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MIND


MIND Editor's Note
Very few events in the MIND offices merit comment on this page. However, we thought we'd make an exception for the biggest one of all. Eric Maffei, our Editor-in-Chief since the beginning, has announced his retirement after this issue.
      Guiding two magazines like MSJ and MIND through the minefields of changing technology is no easy task. For over a decade with MSJ, and for the past three years with MIND, Eric has inspired us to great heights, through both his gentle leadership and his technological prescience.
      Looking back at the years we've spent under Eric's tutelage, several things stand out. For instance, there was the time in 1991 when he got the "OS/2 RULES!" tattoo. After years of painful laser surgery, he now sports his "OSI RULES!" tattoo with pride.
      More recently, we all think back to 1996, just after the launch of the Windows 95 operating system. MIND was still in its planning stages, but at the time it was known as Microsoft Intercom Developer. We all thought that the TAPI features in Windows 95 would revolutionize the world of computing. But Eric knew better. Sensing the Internet would be the "killer app" of the next decade, he renamed the magazine Microsoft Interactive Developer, and we were on our way.
      When we think of the good times, however, we can't help but recall the best of all—Eric's 10th anniversary party last year. It was an incredibly extravagant event, held at the swank Four Seasons restaurant in New York City. And Eric showed his famous generosity, bringing us all back silverware as we waited for him back in the office.
      It's all part of the rich tapestry of the past decade here at MSJ, and later, MIND. Without Eric, MIND would not be the magazine it is today. If you like this magazine, you should thank Eric's leadership and vision.
      Perhaps we should stop blabbing and let Eric say goodbye in his own words now. Here's his message of love and peace for you. Drop him a line to say thanks.
—J.T.
August 18, 1999

"Now it's time to say goodbye, to all our com-pan-y…"

After ten years at Microsoft, I have decided, basta! I will be retiring as of August 27th. Apparently, I am the only person leaving Microsoft of late who won't immediately be launching a revolutionary new Internet startup. Instead, I plan a new career as homemaker. (Actually, chances are I'll be acting as some sort of elder statesman to MSJ and MIND going forward.)
      If I try to thank everyone I should by name, I'm certain to leave someone out. I'll simply say, many thanks to my terrific staff, our brilliant authors, the great folks at Miller Freeman, and all the incredibly bright Microsoft people I've worked with during the past decade. I am going to miss your camaraderie, your intelligence, and your wit.
      I'm also going to really miss using the royal "we" when discussing Microsoft. I've been so proud to be able to say I work here.
      Actually, there are just a few people I really do need to thank by name:

  • Jon Lazarus, for believing in me in the first place.
  • BillG and SteveB, for being loyal to me, MSJ, and MIND when others were asking "Haven't you shot MSJ in the head yet?"
  • Joanne Steinhart, for always "makin' the donuts" and coping with me.
  • My partner Steve, for being there throughout it all.
      I have the highest confidence that the staff I leave behind in New York and their senior management in Redmond will continue the unmatched quality of MSJ and MIND that our readers have come to expect over the years.
      After 8/27, you can reach me at ejmaffei@msn.com
      "See 'ya real soon. Why? Be­cause we LIKE you!"
—E.J.M.

From the October 1999 issue of Microsoft Internet Developer.