This is the most difficult, but at the same time, the most exciting story I have ever written. After almost 30 years of reporting on Apple, I am retiring.
I guess the biggest question is what happens to The Loop. Daily posts will stop, but the site will remain online, and we’ll use it to host The Dalrymple Report podcast, which Dave and I have decided to keep going. I may be officially retired, but I still have things to say and opinions to give.
Over the past couple of years, I have taken time to address issues in my personal life. In that time, I realized that there is so much more to life than work—I’ll be honest, that revelation came as a massive shock to me, but I couldn’t be happier.
From the early days at MacCentral in 1994, then to MacWorld in 1999, and starting The Loop in 2009, I have always tried to be honest in my reporting. I look back at my career with satisfaction and pride, knowing that I did the best I could.
If you currently pay $3.00 a month for The Loop, you can continue that to help support the podcast—we would certainly appreciate it. If not, you can cancel your account through PayPal or you can email me and I’ll help you out.
I made many friends throughout my journey and people who have helped me over the years. Peter Cohen, John Gruber, and Jason Snell, to name just a few, are great people that I leaned on for advice and support. I spent years being a guest on Shawn King’s weekly podcast and Shawn helped on The Loop too. So many great people.
The one person that made the most significant difference for me is Dave Mark. You all know Dave from his posts on The Loop and my partner on the podcast, but he is so much more than that. Dave isn’t just a co-worker; he’s not just a friend; he is like a brother to me. His work on The Loop and podcast has been excellent, but his continued support has meant the world to me. Cheers, Dave!
I have to thank my family for all of their support over the years—it is because of them I was so successful. Helping to start an online business in 1994 wasn’t exactly the thing to do at the time, but with the support of my ex-wife and kids, it happened and thrived. Thank you!
So, what’s next?
My fiancé, Erika, has accepted a job that has us moving from the Bay Area to Austin, Texas and I couldn’t be happier. We purchased a house on five acres of land outside of Austin and are moving this week.
I am looking forward to taking more time to play guitar again. I haven’t played much in the past couple of years, but I’m going to fix that very soon. I’ll serenade all the wildlife on my land with some Ozzy songs.
I will also be cooking a lot more, a hobby I picked up this past year that I find very satisfying. Homemade pasta and sauces are my specialties right now, but I’ll be expanding my menu in the next year.
I have to thank Erika for her unwavering love and support throughout all of these changes—she has been amazing. I can’t imagine what I would do without her strength and wisdom. We are getting married in May and I’m looking forward to our life together.
You can follow Dave and I on Twitter—we’ll still be active there.
So, there it is. Thanks to everyone for reading; I appreciate you all.
Jim