I've dropped some hints in the past that my relationship with ScienceBlogs would be...altered.
Well, I've decided to leave. Mostly, it had to do with the issue of pseudonymity, although I'm very excited to hang out my own shingle once again. I don't want to rehash the issue of pseudonymity, since others have done that quite well, but revealing the Mad Biologist's Top Sekrit identity just wasn't in the cards.
I want to make something clear. ScienceBlogs/NatGeo really did try to keep me. For some crazy reason, they seem to like the writing--I won't get into the details, but that really does seem to be the case. My impression is that they are not trying to 'hollow out' ScienceBlogs (or, at least, they weren't trying to 'hollow out' me). I understand why a corporation like National Geographic wouldn't want to have pseudonymous writers, even though it's not compatible with how I want to play it.
OK, so what comes next? Well, I've opened my new digs at http://mikethemadbiologist.com. I might be crossposting here for a bit to close out some contractual obligations, but that's the new home of the Mad Biologist. And, of course, to find out about the latest doings, you can subscribe to my twitter feed.
Finally, I want to thank the many people who have worked at ScienceBlogs. It all started with Katherine Sharpe who recruited me. I remember my first conversation with her, and when she invited me, I asked her, "Are you sure you want me? You have read my blog, right?" Since that time, no one at ScienceBlogs ever told me what to write, or ruled anything off limits (and, at times, I'm certain it showed...). It was truly a wonderful concept: invite scientists--working scientists trained in data analysis and experimentation--to write about, well, anything and everything. Adam Bly really wasn't far off the mark with the 'science is culture' motto. It was an exciting and innovative thing while it lasted.
I am very grateful for this opportunity.
Anyway, enough of the maudlin stuff. Hopefully, I'll be seeing you around.
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I'm so sorry you are departing, although, of course, it is understandable, given the new parameters. I think yours was one of the best blogs on the site - I'm not at all surprised that they wanted to keep you!
Sharon Astyk
It was a good run. Looking forward to the makeover.
Sorry to see you go! But I'm glad you'll still be blogging.
You're leaving!?!?! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Oh wait... (changes feed settings) ... Are you sure? You're right here in the same spot.
Whew, though I was going crazy there for a minute!
Damn.
... aaaaand bookmark updated.
You'll be missed around here, Mike. Sad to see you go but wishing you well at your new home!
I understand the need/desire for pseudonyms.
I kinda understand NatGeo's policy.
I totally understand your decision to pack up and move somewhere else.
Doesn't mean I'm happy about all this shuffling.
Just subscribed to RSS feed at new site. See you there.
See you at the new place.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
A few links updated, reader, and done. NatGeo's loss.
Will be following you at your new place. Best of luck man.
You're not taking your painting with you?
Can I have it after you leave?
Links duly updated.
RSS feed updated. looking forward to continuing to read your blog.
don't even need to bookmark it - i can actually remember mikethemadbiologist.com! call me old-fashioned, but much as i like having the computer remember important things for me, i still like to have the most important ones readily retrievable from inside my head.
Sad to see you go but wishing you well at your new home!
Good luck!
And I'd like to take this moment to point out that you got mentioned on the newest Skeptic's Guide to the Universe!
Oh wait... (changes feed settings) ... Are you sure? You're right here in the same spot.
Whew, though I was going crazy there for a minute!
Dear Mr. Mike,
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