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(And no it's bloody not Lynx optimised and I don't CARE! Get a proper damn browser you cheap skate sonofabitch! *)

Since you're here, you probably know me as the Technical Editor of CU Amiga Magazine. During the last 2 and a half years I've put my all into this magazine and helped turn an average Amiga magazine into the world's best. It wasn't that hard, all I had to do was throw at it the kind of enthusiasm that your average Amiga owners do. I specialise in coming up with crazy ideas and thereby creating extra work for myself. This has been a mixed blessing over these years but on the whole it's been the most rewarding job I've ever had. Now it's time to move on.

I'm getting a little tired of having to answer "Why are you leaving?" questions so here's a half hearted attempt to save my E-mail box from certain overload. Hey, it was a good excuse to use this picture again too. Luckily you can't see my yellow fish-net stockings. :)

* How I wish I could have said that on CU Online :)

Here's a copy of the E-mail and mini FAQ I wrote to 'break' the news to subscribers of CU Amiga's mailing list. I think it sums things up nicely and should answer most questions.

Greetings people, Well here's the sombre mail I've been putting off for a little while. Hopefully it'll be masked in the tide of noise left over from the weekend mailing list down-time. :)

Anyway...

I'm leaving CU Amiga. I can't think of a better way to explain this than to make a mini FAQ. Here goes;

Q. Why are you leaving?

A. Quite simply, it's a career move. I've been offered a position with a legendary American publisher and it's an offer too good to refuse. Damn those Americans with their fat wallets. :) It wasn't an easy decision though, I had to weigh up a lot of pros and cons and my employers at EMAP did make attempts to retain me which was flattering and made the decision yet harder. I'm looking forward to a new challenge but I'm also very sad to leave what has quite clearly been my Dream Job.

Q. Where are you going?

A. That American publisher. The terms of my employment mean that I can't say in exactly what capacity until I'm there. Sorry, please don't E-mail me to ask, I just can't tell you. I'll let you know when I can, I'm staying on the CU Mailing List! (I'm not moving to the US, the company has a London office)

Q. What does everyone think at CU Amiga?

A. after the spontaneous applause and cheering died down; Seriously... They've expressed regret and made me sign my name in blood to freelancing contracts.

Q. Are you going to Amiga Format?

No.

Q. Will you still write for CU Amiga?

A. You betcha bottom I will. Wouldn't miss it for the world. I can also do with the money for my phone bill. :)

Q. Are you going away to work on a nasty PC thingummy?

A. It is related yes. I've used PCs and Amigas side-by-side for some time now. It's clear where my preference lies but there's interesting things happening on all platforms. It's that variety which keeps me working with computers.

Q. Who's going to do xxx now?

A. Either I will continue to do it on a freelance basis, or someone else will do it be they the new staff writer (see recruitment notice) or another freelancer. It's too early to tell. There aren't any plans to drop any of the sections I've been responsible for.

Q. Do you think 'that's it' for CU Amiga then?

A. Hah, I don't overestimate my worth. CU Amiga has some bloody fine staff, some of which you wont see or will rarely see as they're too busy behind the scenes making the magazine. Those fine people coupled with fresh talent will take CU Amiga beyond what it is now. You can be sure I'll keep my oar in anyway. CU Amiga is still exceeding the profit predictions made by the parent company so it's certainly not in any short term danger of closing.

Q. Do you think 'that's it' for the Amiga then?

A. Now is a bad time to leave for me. The same time I made the decision, those Evil people at Phase 5 sent in a CyberStorm PowerPC which you'll have to pry from my cold dead fingers to get back. The Amiga is going places with Phase 5 and Gateway. This isn't PR bullshit, it's fact jack. Stick around and you might just see it, I sure will.

Q. Are they getting someone to replace you? A. Actually, Bitch coupled with next month's DIY project to add an android body... Of COURSE we're getting someone in. They wont be a replacement for me directly as the staff shuffle around and a new Staff Writer comes in to fill the gaps as roles change and people advance.

Q. Where can I find World Peace.

A. On the next CUCD of course. :)

In conclusion, there wont actually be that much difference from your point of view. The same things will go on, I'll still be around although I wont represent the magazine. It's been great, you guys have been great and I'll remember my time on CU Amiga for a very long time.

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If you want to respond to this, PLEASE reply privately to mat@cu-amiga.co.uk and not to the list. We seem to have a bit of a noise problem as it is.

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Mat Bettinson - Technical Editor of CU Amiga Magazine

 I've been deeply touched by some of the E-mail I've got recently. Here's a selection of them; And of course, the guy who can't wait to ask, The 'Legendary' Michael David Ault.

Depending on my time in my new job, I might do some of the funky stuff I always wanted to do on my own pages now I don't have to slave over CU Online any more. :) Then again, maybe not. Who knows and who cares.

people with nothing better to do, looked up this sorry excuse for a web page.

Mat Bettinson - mat@mats.net