BNT’s Next Chapter: Goodbye Ian, Welcome Julie

12/16/08  Print This Post Print This Post    20 Comments   Popular   Written by Ian MacKenzie
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BNT adds new editor, Ian fades into the shadows.

Years ago, I wrote a short story called “The Attic.” I had been reading too much Stephen King at the time, reflected in the subject matter of my own character (a homicidal maniac who kept forgetting his crimes).

But while the story is, sadly, forgettable, I still believe the theory I explored is sound.

“The Attic” is a metaphor for the idea that the human mind can only retain so much information. Sure, it can be packed away somewhere in the bowels of our brains, but our ability to retain, analyze, and process so much data is limited.

Eventually, we’re full.

This leads up to my own announcement: I’m stepping away as Editor of Brave New Traveler.

There’s simply too much to do. Myself and the rest of the Matador folks are planning some major site upgrades across the network, and it’s too much for me to handle at the same time. BNT would suffer my lack of focused attention.

As well, my co-editor Tim Patterson has been gallavanting in the jungles of Southeast Asia.

But take heart – replacing me is the talented and worldly Julie Schwietert, who also manages many of the other channels in the Matador Network. She’s promised to take the reigns with care, and continue publishing spiritual, provocative, and thoughtful articles.

I won’t disapear completely. I’ll continue publishing BNT’s Best of the Week and the odd article here and there.

As for our stable of writers, please submit your future queries through our submission form or directly to julie@matadornetwork.com

Thanks to all wonderful readers and contributors!


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About the Author

Matador ID: ianmack

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and editor of Brave New Traveler. He is currently editing the One Week Job documentary. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

20 Comments... join the discussion!

  • micha lola replied on December 16, 2008

    Well…good riddance! KIDDING! No, I'm quite sad to hear you're stepping away as BNT and your (and the other Matador-ians) eagle-eye edits got the ball rolling in my travel writing career (well, don't know if its quite there yet…but working on it!). I'm not much an internet geek, but Brave New Traveler, with its insightful topics and hyperactive comment boards, turned out to be quite the addiction.

    However, I'm also happy for Julie as the new Editor (congratulations, Julie!) and excited to see what she will bring to BNT.

    Wishing you well in your new projects and looking forward to reading more great pieces from Brave New Traveler.

    Viel Glück! (German)
    Mabuting kapalaran sa iyo. (tagalog)

    or simply…Good luck to you and Julie in this next chapter.

    Cheers!

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    • ianmack replied to micha lola on December 16, 2008

      Thanks Michaela, appreciate the compliment! Thanks for all your contributions to BNT and the network.

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  • Erik replied on December 16, 2008

    Glad to hear you'll still be lurking around and contributing!

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  • Hal replied on December 16, 2008

    All the best, Ian. You've built a solid site, and I can't wait to see what your next project will be. Cheers.

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  • Matthew Guttentag replied on December 16, 2008

    Ian, thanks a lot for your work. I guess I'm a bit of a latecomer to the site, but I've really enjoyed reading and contributing recently and I think you've definitely created something unique and exciting. Best of luck with your endeavors and if you are ever in the Middle East, let me know!

    -Matthew

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  • Mike replied on December 16, 2008

    Whaaaaa …? I'm shocked and saddened to see you go, Ian! You and I have been at this "independent travel blogger" racket for over two years now. It's fantastic to see how much BNT has grown in that time.

    I look forward to seeing your future contributions here!

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    • ianmack replied to Mike on December 17, 2008

      It's been great to see Vagabonish thrive as well! Congrats on building your own quality space in the travel blog 'o sphere.

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  • Grace replied on December 17, 2008

    Aw. Ian, I always found your articles to be balanced and sound, but still full of insight and inspiration. I'm glad you will continue to be a part of what has really become my favorite travel blog (thanks in no small part to you and Tim!). I wish you the best on all of your future endeavors!

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  • Tim Patterson replied on December 17, 2008

    It's been a terrific 2 years. Ian and I will still be around, but Julie will be dealing with the bulk of submissions. Since she doesn't sleep, it's the perfect arrangement. Onward and upward….

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  • DHarbecke replied on December 17, 2008

    Is this about getting out of paying that five bucks you owe me?

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  • DHarbecke replied on December 17, 2008

    OK, seriously – hats off to you. You were ahead of the game when you started this site, and you couldn't leave it in better hands. Good luck with your other projects, and I can't thank you enough for this one. It'll be strange without you at the helm, but as long as you're not a stranger!

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  • Julie replied on December 17, 2008

    Ian & Tim- Thanks for the vote of confidence. I look forward to hearing from readers and writers, and am really thrilled to read all your comments and know what BNT already means to you. I also wanted to mention that Eva Holland, Matador's special managing editor, will be assisting with BNT as well. We're looking forward to continuing the traditions of thoughtful, insightful essay writing that Ian and Tim have established on this blog within the Matador network.

    Peace,
    Julie

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  • Angela replied on December 17, 2008

    It was lovely working with you, Ian. Good luck for everything!

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  • Carl Parkes replied on December 17, 2008

    Ian, When I first did my world trip in 1979 there was no one and no where to talk about the greater importance of travel, and how it affected me. Now, thanks to your website and many others, people can talk about how travel impacts their lives and how they live. This is a great blessing. Many thanks to you and good luck with your future ventures. Carl.

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    • ianmack replied to Carl Parkes on December 17, 2008

      Wow, thanks for your kind words Carl. It's been my pleasure opening up this forum for creative thinkers and travelers to explore.

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  • Henri replied on December 18, 2008

    Thanks so much for starting BNT, it's been a great addition to the travel web sites. It is probably a good idea to step away now, before the venture gets too big or too weird, although at present I have to admit that I enjoy this site (BNT) very much. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

    Henri

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  • ianmack replied on December 19, 2008

    Thanks, Marilyn! Keep reading! ;)

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  • Marilyn Terrell replied on December 19, 2008

    Damn you Ian, sometimes I avoid this site just because there's too much thought-provoking material on it and I'm afraid I'll be sucked in– you can't just skim Brave New Traveler. Thanks for starting BNT and for putting so much quality time and effort into it. I've especially enjoyed your travel as lifestyle stories. Good luck in your future adventures! And thanks, Julie, for being game enough to keep this wonderful site going.

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  • VagabonderZ replied on December 22, 2008

    Ditto to all the above. Matador has been my home for the past several months and, if I do end up following a path to writing on a more substantial level, it will be because of BNT! It's really inspired me and helped me to find my voice. All the best…

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  • geotraveler replied on December 25, 2008

    Hey Ian. Like someone already mentioned, you were way ahead of the game with BNT. So glad you're still part of the Matador team. Please don't go anywhere!

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  • N. Chrystine Olson replied on December 25, 2008

    I've gotta get onlone more often..but now that my roof won't collapse from 4 feet ( a little over a meter) snow accumulation ,I'll chime in before the nest snow storm hits this weekend.

    Seems all is well in hand with two highly competient women in the driver's seat. But Ian….make certain to give us the promised dose of Western Canadian smart ass perspective every so often.

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