Thanks for the Memories

I have frequently written about both history and progress in my articles on this site for the better part of the past two years. Writing on Patch was a true joy, although it's time to move on.

Starting this week, my new columns will be appearing on Across Ross (acrossross.com). North Hills Flashback will be making a comeback after a brief hiatus. I also hope to continue opinion writing on the new site.

There are reasons for my move. Most people looking for local news have migrated to Across Ross, since it has picked up where Patch left off following the "changing of the guard" last month. In addition to the site itself being a great local news site, it also is run by Richard Cook, a truly great editor who has been a great asset to our community, first through Patch and now through the new site. There is nobody better to run a site like Across Ross than Richard Cook, who does an exceptional job with everything related to local coverage at the township level.

This site has been hurting since the decision to let go of the local editors was made. Sadly, it seems to be falling victim to the same problem which plagued many other AOL-run businesses. How many folks remember AOL Instant Messenger, commonly known as AIM? For years, it was the leading online messaging service, but couldn't keep up with Facebook, improved text messaging, and site-specific IM technologies. Today, it is a shell of its former self and has a very small user base.

While some of the articles on Patch published since mid-October have proven marginally useful, they aren't the type of local journalism we've come to expect from Patch, which was a great community resource. The site was even mentioned at township meetings as a place where residents could learn about happenings and news.

Without a local editor, this site has faded quickly. As a firm believer in progress, I am looking forward to being a part of Across Ross. I hope to archive some of my old articles from this site in the near future in case Patch eventually goes the way of the dinosaur, so rest assured back issues of North Hills Flashback will always be online somewhere.

It's been a great ride on here, but all good things do come to an end eventually. I look forward to seeing all of you at Across Ross sometime next week!!!