Introduction

A new day dawns and, from this side of the web, it seems business as usual. Perhaps that's because I've been aware for a while now that my co-editor and friend Matt Zoller Seitz is leaving behind the world of print journalism.

It's long been a point of conversation, one of those topics posited in off-the-cuff "what-if?" asides, always leading to deeper discussion, though no definitively stated absolutes. That is until a month ago when I received a nighttime phone call from Matt, his voice unwavering and decisive. "I'm out," he said in regards to his seventeen years plus profession, going on to state his reasons, though, in that moment, he needn't have justified his choice to me. It was unmistakably prepared for, and though I felt a twinge of wistful sadness (impossible not to), I was more happy for him and the potential futures he was now laying out before me, his tone crystal clear and infectious. There was a part of me that wondered if this wasn't an extended prank, that we'd get to zero hour and he'd say—with a mischievous, Cheshire Cat grin—"Just kidding." But the point of no return has passed. The clock has struck midnight. The DeLorean's hit 88 mph. And, where Matt's going, he don't need roads.

All this to say that I think I've personally had enough time to deal with any resultant aftershocks of Editor Emeritus Seitz's announcement, of his entrustment of The House Next Door to me, of the great responsibility that comes with that, and of my desire, determination, and commitment to maintain the continually high level of collaborative quality that Matt has instilled in this venture. It's the least I can do, and I hope you'll all (contributors, constant readers, and newcomers alike) come along for the ride—it's far from over. Yet any passing of the torch requires more than just an announcement. As I say in the accompanying podcast conversation, I think we're presented with markers in our life, signposts directing us down a certain path or away from it. Sometimes we heed said marker's advice, other times we ignore it, but it always makes an impression, and we more often, whether regretfully or not, remember the road not taken. I thought it important that Matt and I create our own signpost, to mark a moment that shouldn't come off as an end of things or a farewell, but as a present-tense point in time that has its own complicated history, ripe for retrospective exploration, and which portends a future filled with endless and abundant possibilities.

So we have done below: Laughed much. Explained and enlightened. Spoken from the heart and bared the soul—now to an audience. It remains only for me to thank Matt for his friendship and guidance, his trust and love, and to wish him well on his each and every future endeavor. You're a brother to me, my friend. And an inspiration to many besides. Keith Uhlich

Podcast is accessible after the break. If you have any problems accessing it, you can also find it here. The conversation is transcribed in full below, with minor edits for style and clarification. Continue Reading »