This is True Went Online before Amazon. Before Google. And has already run longer than News of the Weird. This issue marks the end of True’s 32nd year. There is no end yet in sight. But there is a change in sight.
True Needs to Outlive Me
The short version is, I’ve decided to start my transition toward retirement. The key words here are “my” (as True will continue beyond that and, I hope, even beyond my ultimate death sometime way, way! in the future), and “start” (as it will take awhile).
Yet the goal isn’t for me to retire. The goal is for True to outlive me.
So what does retirement really mean? When I first started branching out with Contributors, the whole idea was to find someone who had similar ideas as to what True is about, and how to write it, who could eventually take over True when I retired.
The immediate change is that Mike Straw will be writing more stories, but not yet taking over as publisher.
The hard part is Mike’s transition to being the new lead author and publisher. Since this really is a more-than-full-time job, it means leaving the safety of a day job. As you probably know, I went through that myself, and it was a struggle for several years to, essentially, work two full-time jobs and then completely drop the far-larger paycheck (and health insurance).
It was an agonizing decision for me as I had such a fantastic day job, especially since I was starting to be recognized by top leadership at NASA’s JPL and clearly could have had a good career there. Yet I really, really had planned for my long-term profession to be writer and publisher, and if not then, at the time I had a great idea that was taking off, well, When?
So I took the leap.
Grown Way Beyond My Original Vision
I’ve always been saddened when any cool business dies, whether it was a great restaurant or a useful publication. Studies show that a community truly suffers when a local newspaper ceases publication — they are critical to healthy democracy.
True may not be critical to democracy, but I still consider its mission to provoke more thinking in the world to be vital. It’s not merely the oldest entertainment feature on the Internet, it has a purpose, and is still a strong and vibrant publication. I want it to survive me. I want its mission to continue. Mike is who I think can keep it and its mission intact.
One of the things we’re talking about — he actually mentioned it first — is to look into making This is True Inc. a “public benefit corporation.” True is unabashedly for-profit, but the mission isn’t to make me (or anyone else) rich, it’s to make a positive impact in the world while it rewards the long hours we have to put in to create it. Being a B-corp may help, as long as the paperwork burden doesn’t get in the way. “We’ll see.”
There’s something truly awesome about a long-standing organization — longevity shows that its supporters are behind the mission, whether it’s a restaurant or a cause. So many of you clearly agree: more than 2/3 of Premium subscribers pay more than the minimum rate to help True’s mission, to ensure it survives. I take the responsibility to ensure that very seriously.
Your support doesn’t just make me proud and humble, it makes me hopeful for the future. Not just True’s future, not just human-created content’s future, but “the” future.
Part of my vision when I switched to “pay what you want” is that once enough readers pledged sufficient ongoing support, I’d switch it back to a single edition. Not a limited Free edition and a paid-for Premium edition, but the full newsletter for all. That takes a huge leap of faith for both you and us. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer. It might take some bequests or grants to ensure stable footing, or a big rush of new (and supportive) readers. Again, “We’ll see.”
Not an End: A New Beginning
Mike doesn’t just have the attitude I was looking for, but the intelligence and — key when money is tight — the knowledge plus technical ability to run servers and update our custom software.
He’ll need time to wind down a day job (I took two years; he might take more or less time) and learn some new skills and concepts that I use daily, but I’m confident Mike can step up to be publisher as I very slowly step back because he is already fully committed to what True is doing.
I expect it will take 2-3 years before I’m down to “only” guiding (and perhaps writing the Honorary Unsubscribe).
I Asked Mike if he wanted to say something in this space:
“Leaving you to wonder what kind of cats were in the cat house — and where they went when it closed.” That was, as Randy said, a “pretty good tagline,” and the first one I ever wrote for True. A few years earlier, when I’d signed up for a new, fun newsletter about frivolous lawsuits (True Stella Awards), I had no idea it would lead to a side hustle writing for the oldest entertainment newsletter on the Internet, a 16-year-and-counting friendship, or a move to writing and publishing that same newsletter with that same friend!
And yet, here we are! Even though we’ve been talking about this transition for a while, it’s still surreal — and humbling — thinking about it actually happening. The shift will take some time, and I’m excited to continue working with Randy to keep True the publication I’ve loved: always true, sometimes weird, sometimes fun stories that always make the reader think a little deeper.
There’s a lot more I could say, but I’ll have a few years to say it.
Such a perfect last line: I couldn’t have said it better myself. 🙂
This publication has become bigger than me, and my job now is to make sure it stays that way.
Mike fully grasps that this is not about the past 32 years, but the next 32 years …and beyond.
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Thank you, Randy and Mike, for such a wonderful publication and to ensuring its continuance. Here’s to many more years!
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Thanks much, Ken. -rc
As a long time Premium subscriber, I’m glad that This is True is not going away, but evolving. Looking forward to supporting Mike and Randy for years to come.
It’s great to see a well-planned exit strategy, and a great replacement to lead my favourite online newsletter that is always jampacked with interesting stories, most of which have both a super tagline, and a meaningful point to make. I wish you both the very best during the transition, and am looking forward to at least 32 more years of This is True.
I simply had to drop a line and wish you and Mike the best in the newsletter transition. I know that I wish for it to continue at least as long as I remain alive, and I’m glad you’re making provisions to have it last for many years to come.
Quite simply, thank you.
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Thanks much for your help in making it happen, Charlie. -rc
Here is hoping it works out and I live to read it.
Congratulations to you both!
As someone who knows both men personally, I am excited for True’s future.
I’ve been doing planning for my family for the day when I’m not gonna be around and so I left instructions that “IF I’m still subscribed to the Premium newsletter, please let Randy know so he can ‘gift’ it to someone deserving until it runs out”.
After reading this entry in today’s Premium edition, I added to that sentence (and the contact info) to include Mike. That was a change I’m very happy to make. True needs to continue the mission.
Rest assured that I’ll be a subscriber until I can’t operate a keyboard anymore and thanks, again, for YEARS of thought-provoking entertainment (and education!).
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Thanks, Carl. Since I do “know” so many of you, I definitely want to be informed of a subscriber’s demise. I know that’s not always possible, though. -rc
THIS is the best thing I have read in a long time. Very glad to see a succession plan for TiT being put in place. I would suggest it’s grown to something much larger than “just” a newsletter or publication. It’s something special, unique and impactful. More so than any work you would have done being a cog in the wheel of the JPL.
Like any successful enterprise, TiT deserves to outlive its creator. Knowing you are leaving it in good hands should help relieve some of the burden you carry.
Mike you have some really big shoes to fill, and based on what we have seen you create we are in good hands!
They say that all good things must end some day
Autumn leaves must fall
But don’t you know that it hurts me so
To say goodbye to you?
Wish you didn’t have to go
No, no, no, no.
In addition to enjoying your newsletter for many years, I have been particularly impressed by your willingness to reply to my occasional emails. Thank you, and Godspeed.
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You don’t have to say goodbye yet, and I do plan to be around for quite awhile, and catching up on some other writing. 🙂 -rc
Succession plans for the win! It sounds like there is quite a lot to do going forward, before a full transition can occur. It will be interesting to watch. This sounds very hopeful and sensible. You deserve a happy retirement when you’re ready, and I’m delighted that the newsletter will continue.
As one of your longer subscribers, I began reading the news of your future plans with some trepidation. On one hand, I am a big fan of retirement, having taken the plunge myself a few years ago. But from a more selfish perspective, I was not looking forward to a world without you and “This Just In” (sorry, it will always be that in my mind).
If my memory is correct, I found your publication all those years ago from a mention in the long-lost magazine, Internet. Or perhaps it was Wired, I cannot say for sure. Nevertheless, I was hooked from the first issue I read.
For many years, your work has brought my family and me much joy. My children, now all grown, were raised hearing stories from your publication. As they grew, they read it on their own.
Beyond the humor, the thoughtful perspectives were always refreshing and helped all of us see issues from a broader, deeper perspective. The honorary unsubscribes were also a nice addition, further expanding our world.
As I began reading about your future, my mind spiraled. I am at a point in life where I am increasingly losing friends and associates. Even my doctors and other professionals I engage with are retiring or worse….
I should have known better, and my spin was quickly arrested as I read on. Your thoughtful and selfless approach to creating something that, as you said, “is bigger than me” is wonderful news. Again, your ability to transform and pivot continues to impress.
After your transition, I do hope we will continue to hear from you. As I read each issue, I guess if you wrote the tagline, and smile when correct (about 75%) of the time. Your longer writings are also interesting and challenge my own thinking.
Mike is fortunate to have you as a mentor. With his experience, commitment, and, of course, humor, strong hands will carry your creation into the future.
So Randy, thank you for all you have done for us over these many years; it is truly appreciated. I wish your eventual transition into retirement to be all you hope for.
Mike, congratulations; having Randy select you for this role says a lot. I wish you great success.
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I really appreciate your kind words, Clint. The few that remember This Just In are, in my mind, Charter subscribers. The magazine you remember was probably Internet World, “The Best and Worst of 1994 (and Predictions for ’95)”. For the record, the newsletter was in the “Best” part. 😉 -rc
I’ve been around for more than a few weeks and have loved every minute of it.
My best to both of you.
And it’s ironic that you featured Bobby Troup in the HU Archives this week, of all weeks.
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Palpable. (For others, Randy Mantooth died this week. -rc
Reading Clint’s comment struck a chord in my memory! THAT was how I first learned of TiT — a Wired magazine article. It was about the best things found on the internet — so very many years ago (however I’m sure it was not something written in 1994 or 1995 — I didn’t get online until 1998!). I have fond memories of reading selections out loud at the dinner table to my two children – sometimes with neither one understanding the point (or the humor). You allowed me to touch on topics with my kids when I didn’t know how to start the conversation on my own.
I am very happy to hear that Mike is willing and able to carry the torch (and it is bittersweet to hear of Alexander’s departure — my best wishes to you both). I continue to be so pleased to hear from such intelligent and nice humans on this planet. 😀
Please tell me the GOOHF items are continuing as well — I was hoping for a couple more window clings and … and I don’t know what else. Your recommendations about a water bottle and other things (including the Dvorak keyboard) have caused me to purchase things (oh — and a book by an author I’d never read before) and each time found that your taste was spot on! Long live TiT!
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True’s first appearance in Wired was indeed in 1998 (“The Hot New Medium Is … Email” in the April issue). The Get Out of Hell Free goodies will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. -rc
Before reading emails and seeing this, I saw that one of your heroes, Randolph Mantooth of “Emergency!” had passed away a day or two ago.
Felt like an omen. Thought that he’d make a perfect Honorary Unsubscribe bookend with the one that started it all, Jack Lord of “Hawaii 5-0” fame … and then you can retire. 🙂
I think I’ve been a Free subscriber for over twenty years, through the Free/Premium split, the mailing list migration, the rise and fall of the True Stella Awards and Heroic Stories. Always something fun or interesting in even the few you put into the Free list.
The handful of times I disagreed with your views in the Editor’s Notes at the end, you explained your position and I could see where you were coming from. Never did an opinion, slug, or tag rub me the wrong way enough to make me rage-quit unsubscribe.
Good to know you have a succession plan in place. Good luck to both you and Mike on the transition!
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Thanks, Nat. -rc
I consider myself fortunate to have met both you and Kit in person and heard you speak. I don’t know how long I have been a subscriber to TiT, but it’s been well over a decade as a premium subscriber. I do know that, at least for me, you accomplished your mission of making me think. I absolutely understand your desire to transition to a less active role, I had been expecting it since you sold your house and took up the residential cruising lifestyle. I will continue to read TiT, as well as your other writings. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
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Thanks, Stephanie. This month completes your 18th year on Premium, and as you know you’re set for autorenewal. Thanks much for helping to make it happen! -rc
I’m getting to this a little late, but still wanted to add my congratulations and gratitude to the pile. I’ve been subscribing to True for around 25 of those first 32 years and have been premium for most of that time. It’s always been well worth the price for so many reasons, and I have no doubt that this will continue to be the case for the next 32 and beyond. I’ll certainly be here for it, and I’m grateful that True will continue to be here for not just me, but also for a world that could do with a lot more laughs and even more critical thought.
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Thanks, Steve: next month will mark your 20th year on Premium. You help make it happen. -rc