runnerland

The good news: tomorrow’s the day of the announcement.

But despite all the interest in the next employer, what you all (and I do mean all; usership here at the Runnerland blog is trending up towards 100 a day, which is beaucoup for this lowly thing) have forgotten is that the big deal isn’t where I’m going next. I mean, it’s exciting and I’m flattered to have been invited by Employer TBA and all. But the salient fact is - maudlin as this sounds - that I’m making a change in my life and feeling teddibly, teddibly excited by it. Not the where, then, that matters; the that.

Before I announce the next move, I wanted to thank folks for all the kind and supportive words. I’m proud to know so many talented and complimentary people. Here’s a little cut-and-paste from recent emails. (Yes, this is boasting; but is boasting really so wrong? Should I only complain when things are lousy?)

> “I will miss your firm but feather light editorial touch immensely….You rock, Mr. B, but Edward VII was right: change sucks…”

> “Have received the news about you leaving the Straight and just can’t express how know how much it has meant to me to have you there over the years. To me, you exemplify everything that’s fine about the paper and - for that matter - the state of local journalism…”

> “It was great, always, working with you. I owe you much, and the publishing world will mourn your passing…”

> “I’m dying to know where you’re going to be working. Do they have any idea how insanely fortunate they are? Do they? They must. Wow again. Wherever it is you are going is going to be that much more successful because of you…”

> “While it’s true that change is a good and necessary part of life it’s also true that this faithful reader will miss the perspective you bring to everything you write about….You have an open and interesting mind and you write really well—a winning combination. I’ll miss reading your work in the Straight, but look forward to finding out where this change brings you….”

> “Your reviews were thoughtful, heartfelt, always witty, often brilliant and usually, I suspect, better than their subject…”

> “Thanks for the opportunities and voice you have given myself and other Vancouver writers over the years….I have always had great respect for you…”

> “Your advice and encouragement have been invaluable to me, and I will always be grateful. You’ve been a friend as well as a colleague, so I hope whatever’s coming up for you next rocks…”

> “Congratulations on those 10 years and especially for all you’ve done for Canadian poetry. For a lot of poets, the GS review was the only one their books received…thanks to your engagement with (okay, maybe that’s overselling, your passing interest in, your tolerance for…?) poetry…”

> “Good for you. The Straight really should be the best gig in town, and your move is the company’s loss…”

> “Well bugger me. Congrats on the mystery move, although I have to say I surely wish you’d stay in books, because you are the best book reviewer in Canada…”

> “The Straight will be much less sophisticated now that you’re gone…”