Farewell, Grand Poobah!

Richard Sherman (a.k.a. Mr. Modem) is a friend of mine. Before he became rich and famous on Teh Internets, he was a court reporter from Phoenix, Arizona. Almost 20 years ago he started a reporter's forum on CompuServe, where he was given the title "Grand Poobah" by his devoted followers. I hadn't checked this site in months, and just happened to catch his last column.

I have had the privilege of writing this column for more
than seven years—93 columns, to be precise. In
the wild and wacky world
of publishing, as it is with technology,
nothing lasts forever.
All freelance writers worth
their salt—though one should
always be mindful of one’s sodium consumption—
understand that. To have had the opportunity
of providing my columns to you for
more than seven years has been an honor
and a pleasure.

This is my final “Mr. Modem’s
Desktop” column. (Insert
hysterical wailing here.) I
will, however, be back periodically,
perhaps with another
column, a feature
article, or possibly sharing my
pithy observations of the technology
scene. As long-time readers know, I believe passionately
in the power of pith.

Anyone who immerses himself in technology, as I have,
knows that evolution is unrelenting and that change is inevitable.
We barely get comfortable with one application
when a new version emerges. While it frequently drives us
crazy, it also represents progress, and if it were not for
progress, I would still be using my “Lil Geekster” training
modem. Though occasionally uncomfortable, I support
and embrace change. Change is a good thing.
Though “Mr. Modem’s Desktop” is heading for dry
dock, I will continue writing my syndicated newspaper
columns and publishing my computer help and slightly
off-center humor newsletter each week, to which many of
you subscribe.

Just as my past seven-plus years with Smart Computing
have flown by, I find it equally mind boggling that I am
now in my 11th year of publishing the weekly Ask Mr.
Modem! newsletter, currently closing in on the 600th issue.
The newsletter has grown from a subscriber base of one—
and let the record reflect that Mrs. Modem still hasn’t paid
for her subscription—to subscribers in 39 countries.
Who’da thunk?

If you would like to join readers worldwide and receive a
heaping helping of “Mr. Modem’s” questionable wit and
wisdom on your email doorstep each week, as a special
“farewell and
thank you” for
readers of this column,
if you use the Promotional Code
“SMARTC” when entering your subscription
(www.mrmodem.com), you will receive a free
month (four life-altering issues) with your six-month
subscription, or two free months with your
12-month subscription. And if you decide
not to subscribe, that’s OK, too, but in
either case, don’t be a stranger. My
email box is open, so please stop by and
say hello at MrModem@MrModem.com.

Before closing, I must acknowledge and
thank several people who have made my
association with Smart Computing a
truly wonderful experience. Initially,
Senior Editor Rod Scher, followed by Josh
Gulick. Also, my intrepid editor, Tara
Bantam, and Andy Arkwright, the fabulous illustrator
who has provided priceless kitty illustrations that
have enhanced every column. A special thanks to Kate
Kitchen, my friend and proofreader, who has rated each
column on a brutally honest GCSS (Guffaw, Chortle,
Snicker, and Smirk) scale. But most of all, I thank you, my
beloved readers, for your generous email through the
years and for taking your valuable time to read my
column. You are very much appreciated.

My annual “Best of the Web” columns have always generated
a lot of positive response, so I’d like to leave you
with one very special Web site. It may make you laugh, it
may make you cry, but there is something universal in this
YouTube video from Italy (tinyurl.com/29txb4j) that
touches everyone. Please enjoy—along with a hug from
me. (You’ll understand once you view the video, so be sure
to watch it to the end.)

As this final “Mr. Modem’s Desktop” column toddles
off into history, I won’t say “Goodbye,” but rather “Until
we meet again, I wish you health, happiness, and happy
modeming.” ❙

Mr. Modem, (Richard Sherman) is an author, syndicated
columnist, radio host, and publisher. “Mr. Modem's Weekly
Newsletter” provides personal responses to subscribers' computer
and Internet questions, plus weekly computing tips, Web site
recommendations, virus alerts, hoax warnings, and more.
For additional information, visit www.MrModem.com.
Farewell, My Friends
by Richard Sherman
Smart Computing / March 2011 75