There are fewer moments in life that have given me as much pleasure as writing the first story on TechDigest. Not that the post was groundbreaking journalism, a contender for the Pulitzer prize or even completely free of typos (ouhc!). It was just that after years of wrestling with HTML codes and invariably giving up, I'd found a foolproof way of realising one of my big ambitions - to launch a gadgets website.
That was almost five years ago, and although Shiny Media didn't really follow for a few years later, the blog that kicked off one of the the UK's leading commercial blogging networks was born.
So half a decade after it all began now seems like a very good time for me to go and do something, well, at least a little different.
I am immensely proud of what Shiny has achieved - there aren't many content based start ups in the UK that have gone from zero to over four million readers/viewers in a few years are there?
And although I am no longer on the pay roll I remain a significant shareholder in Shiny Media, so I'll still be keenly tracking the growth of Catwalk Queen, TechDigest and all the other sites.
If I had to pick one highlight it would be the day that Anton Newcombe, the creative genius behind my favourite band The Brian Jonestown Massacre, actually commented on a post on TechDigest. I spent the next couple of weeks waiting for someone to own up to the spoof, but no one ever admitted to it, so I can only assume it was the real A Newcombe after all.
** update I will probaly be taking him up on his job offer - see comments
As for my future, well I will be mainly working as a consultant for Shiny Red. I will however also be developing a few of my own web projects and hopefully leaving a few hours a week for working with some other start ups. Always keen to hear about new projects. Hell, I might even try to crack HTML again - a guy has got to have ambition after all.
Ash - if it hadn't been for All Bar One, 2006, I would never have ended up where I am. I've got a lot to thank you for. We'll miss you.
Susi
All the very best, Ash - I'll retain fond memories, not the least of which was the day you interviewed me in your socks (other clothes were present, I just mean there were no shoes).
You didn't just inspire people at Shiny, you are a real inspiration. Was great chatting with you on the plane back from Vegas and am sure whatever you do next will be a great success. Have fun.
May have a job for you Ash, now that you're unemployed - we really need a roadie, fancy it?
I don't even want to reminisce about how you found me and offered me work back in early 2005, as I'm far too embarrassed by it, but I do remember the first time I met you - in that Brazilian (was it Brazilian? Can't remember!) bar near Tottenham Court Road where we spent a lot of the night discussing the music on the jukebox.
If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am, nor who I am today, and for that, I owe you everything - thanks so much.
Whatever you do next is bound to be a success, although Newcombe's offer (above) sounds very tempting...
See you soon!
Just looked at your first ever post from 2003- can we claim you were the first person to ever use the word 'killer' following an iProduct? Please?
"the UK's only real commercial blogging network was born."
**Cough** Ahem.
Best of luck.
Ashley - goodbye and thanks for the opportunity to start up and edit Corrieblog for two years. Good luck in your next venture!
Looking forward to watching your new adventures unfold - and glad we still get to keep you at Shiny Red :)
Hey, anyone would think you had died Ash, given such touching tributes - and not one of them from your Mum. Anyway, we will continue to swim in the sea and hang out on the beach, if not in the office anymore. Thanks for everything.