Moving on - AGAIN

[Moderator1]

Fourteen months after starting this chapter, I'm moving to another. There's a little more to it, of course, that I don't feel like discussing here just yet. But here's the note I just sent my colleagues at VCU:

Colleagues,

I always tell my kids to follow their dreams. My late, beloved mother always told me, “What are you waiting for, you’ll never be any younger.”

I’m finally going to listen to their advice. Almost 33 years into my professional career, I’m going to give running my own company a shot. Am I crazy? Sure. That’s one of my strengths and one of the reasons I think I can make this work.

My plan is to provide a full range of media-related services to both sides of the fence – those in the media and those who deal with the media. I will do some freelance writing. I have three books in various states of completion and I’d like to finally get those done. I will do consulting, interview preparation, media training, small publications and just about anything else people need along those lines. I’ve already contracted with another state university to evaluate their sports communications operation.

I started at VCU 14 months ago today and it has been a quick and fun ride. I’ve met and worked with many great people. I’ve added some skills to my repertoire that will help me in this new venture. Working with our tremendous group of coaches and student-athletes has made me a better person.

After packing up today and tomorrow and finishing a few small things, I will turn in the keys and my computer and start this new chapter in my life.

Please stay in touch and please consider Harris Media Services to meet some of your needs (must work on better slogan!). I can be reached at (yeah, not on here!)

I’ll give this a year and I consider myself fortunate to be in position to try it. If it doesn’t work, you could see me bagging your groceries at Trader Joe’s or selling books at Barnes and Noble. Actually, either of those would be OK.

Thanks to all for making this an enjoyable 14 months.

MJH


Throw a hungry guy some work, y'all!

 

[Write-brained]

Holy Crap. You've got some stones.

Good luck.

 

[Moderator1]

Stones and standards, I like to say.
Thanks. I'magonna need it but I think I can pull it off.

 

[JackReacher]

Holy Christ. I did NOT expect this, but then again, who am I to expect anything from you?

If there's anything I can do -- anything at all -- you got the number.

And, oh yeah, good luck, brotha!

 

[huntsie]

Good for you. Best of luck! Still hangin' out here, I hope?

 

[Moderator1]

Well, self-employed is close to unemployed so I'll probably be around more.
But, yeah, I plan to stay here. Where else am I going to plead for work?

 

[21]

What a great idea. Takes a lot of heart and guts to be your own boss....you will be great at this. Plus so much more time for your moderating responsibilities! 8)

 

[dreunc1542]

Wow, didn't see this one coming either. Good luck Moddy.

 

[Flying Headbutt]

Good luck, buddy. Didn't see it coming. But providing your services to a wider audience of people can only make media better. You're that good.

 

[JackReacher]

Good luck, buddy. Didn't see it coming. But providing your services to a wider audience of people can only make media better. You're that good.

Exactly. If companies do not take advantage of this, it's their own damn fault. I have zero doubts about your future success, Moddy. None.

 

[Sxysprtswrtr]

Good luck, Moddy. I have a good feeling your new venture will be a great success.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop. And be sure to let us know when your books are on the market.

 

[Moderator1]

Thanks. To all of you. It means a lot. I'm swallowing hard right now - but I'm confident I can make this work. My daughter is teaching me how to say "paper or plastic" in six different languages just in case.

 

[JackReacher]

Thanks. To all of you. It means a lot. I'm swallowing hard right now - but I'm confident I can make this work. My daughter is teaching me how to say "paper or plastic" in six different languages just in case.

Don't count on that even being there. Hell, the store we go to makes the customer bag his own damn groceries.

I hear tech writing is a thriving bidness, though, so there's always that.

 

[Mike Harris not that one]

Sooooo let me get this straight I won't be getting anymore of your emails? Oh wait that was when we both were in the MG world.

Good Luck to you sir.

 

[Monday Morning Sportswriter]

I figured your stock had risen so high with the NCAA tournament, you'd decided to go pro after your second season.

Seriously, good luck.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

Good luck, Moddy.

If your new business doesn't work out, you always can open a store in the mall catering to the lefthanded population.

 

[Rockbottom]

I thought the Springfield mall, where Homer Simpson lives, had a Southpaw Emporium.

At any rate, best of luck Moddy. If folks are smart, you'll be snowed under with work.

RB

 

[lone star scribe]

Best of luck. Here's hoping your new venture is a big success.

 

[Matt1735]

Good luck Moddy! Takes large ones to take this step. Hope it works out for the best and HMS is able to post on the Jobs board in the near future!

 

[I Digress]

Thanks. To all of you. It means a lot. I'm swallowing hard right now - but I'm confident I can make this work. My daughter is teaching me how to say "paper or plastic" in six different languages just in case.

Good luck! (And most people bring their own reusable bags now! )