Saying goodbye is never easy. Yet the time has come for me to leave BYTE.
Dennis Allen
After more than eleven years here, BYTE has become a part of me, and leaving it is not without some sorrow. It's a good kind of sorrow, though--the kind you feel when you graduate from school and the new opportunities are boundless and exciting.
Thanks to you, my experience here has been wonderful. Together, we've seen BYTE through many changes, and we've endured the ever-changing technology landscape. I hope that you've enjoyed the experience as much as I have.
During the last three years, BYTE moved back to its technical roots. And while all the other computer magazines seemed to become more and more alike, BYTE's authoritative voice made it stand head and shoulders above the rest. As a r
esult, the New York Times and others have hailed BYTE as the Scientific American of computer magazines.
Compliments aside, the changes BYTE made were simply an answer to your requests. Judging by your response, those changes were right. Subscription renewals are up, and on the newsstand, BYTE broke several all-time records in 1994. Also, the mail we've received from readers has been overwhelmingly positive.
Those changes were not easy, however, and the entire BYTE editorial team has my applause and appreciation. Nowhere else is there a group of more qualified technical journalists, editors, and designers. Nowhere. It has been my distinct privilege to work with such a fine group of people, and I shall not forget their hard work.
Although all of the people of BYTE have my profound thanks, there are two very special individuals whom I'd especially like to thank: Rich Friedman, BYTE's executive editor, and Dennis Barker, BYTE's chief of correspondents. Both played crucial roles in making BYTE
the authority in computing. Their publishing and editing skills and their dedication to BYTE has been exemplary. They are also two close friends I will miss dearly.
Another friend I'll also miss is Jerry Pournelle, BYTE's star columnist. Jerry has contributed to BYTE much more than the several thousand words he writes each month. He has shared his wisdom with the staff, and he provided inspiration for me.
While I will surely miss the entire staff at BYTE, I leave knowing that BYTE is in good hands. I personally testify to their dedication in delivering nothing short of excellence in technical reporting and fact, and I am certain that you will continue to be delighted with each issue of BYTE they bring forth.
The folks I'll miss most of all, though, are you, the BYTE readers. You have made every accomplishment possible. From its beginnings 20 years ago, BYTE and its readers have had a special relationship that is rare in publishing, and I've enjoyed being part of that relationship. You be
stowed on me the greatest honor any chief editor could have: You read the magazine. And by reading, you made everything worthwhile.
Words fail me in adequately expressing my deepest gratitude. You challenged me, and you rewarded me. Thank you.
My work here is done. I am proud of my labor and accomplishments at BYTE, but like a graduate, I'm ready to move on to other challenges.
Adios,
Dennis Allen
Good-bye, Farewell, Adios...
