First if I may, I'd like to take a moment to thank our many supporters and loyal fans. It's been overwhelming. Truly. I'm told that while I was away, we received just over 600 emails, letters and cards (637 to be exact). Two people sent flowers. :) I'm touched beyond words. Suffice to say that all of us here are all deeply deeply grateful.

With that in mind, management has asked that I reconsider. Thought is that maybe we acted rashly. Hmmm... I know I didn't. A return is not in the cards, I'm afraid. But the fact that others may think so surely means that I owe friends, colleagues, and our readers a more detailed explanation. Here it is in a nutshell: I believe with every ounce of my being that the PR business is being eaten by a 10-headed hydra. Frankly, I think the future of our business is questionable at best and certainly undignified.