May 10, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Ah Dave, we hardly knew ye...seriously though, you will be missed! I know that whatever the future holds you will succeed. As for the non-profit world, the two posters that have taken their turns before me know non-profit and I'm sure will make a great sounding board.
Truth be known, I was pulling for you in the NASA administrator post. The paperwork must be tied up somewhere. ;-)
Posted by: QuarkSpin | May 08, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Well I for one am bummed to see you go. It's been a pleasure reading your blog here, and your absence from the space blogosphere will not go unnoticed. But I wish you the best in your future endeavors. As Will said, welcome to the (weird and wonderful) non-profit world!
Posted by: Mike Fabio | May 08, 2009 at 07:29 PM
We're sad to see you go, Dave! Best of luck in your next endeavour (and welcome to the non-profit world)! Who ever takes over will have some big shoes to fill.
Posted by: Will Pomerantz | May 08, 2009 at 07:03 PM