I’ve (almost) arrived

So let’s just say this is probably a decade or more in the making.

It started with a bunch of crappy basic HTML sites for hardcore bands and fake wrestling leagues and it turned into a blog before blogs became “blogs” and, now, after I had convinced myself that I was supposed to be a teacher, and after I spent a few years managing a call center, and after I finally understood that I should be either writing or working on the Web (and the writing opportunity came first) here I am.

Here I am.

(More specifically, here I will be in four weeks.)

I’ve spent four years writing ads and marketing. And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned how to talk to clients. I’ve learned how to break out of my shell. I’ve learned how to embrace the knowledge that people can offer. I’ve learned to be humble.

And, to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if I still had something to learn in the next three weeks, as I graciously make my exit: about humility and closure and saying goodbye to something I might never had said goodbye to if things had worked out a little differently.

But I move. From one industry to another. To learn new languages. To sermonize about content and architecture. To serve the role I’m probably already hardwired to serve.

More than that, I move to a culture I’ve always admired. One that can develop a project like 48 Hour Magazine. That can still get excited about progress, understanding that everything changes, always, constantly. That continues to mix sardonic wit with soul-bearing clarity.

I’d call it a testament to positive thinking if I believed in all of that zen crap, but, really, it’s a testament to persistence, my ego unwilling to allow progress to move forward without grasping a part of it. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Web, and, success willing, I’m now in a position where I can help a bunch of Web people make a bunch of awesome Web things.

It’s in my blood, I guess.

Granted, there are a lot of people that I respect that have had it in their blood for even longer, and (justifiably) view me as a punk who doesn’t know what he’s in for. I’m okay with that. More than anything, I hope I can prove myself.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this:

“Hey, Internet. I’ve been pretending for a while. And I’ve been a big fan for a long time.

But I’m one of you, now.

Be gentle.”