Famous Last Words

These are the last words I have to say
That's why this took so long to write
There will be other words some other day
But that's the story of my life

Billy Joel "Famous Last Words"

As you may or may not have noticed, since the Rangers season came to an end, I've been fading to the background here, and letting Joe ease into the job of running Blueshirt Banter full time. Now the time has come for me to make it official, this will be my last day as Managing Editor of this website.

It has been an extreme pleasure getting to know all of you that have helped make this website what it set out to be, and what it has become: the single best place on the internet to talk about the Rangers, and express your opinions with intelligence, humor, and passion. I've learned far more from you in the two-plus years of this site's existence than you've learned from me, and it has been my honor to be associated with you. We've rarely all shared the same opinion, but I'd like to think we've always respected each other at the end of the day, and been able to weed out those that didn't. This site isn't for everyone, no site is, but I do think that together we made it work, and work well.

I've come to realize the last two years that my passion is not for writing anymore, but for doing radio. It's an outlet for my limited creativity, I love doing it, and will continue along with Eddie to do a weekly Rangers radio broadcast, albeit under a different name.

I have a long list of thank you's, so I sincerely hope you guys will bear with me.

There are so many of you who have made Blueshirt Banter your daily home, and I don't want to risk leaving anyone out, but know that each and every one of you have my undying gratitude.

Please join me after the jump for the "Long Goodbye"

To James Mirtle, Jim Bankoff, Tyler Blezinski, Travis Hughes, and everyone else at SBNation: Thanks for taking a chance on me, I hope you like what we did with the site.

To Dave Shap, Rob Luker, George, Laurie, Mike G: It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you. Your contributions to this site have all been terrific, and have been a big part of its success. Thank you all so much.

Digger: Love your sense of humor. Out of everyone on staff here, I think it most closely matches mine. Glad you've been a part of this site, and I know you will continue to help make sure it doesn't take itself too seriously in the future.

8Kpower, our latest Banter assimilation. You've been a great contributor here from the day you arrived, and I know you will do well as part of the crew. Just remember, Joe takes his coffee with sugar, and Digger gets a little cranky if you don't bring the donuts on time. Other than that, have fun and thanks again.

John Manic Mcfadden Merrigan:  John, you were here with me when no one else was, early game threads were basically you and I chatting. I appreciate you coming on here in the early going, and sticking around. Thanks John, if that is your real name. (Just think, that may be the last time I ride you on that.)

Nick Montemagno: Nick, you don't know how many times I read your articles and said "I wish I could write like this.", and that's probably because I never told you. I'm telling you now, you're a fantastic writer, and you have a tremendous future ahead of you in whatever you do. Thank you for all your help these last two years, I don't think I've ever asked for your help and had you say no, and that means a lot to me.

Eddie Gieck: I would never have gotten to know Eddie if not for the idea of adding a weekly radio show to this site's repetoire, and I would have missed out on a tremendous friendship that I cherish. He's not only the funniest guy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, but he's a damn good friend, and I look forward to our continued insanity on internet radio and beyond.

Finally, Joe Fortunato:  A friend, a contributor, a confidant, and after a night of some bad tequila, a lov....wait, what were we talking about? Oh yeah, Joe. This website might have been out of business 2 years ago if not for Joe's help. Blueshirt Banter could not be in better hands. Thank you Joe, for all of it. I know you will do an awesome job here, because you already have.

I'll still be sticking my head in here daily, commenting and contributing on occasion, but from here on out, it's Joe's site. He's worked hard for this opportunity, and I know you guys will love what he does with it.

Ranger fans are the best in hockey, you guys have spent the last two years showing me why, and I thank each and every one of you for it. Thanks for letting me be long-winded one last time.

Let's Go Rangers!