The End of a Dynasty

It is with a bit of sentiment that I announce this as my last post on CNET Asia, brining an end to the near year-long reign of the Tech Dynasty.

When I took over the China beat from Rick Martin after his move to Tokyo (and Tokyo Shift), I was honoured to be a part of the proud pedigree that he and Will Moss before him had created.

Upon announcing my resignation to the supreme overseaers of CNET Asia, I was asked if I knew of anyone qualified to take over the spot. I could think of no one more perfect for the gig than my good friend Steven Millward.

A writer, tech-enthusiast and long-time China resident, Steven will surely bring his unique voice and perspective to this role. Many of you may recognize Steven from his active presence on Twitter (@SirSteven) or his frequent contributions to Lost Laowai.

If you are only just getting to know Steven, I hope you’ll please offer him as warm a welcome as you have all given me in my time here. It truly has been an amazing experience, and one I leave with nothing but fondness for.

And I guess that brings us to the “why”. Why leave such an amazing gig as blogging for CNET Asia? Don’t think that I haven’t continually asked myself that question again and again in the couple weeks since making the decision to do so.

The simple reason for my departure is I’ve recognized that I’m simply too over-extended and something had to give. With a full-time job (that often hits 70-80 hours a week, and doesn’t look to be slowing), a laundry list of side-projects (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), and a new family on the way (fingers-crossed), I had to let something go.

But I am certain that my loss is everyone’s gain, as Steven is sure to breath new life into this spot — though under the newly conjured moniker of Sinobytes.

And please don’t think you’ve heard the last of me. I plan to still haunt the comments of both Steven’s new blog and the blogs of the friends I’ve made here at CNET Asia. If that’s not enough, I hope you’ll all continue to follow me on Twitter (@thehumanaught) or catch me on my personal blog.

A big thanks to Juniper and the CNET Asia crew. You’ve been wonderful to work with. And, of course, a big thanks to the many many many fantastic people involved (if even peripherally) in China’s tech industry. It’s been a blast getting to know you all, and I look forward to continuing to do so.

願原力與你同在 / yuan yuanli yuni tongzai (?)