This & That: To All of You, From Both of Us...

Redartz:  Hi gang; gather 'round and have a seat. It's time to do a bit of sharing. Sharing some news, that is. After two years (man, has it been that long already?), we're a little bit tired. Okay, a LOT tired. I know my friend and partner Marti has stretched his time pretty thin, and I most certainly have too. I've had a few health issues to deal with, and some other areas of life are starting to beckon pretty emphatically. There are books to read, paintings to complete, trips to take, experiences to have. And so, with a bittersweet smile, the time has come to 'lay down the mantle'. 

I spoke above of sharing. Right now, that sharing means telling you how much I've enjoyed sharing this space with each one of you. Hearing your thoughts and memories each day has been great reward indeed for the efforts taken to put a few words down. Some posts have been easy to produce, others have been more, er, challenging. But you all have never failed to jump in and expound upon whatever we have here to offer. You have unceasingly made the efforts worthwhile. You have enlightened me (and many others, no doubt) to comics, films, and music that I'd never experienced. And you have always maintained a phenomenal level of politeness, of camaraderie, of fun. You have all made BitBA the pleasant place of discussion that it has always seemed to be. And so: Charlie, Edo, HB, Colin J., Colin B., Mike W., William, David b, Dr. O, Groove, Prowl, Graham, TC, Disneymarvel, Yoyo, Killraven, J.A., Selenarch, and all the others who my faulty memory missed, THANK YOU. To all those 'anonymous' folks who have followed along but not commented, THANK YOU. To all of you who have submitted ideas for posts, and to those stalwart souls who have actually given us guest posts: THANK YOU! It's very much a truth that we never would have made it without you all. 

Next, I'd like to share another "Thank You" to Doug and Karen, our mentors from the ever-hallowed Bronze Age Babies. Writing articles online, and especially co-hosting a blog, would NEVER have occurred to me without their inspiration, guidance and education. The BAB was infectious in it's fascination, and the opportunity they gave to participate was irresistible. They made it look so easy, despite the obvious sweat they poured into their posts. And Doug, your help and support along the way with BitBA has been HUGE, and greatly appreciated.

Finally, a huge "Thank You" to my partner Marti. From day one of this blog, you've done amazing things with headers, titles, and editing. You have always come through with a post when the deadline loomed. You have been easy to work with, easy to communicate with, and a matchless teammate. And you have basically carried the "Twitter" end of the blog on your own capable shoulders (my Twitter skills are pretty limited). My hat's off to you, pal. One of the great highlights of our tenure on this blog was the chance to actually meet you, along with Doug and Charlie. That trip to C2E2 will live forever among my best comics experiences. Yes, that was another side benefit to the time spent here with BitBA! Indeed, it's been an honor and a pleasure. 

And while this may be a closing, it isn't a goodbye. This community is a wonderful, rewarding thing, and in that spirit we'd like to continue the Tuesday "Leader" posts for awhile to see how things go. Kind of like having a weekly club meeting, and everyone's invited. 

Additionally, I greatly encourage you all to check out the many fine blogs listed alongside our columns, several of them produced by members of our own community here. I will be checking in on many of them, and commenting, and visiting; I hope to see many of you there along the way.  

Again, many many thanks for sharing this time and space. And if you spot a fuzzy gray haired fellow poring over the dollar boxes at your local flea market, come over and join me in the eternal search for more Bronze age goodness!


Martinex1:  For once I am largely at a loss for words.   I can only echo the message that Redartz has so eloquently outlined above.   It is definitely a busy time in our lives and it is difficult to keep up at the level we have been playing.  I too want to thank all of our regular commentators who have challenged and inspired us along the way.  It means much to us. Considering that most of us have not met, it is wonderful that friendships can evolve through the written word.   Pen pals, if you will, are no less friends because of distance.  In this day and age, the civility and camaraderie are greatly appreciated.  Thank you Red for your patience and for your willingness to jump in.  Thank you Karen and Doug for getting us started.  Thanks to all for the kind words and participation.


As Red indicated, Tuesday's Follow the Leader will continue and perhaps at some point some itch will strike where we will post again - but for now see you on Tuesday!  So get ready!  Oh, and you can call me "Mike!"   Cheers all!