Sixteen Years March 4, 2015 1:03 PM   Subscribe

After 16 years of doing a bit of everything under the sun here, I’m stepping away from the day to day of running MetaFilter and moving into the background. Never fear, I’m leaving it in the best of hands and things are looking good for the future.

The short version:
  • Metafilter is staying the same, with the same team of moderators
  • I’ll no longer be doing day-to-day moderating or operations or drawing a paycheck, but I’m still the site’s owner and will be available in a background capacity
  • cortex is taking on the primary managerial and operational duties for the site in addition to moderating
  • LobsterMitten is returning as a full-time moderator
  • Site finances are steady and have improved somewhat over the last few months
The long version:

In the Fall of 1998, I had the first ideas and urge to build my own blogging system. I started reading programming books and attended an intense 3-day seminar and came out of it building basic web apps. By March of 1999, MetaFilter had a name and a community concept and I was building it in earnest. In June it was pretty much ready to go and after another month of testing it saw the light of day in July of that year.

Since those beginnings the site has grown in every way, and all along the way grown a bit more complex with each passing year. We’ve added half a dozen specialized subsites and watched the membership swell by the tens of thousands while millions of general internet users visited each month. Together we've built an amazing community, both the pioneering pre-$5 members and the people who have continued to join through the years.

But for the last few years, the site has had some extreme ups and downs, and that has resulted in a roller coaster of stress for me personally. A couple years ago my anxiety and stress bubbled up to the point where I wasn’t eating and sleeping regularly. To remedy this, I took the #1 advice of Ask MetaFilter and saw a therapist. This helped me process incoming stressors and realize much of my worries were unfounded and in my head, but over the course of a year of sessions I began to learn a lot about myself. One of the things that became apparent was I’m not cut out for the entrepreneur lifestyle--I don’t eat up risk & stress and shit out innovation--instead I tend to worry about every aspect of every little thing and get caught up on any setbacks.

In the last year, stress has played a central role in my life as we had to downsize and restructure MetaFilter. In the aftermath, I returned to a full-time role of moderation duties in addition to the feature development, advertising, planning, feedback/support, and operations aspects of running a company. While it was good to curtail costs at MeFi in order to secure the future of the site, by putting myself into an additional role I eventually realized I was taking on more work than I was up to handling and after several months the cracks started to show. I began making mistakes and the mistakes were growing bigger. There are a few 1,000+ comment threads in MetaTalk over the last few months that launched as a direct result of some ham-fisted decision I made in the moment without properly thinking it through, and I’ve felt for months I have been doing a subpar job explaining moderator actions to members.

Late last year, I started to acknowledge to myself that I was hitting some limits and after 16 years I was starting to really burn out. I tried taking a few days off here and there and avoiding the site on days I wasn’t doing moderation work, but every time I returned, the stress returned. Every morning I’d wake up and glance at my phone with some sense of dread worrying about what was waiting in my inbox.

A couple months ago, while I was going through all the stages of grief in my head over the absolute burnout I was facing and wondering what to do about MetaFilter and whatever might be next in my life, a couple companies contacted me asking if I would ever consider joining their teams. I’ve fielded these kinds of requests in the past, and it’s always thrilling when someone contacts you out of the blue and wants you, but it’s tough to find a company you love that makes products you love that also wants you to join their team on terms that work for everybody. I talked to some folks and explored options and in the process I came away with lots to think about. I started to see light at the end of the tunnel, and thought this might be the best way forward for both me and the site.

I talked to the team at MeFi, stating plainly my reasons, and we came up with a plan. cortex is taking on the bulk of my managerial and operations roles as an expansion of his responsibilities; LobsterMitten is returning immediately to full-time moderation to take over my mod hours; and everyone on the team will be pitching in a bit more to help shape the site, the moderation, and the community’s future. I will transition immediately into more of a background role (cue the “retired” tag in MetaTalk!) as I venture out into another gig.

In this configuration, moderation improves immediately as LobsterMitten steps into the mix, and the whole team has been discussing areas of improvement they are working toward. cortex is looking forward to the added tasks of day-to-day monitoring, which will go a long way towards minimizing my stress and my role. For members, nothing will change, except the mod team and where the buck stops for most site matters. For me, I’ll shut off all the emails the server regularly sends me but stay on for podcasts and regular monthly “grand vision” type meetings to touch base on big picture things. I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying MeFi as a member and user for the first time, as all the mods continue doing the great job they have been of keeping my favorite community afloat and prospering in my absence. While I will still own MeFi, I am mostly removing myself financially from it, and no longer drawing a salary. Right now, between ad revenue and the help of members supporting the site, we’re operating at a small profit each month and building up savings; your support has been instrumental in keeping the site running and putting it on a good foundation for the future.

It’s been a long, crazy road, and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, for everyone that has joined the site, participates via every post and comment, attends meetups, and helps make this place great. Thanks also to everyone that contributed funds last year (and still to this day!) when our future wasn’t so bright; you literally help keep the lights on. I have spent nearly half my life working on MetaFilter and I’m proud of my work here and glad I did it, and I’m thankful for the great and supportive staff that are taking the reins and letting me step down.
posted by mathowie (staff) to MetaFilter-Related at 1:03 PM (948 comments total) 576 users marked this as a favorite

Thank you for all your years herding cats. The net is a better place because of you.
posted by Argyle at 1:05 PM on March 4, 2015 [252 favorites]


I grew up with this place. Thank you and god bless.
posted by these are science wands at 1:07 PM on March 4, 2015 [18 favorites]


Thank you for making this wonderful place and all you've done to keep it amazing and Thoughtful. Best of luck with the next steps, and may you find an awesome balance in the new work!
posted by ldthomps at 1:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Damn, what a surprise. Good luck.
posted by jayder at 1:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you for every iota of work you have put into this glorious place. You leave it in good hands and I am not alone in thinking that you will be missed.

I have no idea how these people got their moderators wedged into their weblogs, or why...
posted by Twain Device at 1:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [13 favorites]


Thank you for all this; I'm really glad this place exists, and that I've made so many friends here.
posted by rtha at 1:10 PM on March 4, 2015 [11 favorites]


I've said it in person a bunch already, but I'm so happy for you getting a chance to do something new and fresh and get away from the stresses this place has put on you, Matt. Sixteen years is a long time and you've earned the right to relax and just be Some Guy Reading Metafilter many, many times over. You've done something amazing making this place, and I couldn't be prouder to be a part of it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:11 PM on March 4, 2015 [277 favorites]


Thank you so much for this place - you built and sustained something truly one-of-a-kind and wonderful. I always felt a little thrill when I saw your name pop up in a thread.
posted by sallybrown at 1:11 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


Take care of yourself, but don't forget us. We won't forget you.
posted by Cranberry at 1:13 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks so much for creating this wonderful place. Best of luck on your new adventures.
posted by tickingclock at 1:16 PM on March 4, 2015


Longtime lurker here. Wishing you the best in your new adventures
posted by geekigirl at 1:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


I've kind of suspected at times lately that you seemed a little burnt out. Even from the outside looking in it's clear there is a lot of stress in the job you and the other moderators do. Thanks for everything.
posted by Drinky Die at 1:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


It's always seemed like you really enjoy the site as a user as well as the founder, and I hope that continues into the future. Best of luck!
posted by selfnoise at 1:17 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


MeFi is still my oldest 'home' on the intenet. Thanks, Matt.
posted by tayknight at 1:17 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


Wishing you the best! I'm glad you made a decision to take care of yourself.
posted by jaguar at 1:18 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Matt, thank you so much for building this place and running it properly all these years. It is an amazing community that has literally changed my life.

Best of luck in your new endeavors. You'll always be #1 to us.
posted by bondcliff at 1:19 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


I'm thrilled for you too, Matt. Putting on my probably-tedious Long Time CM hat, I've seen a lot of people burn out, and the ones who admit to it and deal with it are the ones that hang on to their sanity. It's a good plan, and we're all gonna be fine. This remains my favorite job ever, and I'm still grateful you hired me on the strength of my not having started any flamewars :P
posted by restless_nomad (staff) at 1:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [52 favorites]


Big, big change — but it's credit to what you've help instigate here that I think MetaFilter will be... just fine. You've laid the foundations well.
posted by metaquarry at 1:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Guess we need to forge a new crown.

"dang! Will we refer to the coming era as "the cortex days"?"

the Cortexian epoch
posted by The Whelk at 1:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [20 favorites]


I burned out on my then-current path a few years ago, and made some big changes in my life, and it was seriously one of the best things I ever did. Congratulations. There's a unique kind of euphoria mixed with joy (and a little fear) that comes at this point; embrace it! Get giddy.

And hooray for LobsterMitten for coming on board full time.
posted by julen at 1:22 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


Ma Ruki, one of the smartest women in the world, always told me that when doing something you love stops being fun, you should stop doing it. Thank you so much for building this little piece of the internet I call home.
posted by Ruki at 1:22 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


As for the new gig, I think he will make an excellent successor to Obama, but I think the stress levels might unfortunately remain high.
posted by Drinky Die at 1:22 PM on March 4, 2015 [30 favorites]


I am so excited for you Matt.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 1:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [111 favorites]


Congrats for making the decision that's best for you. You should feel beyond proud of what you've built over the last decade and a half, including -- especially -- the quality of the team that's here to take over. Enjoy your next life.

(Also, I can't help but think that the day has finally come for this.)
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 1:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [39 favorites]


A huge and unprecedented change for this site. I trust you so much, thank you so much for what you've done to build this community, wish you nothing but good fortune and happiness in all the adventures to come.
posted by Marquis at 1:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


WHAT.
THE.
FUCK.
MATT?
posted by Westringia F. at 1:24 PM on March 4, 2015 [105 favorites]


By which I mean: thank you for making this place, thank you for cultivating it into what it is today, thank you for all your hard work over all those years! I can't even imagine how you did it. MetaFilter IS the best of the web. It made me fall in love with the internet all over again in spite of my Eternal September grouchiness. I hope you are able to bask in a relaxed otium, doing whatever cool and creative thing is next, with pride in a job VERY well done -- you definitely deserve it.

Congratulations and best wishes to all, including our new overlords cortex & LobsterMitten!
posted by Westringia F. at 1:24 PM on March 4, 2015 [11 favorites]


The mod is dead!* Long live the mod!

Thanks for everything, Matt. If you can, what's the new gig?

*Dead may be overstating it.
posted by Lemurrhea at 1:25 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


thank you matt!
posted by ghostbikes at 1:25 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt.
posted by Room 641-A at 1:25 PM on March 4, 2015


Good on you!
posted by rewil at 1:25 PM on March 4, 2015


My best wishes on the continuation of your journey, Matt. I personally can't thank you enough, and I'm sure many others feel the same way.
posted by pjern at 1:25 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


The plus side of always hiring people smarter than me is that leaving them in charge means it's a net positive for everyone involved. I'm really happy with how well everyone on the team took the news and am excited to enjoy the site as a user and see what new stuff comes out as the site continues to evolve.
posted by mathowie (retired) at 1:25 PM on March 4, 2015 [76 favorites]


Admit it: you're just doing this so cortex will have less time to make terrible puns on twitter. We know you're making this sacrifice for all of us and we appreciate it.
posted by komara at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [44 favorites]


Congratulations on your future, mathowie, and may you get some well needed relaxation!

This is great news for everyone.
posted by bibliogrrl at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Good for you Matt. Good luck with whatever you end up doing next. I know that the financial ups and downs have been stressful lately, but you've outlasted a lot of other sites. I think you've done a lot of things right.

Now hit the road and go shit out some innovation.
posted by GuyZero at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh shit, retired tag, y'all
posted by mathowie (retired) at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [351 favorites]


Thank you for all the love you've poured into the site and good luck!
posted by Tevin at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015


Best of luck to you, Matt. Thanks for building one of the best things on the web.
posted by brundlefly at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I am stunned, and a little sad about this, but I am happy you're taking the steps you need to be happy. Best of luck to you.
posted by shiu mai baby at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


The mod is dead!* Long live the mod!

Thanks for everything, Matt. If you can, what's the new gig?


I sure hope he's finally going to launch that feline imaging kickstarter.
posted by selfnoise at 1:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [17 favorites]


The plus side of always hiring people smarter than me is that leaving them in charge means it's a net positive for everyone involved.

By the time cortex's replacement gets replaced this place is going to be run by PhD brains in a vat.
posted by GuyZero at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


I cannot imagine how hard all of this must have been for you. Thank you, for everything.
posted by anastasiav at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt (including me allowing me over the threshold back in 2002!); I'm sure this will work out well for you, and you're leaving the place in the best possible hands. You've created something amazing and deserve to relax and enjoy it like the rest of us.
posted by languagehat at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [12 favorites]


Sorry to hear about your stress, happy to hear about the new opportunity! All the best to you, Mr. Owie.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I got all teary-eyed reading this and wanted to give you a big hug and a pony to ride off into the sunset on. With abracadabra April Fool's rainbow colors in the sky. Glad you are taking care of yourself and thanks so very much for all of your hard work over the years. Also glad Cortex is staying on to head up things. Because that means we will all get giant donuts on Festivus this year.

Best of luck to you! Chillax and enjoy being one of us. {{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Egdod.
posted by dirtdirt at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015


Hey, I hope this makes you as much happier as it can, and thanks for everything you've done here.
posted by RogerB at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015


Any thoughts on putting the ownership of MeFi in a foundation or non-profit?
posted by PenDevil at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


But...but...but...change is bad? BURN THE CHANGE or something...

*sigh*

Okay. All right. We can do this. Glad to know you're feeling good about the future and we know the site is in good hands. Congratulations to you, and I for one welcome our new robot overlords fearless leaders.
posted by cooker girl at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Sad and exciting news at the same time.

Matt, I'm so grateful for this home you've created for us online. Thank you! It's great that you're taking care of your needs after so many years.
Cortex, congratulations! :)
Lobstermitten, so glad you're coming back to full time status. Welcome back!
posted by zarq at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thank you, Matt, for recognizing this, taking care of the site, taking care of yourself, and managing a great transition. It will be great having you as a user!

And Cortex, congratulations on your new role! You have been such a solid presence here for so many years. Matt is leaving the site in very able hands. You will do a great job.
posted by alms at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Wow... what an amazing thing you've done! While it's bittersweet to see you go I'm so happy that there's going to be a happy, healthy Mathowie riding a bike somewhere. BIG HUGS and well wishes!!!
posted by joescales at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015


You mod 16 years and whatya get?

Lots of praise and heaps of respect.
posted by The Whelk at 1:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [45 favorites]


Thanks and good luck!
posted by dfan at 1:28 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt.
posted by pinsomniac at 1:28 PM on March 4, 2015


Wow. Thanks for everything, Matt. cortex - I promise to begin acting up immediately. [smashes bottle on ground]
posted by mintcake! at 1:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Oh shit, retired tag, y'all

OK. *tag*
You're it.
posted by Wolfdog at 1:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Oh! Sorry you're stepping down, but it's for the best of reasons. I know what it is to feel that daily sense of dread and how important it is to get out from under it. Best of luck to you, and I'm glad to see you'll still be around as a user!
posted by JHarris at 1:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


congratulations.
posted by harold at 1:29 PM on March 4, 2015


WAIT.

So Jon Stewart is resigning after 16 years and now this?

MATHOWIE IS ACTUALLY JON STEWART.
posted by cooker girl at 1:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [51 favorites]


.

End of an era.

!

Great job recognizing when it is time to let it go. Your wisdom and personal humility are a big part of why MeFi has been done right.

Please take good care of yourself.
posted by Michele in California at 1:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


You’re one of the good guys, Matt.
posted by axoplasm at 1:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thanks for making this place! Best wishes for your recreation and regeneration!
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015


Holy shit! Good luck, and thanks for what you've done here.
posted by the phlegmatic king at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015


Wowie. I totally understand moving on after 16 years in the same place. Good for you!
posted by lysdexic at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, #1. This is a great place and I'm glad you're moving on to something less stressful. Dreading your day-to-day job is a crappy way to live. Thank you thank you thank you for everything and best wishes for your adventures ahead.

Cortex, congrats!
LM, WELCOME BACK!
posted by kimberussell at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


BTW if you're no longer doing work but still the owner, what you really need is an "emeritus" tag. :)
posted by selfnoise at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [45 favorites]


I am so grateful for this site every day. Thanks for making it, and thanks for taking care of yourself.

Best of luck in whatever is next for you; I know you're going to keep making the world a better place no matter what it is you do. I can just tell.
posted by sockermom at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


You did good, Matt. You've made the internet a better place to be.

Thanks for everything! I wish you well on the next steps of your journey.
posted by Elly Vortex at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


cortex is taking on the bulk of my managerial and operations roles as an expansion of his responsibilities

dude, you know he's just in this to harvest our comments for some ultimate Markov machine, right? i give the site 6 months tops before he turns metafilter into one big commenting bot and starts invading other websites.
posted by mullacc at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


Oh my! I'm really surprised how happy I am for you. Because I know this place will be fine, you've put so much of yourself into it and you can get on with other things now. Thank you so much. Looking forward to the age of cortex and seeing LobsterMitten back more.
posted by ambrosen at 1:31 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


WAIT.

So Jon Stewart is resigning after 16 years and now this?

MATHOWIE IS ACTUALLY JON STEWART.


Can someone please make a GIF of Matt kicking Seth Rollins in the junk?
posted by selfnoise at 1:32 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Thanks, Matt, for everything. You've done a helluva job and I wish you nothing but the best.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:32 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for everything, Matt.
posted by box at 1:32 PM on March 4, 2015


Feeling kind of sad, but very happy for you. Thank you for everything you've done to spawn and nurture this weird, wonderful place. Best wishes y bien hecho!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:33 PM on March 4, 2015


"Fair winds and following seas! "

Also don't be a stranger.
posted by The Violet Cypher at 1:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Matt, thank you for MetaFilter. I wish you the greatest happiness in your future endeavors.
posted by ogooglebar at 1:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Wow! Good for you Matt for looking after yourself. Thank you for making this wonderful place. And Cortex, congratulations. Matt chose well when he chose you.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 1:33 PM on March 4, 2015


> Thank you, #1.

Excuse me, but I think quidnunc kid is #1 now. I'm pretty sure that was part of the deal.
posted by languagehat at 1:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [82 favorites]


So long and thanks for all the fish!
posted by jabo at 1:34 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Good luck for the future you beautiful bastard.
posted by oh pollo! at 1:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks for everything so far. I don't know what else I can say. I have a deep appreciation for this place.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 1:37 PM on March 4, 2015


MetaFilter changed my life for the better. It was my first direct exposure to a ton of humane ideas that I take for granted today. Thank you so much.
posted by glhaynes at 1:37 PM on March 4, 2015 [17 favorites]


BEST.
OF.
LUCK.
MATT!
posted by MrMoonPie at 1:37 PM on March 4, 2015 [56 favorites]


Thank you, Matt.

I'm looking forward to hearing what your next step will be. Any organization that wants to hire you (and that you want to work with) is most definitely doing good things.
posted by mokin at 1:37 PM on March 4, 2015


My browser automatically filled in Metatalk instead of Metafilter today and this popped up...I was uh, not quite expecting that.

I just went through all my spending for last year due to taxes and I kept seeing the recurring MeFi donation. I know the crisis is over and things are good and that's okay, but I'm going to keep it right where it is because that's where I think it does the best. Matt, please go where you think you'll do the best. You did damn good right here, we were lucky to have you, and the next place will be too.
posted by Brainy at 1:37 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you for everything, Matt, and congratulations. This takes a lot of guts.
posted by barchan at 1:37 PM on March 4, 2015


They will whisper your name in the digital halls of legend: "Math... ow... ie..."
posted by naju at 1:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [14 favorites]


Good on you for taking an undoubtedly difficult step back, Matt. Thanks so much for MetaFilter; like many others here it's defined my Internet life in a bunch of ways, for a very long time.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 1:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Wait a minute, wouldn't matt be the former captain? Wouldn't #1 refer to cortex's old position? And didn't he just get bumped up to captain?

But, still, vote qudnunc kid #1.
posted by Michele in California at 1:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Also: Cortex always felt like a perfect fit, at least from where I sit. This really does seem like a win for everybody. Sure, it's different, but so is graduating college. There's adventures ahead for all of us!
posted by Brainy at 1:39 PM on March 4, 2015


all things must pass
posted by philip-random at 1:39 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Matt!
posted by prolific at 1:39 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you so much sir - though I've become a lurker, it's a loving relationship with MeFi, and the conversations here are always quality over crap. Good for you finding your way out of stress, best wishes in your next endeavors.
posted by kokogiak at 1:39 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you for all you have done here, Matt. Best of luck in all your future plans.
posted by Chrysostom at 1:40 PM on March 4, 2015


You're starting something with m00t, aren't you.
posted by ardgedee at 1:40 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Any words I say here sound very very small. Thanks so much and take care. This has been a glorious experiment. Thanks for letting riff-raff like me be a part of it.

Note: Everyone needs a hug.
posted by mazola at 1:40 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Thank you.
posted by Pandora Kouti at 1:40 PM on March 4, 2015


Going out on top. Mad respect and love.
posted by churl at 1:41 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I won't lie, I kind of want mathowie to act up in a bunch of threads, complaining about deletions in-thread rather than taking it here to the gray, chatting away in the green, talking about how much better it was when he ran the place, and finally flaming out spectacularly. Then he BNDs to avoid the spotlight.

Obviously it would never happen and that's for the best, but I would be amused.
posted by Lemurrhea at 1:41 PM on March 4, 2015 [34 favorites]


Thank you!
posted by perplexed at 1:42 PM on March 4, 2015


Dude, good luck and thanks for everything. This must have been anything but an easy decision, but it reads like the right one from afar.
posted by brennen at 1:42 PM on March 4, 2015


Words will never be able to express how much this place has meant to me since I found it in '07. It has been a steadfast presence in my life through the many, many ups, a divorce, cancer, and now recovery to good health.
Take with you this member's heartfelt gratitude for your creation, and my best wishes for less stress, much happiness and fulfillment in the future. You have an awesome legacy, and deserve a lifetime of good sleep.
posted by OHenryPacey at 1:42 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


it seems like there should be a german word for how i'm feeling...

thank you for creating this space and pouring so much of yourself into it over the years. good luck on your new endeavors and let us know if we can ever help in any way.
posted by nadawi at 1:42 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Big news. Best of luck.
posted by josher71 at 1:43 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt, you are a fantastic person and I'm happy to have enjoyed MF for so long. I'm happy you are both taking care of yourself and that you've found a way for the site to continue, too. Congratulations and all the best for the future.
posted by precipice at 1:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


The plus side of always hiring people smarter than me is that leaving them in charge means it's a net positive for everyone involved.

You sell yourself short. MetaFilter is a masterpiece. And only geniuses create masterpieces.

Thanks for this one, and good luck.
posted by tempestuoso at 1:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks Matt. Metafilter played literally the biggest role in evolving college student me into a grown man and I am grateful. Good luck in whatever comes.
posted by Kwine at 1:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


This is all I've ever said to you, so I'll say it again: keep the rubber side down, Matt.
posted by Dashy at 1:44 PM on March 4, 2015


Good luck to you Matt. Thanks for your vision, your work and making a cool site that I could stumble upon more than a decade after it first got started and still feel as if I'm living through its golden age.

All confidence in the new moderating team too. The site is in good hands with Cortex and co.
posted by MartinWisse at 1:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


It's easy to understand how those 1000+ comment MeTalk threads could be serious suck on quality of life. You're the first (and I guess only) guy-on-the-internet-that-I've-never-actually-met that I've ever come to trust. You earned that years ago, and as far as I'm concerned, have built up enough good will to sustain you through many more decades of "ham-fisted" decisions. Cheers and good luck.
posted by klarck at 1:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you for all that you've done to make this my #1 spot to enjoy the internet on, Matt. Best wishes
in all that you do going forward.

I ♥ Mathowie
posted by Lynsey at 1:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


But we never figured out how those cats got stuck in these scanners, or why!

Best of luck at whatever you do next, and take care of yourself.
posted by dinty_moore at 1:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Congratulations, and good for you for taking care of yourself even when it might have been easier not to make a change. And thank you for making this awesome thing that we all love so much.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 1:45 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Are you going to Mootxico, too?
posted by charred husk at 1:46 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


You have created something very special, and you should be very proud of that. Thanks much and best wishes in your next endeavors.
posted by thelonius at 1:46 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for everything, Matt, and best wishes to you as you begin a new job. You've built something that means more to more people than you can probably estimate, and it's a testament to how well you've built it that it will probably keep going and growing in very much the same manner after you step back from it. It's like what my mother says about parenting: you know you've done a good job when your kid doesn't need you anymore.
posted by orange swan at 1:46 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


When I heard you say you'd returned to full moderation and day-to-day oversight in addition to running the company, I thought whoa, that's exactly the step backwards you don't want to take if you can avoid it. I'm glad you were able to process it well enough to know your limits, and I'm really really happy for you. This is a Good Thing, for you and for your company and the site.

Thanks for all that you've done and continue to do, Matt. I know it's been hard and mostly thankless work. You've done an admirable job.

I do hate the shit out of you for going from a programming seminar to building a big chunk of online culture in a year, so we're pretty much gonna wrestle if we ever meet.
posted by middleclasstool at 1:46 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


I guess this is the right time and place to tell this story...

Sometime when MetaFilter was much younger, before it was even Matt's full-time gig, maybe a dozen years ago, Matt crashed on my couch for one of his first visits to NYC. We stayed out a bit late, having fun meeting MeFites, and then both went to bed.

I got up a bit early, and was puttering around my apartment and I saw Matt sitting stock upright, fully awake, without having moved from the spot where he'd fallen asleep. He had opened up his laptop and had an absolutely stricken look on his face. I asked him if everything was okay, and what was going on, and he said very matter-of-factly, "I've been up since 5am. I was panicked something was wrong on the site."

And here's the thing: It was just another normal day on MetaFilter. There was nothing particularly controversial or contentious going on. But the default level of stress meant that Matt, even while traveling, and even while having several hours of timezones and jet lag working against him, was literally thinking of how to make the site great from the moment he woke up (hours early!) until the minute he went to bed.

I think we all know what we've gotten from that commitment — an incredible site that's changed the web, and changed so many of our lives for the better. But I don't doubt that nearly every minute since has been spent with Matt at that hair-trigger level of concern for this community and this site.

I can't imagine anyone who deserves a break more.

I'm super excited to see what you do next, Matt. I'm so thankful to you and proud of you for what you've accomplished here.
posted by anildash at 1:47 PM on March 4, 2015 [179 favorites]


I see somebody beat me to the "all these years voting for quidnunc kid and this is what I get?" joke, but yeah, this is definitely the end of an era.

Oh shit, retired tag, y'all

It makes it so...real, doesn't it?
posted by zombieflanders at 1:47 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt. I'm super excited to see what you do next.
posted by cCranium at 1:49 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for everything, Matt. This place has had a huge impact on my life. I hope you find something that's just as fulfilling but without the stress.
posted by Sibrax at 1:50 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt.
posted by LinnTate at 1:50 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I've been around here for nearly a decade (yeah, I know, five dolla noob) and it's a fundamental part of my online life. And even just looking at a few of those 1000+ comment threads stresses me out a little. Actually moderating them? Sheesh.

Good luck Matt, you deserve a little chill time.
posted by Happy Dave at 1:50 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


dang! Will we refer to the coming era as "the cortex days"?

I predict that in the future we will look back on them fondly as, "The old days, man, the bad days, the all-or-nothin' days."
posted by Steely-eyed Missile Man at 1:51 PM on March 4, 2015


mathowie, you'll always be a an internet hero to me! Can't wait til you do what you're doing next :)
posted by ericost at 1:51 PM on March 4, 2015


So, mathowie is the next Spider-Man?
posted by Pronoiac at 1:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


As someone who is also leaving her employer of 14 years, I should warn you that you will have a lot of awkward conversations in the coming days where people shower you with compliments and you don't know how to respond. I hope you will consider using animated gifs in this thread while you still can!

I really feel like you have been a great leader here, Matt. In these past 16 years, I have grown with you and because of you. I mean it that you and Metafilter have been a catalyst for growth in my life and that is a connection I cherish.

Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do next. I hope they appreciate your experience and knowledge and passion! Ever forward!
posted by sarahnade at 1:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Hooray! I hope the new gig works out wonderfully.

As for MeFi, I welcome our new cortextual overlord and his moderating minions!
posted by rmd1023 at 1:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks very much, Matt. Best wishes to you.
posted by Zonker at 1:53 PM on March 4, 2015


ardgedee: "You're starting something with m00t, aren't you."

end times dot txt

Matt, thanks for the site and all the fish. Congratulations and good luck it the days ahead.

and please remember, you get an "emeritus" tag, not a retired tag.
posted by boo_radley at 1:53 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks Matt, and welcome back Lobster Mitten !

Matt, I'm happy you've find something new and exciting to do - and thanks for organizing a legitimate transition and not letting the site go away or slowly lose relevance through neglect.
Sixteen years is a long time - you can be proud of what you've built.

Merci.
posted by motdiem2 at 1:53 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Oh shit, retired tag, y'all

YAY. Welcome, my friend.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 1:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [49 favorites]


Thank you for everything you have done here. I'm so excited for you, getting to take on some new stuff!
posted by Lyn Never at 1:55 PM on March 4, 2015


Having just recently celebrated my MeFi tenthiversary, I can only say thank you, mathowie, and all the best going forward. Keep making quiet little posts that don't attract much attention, and enjoy the place from our side of the looking glass for a while.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Good for you, mathowie. I've been struggling with the same issues of burnout and stress regarding my site, and recently began the same move to the background (slowly). May your next thing be both as awesome as and more relaxing than MetaFilter.

Cortex, good luck in the captain's chair!
posted by me3dia at 1:56 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


So, mathowie is the next Spider-Man?

Yes, but that's unrelated.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 1:56 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Thank you for helping with my dissertation and building a respectful community. I am glad you're taking care of yourself, which sets an example for all of us too!
posted by gusandrews at 1:57 PM on March 4, 2015


That'll do, pig. That'll do.

Congrats, Matt. Enjoy your new endeavors.
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:57 PM on March 4, 2015 [9 favorites]


Matt, you've built a really great thing here. I think this is the best of all worlds with you remaining on as owner. Best of luck in whatever the next step may be!
posted by capricorn at 1:58 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for taking care of yourself with classic AskMe advice. ;)

And thanks for all you've done Math-owie. Hope this means you get to ride your bike more.
posted by advicepig at 1:59 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Rock on, Matt. Thank you for everything. Enjoy your new life.
posted by Ufez Jones at 1:59 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you for everything, and best wishes for everything that happens next.
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 2:00 PM on March 4, 2015


It is the dawning of the age of Butts Lol
posted by Pronoiac at 2:00 PM on March 4, 2015 [16 favorites]


Thank you, Matt, and congratulations!
posted by growabrain at 2:00 PM on March 4, 2015


May the road rise to meet you but not so fast you skin your knees.
posted by eamondaly at 2:00 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


16 years! Congratulations to Matt, Cortex, all the mods, and us.
posted by feckless at 2:00 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for everything, Matt, and enjoy your retirement.
posted by klausness at 2:00 PM on March 4, 2015


TNX 10E06.
posted by eriko at 2:01 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Matt, for everything
posted by SillyShepherd at 2:01 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt, I haven't met Lobstermitten, but I have met Josh and stayed at Jess's place.

Next time I get the chance, I want to tell you how wonderful you are and I'd like to buy you a drink.
posted by filmgeek at 2:02 PM on March 4, 2015


Oh, and congrats on the promotion cortex!
posted by Rock Steady at 2:03 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Work that has changed many lives.
posted by solarion at 2:04 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


mathowie is not Jon Stewart.

He's Ed Helms.

No, wait, he's not Ed Helms.

BUT SERIOUSLY: Rock on Matt! Your constancy has made MeFi great. Your health is more important than anything though. And kudos on assembling the incredible team here.
posted by artlung at 2:04 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


much thanks for your hard work. you made history on the interwebs without any nipples.

I mean, I'm sure you have nipples. uh.

point is, nice work.
posted by dong_resin at 2:05 PM on March 4, 2015 [9 favorites]


Thank you Matt for one of the best places on the web. And good luck hosting the Daily Show. That is your new gig yes?
posted by shortfuse at 2:06 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Congrats Matt. You made a hell of a thing here. I've been a user for fourteen years, and a reader for sixteen. In internet years, that's older than the universe.

You developed and grew a site so good, that it has kept a lot of us here for a decade and a half. There are teenagers secretly watching porn now there weren't even born when this place started.

That's amazing. I hope whatever you find yourself doing, you remember that you created one of the best places on the internet. That's a fucking ridiculously awesome accomplishment.

cortex is taking on the primary managerial and operational duties for the site in addition to moderating

So... This is the apocalypse?

I'm strangely comfortable with the idea.
posted by quin at 2:06 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


Best wishes, Matt.
posted by ColdChef at 2:08 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Congratulations, and thank you, Matt. I hope you're leaving to build that RSS reader you talked about.
posted by alby at 2:08 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Instead of "retired", why not "Moderator Emeritus"?
posted by brundlefly at 2:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


I've made far less use of MeFi than I could/should have over the years. But it's been oddly comforting to know it was always here.

So, thanks.
posted by ffmike at 2:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Everything about this sounds perfect. Really happy for you.
Congratulations and thanks for Metafilter.
posted by chococat at 2:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Matt.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:10 PM on March 4, 2015


Yay! I'm beyond glad to be back, and glad that these changes all seem like positive steps for everybody. Echoing what everyone says here Matt: thank you for building and sustaining this place, and picking the other people who've sustained it. I hope your next step is wonderful and you get to sleep in more.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 2:11 PM on March 4, 2015 [66 favorites]


Whoa! Big damn news. Thank you for everything, Matt. You've built something you should be damn proud of and it's time you got to enjoy it again.

I'm glad you're taking care of yourself, and best of luck for your next gig.
posted by Phire at 2:11 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt!
posted by DakotaPaul at 2:13 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you and good luck! Muchísimas gracias!
posted by papalotl at 2:14 PM on March 4, 2015


Maybe cortex will let Paphnuty come back now.
posted by Chrysostom at 2:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


I rarely post. I rarely comment. Yet this place is a big part of my life in ways that I sometimes have a tough time explaining, even to myself. So, for all the quiet leechers, Matt: bless you, and thank you so much.
posted by Kinbote at 2:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [46 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt! Your work has meant so much to so many people.
posted by Sticherbeast at 2:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


It feels like the end of an era. That's not a bad thing. Thanks Matt for years of care into this strange little site, and thanks for planning a smooth transition to ensure many more years of injokes and pileons. Echoing that I can't wait to see what you do next.
posted by muddgirl at 2:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh, wow. Dude, thanks so much for creating this place.
posted by topynate at 2:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


good luck hosting the Daily Show. That is your new gig yes?

Actually, I didn't think Capaldi would be leaving Doctor Who so soon, but I guess if you can't get Zachary Quinto to play the first American Doctor, you can get his non-union equivalent.

But seriously, congratulations Matt and thanks.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 2:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


thank you matt! best wishes!
posted by beefetish at 2:17 PM on March 4, 2015


I assume cortex is just waiting an appropriate amount of time before he adds a gold crown to his name.
posted by the agents of KAOS at 2:17 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


weirdly appropriate
posted by Dr Dracator at 2:17 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Matt. MetaFilter is a g-d jewel, and I am so glad it exists. If there were a fire on the Internet and I only had time to rescue one site, it would be this one.
posted by Cash4Lead at 2:17 PM on March 4, 2015 [14 favorites]


Life without Mefi would be boring and stupid. A million thanks for everything you've done, Matt.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 2:18 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


I'm happy for you, sad for us. Also I would have liked to see you and moot switch jobs just for a few months, could have been like wife swap except more amazing. I bet he would crack first.


Anyway. What's the new gig? If it's at reddit I will be very pitchfork-y.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 2:18 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


I still don't really understand how all of this happened: Metafilter, mostly, also why for some strange reason I work here, but mostly Metafilter itself. It is a strange sort of miracle and I can't imagine what it must be like, to be the person who created it.

No wait I totally can, a little bit, because we've been working together for a while. In that light, sad and strange as it is in a way I think I understand your decision. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be just a tad burned out at this point. That's not a reflection on the community, which is without irony just about the most wonderful bunch of people a website can hope for. It's just bound to happen at some point for anyone, I feel.

Now that this is Happening though I'm sort of surprised at how natural it seems. If that means anything I guess it's that you've done a good job laying the groundwork in terms of continuity: I'm hardly a neutral party here of course, but by Thor, if Josh doesn't know his way around the site then who does. (Rumour has it he knows exactly how many pixels it's got. Don't know if it's true, he's not saying.)

And I'm so happy LobsterMitten is coming back! For real this time! It is proper and it is just.

Thanks for hiring me, by the way. And all the best. Have it good. I know you're not disappearing completely. Probably for the best, or I might have made this a lot longer.

Matt, I've only been part of this story in a small way, for a short time, as a mod at least: still I can say with confidence and with the knowledge that I am not alone when I say that this Thing you have made, it has had a real and positive impact on people's lives. That leaves me with awe; I hope it leaves you confident in the knowledge you've made the right call. We'll take good care of the site. If not, there's a bunch of folks here who I'm sure will let us know.

Every hug,
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 2:19 PM on March 4, 2015 [53 favorites]


ANNO CORTICIS 1
posted by kenko at 2:19 PM on March 4, 2015 [28 favorites]


So glad you're doing what's best for you AND that you've had the forethought to make sure this wonderful place continues on. I won't try to put into words what this place means to me. Thank you, so very much, for all that you've done (and will, no doubt, continue to do).
posted by Twicketface at 2:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


i heard mathowie got a job wedging cats into scanners or why.
posted by mullacc at 2:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [12 favorites]


MeFi's Moderators: Age of Cortex


Thanks for everything Matt! This remains the best place on the web. I don't go a day without checking for interesting stuff on the blue.
posted by Hairy Lobster at 2:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


BTW if you're no longer doing work but still the owner, what you really need is an "emeritus" tag. :)

Why not just a special "owner" tag? With a cool color?
posted by Melismata at 2:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


By any measure, Matt, you've created a successful Internet community that's completely unique and incredibly special. I don't come here very often anymore, but it's amazing to have stopped in every once in a while to see the place grow and prosper as the community continues to refresh itself. But there's a cost to maintaining something so special. Sixteen years is something to celebrate, but it's also a huge chunk of a lifetime, and it sounds like this is the right time for you to move on.

Congratulations on this one-of-a-kind achievement, and thanks for sharing this wonderful place with all of us for all these years.
posted by daveadams at 2:22 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Sixteen years is a long time to do anything. Good luck with the next thing, and thanks for building MeFi!
posted by egypturnash at 2:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


a blinking "owner" tag?
posted by Hairy Lobster at 2:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Though I haven't been active here for many years, this site has enormously enriched my life, and (IMHO) the Web itself. Thanks for it and for everything you've done here. xxxooo
posted by rebeccablood at 2:25 PM on March 4, 2015 [12 favorites]


Metafilter sucks, Matt sucks, good riddance
posted by Joel Johnson at 2:25 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


It's quickly coming up on longer a MeFite than not for me. Thanks for giving me a home on the Internets, mathowie, and may you find joy in your new pursuits.
posted by carsonb at 2:26 PM on March 4, 2015


Well damn Matt! Congrats and I wish you all the best. This is an amazing place you've built. It's been life changing for a lot of us. Best little corner of the web.

You're leaving it in good hands. I think Cortex is finally ready. I just hope you made him like live on only rice and run up and down a huge staircase for a few months just to break him a bit before you handed it over.
posted by Lutoslawski at 2:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Wishing all the best for you, Matt. Thank you for all of the work you've done for the sake of this site, and for this community. MetaFilter is a singular website, and has certainly changed my life for the better.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 2:27 PM on March 4, 2015


Brb drafting my list of demands for changes I expect to see in the cortex era, starting with inline gifs and ending with a dedicated Parappa the Rappa subsite.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 2:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Argh, forgot to add the monologue from the trailer:..

MeFi's Moderators: Age of Cortex

"I was designed to save Metafilter.
MeFites would look to the blue and see hope.
I'll take that from them first."


:)
posted by Hairy Lobster at 2:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Matt, you are doing the right thing, and I salute you for doing it. Can't wait to learn what's next for you.
posted by oceanjesse at 2:28 PM on March 4, 2015


congratulations on great change. it is going to be strange for a while, but it sounds like a good decision.
posted by sciencegeek at 2:29 PM on March 4, 2015


I feel you, man. Last year I had to step away from a multi-year project because the stress was ruining first my mental, then my physical health. I cared, and still do care, immensely about the project, but I was broken. Still, it was incredibly hard to step back from it. But I had to do it, and so did you.

Good luck, and we'll see you on the interwebs.
posted by vibrotronica at 2:29 PM on March 4, 2015


Reprise!

MEFITE:
Dear kindly mod Mathowie
we're sad to say goodbye.
You're leaving MetaFilter;
that might just make us cry.
We know you'll still be a user,
but you're no longer a mod.
Golly Moses, natcherly we'll sob!

MEFITES:
But, Mister Mathowie, we're so glad to see
That your days at work will be so much more stress-free.
We're all gonna miss you,
We'll give you three cheers.
Thank you for sixteen awesome years!

MEFITE:
Sixteen years!

MEFITES:
Sixteen years, sixteen years,
All full of laughs and tears.
You've changed our lives for sixteen years!

MEFITE:
Cats were lodged in scanners.

MEFITES:
Cameras were had.

MEFITE:
We don't quite mind our manners.

MEFITES:
But most times we're not so bad.

MEFITE:
We're sad that you are leaving.

MEFITES:
We'll be sadder when you've left.

TOGETHER:
Mathowie, we might be actually bereft!

Gee, Mister Mathowie,
We'll give you a hand,
And wish you well in all the new adventures you've planned.
Gee, Mister Mathowie,
Farewells always suck.
Don't forget us, Mathowie!
Good luck!
posted by ocherdraco at 2:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [38 favorites]


Cortex will declare a Jubilee and reactivate all banned users.

This will last for as long as three hours before they are all banned again.
posted by Chrysostom at 2:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [9 favorites]


Thank you, Matt. Sixteen years is about, what, three hundred internet years? MeFi is a tremendous accomplishment and I'm so happy it's around.

I hope your future path includes both fantastic new adventures and some well-earned rest.
posted by Metroid Baby at 2:30 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh mathowie, don't be so hard on yourself. We all love metafilter so much, and it only exists thanks to you and the people you brought on board. Enjoy your next adventures and you are in great company -> jessamyn (retired).

And welcome back LobsterMitten.
posted by travelwithcats at 2:32 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Stay gold, Pony-boy.
posted by stet at 2:32 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


Really sorry about the stress level you've been feeling.
Really impressed at the work you've done to identify and deal with the stress.
Thrilled for you about the new gig!
More appreciative than I can say for all you have done to build and maintain this great place.
posted by bearwife at 2:32 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Congratulations, Matt, and best of luck with future endeavors. It's a great corner of the Internet that you've built here.
posted by Secretariat at 2:32 PM on March 4, 2015


Chrysostom: "This will last for as long as three hours before they are all banned again." all become insufferable once more
posted by boo_radley at 2:32 PM on March 4, 2015


All praise the Sublimed before us, that we may be Sublimed in turn.
posted by Chichibio at 2:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Instead of "retired", why not "Moderator Emeritus"?

mathowie [shy, retiring]

You done good, sir.
posted by holgate at 2:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


a blinking "owner" tag?

"proprietor" seems more suitably old-school.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 2:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


I had SO MUCH fun here over the years, I had to come back just to say thank you. Thanks for creating, nurturing and supporting this place that was such a big part of my online life for so long! Best of luck on your new ventures, Matt! And congrats to Cortex, well deserved.
posted by jonsonCameBack at 2:34 PM on March 4, 2015 [17 favorites]


Thanks for 16 years of hard work and the best damn community weblog on the Internet. Still self-policing since 1999.
posted by armage at 2:35 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Just in time to take over for Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess next season. I'M JUST SAYING!!!

Also: thanks for everything, Matt!
posted by Celsius1414 at 2:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


This place means a lot to me. Thank you for what you've built here, Matt.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:39 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


*searches cost of engraving Oolong the Rabbit onto a watch*
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:40 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Alsø alsø wik: would a link to this thread be appropriate for the frontpage sidebar?
posted by Celsius1414 at 2:41 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Welp. I really had better send Cortex that dozen donuts I owe him.

Matt, Proud to have met you as you're one of the web's finest. I really enjoyed the couple times we chatted at SXSW meetups. Thanks so much for making this place an awesome home for me over the last 11 years. Hope to catch up with you again some day soon.
posted by Devils Rancher at 2:41 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt! Hope you find peace and sanity wherever you go.
posted by lkc at 2:41 PM on March 4, 2015


Congrats to you, and thanks for making a thing that has sucked up countless hours of my life in a most enjoyable way. Wherever it is you are going, those are some lucky motherfuckers.
posted by spilon at 2:42 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Enjoy your life of liberty, Matt! MetaFilter is a haven in the vast quagmire of the internet. Thank you for that.

I look forward to the inevitable launch of the QuipFilter subsite. All puns, all the time.
posted by cellar door at 2:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for all you've done to make this a good place, Matt. One thing I've seen over the past 16 years is how many different ways an online community can go terribly wrong by allowing user comments. MetaFilter allows users to take control of the front page yet remains as essential to the web as it was when I joined in 2000 and was called a noob for my four-digit user number.

Good luck at the new gig, and congrats to the mini-Matts who just got the keys to dad's car.
posted by rcade at 2:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [11 favorites]


so mr cortex sir

i am tots expecting a markov chain to celebrate your ascension as chief pusher of pixels, grand mufti of the comment box, arbitrator of flags, protector of ponies, CHOCOLATE FONDUE OF -

sorry i excite
posted by Foci for Analysis at 2:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you so so much Matt.

(Are you joining Medium?)
posted by huguini at 2:45 PM on March 4, 2015


Are we now entering the Buttslolian Jihad?
posted by stet at 2:46 PM on March 4, 2015 [12 favorites]


Just wanted to say thanks, Matt (and others)! Good luck!
posted by shoepal at 2:47 PM on March 4, 2015


So tomorrow at some point, you'll hear a podcast we recorded just before this post went live and it will probably sound very strange both because I had no idea how people would take the news so I didn't know how to talk about it in the future but in the past at the same time, and also because I hadn't even considered how to talk about it so I am basically a muttering, sputtering nonsense person while jessamyn asks coherent questions.

Anyway, you'll hear what's next, etc, should be up tomorrow mid-afternoon at the latest.
posted by mathowie (retired) at 2:49 PM on March 4, 2015 [46 favorites]


Best of the web, Matt. Thank you, and good luck on your new path.
posted by skybluepink at 2:49 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


A thousand years from now, hologram Brian Blessed will play mathowie in a BBC miniseries about the founding of MetaFilter.

cortex, it's on you to make sure MetaFilter endures for another thousand years.
posted by prize bull octorok at 2:51 PM on March 4, 2015 [11 favorites]


Matt is a superman of the web! Also, MetaFilter is the Phantom Zone of the web, except in an opposite way. I am not sure how I became wedged in this wonderful interdimensional prism, or why. But thank you!
posted by oulipian at 2:51 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


I signed up in 2007, which was almost half of 16 years ago, and I still feel like one of the new guys.

Thanks, Matt, for starting one of the best places on the internet, and good luck in all your future endeavors. You gave a green light for the first pony I ever asked for, and that will always give me a warm fuzzy.
posted by SpacemanStix at 2:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Congratulations on finding a path forward that keeps you connected to the site but lets you focus on other hopefully less emotionally taxing endeavors. We owe so much to your little labor of love, and I'm sure cortex will keep the Good Ship Beanplate moving full steam ahead.

Also, Nth-ing the idea of an "Emeritus" tag instead of "Retired." If we all get "I fund MetaFilter" notes for donating a few bucks a month, you should at least get a damned custom badge for building this thing.
posted by tonycpsu at 2:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you Matt, for everything.
posted by vacapinta at 2:54 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Good luck, Matt. And thanks for what you created.
posted by Splunge at 2:54 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for everything Matt! You created something great!
posted by The Deej at 2:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Does anybody read the comments down here?

I hope this last mega-length metatalk thread brings you nothing but happiness and satisfaction for a job EXTREMELY well done and TOTALLY appreciated. This place on the web has gotten me through most of my low points for the last 15 years (and with a minimum of AskMe questions... most of my biggest ones were previously asked, answered and found in search).

(And add my vote to the "build a better RSS reader" future)

Anyway, thanks for all the fish.

-the Foopster (what you called me commenting on my first post as wendell)
posted by oneswellfoop at 2:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


I'm sorry to hear how stressful Metafilter has been to run, but over the time I've been a member, my respect for the community here has only grown, and that's no small thanks to the mods. Metafilter continues to be the example of Doing It Right that most other online communities ignore to their own detriment.

Being a member of Metafilter has been educational for me and broadened my perspective. I'm sure that's true for a lot of people. I don't know if that makes up for the stress, but I hope it counts for something.
posted by adamrice at 2:57 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


fuckyeahmathowie.tumblr.com
posted by Mo Nickels at 2:57 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


So I understand that LobsterMitten is going to be moderating more to account for mathowie's absence, but isn't cortex also going to be moderating less, since now he has to eat donuts for twobe much more active in the non-moderation aspects of running the site?
posted by kenko at 2:59 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


You will always be #1, Matt. Thank you for all you have done here.
posted by yhbc at 2:59 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


mathowie? matwowie I say. Thanks so much for this beautiful place you've built, Matt. It's a life-changingly great place for so many people, and I'm pleased you're going to get to relax and enjoy life, the universe and metafilter in future. Thank you.
posted by penguin pie at 3:01 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Good job Matty, thanks for this thing, it's kinda my favorite thing.
posted by Divine_Wino at 3:01 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


a blinking "owner" tag?

"proprietor" seems more suitably old-school.

I agree that Mathowie needs a special tag. My vote is for [GRAND HIGH POOBAH]. However, I would accept [PRESIDENT FOR LIFE OF THE CABAL (THERE IS NO CABAL)].
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 3:01 PM on March 4, 2015


Best of luck. You created something great.
posted by 3.2.3 at 3:02 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you Matt, for all your hard work over all these years. You defined what the Internet can and should be for me and lots of other people. Thank you for stepping back in a way that ensures the site stays healthy and alive, but now, PLEASE... PLEASE don't worry about it. Enjoy your new adventures.
posted by edlundart at 3:02 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Not "Retired," not "Emeritus," the proper tag is "Creator." Even better, use one of the words on that page that rhymes with "Creator." It'll be so Meta. Even betterer, use one of the sounds kind of like words. MetaMeta!

mathowie [checkered adder]

Thanks for making this place, and best of luck.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 3:03 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Matt, thanks for creating this amazing place. I hope whatever comes next for you is awesome!!
posted by leesh at 3:03 PM on March 4, 2015


Wow. Mad props Number One. You made something.
posted by spitbull at 3:04 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for creating this site that we all love so much. Wish you the best and hope to see you around!
posted by blacktshirtandjeans at 3:04 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for your work and dedication to make this place better every day.. good luck!
posted by starman at 3:04 PM on March 4, 2015


Ahhh, unexpected change! I mostly lurk but MeFi has been a daily part of my life for years and thank you thank you thank you.

May peace and happiness follow wherever you go.
posted by zix at 3:06 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Even betterer, use one of the sounds kind of like words.

mathowie [chokecherry tree]
posted by capricorn at 3:06 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I've been here 12 years and 4 months. I don't post as much as I used to, and that was never a huge amount, but this place has been really important to me for all of it.

Thanks a lot, and if you're ever in London, do let us know!
posted by knapah at 3:08 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt.
posted by Jeff Morris at 3:10 PM on March 4, 2015


I also want to say that as a pure testament to the culture you have built here: If for the sake of argument, you salted the earth, deleted the passwords and sold the domain to the shitheads at godaddy a new metafilter would spring up almost instantly. You know I'm right. That's something to be enormously proud of, I love all of you dumb dumbs.
posted by Divine_Wino at 3:11 PM on March 4, 2015 [11 favorites]


There were so many ways this could have gone—so many decisions that Matt could have made that would have been easier, from closure to sale—and this is the best possible scenario for everyone involved. Matt gets the break he so badly needs, and the community lives on into the next decade. Class act, that Matt Haughey.
posted by waxpancake at 3:13 PM on March 4, 2015 [48 favorites]


Matt, it’s been a pleasure working with you and getting to know you. I am exceedingly lucky to have worked on MetaFilter, and I’m excited for all that the future holds for you. All the best, and thank you so much!
posted by matthewmcvickar at 3:14 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks so much for creating and nurturing such a wonderful place, mathowie! I've been amazed that after all these years, you are still patient, kind, humble and generous. You could probably have sold mefi or just shut it down, but you are generous to the last.

Plus, I want to say this: We've had a lot of threads lately talking about whether mefi is or isn't welcoming to this or that group -- all a part of the process of improving. But as a long-time site member, I particularly want to thank you because this is the first place on the web that I as a woman felt comfortable because I always found you respectful and supportive. When you were ready to make your first hire, it was a woman. When you could have had a lucrative ad deal with an advertiser that made many of us women uncomfortable, you passed them by. Growth can be painful, but you've kept a safe and respected place where we could -- and still are -- hashing things out.

I think nothing embodies what a super leader you've been more than the quality of the people you hired: the finest mod squad bar none, a truly stellar group of people (and I include our retiree emeritus in that number). I'm so glad that cortex gets the much deserved baton pass - and that we keep our great team intact, with LM back full tilt.

Thanks so much Matt. Come hang out with us sometimes, mkay?
posted by madamjujujive at 3:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [75 favorites]


Big news — congrats and good luck, Matt. See you around the blue.
posted by wemayfreeze at 3:17 PM on March 4, 2015


Metafilter has embiggened my life in so many ways. Thank you for everything, Matt.

guys are we at least getting him an engraved bicycle bell?
posted by cmyk at 3:19 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Metafilter: basically a muttering, sputtering nonsense person while jessamyn asks coherent questions.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:19 PM on March 4, 2015 [38 favorites]


Thank you so, so much for this site. You made the Internet such a better place for so many people. And thank you for giving us a community. I would have felt much more alone without this site.
posted by gt2 at 3:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thanks for building my online home.
posted by zenon at 3:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


What about the party? When someone retires, you throw them a party!

And clearly the engraved bicycle bell should read "Matt Haughey: Best of the Web".
posted by barchan at 3:24 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you for all your years of service to this amazing and crazy community that you gave us.

Now you can be free-wheeling and irresponsible about things!
posted by winna at 3:24 PM on March 4, 2015


.
posted by jewzilla at 3:24 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt, and the very best wishes.
posted by moira at 3:25 PM on March 4, 2015


The only bad thing here is that it probably means cortex is going to have less time to hang out with us over at MefightClub and talk games and stuff.

Ah well. I have every confidence in him to steer the good ship MeFi, as I'm sure most everyone else does, too.

Thanks for everything Matt -- I've said it before, many times, in public and private, but the sheer fact of Metafilter's existence and the way it's been my online home, pretty much consistently for a decade and a half, has meant an awful lot to me, and continues to do so. I can't thank you enough for that.

I've often wondered what the eventual and inescapable Winding Down of some of the places that were founded back in the Early Days would look like, as we all aged. Didn't think it would start to happen this soon, but this seems like it might be the least-bad way for it to go.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 3:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


It's customary to have a farewell meetup tour. We'll expect you in Tokyo shortly.

Seriously, thanks for everything, and thanks for deciding to keep the site up and running. Stress told me it was time to leave my last job, and I'm much better for it. I hope you get the same relief.
posted by Ghidorah at 3:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Best to you and your family. Thanks for making this place, and making this place one of the best places on the web. No exaggeration. I appreciated all the work you put into the decisions you made, the choices you settled on, and the tone you set.

This is one of those Jay-Z retirements, right?

Hope you get healthier, feel better, and if you someday return like Jordan we'll cheer that too.
posted by cashman at 3:28 PM on March 4, 2015


On a serious note, hearing about successful people like you pulling the safety cord on a career as an entrepreneur makes me more and more confident in my upcoming decision to chuck the tech industry for a small town job as a _____?

Metafilter works because it's not a start-up. It's a community. I want to find that in real life somewhere.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 3:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


MetaFilter is responsible for me meeting my husband and our consequent lovely offspring. Thank you so much and best wishes!
posted by Specklet at 3:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [26 favorites]


Apparently my trust in the new mathowieless moderator roster is stronger than my innate fear of change? That's kinda weird. But anyway, yes, thank you for making something which has made the internet better, made me better, and made other people on the internet better.

Wait a minute, wouldn't matt be the former captain? Wouldn't #1 refer to cortex's old position?

Thanks to having cameras, I was able to document clearly matt as #1. (that particular camera does infrared is why everything looks funny)

changes I expect to see in the cortex era, starting with inline gifs and ending with a dedicated Parappa the Rappa subsite.

!!!   Pull the lever or whatever! Right now!
posted by aubilenon at 3:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you so much for sixteen years of creating, supporting and managing my favorite place online. I'm so excited for your next move!
posted by annathea at 3:30 PM on March 4, 2015


Adios, Number One! May the hippo of happiness belch in your bathtub.
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:34 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you, Matt.
posted by carbide at 3:34 PM on March 4, 2015


Have you seen Specklet's Kid? That dude is cool as hell, he flipped off ColdChef wrong finger, happy kid style! (twitter joke).
posted by Divine_Wino at 3:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


> and stepping into the background

$mathowie
$ctrl-z
$bg
$disown -h
$exit

Aloha, Matt
posted by jfuller at 3:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


As several others have said, this place is the Best of the Web. Thanks, Matt, for all you've done for us and for the internet as a whole.
posted by Aizkolari at 3:40 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you for the many years of pancakes.
posted by nprigoda at 3:41 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for making this place. It's a special corner of the internet for so many of us. Best of luck with your next stuff and I hope to see you pop up here and on twitter.
posted by quince at 3:42 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt, so many things in my life are different from 10 years ago, but this site has been one of the constants. I'm glad you get to experience some change for the better yourself now. Thank you so much!
posted by veggieboy at 3:42 PM on March 4, 2015


Congrats, Matt. Well earned.

Good luck, Cortex, et al.

(Still, I'll really miss being a part of a place run by Matt and Jessamyn. Special people, y'all. Special people.)
posted by Joseph Gurl at 3:42 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


> (that particular camera does infrared is why everything looks funny)

I'm so glad to see those photos again - I'd forgotten how weird and great they are.

> Have you seen Specklet's Kid? That dude is cool as hell, he flipped off ColdChef wrong finger, happy kid style! (twitter joke).

Awesome! Yeah, if it hadn't been for this place you made, Matt, I wouldn't be flipping off a friend from the internet with friends from the internet.
posted by rtha at 3:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


You've built a hell of a good thing, man.
posted by RakDaddy at 3:47 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Best of the web - is what you are, sir. Proud to be in your crowd; will always look forward to coming back here.
posted by progosk at 3:47 PM on March 4, 2015


Good luck Matt!
posted by Brilliantcrank at 3:48 PM on March 4, 2015


So I understand that LobsterMitten is going to be moderating more to account for mathowie's absence, but isn't cortex also going to be moderating less

For now I'm keeping my mod hours the same as they are; it's a kind of work that I've always found less stressful than Matt does, and between that, a little more delegation with the team, and Matt having done so much yeoman's work over the years getting the site's cultural and business processes pretty darned solid and stable, I'm feeling confident it'll be very manageable to step into the additional responsibilities as is.

That said, I'm taking some lessons from Matt's experience and will be awfully attentive to my own sense of energy and capacity, so if things aren't working in some way we'll figure out as a team how to deal with that sooner rather than later.

Anyway, I don't want to get too bogged down in that stuff in here right now because this is really Matt's thread, but I'll say thanks really quick to folks for being so supportive about this today, of Matt's decision and of all of us on the mod team looking forward to Mefi's future.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [31 favorites]


Thank you for Metafilter, Matt! Best wishes for your future endeavors!
posted by Squeak Attack at 3:56 PM on March 4, 2015


D: D: D:
posted by Quilford at 3:58 PM on March 4, 2015


Metafilter made me a better person. Simple as that. Thanks, Mathowie. Thowie.
posted by EmGeeJay at 3:58 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Does this mean cortex will be required to use the correct pronunciation of 'miːfaɪ in all spoken communication?

he can keep saying "draygun," however; that's adorable
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 3:59 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


I have been reading, and lurking on, MeFi for probably a decade*, and I finally got around to joining last year. It's a very special place, even from the outside looking in. Thanks, Matt!

*My was-del.iciou.us-now-pinboard confirms this to be true.
posted by Quagkapi at 4:00 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for an oasis of sanity in a howling maelstrom. Definitely the best of the web.
posted by bitmage at 4:01 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I had a lot of fun here & abouts over the years. Thanks Matt.
posted by i_cola at 4:02 PM on March 4, 2015


Another lurker here coming out of the woodwork to wish you the best of luck :-) Thanks for building such a cool community.
posted by hyperizer at 4:03 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Hey, Matt, thanks for what you've made here. Congratulations, and good luck.
posted by Novus at 4:03 PM on March 4, 2015


Metafilter made me a better person.

Yeah, that's a good way to put it. This goes pretty deep for a lot of people, I think. Thanks mathowie.

Congrats and good luck, cortex! And welcome back, LobsterMitten!
posted by torticat at 4:03 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you, Matt, for everything you've done and for every person the site has helped out in some way.

I myself recently was laid off from a super-stressful oil/gas/energy services job here in Houston due to the downturn in the industry, but somehow as a miracle ended up employed in a work-from-home capacity for a firm in California filled with likeminded people doing fun projects for nearly the same pay.

It's really weird going from "overstressed" to "wow this is real?" I hope you can find the same relief.
posted by mrbill at 4:08 PM on March 4, 2015 [17 favorites]


MetaFilter has made me laugh, think, and learn new things every day for the past 9 years I've been here as a member. There is no other site, English or Japanese, that I've been coming back daily for that long. Thank you for creating such a special place Matt, and best of luck in your new endeavors.
posted by misozaki at 4:08 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Congrats to Matt, cortex, lobstermitten, et al. Sixteen years is an eternity online and it's to all of your credit that Metafilter is still an exciting, thriving community. I think this is a smart, sensible move, made at a time of strength rather than weakness, and I hope that only good things come out of it.
posted by adrianhon at 4:09 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


16 years! That's neeearly twice my membership time (two thirds including lurking time) - What a journey...
Thanks Matt, though, and have fun out there!
posted by Namlit at 4:18 PM on March 4, 2015


Woah! Congrats on the new gig, Matt. Sixteen years is a long time for any job and an eternity for putting up with the likes of us. Break a leg.
posted by octothorpe at 4:18 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for all you have done- know that you have created something that makes at least one user's life a little brighter every single day.
posted by charmedimsure at 4:19 PM on March 4, 2015


Way to start another 1,000+ comment thread.

Congrats on moving on.

You don't have to answer, but I am curious why you won't be taking a paycheck. Owners deserve a bite too.
posted by cjorgensen at 4:20 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt, thank you so much for creating and building this place. You have done something unique. Your retirement is well-earned.

Thanks to cortex for stepping up to the new responsibilities.

Welcome back to LobsterMitten as a full-time mod.

The end of an era, but the future is bright.
posted by soundguy99 at 4:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Matt.

(Thmatt.)
posted by cheaily at 4:24 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Well, that's a surprise.

But good on you for making a decision in favor of quality of life.

I have a couple of Rules to Live By. One is "Never miss an opportunity to pee or get water," which I figured out on an epic bike ride down the Pacific coast in 1992.

But the more important one is, "Life is too short to be miserable at work." And if work stresses you out and keeps you up at night and all that, that's sufficient misery to justify getting out.

I'm glad you made this place, I'm glad I found it, and I'm glad it's doing well enough that you can step away without worrying that it will fall apart. That's on you for doing such a great job building it, and you should be proud.

Thank you.
posted by suelac at 4:24 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Wow, was not expecting this - but thanks, Matt, for giving us this community, and I'm glad you're doing what you need to to take care of yourself. And I can't imagine a better person to take over the helm thank cortex. Happy that LM is coming back full-time, too!

Thanks for everything Metafilter has given us, Matt, and good luck!
posted by DingoMutt at 4:25 PM on March 4, 2015




Thank you Matt. Thank you for everything.

Thanks also to everyone else who makes Metafilter still a daily visit 16 years on. Very, very few websites can claim that honor.

Great to see the old guard coming out of the shadows in this thread.
posted by gen at 4:28 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


You're such a good chap, Mr Owie. Live long and prosper!
posted by h00py at 4:29 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt, thank you. All the best to you.
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:32 PM on March 4, 2015


"I guess if you can't get Zachary Quinto to play the first American Doctor, you can get his non-union equivalent" - MCMikeNamara, I'm glad I'm not the only person who sees that!

Thank you so much for all the years of running this amazing place; I can't believe I first started here almost fourteen years ago! Thanks for making the internet a better place. Good luck in whatever you're up to next.
posted by epersonae at 4:33 PM on March 4, 2015


I rarely post (and in MeTa least of all), but I've been reading MeFi for who-the-hell-knows how long. Though I don't really participate enough to really feel part of the community here, I've always been a happy lurker -- and, even more, happy to know that a place like MeFi even can exist at all. Thank you, Matt, for making MeFi into a shining example of what the web can be, a counter-point to the depressing nastiness of most community sites. Even in retiring you're still setting an incredible example, passing the torch in a sustainable way rather than just peacing out.
posted by jacobian at 4:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Matt, you've made this such a special place for us. Thank you. I'll miss you but I'm so excited you get to do new things. I hope we still hear you on the podcast, at least sometimes!
posted by chatongriffes at 4:37 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Matt. MF is an amazing and wonderful place. See you around! (Hopefully at MFC this year!)
posted by zuhl at 4:37 PM on March 4, 2015


I'm really glad for you, Matt. You've done great here and I hope this decision lets you focus on happy things.
posted by zennie at 4:38 PM on March 4, 2015


Wow! Thanks for all your hard work, Matt. It's sad news, but I'm really happy for you.
posted by frenetic at 4:40 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks Matt!
posted by Justinian at 4:44 PM on March 4, 2015


I hope we still hear you on the podcast

aka the MetaFilter Nice Farm In The Countryside Home For Retired Mods. I like that Jessamyn and now Matt are continuing with the podcast: you three have a lovely rapport.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 4:45 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Thank you, congratulations, and good luck, Matt. I look forward to your next big thing.
posted by Plutor at 4:46 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt. You've made the web a better place, and you should feel good about it. As a longtime lurker, I'm certain I've become a more conscientious person because of Metafilter.
posted by dashDashDot at 4:46 PM on March 4, 2015


Woah. You've built a hell of thing. Thanks for sharing it with us, and ensuring we will all continue to share in it for years to come.
posted by nat at 4:49 PM on March 4, 2015


Hey Matt, this sounds like a sane and practical move, and I'm glad you're taking action to look after yourself. Heartfelt thanks for all you've done in these SIXTEEN YEARS(!!!).

It'll be good to see a relaxed, relieved version of you around "enjoying MeFi as a member and user".
posted by tangerine at 4:51 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Why did my face leak when I read this?

I like to think I've helped (in one single, specialized manner) over the years with my profile, and fielding questions in MeMail, but to compare that to the sheer depth and breadth of what you've helped with by creating this place, it's a grain of sand versus the Mojave. Thanks for building this place up for us to enjoy, and then stepping back but allowing us to keep enjoying this greatness you have made.

Dei Gratia Matt.
Also, selfnoise, the promo Jon Stewart cut Monday night may have been the best thing on RAW.
posted by deezil at 4:51 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I am still hoping for a flameout.
posted by Kafkaesque at 4:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [15 favorites]


Bravo, sir. Bravo.
posted by clockwork at 4:53 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks so much for everything, Matt. I'm so glad to hear, too, the plans for the future of MeFi staffing. I have no doubt you are making sure to instruct everyone on the proper pronunciation (ME FI (as in FO FUM)) before you go. I seem to recall cortex may be an apostate.
posted by OmieWise at 4:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you for all the work you've put into this place. You built something wonderful here. Best of luck with all your future endeavors.
posted by marxchivist at 4:55 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt, thank you for all you've done to make the internet a more civilized place. Best of luck in your new adventures.
posted by grimjeer at 4:55 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you for Metafilter. I hope you have a nice well-earned rest :)
posted by chrono_rabbit at 4:56 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks Matt; you set a high bar. MeFi's had an outsize influence on me and I'm so glad it's here. And congrats on moving on to find new projects!
posted by postcommunism at 4:57 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you Matt.
posted by audi alteram partem at 5:02 PM on March 4, 2015


I'm so glad you've found a good way out of burnout. Stay well and good luck.
posted by michaelh at 5:04 PM on March 4, 2015


MATHOWIE 2016
posted by benzenedream at 5:04 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Five years. That's how long it's been since I posted on MetaFilter. Matt, congrats on the big move, and best of luck with what's next!
posted by davidfg at 5:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


16 years - the biggest Math-owie of all time! ;) Thanks for making a great site for all of us to build a community on. I hope you find everything you're looking for in your new job.

More Lobsters in Mittens is likewise a wonderful thing.
posted by Deoridhe at 5:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


My first thoughts on hearing this news (on Facebook) was that I didn't know whether to be happy or sad. After a little bit of thought, I see it solidly in the happy column. I'm happy that mathowie has seen the light (it has been obvious for some time that he's not been comfortable in the moderator role) and that he has the ability to grasp onto something else. I'm sure that something else will be awesome in itself and that he will be awesome at it. As someone feeling burnt out and sick of my current role, I'm also green with envy.

We're all lucky that there is such a capable team that can step in and things will be business as usual. It's a testament not only to the capability of those people, but to the leadership that has led to that being the situation.

All the best, mathowie.
posted by dg at 5:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


thanks and have fun

(hmmm, i've been doing my job for almost 16 years - that sucks)
posted by pyramid termite at 5:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I'm excited for you, Matt! But don't be a stranger, okay?
posted by sarcasticah at 5:22 PM on March 4, 2015


I don't remember when I started reading Metafilter - Probably 2000/2001/2002ish. Late junior high. Someone upthread said they grew up with Metafilter, and that's definitely true for me. I don't participate all that much but I've always valued the fantastic little piece of the web you built which has always made an effort to be non-shitty, early on on the strength of your moderation and then later as you picked good people to help you manage it.

I'm glad you're doing what's best for yourself and what you think is best for the site. good luck, matt!
posted by dismas at 5:22 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you so much for all you have done for us, Mat, and good luck for the future.

But . . . sniff.
posted by purplesludge at 5:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks Matt, and good luck! You've done work you should be proud of, and I look forward to seeing you around as a fellow user.
posted by yasaman at 5:24 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for this wonderful thing, Matt.
posted by erikgrande at 5:25 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks so much Matt! I've been on this site for 10+ years, which feels like decades in internet years, and this site has literally changed my life.

Here's to all of the projects and exciting things that the future holds for you!
posted by suedehead at 5:27 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


:thumbsup:
posted by Jako at 5:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt, for your wisdom and commitment -- MetaFilter's successes would not have been possible without the qualities that you brought to it. There are few people whose intuitions about this sort of stuff I value and trust more highly. MetaFilter wouldn't work at all without this alchemical combination of being a large, general-interest site and a vibrant community -- and much of this is the result of numerous decisions you've made along the way.

To everyone else, I'd ask that they recognize what Matt's revealed of himself in this post about this decision. In my opinion, Matt's virtue has always been what has caused him some difficulty -- his deep, personal involvement and his emotional investment. He cares about the site and, more importantly, the people here. It bothers him a lot when someone feels hurt, or excluded; it bothers him when people feel he's contributed to any hurt or exclusion. He's hands-on, he engages with people, and he tries, really, really hard to do the right thing. It has never been merely "words on a screen" to Matt. And I think he's a hundred times harder on himself than his worst critics when he thinks that he could have done better.

And he created MetaFilter, he owns it, the responsibility has always ended with him. This is a tremendous amount of responsibility to take personally, to feel personally; and what that's meant is that he's always gone the extra-mile in so many respects -- everything from how he and the rest of the mods moderate to the decisions he's made about advertising and dealing with the past drop in revenue. I think that a lot of what's gone right with MetaFilter is the direct result of Matt being extraordinary in this way.

This amount of emotional investment and caring about the people involved -- and I mean the members of the MetaFilter community -- is inevitably a vulnerability of sorts when it's in the context of something like an internet discussion site where there is disagreement and acrimony and careless or even genuinely malevolent people. All the mods here have to deal with this, they're all mods in Matt's mold in that they really do care -- but, still, they're not the guy who owns and ran the site.

Insofar as we enjoy MetaFilter and care about it, then it seems to me that we very much owe a debt to Matt for being the sort of person who gave as much of himself as he has -- because, for better or worse, what he's given is built into MeFi's DNA, it wouldn't be what it is without it. People in Matt's position work hard -- it's what entrepreneurs do. But Matt did more than work hard, he gave a lot of himself to the community, and in ways that were often not so obvious.
posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 5:31 PM on March 4, 2015 [49 favorites]


I'd like to add that my son was 9 years old when I joined this site, and is now going on 18. I'm Japanese and so is my husband, so my son is raised in Japanese. I'm not sure how to say this without it becoming a rambling essay, but I've brought my son to the (admittedly too few!) MeFi Tokyo meetups in the past and I don't think I would have been comfortable doing so if it weren't for the culture of MetaFilter and the wonderful Japan MeFites. I feel it's hard to get a good idea of the value of diversity and the importance of learning English when you're raised and educated in Japan as a Japanese person, and I think the experience of just meeting and spending a few nice afternoons with interesting people with different backgrounds has helped broaden his view of the world. He's not fluent in English by any means, but he's interested and willing to learn and I feel I owe that in part to the great MeFites here in Japan.

I was also reunited with a long-lost friend via MeFi, so there's that, too!

So again, I'd like to say that I value this place more than I can adequately express and would like to thank Matt and team MeFi for all they've done to keep it going.
posted by misozaki at 5:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [23 favorites]


Thanks for this place, and thanks for putting it in good hands.
posted by Pope Guilty at 5:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


As someone who's been here forever, I wish you well brother. If I contributed to any of your problems, I apologize, and thank you for this community.
posted by jonmc at 5:39 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Grats, Matt! Try not to read Metafilter too much at work! :D
posted by Monsieur Caution at 5:39 PM on March 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


"One of the things that became apparent was I’m not cut out for the entrepreneur lifestyle--I don’t eat up risk & stress and shit out innovation--instead I tend to worry about every aspect of every little thing and get caught up on any setbacks."

A really important thing to learn, and something I learned about myself a while back, too. I have great ideas, but I don't want to be the one chasing them down.

Thank you for everything, particularly for furnishing me with my very own internet family.
posted by wintersweet at 5:40 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I have wondered how it was to be a mod when you're the only mod who didn't choose mod-dom but had it thrust upon him. I have my answer.
Thanks for inventing this place and keeping it a going concern, and good luck with your new thing!
posted by gingerest at 5:43 PM on March 4, 2015


wait, wait, wait... Do I have to do everything myself?

WHAT
THE
FUCK
MATT!!

we have traditions to uphold here, people
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Wow. Big props for recognizing what was happening to you and taking the (probably) difficult steps to make your life better. And I've always been amazed with the humility and honesty that you've brought to every on-site interaction I've seen. I couldn't have lasted a month, much less sixteen years, dealing with the things you have. Good luck with whatever's next, which I hope will include some time to un-tense all your muscles.

Full-time congrats LobsterMitten too.

But cortex, it sounds like you're going to be taking on a bunch of duties that don't get a lot of public notice but are absolutely essential to keeping things running. Good luck with that, and I'll throw in a pre-emptive "Thank you" to get you going.
posted by benito.strauss at 5:43 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


I was just about to read this thread when I got distracted by running into a fellow Mefite on the train! Thank you for all you do to make Mefi such a great community that extends beyond the boundaries of the Internet, Matt.
posted by ferret branca at 5:46 PM on March 4, 2015


I'm not exactly crying, because that would be weird, but it's a little dusty in here and my heart hurts a bit. It won't be the same without you, but we'll try not to fuck it up too badly.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 5:47 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt, and best wishes.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 5:47 PM on March 4, 2015


This place you built has enriched my life immeasurably. I've traveled down intellectual paths I wouldn't have found without it, and refined my thoughts in conversation with others. More importantly, I have good friends both online and in the real world because of Metafilter. You did something that made the world a better place for a lot of people, and I am very grateful for that. Thank you, Matt, and best wishes for what lies ahead.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:47 PM on March 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


Can we get a banner notice at the top of homepage? This seems like that kind of announcement.
posted by Going To Maine at 5:50 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Without MetaFilter there would have been no 9622, and without 9622, well, I shudder to think. Godspeed, mathowie.
posted by tizzie at 5:50 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


One of the best sites on the Internet and you started it! And now it's being handed over to people who will love it, too. Congratulations to Matt, and to the new mods too.
posted by ftrain at 5:51 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


I can only echo what othes have said about this place. It is truly special. Thank you, user #1, for making this place what it is. I wish you great good luck in your next adventure.
posted by gauche at 5:51 PM on March 4, 2015


Dammit, searching on the iPad sucks. I swear. I checked.
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:54 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Now that cortex et al are taking over, is it too early to put in a pony request that http://notalentassclown.org gets reinstated? I really wanna mess with the IT guys at work.
posted by Ufez Jones at 5:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


That is a thoughtful and humane approach to what was obviously a difficult situation, and it sounds like it will be good for everyone involved. I am pleased to be involved (in my very small and peripheral way) with a place where this kind of thoughtful and careful thinking is prioritized.

And I'm also happy that one of the components is having LobsterMitten back on full time status, in itself an event worth celebrating.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:55 PM on March 4, 2015


A job very well done. Peace be with you, Mathowie.
posted by cwest at 5:56 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you for everything, and I am so glad you are taking care of yourself.
posted by Stewriffic at 5:57 PM on March 4, 2015


Best of luck in your new ventures matt, I'm really excited for you, and I'm sure this will only enhance the pleasure you get from metafilter.
posted by smoke at 5:57 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt. Metafilter is really the only place online where I feel comfortable commenting, and I'm grateful for all you've done for the site.

LobsterMitten was one of the first usernames I ever recognized on the site because of this amazing comment in AskMe. Wise and thoughtful in her moderation as well.
posted by gladly at 5:57 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


No site other than Metafilter has had my daily attention for the last 14 years, and I know there are many others like me. That's pretty amazing, and it's due to some pretty careful shepherding by you, Matt, and the crew. This is not everyone's cup of tea, and never will be. In the long run, I think Metafilter's brand of curation and moderation will turn out to have a lot in common with older media institutions like the New Yorker (which is the one and only magazine I've continued to read for 50 years or so). Best wishes in your new endeavors but please stay not too far in the background.
posted by beagle at 5:59 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


Matt, thank you for making an internet home for us! Good luck and take care.
posted by Mouse Army at 6:02 PM on March 4, 2015


Dang, y'all, this sounds like an obit thread. Matt didn't die, he transcended.

Seriously, this place has been amazing, and I look forward to reading MeFi daily for another 16 years. Thanks for creating this site, I love this place.
posted by Verdandi at 6:04 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Nice job, Matt. I love this place.
posted by stinkfoot at 6:09 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for everything Matt. You've struck such an amazing balance with this website and community all these years. Thanks for always doing the decent thing, and for caring about people. Take care and be good to yourself now, and all the best for your next thing -- look forward to seeing you around more as a commenter, enjoying this amazing thing you've built.
posted by catchingsignals at 6:17 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Matt, I hope you'll show up once in a while as a member, or not, if you really want distance. I especially hope that you have a bright new opportunity to grow, create, stretch and have fun. 16 years is a long time, but who knows what will happen in another 16. Mazel tov.
posted by theora55 at 6:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Bloody hell. A 'complete stranger' steps down from his job on one of infinity web-sites. Why do I feel weird about this?

Matt, you've made an indelible mark on us all and the wider cultures and societies in which we mingle. You have created something truly incredible - not just a website, I mean, shit, even Reddit managed that - but a truly open-minded, constructive and loving community. You made the hivemind. Thank you for your contribution to our lives.

I feel really weird, and I'm going to hug my baby and tell her everything will be ok.
posted by man down under at 6:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Also: 16 years? I've been through a lot of changes over that time and a lot of folks from MeFi played a part in that. I was 29 when this thing started but a lot of people were way younger and watching them grow was cool.
posted by jonmc at 6:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Sixteen years is a long time at a job, let alone one as encompassing as this. Thanks for all your work and guidance and vision and may you enjoy doing something different.
posted by R343L at 6:27 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you so much for all your hard work, Matt. Good luck!
posted by buriednexttoyou at 6:29 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt.
Best of the web, both MeFi and you.
Good luck!
posted by islander at 6:31 PM on March 4, 2015


16 years is a long time. Thank you for being so generous with your time & energy!
posted by adamsc at 6:35 PM on March 4, 2015


Oh my gosh, Matt! As others have said, this is both sad and glad news. I want to say that you have long been an exemplar to me of a total mensch--generous, patient, responsible, respectful of others, always ready to listen and learn and change. The quality of this site, so richly attested to above, is also a testament to the quality of its leadership.

And of course, one of the hallmarks of good leadership is the cultivation of strong successors; you've got a wonderful team to hand the torch to, and I have total confidence in cortex et al. to carry on the ethos you've established here.

Best wishes for exciting, rewarding, and less-stressful new adventures!

(And I am SO glad that you and also Jessamyn will be continuing as part of the podcast, because damn, that is one of the high points of my month on a regular basis.)
posted by Kat Allison at 6:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I haven't been around here a lot recently, but once upon a time, this was very much my home online (even if I wasn't all that vocal about it) and I've met some amazing people through this site.

Thanks, Matt, for creating MeFi and for everything you've done here. Best of luck to you.
posted by aine42 at 6:37 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you Matt.

You've built an amazing community, on the internet no less. You do realize that most people would of never been able to do what you've accomplished here right, right? Enjoy some time to live.

Hey, and what could go wrong with cortex in charge...

*awkward guy hug*
posted by -t at 6:40 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I want MiguelCardoso and mr_crash_davis here now, but I only know how to reach one of them.
posted by yhbc at 6:47 PM on March 4, 2015 [19 favorites]


Thanks for making this place. Good luck in your future projects!
posted by dazed_one at 6:49 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you so very much, Matt, for creating this oasis of awesome out here in the wilds of the net. Your work has meant so much to so many. Although I am sorry to hear how much stress it has caused, I am happy to hear that you are putting your health first and am excited for your next endeavor. Be happy.

Congrats also to cortex and LM! I have every expectation that the site will maintain its level of excellence.

(Does anyone even read the comments down here?)
posted by blurker at 6:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


You're handing all the keys to the guy who wrote the insanity-producing ultimate Xmas carol fragment mash-up?!
But in all seriousness, best wishes. Thanks for making one of my favorite things...I honestly can't imagine my life without Metafilter.
posted by missmary6 at 6:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks, mathowie.
posted by fake at 6:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Matt, my vote's for you on the Internet's Mount Rushmore.

Metafilter's the best site and community on the net.

Thanks. I hope the R&R comes quickly and is completely rewarding.
posted by DigDoug at 6:55 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you too, Matt, from the bottom of our hearts. All the best with the next stage, and great to know that you'll still be around!
posted by carter at 7:05 PM on March 4, 2015


MATHOWIE WILL NOW BRING THE JUCHE REVOLUTION TO THE WORLD!!
Good Luck, Dear Leader.
posted by not_on_display at 7:05 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Onward and upward, Matt.
I've lurked for a lot longer than I've commented, but this's always been a special corner of the Internet.

You've created something rare, an online sense of community and home which transcends location or shared interests. May it always live on.
posted by CrystalDave at 7:08 PM on March 4, 2015


I love this place, too. Thanks, man. Thanks, team.
posted by chinesefood at 7:09 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt. We all love you and want you to be happy. You've made us happy for so long.
posted by gleuschk at 7:14 PM on March 4, 2015


This website has changed my life, in ways both great and small. Thank you so much for Metafilter and all you've done for it.
posted by whistle pig at 7:14 PM on March 4, 2015


Matt - thank you.
posted by troyer at 7:15 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Matt, this site saved my life when I was in deep dark scary place. Thanks to what you started 16 years ago, I'm still around today and I've met some amazing people here. Thank you.

Later, Shitlord :-)
posted by KingEdRa at 7:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


I've been mostly a lurker for years, but I too grew up here. I owe MetaFilter more than it could probably ever know. I owe my career, in some fairly substantial way, to MetaFilter. (Matt, if you ever want to know that story, I'm happy to share.)

Mathowie, thank you so much.
posted by grrarrgh00 at 7:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Good luck Matt, and thank you. MetaFilter and AskMetaFilter are my two most favorite places on the internet.
posted by alligatorman at 7:17 PM on March 4, 2015


congrats and thank you matt and all the moderators and everyone who has made this such a great community over the years
posted by kokaku at 7:21 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank-you matt.
posted by Neale at 7:23 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


So happy for you, Matt. Can't begin to thank you enough for what your brilliant brain has given me - the joy in learning, the emotional and spiritual lessons, the deep pleasures and the even deeper understanding of the world and the web.

I used to wonder (and, yes, worry a bit about) how you'd handle the end of your involvement in the running of the site. Would you sell it? Close it? Turn it over to the users? I found myself thinking about the nature of the obligation, if any, members could reasonably expect you to have to the folks who provided the content for your site.

I shouldn't have worried. This solution seems perfect. Best of luck to you in the future.
posted by mediareport at 7:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [6 favorites]


Well this is unexpected. Thank you for your service. Long may Cortex Reign our undoubted mod.
posted by humanfont at 7:32 PM on March 4, 2015


Get out. Collect a box from the security guard and put your personal belongings in it. Give me your door card.

There are forms to sign. I expect to see you in my office within ten minutes. Please do not engage other people on your way there, your presence is disruptive and I do not like disruption.

/s

Good luck, Matt, go have some fun.
posted by disclaimer at 7:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


As is usual in this community, folks have already chimed in with what I've thought of to say, and a fair amount of stuff I hadn't, but wish I had...so I'm here to chime in on the thanks, best wishes, and a whole bunch of can't wait to see you racing cyclocross this fall. Big thumbs up and a hug to you.
posted by dylanjames at 7:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


This place has improved a whole hell of a lot of lives, and probably even saved a few. You made that happen. Thanks a million.
posted by you're a kitty! at 7:34 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thank you!
posted by meinvt at 7:36 PM on March 4, 2015


The past few years I've been stuck with a project that was an ill conceived idea to begin with, since poorly executed, and now micromanaged by the same team of idea having big thinkers straight to hell. The big thinkers have never admitted any fault and have relentlessly demanded we grunts produce a profitable effort through magic or witchcraft or what have you the whole time. It is a grind.

It is so refreshing to spend so much of my real time here on this site.
You have done so much and done it so right and for so long. Thank you.
posted by skrozidile at 7:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


I haven't been very active here lately (**sheepish 'hi'**) but this place will always hold such a huge place in my heart. I remember the little flutter of amazement I had when I got emails from you years ago :)
posted by kingbenny at 7:39 PM on March 4, 2015


Wow - hard to imagine this place without your daily imprint but you're leaving it in good hands. Glad you're doing what you need to for your own sanity and thank you for making this place the home for so many of us for so long! Good luck and yeah - thanks!
posted by leslies at 7:41 PM on March 4, 2015


There's no word other than "home" that could describe what Metafilter means to me, and I am profoundly grateful for what you've created here. I'm sorry for the stress you've had to endure to make this place exist for all of us, and so pleased that you're giving yourself some respite from it. Please remember that this community is a mighty force, and that if you need to call on our help, we will respond with everything we have to give.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 7:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


To the most tolerant person on the web. Thank you.
posted by clavdivs at 7:45 PM on March 4, 2015 [12 favorites]


Mathowie: Best of the Web, indeed. Thank you so much.
posted by angiep at 7:45 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Just want to say a big thanks for demonstrating how to stay dedicated to an idea for the long haul. You've helped keep the spirit of the early internet alive. Thanks for everything, and best of luck with your next steps.
posted by SteveFlamingo at 7:45 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you mathowie and good luck to you! And to the continuing Mod Squad.
posted by Coaticass at 7:52 PM on March 4, 2015


Moving into a professional white background, I hope.
posted by snofoam at 7:52 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


You've built something truely special and amazing here, Matt. Thanks for everything!
posted by homunculus at 7:53 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


From a lurker, to the Chief:

Thanks for your time, passion, sweat, and tolerance. And all my good wishes for what's next.

posted by minervous at 7:57 PM on March 4, 2015


So long, and thanks for all the hyperlinks!
posted by heyho at 8:00 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thanks so much for everything!
posted by electro at 8:06 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks, Matt, and all the best!
posted by The Toad at 8:06 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks, mathowie!

Congrats, cortex!
posted by Jacqueline at 8:07 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for giving me an online home, Matt. Godspeed!
posted by ddaavviidd at 8:07 PM on March 4, 2015


Congratulations, Matt!

On one hand, I'm kind of shocked, as I think of you as the guy Living the Dream – running a lifestyle business he believes in, day in and day out. I currently aspire to something along those lines.

On the other, I'm glad you were able to figure out that the Dream wasn't working that well for and were able to make a move that really makes you happy for real instead of keeping up that image.

It reminds me of my experience with video game developers in the early 2000s. For reasons unexamined up until that point, I wanted badly to work as a game developer at some AAA company, any of them. Eventually, I started seeing blog posts about how brutal it was, and how that work did not satisfy their creative needs at all. It was jarring, but really helpful. So, now, I realize I need to think through – seriously – what it means to be an entrepreneur, even a lifestyle one.

I'm excited to hear what your new gig is, and I hope you enjoy being able to walk away from it every evening!
posted by ignignokt at 8:08 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Super happy for you Matt, many thanks and congratulations.
posted by triggerfinger at 8:10 PM on March 4, 2015


Re: The ascension of Cortex: Congratulation Cortex! I look forward to the new procedurally generated MetaFilter, Now With Permadeath!

Also, because there's something wrong with me, I can't help but think of that one guy that made a web page and packed it with crazy rants about you, then posted it to MetaTalk. He's probably rolling in his grave now!
posted by ignignokt at 8:11 PM on March 4, 2015


Another who rarely comments, but this is my daily hangout. Always something interesting to find, to learn about, and conversations that have shaped the way I think about things. Thanks for this, truly, it's an amazing place and a job well done.
posted by wallabear at 8:16 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Well, wow.
Thank you, Mathowie, for this gem in my life.
posted by SLC Mom at 8:17 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you for this magical place! Congratulations to you and yours, may you enjoy every moment of your new adventures.
posted by Pardon Our Dust at 8:22 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you Matt. This is a great site because of your fine shepherding all these years. And it'll remain in good hands with cortex and the other mods.
posted by mono blanco at 8:24 PM on March 4, 2015


wow, that was unexpected. Thanks for creating my online home, and wish you all the best in your future endeavours!
posted by dhruva at 8:24 PM on March 4, 2015


Now go make another wonderful thing.
posted by Atom Eyes at 8:26 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks Matt, best of luck.
posted by jazon at 8:27 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for all I never would have learned, read, seen, enjoyed without Metafilter and all its wonders: the posters, the comments, the moderators, the culture. Thanks.
posted by librosegretti at 8:36 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you Matt! All the best on the new bend you are rounding.
posted by vanderwal at 8:37 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you Matt and everyone that makes this site what it is.
posted by 724A at 8:38 PM on March 4, 2015


Guess the ham-fisted stuff got by me somehow, Matt; I only noticed returning deftness and the humane forbearance you have always had.

You will be missed.
posted by jamjam at 8:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


I was in the seventh level of hell in Ypsilanti when I crawled to the wall and struggled to plug the phone line in for the Internet. I found metafilter and it helped. By some miracle it offered a human touch that seemed authentic and vital. I soaked it up. I am in a pretty cool space now. Thank you for a piece of the puzzle. Good luck.
posted by JohnR at 8:40 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


Congratulations, Matt! Thanks and good luck!

Meanwhile, this seems a fitting wish for cortex.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 8:57 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt!
posted by juv3nal at 8:58 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Godspeed. You've built something really amazing here—not perfect, nothing is—and you have a ton to be proud of. I'm really glad you're able to step away, breathe, and build up after carrying so much of it for so long.

Thank you for the amazing work you have done.
posted by verb at 9:00 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


New C-Suite position: Chief Cat Herder
posted by discopolo at 9:00 PM on March 4, 2015


How many web communities have lasted as long and been as successful as Meta? May all your future enterprises be as successful as this one!
posted by jasper411 at 9:01 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I'm happysad about this. Sad for all the obvious reasons, and much, much more because Matt has kept my little family from some pretty stark and painful circumstances during the economic meltdown where I am, and because he's been a great boss (and the entire Metafilter team, current, retired, emeritus: AMAZING kind and wonderful people). But I'm so happy he can shed a shit ton of stress and enjoy this thing for the first time without the constant anxiety illustrated by anildash's story – which I can testify certainly hasn't become less crushing as time marched on. On my late shift I will see Matt's name come up as being on the site at 4 am his time, say, and I'm like DUDE, go back to bed, Matt!

Matt, I wish for you untroubled sleep and the pure joy of no angry Metatalks to negotiate before coffee o'clock (or after beer o'clock – oh yeaaaaah).

I'm also super happy at imagining Matt all like, oh hm, I should be working but maybe I'll just watch this cat video on Metafilter before tackling my to-do list. Thank you for everything, Matt, I love this virtual home you made for us all, and you are the best. ♥
posted by taz (staff) at 9:03 PM on March 4, 2015 [66 favorites]


Thank you, Matt, for creating this community. It has made me a better person in so many ways.
posted by dawkins_7 at 9:03 PM on March 4, 2015


thanks, Matt. I've learned so much here over the years, and my life is in a very different place than it was when I first stumbled in here around a decade ago.

From one fellow bike nerd to another, if you ever happen to swing through Boulder, please drop me a note so we can go ride bikes at Valmont Park and grab a beer at Avery or something.
posted by lonefrontranger at 9:05 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Congratulations, thank you, and good luck.
posted by mixedmetaphors at 9:08 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Matt, I've always appreciated how much care you put into major announcements to us about the site. Thank you for being so thoughtful about sharing what's been going on and helping us understand what will happen next.

I'm so grateful and also in serious awe that you created and nurtured this community for a gosh darn 16 years, through thick and thin and all those ups and downs. That's an extraordinary achievement.

The tone of a community is set by its leader; thank you for being kind, fair, honest, and caring, and for demonstrating that time and again here. You've demonstrated it when dealing with serious and tough topics -- I'd like to say that I also appreciate all the times you demonstrated it in other, fun ways for the entire community. Like, when real world events were getting folks pretty down, and you decided to give out gold stars for everyone in a metatalk thread; or the MeFi April Fools' Day jokes, which I think have been consistently delightful, and never mean-spirited -- each April Fools' Day project is just such a great example of the kind of humor and creativity you've welcomed here. (I mean, the MetaFilterest options for kittens, bikes, diagrams, invertebrates, and sandwiches (and more)... they're so wonderful and they're so fitting, and you set the tone for that to happen. I don't know of any other place where things like that could happen officially, and thrive.)

This place has gotten me through some really tough times over the past decade+, and still does now. I've learned so much from the posts and comments, and I've also learned so much from how you've cultivated the site, and how the mod team responds to issues. I really wouldn't know what I'd do without the MeFiverse. I'm really glad you'll still be around in some capacity, and that you'll stay on the podcast.

All the best to you in your next exciting chapter of life, and congrats on now being able to FIAMO (for the most part, I hope)! Thank you for everything.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 9:10 PM on March 4, 2015 [11 favorites]


I think that's really cool of you to share the therapy part - you didn't have to do that, and when people like you do, it helps to de-stigmatize it.

Cannot put into words so I'll just say my very very best to youuuuuuuu - New beginnings are always exciting! 🎉 They are totes lucky to have you.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:19 PM on March 4, 2015 [16 favorites]


'Grats, Matt, good luck with whatever is next, and thanks for making Metafilter.
posted by notyou at 9:20 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks for the hard work Matt!
posted by riffola at 9:20 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Eh. You are only getting started.
posted by pipoquinha at 9:29 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you Matt!
posted by JamesD at 9:29 PM on March 4, 2015


Wish you all the best. Thanks for creating this lovely place.
posted by jenfullmoon at 9:29 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you for creating this, for making it through the rough patch, and for setting it up for future high quality metafiltering. Best of health to you. I hope your new gig will be good to you. Cheers.
posted by drowsy at 9:32 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you Matt.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:37 PM on March 4, 2015


You have made me strive to be better. Thank you so much.
posted by pipoquinha at 9:38 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


kthxbye - if the urban dictionary definition is to be believed
posted by KMB at 9:39 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt. Thank you very much. Best wishes and bon voyage!
posted by Mister Bijou at 9:40 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks Matt, for all the hard work and dedication and intelligence and raw humanity you put into the creation of the site. I hope your new endeavors keep you happy and healthy, and that you can come here and enjoy this community you started. You are not retired, not emeritus, you are creator & founder, two awesome things to have as part of the story of your life.

As for the new boss, I'm just glad I bought the guy a beer or two when I've been in Portland.
posted by nubs at 9:44 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Good luck on your next endeavor, you've created one of the better places online.
posted by pibeandres at 9:46 PM on March 4, 2015


Happy trails mathowie
posted by AElfwine Evenstar at 9:58 PM on March 4, 2015


Well, I guess now we can finally tell you how they got those cats on those scanners, and why.
Cat treats. Mental illness.
posted by sexyrobot at 10:00 PM on March 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


MetaFilter is such a dear place to me. Thank you.
posted by space_cookie at 10:03 PM on March 4, 2015


This was a great announcement. Thank you for sharing so much about what's been going on. I'm so glad that Matt will be having happier times, and that Metafilter is apparently healthy and stable enough. We will take good care of your baby.
posted by bleep at 10:05 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Matt, Will I still get the $20 per week you've been sending me as thanks for my contributions?

But seriously, thank you.

And I can't imagine how I might ever lend you a hand in any way, but I'd be more than glad to if I can.
posted by ambient2 at 10:21 PM on March 4, 2015


you done good, son.
posted by furtive at 10:29 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Awesome! We both quit on the same day! Many happy returns, and best of luck with the new endeavors!
posted by infinitewindow at 10:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thank you for what you've done!
posted by lifethatihavenotlivedyet at 10:37 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt.
posted by flatluigi at 10:41 PM on March 4, 2015


Thank you, thank you, thank you.
posted by OverlappingElvis at 10:49 PM on March 4, 2015


Thanks Matt.
posted by eyeballkid at 11:21 PM on March 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you and good luck Matt!
posted by neilb449 at 11:24 PM on March 4, 2015


It's all Obama's fault.

Best of luck to you, Matt, and a heartfelt thank you. Please take care of yourself and find something new to get excited about, but something with a little lighter load. Be well and happy.
posted by aryma at 11:32 PM on March 4, 2015


I've been really impressed with the way the entire mod team (and alumna!) have so thoughtfully handled transitions, from the announcement of the site funding crisis, to jessamyn's departure, to this current transition. It really shows your integrity, dedication to the site, and professionalism. Having thought a lot about burnout and personal sustainability lately, I am glad that you are taking steps toward more personal sustainability, matthowie. Thank you for creating a place that has brought so much into my life.
posted by salvia at 11:33 PM on March 4, 2015 [4 favorites]


So happy to be a member of this site and it's really thanks to you, Matt! (Props to the mad awesome team you've assembled too, of course.) Welcome to the other side: MetaFilter READER!
posted by Zephyrial at 11:41 PM on March 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Man, that is such a smart, reasonable, intelligent, healthy way to go about it. Good for you. Good for everybody. Except all the low-lifes who would have contributed to your head-long tail-spin crash and burn as you recumbent-bicycled your way into Sin City for just one more try at old lady luck and a couple/dozen snifters of brandy over the line.

Thanks, you did so fucking good.
posted by From Bklyn at 11:54 PM on March 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Congratulations! I've never met a MeFite in the flesh, and maybe never will, but your site is my home online, even when I'm not sure if where my home is offline.
posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 12:01 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Trust you to come up with a perfectly cromulent solution that fulfills both your personal need for change and the community's need for stability... thanks for continuing to model thoughtful behavior; you're a class act.
posted by carmicha at 12:10 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you Matt. Metafilter has been a massive part of my life for well over a decade and as long as it's going, always will be.
posted by dowcrag at 12:11 AM on March 5, 2015


Stunned yes, but grateful. Wishing you and your family all the best.
posted by scottymac at 12:28 AM on March 5, 2015


Hey Matt, have you changed your mind yet?
posted by Cranberry at 12:43 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


First moot, then you. Could Lowtax be far behind?
posted by BiggerJ at 12:48 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thank you for everything you've put into the site for all the years, and Paris is waiting for you on the global farewell tour!
posted by ellieBOA at 1:00 AM on March 5, 2015


I found out about this through your Twitter this morning and I was in Pret a Manger getting my usual and my feet became glued to the ground trying to wrap my head around the news. I found my eyes welling up and I really couldn't understand why - we've never met, I don't think this is going dramatically impact my day to day or my interaction with Metafilter in general.

But it made me realise how much I love this site with all its wit and humour and kindness and stupidness and genius and insight and stubbornness and history and ... community.

And I don't know if it's the right word but I feel, I dunno, proud that you've made this decision.

Thank you so much, Matt.
posted by like_neon at 1:16 AM on March 5, 2015 [9 favorites]


Thank you, Matt.
posted by richb at 1:32 AM on March 5, 2015


Great job starting this whole thing, and great job quitting when it got too much. Great job all around.
Thank you so much, Matt, and I hope you can now find the time and peace to party like it's 1999.
posted by Too-Ticky at 1:50 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, Matt. I'm not an active contributor, but have always enjoyed Metafilter as one of the best places on the internet, perhaps even *the* best. Good luck with whatever you end up doing next!
posted by cameleon at 1:50 AM on March 5, 2015


Wow. Now that's class. Thank you, so much, for making this place. All the best. Have fun :)
posted by cotton dress sock at 1:58 AM on March 5, 2015


Best of luck.
posted by willF at 1:59 AM on March 5, 2015


I've listened to the podcast for so long now, my brain actually read the entire post in Matt's voice.

This community is amazing. And you literally built it with your own two hands, fluttering around on a keyboard. And you seem to have a wisdom about you which led you through every step of the way to exactly this point. And I grok why you are making this choice, and know the next steps are going to be equally awesome for you.

MetaFilter is one of the most interesting, respectful, introspective, diverse, consistent, and thrilling places that exists online, and I might even say on the planet (given the number of IRL meets that seems to just keep on going up). You steered the ship into this friendly harbor based on your vision. If that doesn't deserve a standing ovation, nothing does.

Oh, and thank god you're still doing the podcast. Because if you stopped doing that, I would ragequit this place so hard.... ;-)
posted by hippybear at 1:59 AM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]


Thank you Matt, and best of luck in your future endevours. You built up a community here quite unlike anything else I've found on the interwebs. Long may it continue.
posted by salmacis at 2:13 AM on March 5, 2015


<3
posted by NoraReed at 2:31 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for sparking all this off and keeping the site authentic all these years. I know you were reticent to ask people for cash when the site was having trouble but glad you finally caved in. However, I know Metafilter has a tonne of potential to generate revenues and can only imagine how many entities are just itching to monetize the membership which would most likely end in seriously degrading the site. Hope you don't sell but would totally understand if you did. You've put a lot into it. Good luck to you old fella!
posted by guy72277 at 2:31 AM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for all your hard work here, Matt! Best of luck with the new gig.
posted by badmoonrising at 2:32 AM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for all of your hard work at creating and keeping the place running, Matt. That said, I understand change can be a very healthy thing for us and I wish you all the best.

It would be great to hear your perspective from the user side of the fence. I’ve always enjoyed the posts and comments you have contributed, and trust you’ll continue to chime in every now and again.
posted by SteveInMaine at 3:00 AM on March 5, 2015


Matt, any time you had made this announcement, I would have thanked you heartily for creating the site and running it so beautifully.

But after the last year, where it's helped me find a safe space, in all senses, during a tough time in my life, opened my mind on a whole ton of issues, and last but very much not least, introduced me by accident to my sweetheart (and as of a month ago, cohabitee!), I feel like I should send you a magnum of champagne and a giant heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Thank you so much and enjoy your next steps!
posted by greenish at 3:02 AM on March 5, 2015 [8 favorites]


good on you, bud. you've done good work; and we'll keep it up when you're not here, because we love what metafilter is.

shantih.
posted by Sebmojo at 3:03 AM on March 5, 2015


Oh, AND... for anyone struggling with their feelings of happysad at this announcement, please join us over at MeFiMusic, where we are cashing in, Hallmark-style, on this time of emotional outpouring and will be channeling it into the medium of song via this month's Music Challenge.
posted by greenish at 3:05 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


wait is this the nicest happiest MeTa ever could there be a better send off no ok
posted by Sebmojo at 3:07 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


You've built up a heckuva site, thank you and good luck in your next endeavour, glad you found something that's better for you (i.e. less dread).
posted by ocular shenanigans at 3:29 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you so much for this site. I've been reading Metafilter since about 2000/2001, and have been a registered member for 9 years. It's been a really indelible part of my cultural background as I've grown up. I hope you have an absolutely amazing time in whatever you do next.
posted by Magnakai at 3:30 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Metafilter is a wonderful site, and one I visit every day and have done for the last 12 years. Thanks for creating such a special place Matt, and I wish you well in your new endeavours!
posted by BigCalm at 3:35 AM on March 5, 2015


the proper tag is "Creator."
Intelligent Designer?

Matt, thank you so much for creating this place. I found it in a dark time and it has given me so much in the last couple of years I couldn't even put it into words. I'll be forever grateful that you gave me my Internet home and crafted this community that helped make me a better person. The very best of luck in everything you do in future, you deserve All The Happiness.

LobsterMitten - so glad you'll be back full time!

Cortex - congrats on the promotion, and remember: we're all counting on you.
posted by billiebee at 3:38 AM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thank you for creating a true home on the internet for so many people! Well done on your excellent decision to step back and take care of yourself. I wish you all the best too!
posted by Ziggy500 at 3:50 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Metafilter has always been the one true constant in my online life for nearly 14 years now. You created a hell of a thing Matt, put your feet up for a while. Do you whittle? You should totally whittle. *:)
posted by garrett at 4:03 AM on March 5, 2015


Just chiming in to say thank you, Matt, and good luck. I stop by Metafilter multiple times a day and don't know what I'd do without it, and all of you. Rock on.
posted by dywypi at 4:21 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, mathowie, I shudder to think of an alternate internet universe where metafilter never existed.
posted by xqwzts at 4:23 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


I took a moment to go back through the thread now, after letting it soak in for a while, and the comment about how this site has made members better people really struck me. I'm definitely different than when I first started lurking here. Since joining, and through posting and interacting, I've noticed changed in my word choice, more awareness in my social interactions, and more than a couple times wishing that online interaction in other places could be more like here.

Matt, you've created a hell of a thing, allowed it to grow, listened to criticism and worked to make it better still. You've got hundreds of people thanking you here, giving testimonials to how this place has helped them through tough times, and countless more who aren't members, but maybe saw something on Ask that helped them get through things.

All this stuff that you helped start, and what struck me, reading through your post again, is how sorry I am that this thing you've made, that has brought us all together, given us help when we needed it, that it's caused you this much stress, this much pain on your end. I hope that stepping back helps you, and that you know how grateful we all are that you chose to stick with this site until it was strong enough to keep going without you at the helm. Thank you.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:24 AM on March 5, 2015 [24 favorites]


Mathowie, you are awesome. You've done well! Being able to create a space that interesting and meaningful conversation between this many people could be had without constant insults and misery is an amazing achievement. I could never ever have pulled it off.

You have made the world a better place, and I hope you have many wonderful adventures and fun.
posted by xarnop at 4:59 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you & so happy for you taking care of yourself!
posted by pointystick at 5:04 AM on March 5, 2015


Thanks, Matt. MetaFilter has helped me make new friends, make some good decisions, avoid some bad ones, and kill some deadly awful hours at work. It's encouraged me to be more thoughtful about communicating and interacting and overall, very probably helped me be a more patient and compassionate person. Thanks for building it, keeping it going for all these years, and passing it into good hands.
posted by EvaDestruction at 5:13 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you, Matt - this place is where I come to learn and listen. It's the place that helps me think about and make sense of things. No matter which country I've had my physical home in, MetaFilter has always been there for me on the internet, ever since my long days of lurking. And you made it all happen, and now you're leaving it in the best of hands - again, thank you.

Can't wait to see what your next adventure will bring!
posted by harujion at 5:18 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you, Matt!
posted by thomas j wise at 5:22 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


The shit people will do to get a retired tag after their name on the internet...
posted by frecklefaerie at 5:23 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


I might lurk a lot, but this place has been part of my online life for nearly 15 years and it's a very special corner of the internet. Thanks for your vision and your dedication to carving out somewhere special. Good luck.
posted by grahamspankee at 5:33 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks Matt. Good luck. Stay close.
posted by Samuel Farrow at 5:39 AM on March 5, 2015


mathowie is the hero the internet needs.
posted by schmod at 5:55 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


I'll just flag this and move on. Let the mods take care of this bad decision.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 5:58 AM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]


Cheers for all you've done and all you've built.
posted by modernnomad at 5:58 AM on March 5, 2015


Thanks and good luck, Matt!
posted by BibiRose at 5:58 AM on March 5, 2015


I just want to tell you good luck. We're all counting on you...

...to take a bit of time off, spend time with your family, and find your next project in it's time.
posted by bonehead at 6:04 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Also, take pride in knowing that it's not one in a hundred small business folks who can say they've done what you've done, been wise enough and careful enough to get your business to a point where it can be handed off seamlessly when you needed to step away. That's an awesome feat and so, so rare.
posted by bonehead at 6:07 AM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]


So Metafilter loses its Prospero.

Thanks Matt.
posted by feelinglistless at 6:09 AM on March 5, 2015


Matt, MetaFilter has been my favorite place to be for many years now. Thanks for its creation and vision.

I'm glad you are able to take care of yourself and to stay connected with the community.

Best wishes!
posted by jaruwaan at 6:10 AM on March 5, 2015


Thanks, Matt. Take care of yourself.
posted by zamboni at 6:10 AM on March 5, 2015


The cats thank you. The scanners thank you. I thank you.

Best wishes.
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 6:12 AM on March 5, 2015


I’m glad you didn’t take the #2 advice of AskMetafilter and DTMFAltogether… My heartfelt thanks to you for this thing you made. All the best for your next endeavour!
posted by misteraitch at 6:14 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thank you. I don't post or comment much, but I read everyday. Metafilter has been a big influence on how I think about things.
posted by Gilgongo at 6:27 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thanks, and best wishes
posted by mumimor at 6:49 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for all your work, Matt
posted by angrycat at 6:52 AM on March 5, 2015


omg I just got an "irl event near you" message and it was from cortex, not mathowie.

:'(

IT'S REAL
posted by kenko at 6:54 AM on March 5, 2015 [16 favorites]


An amazing community and a "throwback" to everything good about the web in the most positive and enlightened sense of the word. And Matt (plus everyone he hired and mentored of course) is responsible for making it happen, and more importantly, making it endure -- which is really the hardest part. I can't imagine the web without mefi and I can't imagine mefi without Matt. Thank you, Matt, and all best wishes -- whatever path you take next.
posted by blucevalo at 6:58 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thanks so much for keeping it going. And best of luck!
posted by valkane at 7:02 AM on March 5, 2015


Don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said. Thanks Matt for what you've created and nurtured and grown into a fantastic site. I'm really happy you know what you want and are taking steps to take care of yourself. I wish you all the best of luck with this new chapter in your life.
posted by NoraCharles at 7:03 AM on March 5, 2015


Metafilter taught me critical thinking. Thanks for everything, mathowie.
posted by nthdegx at 7:03 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


You're all so naive. What happened is, cortex hacked into the Google cloud, got hold of The Picture, and blackmailed Matt into making him #1. Should've covered your ass, Matt!

Seriously? Thanks for one of the good things in my life.
posted by bleston hamilton station at 7:09 AM on March 5, 2015 [8 favorites]


omg I just got an "irl event near you" message and it was from cortex, not mathowie.

I'm now imagining cortex sitting down, for his first day as General Manager of metafilter, and discovering, "Wait, Matt writes all these IRL emails by hand?????"
posted by muddgirl at 7:12 AM on March 5, 2015 [12 favorites]


Thanks Matt, for Metafilter and for this plan to continue it. Wishing you best of luck with all your future endeavors.
posted by various at 7:15 AM on March 5, 2015


Wait.

Is Matt going to be Internet-Archived too?

Is that the Metafilter equivalent of "A Farm Upstate"?
posted by schmod at 7:21 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you Matt.
posted by dmh at 7:34 AM on March 5, 2015


THANK YOU METAFILTER DAD!
posted by craven_morhead at 7:36 AM on March 5, 2015 [10 favorites]


Thank you, Matt.
posted by joedan at 7:42 AM on March 5, 2015


So now we can say that Cortex is, ahem, the brains behind this whole operation?

I'll be here all week.
posted by Liesl at 7:54 AM on March 5, 2015 [10 favorites]


I came here a long long time ago (when my number was high), was away for a long time and returned to find this a lovely place not overrrun with rabid trolls. The consistent high level of discourse here is certainly attributable to the prudence of the membership and the dilligence of the mods but you have been the conductor and the tuning fork.
Thank you.
posted by Octaviuz at 7:58 AM on March 5, 2015


Smart move, Matt. Good to know one's strengths as well as one's weaknesses and not be afraid to make changes that are good for you and your family. Best of luck with the new endeavor.
posted by terrapin at 8:04 AM on March 5, 2015


Wow. I'm glad I checked into MeTa today, usually I don't.

Godspeed, mathowie, you crafted (and brought on board some amazing hands on deck) the finest site on the internet that has stayed true to its roots, its spirit. There may have been some changes through the years, but I think they were necessary. I don't envy what you've been through. When I look back on all the various sites online since I've been on, I can honestly say that Metafilter is probably the only one that has stayed true to its foundations in ways that so many of the old school hasn't.

I'm sure we'll see you around as a user, and as behind-the-scenes-dude, now and then, so I'm sure this isn't goodbye, but certainly a best of luck and peace of mind to you in the future endeavors. I have confidence that we have a capable team here to run the joint...
posted by symbioid at 8:09 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


You give 16 years and what do you get
A gastric ulcer and a tumor in your head
St Alia don't you call me 'cuz I can't go..........
I owe my soul to the MetaTalk folk.
posted by terrapin at 8:13 AM on March 5, 2015 [13 favorites]


Thank you Matt, for creating the most consistently friendly and most intelligent place on the webs. Take good care of yourself!!!
posted by Sophie1 at 8:17 AM on March 5, 2015


Matt, I don't have anything new to add except that I really appreciate everything you've done for the site and this community.
posted by radioamy at 8:25 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


#1 favorite spot on the web, always. Thank you SO much.
posted by agregoli at 8:30 AM on March 5, 2015


By "venture out into another gig", we understand that you mean "put on the Iron Man suit."

Thank you for everything.
posted by Halloween Jack at 8:33 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


You have indeed made the web (and world) a better place.
posted by O9scar at 8:36 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


I was thinking this morning about all the concrete, real-world improvements I've enjoyed in my life thanks to Metafilter. The biggest is that right now I'm working towards a career shift into a field that I'm incredibly excited about but had never considered before someone suggested it to me in a question I'd asked. I'm still pretty early on in the path here, but it boggles me to think that my entire life might end up being different in a very positive way thanks to this place!

Beyond that, the sandals I wear in the summer, the money we save using our Roku instead of cable, the routes we've taken on trips we've made, even the things I've been consuming an irresponsible amount of ... these are just a few ways that my life is better thanks to Metafilter - and this doesn't even take into account things I've learned from reading other people's comments and posts on the green, grey, and blue.

None of this would have happened if you hadn't created Metafilter, Matt, so I just want to say thanks. Not many people have had such a huge effect on so many people. Again, best of luck wherever you go next!
posted by DingoMutt at 8:44 AM on March 5, 2015 [14 favorites]


Oh shit, retired tag, y'all

Matt is going to be one of the Cool Retired Uncle/Dad/Grandpas, I see
posted by clockzero at 8:51 AM on March 5, 2015


Give him a Gold Star!
posted by Stan Chin at 8:59 AM on March 5, 2015 [28 favorites]


Wow......I often get embarrassed when I think about some infodump somewhere that references how MANY times I check into read a Meta sight every day...every hour even.....it's a lot!! But over the last 7 years, as many have said before me....this place has made me a better person. I have learned so much....not only about things but about people and perspectives. Feelings and the human experiences that aren't mine and I wouldn't know about any other way. I'm but one person of many who has been changed, for the better, by what you made and that matters. I thank you for that and really hope that you take each of these posts by all of these grateful folks to heart. Best of luck to you in the future....I know we'll see you around but pay attention to your body, and enjoy giving it a well earned rest....Best of luck to Cortex and the mods....we already know we are in very capable hands.....Cheers to all and Happy thoughts abound!
posted by pearlybob at 9:00 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


God speed to you. And to all of us.
posted by zpousman at 9:00 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, Matt, for all of your hard work.
posted by ryanshepard at 9:09 AM on March 5, 2015


omg I just got an "irl event near you" message and it was from cortex, not mathowie.

man just try and imagine how weird it is to get them from yourself

posted by cortex (staff) at 9:11 AM on March 5, 2015 [32 favorites]


Congratulations Matt, cortex, and LM. High fives all around!
posted by Banknote of the year at 9:12 AM on March 5, 2015


This is a wonderful site -- indeed pretty much the only site I regularly comment on other than my own -- and that's because of what you did to help it be what it is. So thank you, Matt. Enjoy your retirement from the site.
posted by jscalzi at 9:12 AM on March 5, 2015 [6 favorites]


Just heard the news - Thanks, Matt - this place was a lifesaver for me when I was abroad, and still one of my favorite places on the web. As long as there are cats to be scanned, the dream of MeFi shall live on.
posted by bashos_frog at 9:15 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt. Thantts.
posted by Small Dollar at 9:16 AM on March 5, 2015


Matt Whoey?
posted by gman at 9:18 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Buona fortuna e in bocca al lupo
posted by francesca too at 9:20 AM on March 5, 2015



posted by bjrn at 9:23 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, Matt!
posted by Iridic at 9:24 AM on March 5, 2015


Congrats Matt, and good luck on the new (ad)venture!
posted by NikitaNikita at 9:29 AM on March 5, 2015


I already thanked you bu I've been thinking about this since yesterday. The most common phrase in our house is "I love you." The second most common: "Did you see that link on Metafilter. . ."

It's overwhelming to think about the impact this site has had on just my life and my husband's, let alone all the other readers. So thank you, thank you again.
posted by barchan at 9:33 AM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]


If I'd known this was going to happen I'd never have signed up.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 9:37 AM on March 5, 2015 [90 favorites]


I blame myself.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 9:38 AM on March 5, 2015 [11 favorites]


I have much love for MeFi. Do take care of yourself Matt, and thanks for everything.
posted by Foosnark at 9:39 AM on March 5, 2015


So Long and Thanks for all the Fish! Welcome to the old school lurker club!
posted by th3ph17 at 9:41 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you, Matt. You built something amazing and you're leaving it in very capable hands.
posted by bedhead at 9:43 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you so much for all your time and effort over the years.
posted by conrad53 at 9:46 AM on March 5, 2015


I truly believe that Metafilter has and does make the web a better place.
Thank you Matt.
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 9:51 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Holy cow! Thanks for everything and good luck with your next adventure!
posted by ph00dz at 9:51 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for making this site, Matt.
posted by thisclickableme at 9:55 AM on March 5, 2015


It's Raining Florence Henderson: "I blame myself."

I blame you, too.
posted by Chrysostom at 10:04 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Hello, Matt. MetaFilter has been a huge presence in my life for many years now, even during my quieter times, and I can't thank you enough for building this place and sticking with it. And especially for allowing it to grow into something organic and unique, a being you could never have envisioned. That could so easily have been wasted. I wish you all the best, and hope you find great reward not only in the doing of new things, but also in the reflecting on old things (from the comfort of some well-deserved distance). You have left MetaFilter in very capable hands, and helped to shape a community that will not see it fail.

The people here are amazing. You have put voices in my head that are so much wiser than the ones they've replaced.

Peace to you.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 10:08 AM on March 5, 2015 [27 favorites]


I have become a better person morally, intellectually and emotionally due to this site and its community. Thanks you and good luck.
posted by Falconetti at 10:12 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


MeFi works. Almost nothing works, on- or offline, but this place does. Thanks so much, Matt, and good luck.
posted by waxbanks at 10:15 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you for your years of work keeping this place a community. You are leaving MeFi in good hands (you have an AWESOME moderator crew) and I am really happy for you personally. You have to do what is best for yourself - you have already done your work here. Now go off and enjoy it, you have earned that many times over.
posted by caution live frogs at 10:17 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


VERY long time lurker here (2003?). It's impossible for me to explain how important MetaFilter has been to my life — and from the looks of it, I'm hardly the only one. Thank you so very much for everything you did to keep this place going. Godspeed.
posted by corbie at 10:33 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks for all your hard work in making this a great site. I've been here 12 years and still going: I don't think any other site has kept me for so long.

Don't beat yourself up over any minor problems, I think you've handled the inevitable ego and ideology clashes better than anyone anywhere I've seen.

Best of luck for the future
posted by TheophileEscargot at 10:36 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you so much for everything. Enjoy the next phase, I'm really excited to hear about what you'll be up to next.
posted by Fig at 10:40 AM on March 5, 2015


Good luck, Matt, and thank you!
posted by marimeko at 10:41 AM on March 5, 2015


Thank you so much for MeFi and the job you've done running it. Good luck with whatever comes next.
posted by The Master and Margarita Mix at 10:42 AM on March 5, 2015


I'm glad you are taking care of yourself. Thank you for what you have made here!
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 10:43 AM on March 5, 2015


Matt, I've spent the last few days trying to contact an actually decent and reasonable commenter I happened to see on a Washington Times article comment section (staggering, I know) in order to gift them an account here as an oasis from the cesspool that is Disqus. Still awaiting a response, but the point stands: you cultivated a community so worthwhile that it inspires people to pay strangers to join because they think it would make their lives, and the community as a whole, better.

Thanks so much for sticking with it through good times and bad -- and for confronting this stress issue head-on instead of leaving it to fester. You've more than earned a break, and I hope it does you good.
posted by Rhaomi at 10:59 AM on March 5, 2015 [11 favorites]


Thanks for this online family, Matt. No small feat. Go play.
posted by kinetic at 11:24 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks! Have fun with whatever happens next!
posted by ChuraChura at 11:27 AM on March 5, 2015


I recently sold the business I co-founded after seven years. It was a heartwrenching decision, but the freedom that followed was so intense and healing—it made me realize just how burnt out and dysfunctional I had been around it, and also helped me see that there can be something great past the thing you've spent so much time building, even if it doesn't seem entirely clear yet. Best to you, and thank you for what you've done by creating this space.
posted by mynameisluka at 11:32 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


man just try and imagine how weird it is to get them from yourself

My guess: a little masturbatory, but less fun?
posted by cjorgensen at 11:43 AM on March 5, 2015


Live long and prosper, Matt.
Thanks for all those cats stuck in machines and for creating the smartest safest big Internet place.

Forever in YOUR debt.
-Taff in humid and dreary Sydney by the sea. Xx
posted by taff at 11:54 AM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
the MetaFilter
that was on
the Internet

and which
you were probably
saving
for podcasts

Forgive me
I am cortex
and I
am a god now
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 11:55 AM on March 5, 2015 [23 favorites]


I have no idea how these people got their cats wedged into their scanners, or why.

Good luck, Matt.
posted by enfa at 11:56 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


I haven't discounted the possibility cortex backstabbed everyone to get to the top. This has nothing to do with watching House of Cards recently.

Reminder: Everyone, make sure cortex's email notifications about your new sock puppets don't go to your junk folder!

Whatever the next chapter if your life is, Matt, it'll be an amazing story!
posted by halifix at 11:57 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


And welcome back, LobsterMitten! You were very helpful for making a mini-celebration in chat for a member's windfall!
posted by halifix at 12:00 PM on March 5, 2015


Okay, matt, did we catch you moderating in a rape-thread? That's exactly what you're supposed to be giving up in your MetaRetirement, dude. Cold turkey, man, gotta go cold turkey.

And I was thinking of alternatives to the "retired" tag, and wondered if you'd consider "founder". No, not flounder.

And once again, thank you for being a MetaFriend, you Golden Guy. (What am I saying? I am a lot closer to the age of the cast of that show...)
posted by oneswellfoop at 12:12 PM on March 5, 2015


Here's another "thanks" to throw on the pile, and best wishes for whatever you have coming your way.
posted by Ipsifendus at 12:12 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks matt. I wish you well into the future.
posted by unliteral at 12:13 PM on March 5, 2015


Sixteen years? You have definitely earned a respite! Thanks for making what is now my most-visited site (one which has outlasted a number of other sites I have enjoyed over the years) and best of luck in your future ventures. Hey, don't be a stranger!
posted by TedW at 12:14 PM on March 5, 2015


foopster, I have two last days here. Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!
posted by mathowie (retired) at 12:17 PM on March 5, 2015 [8 favorites]


Metafilter (and specifically the IRL meetups) have been kind of huge in my life, and I don't have a way to express my level of thanks for starting and running the site.
posted by curious nu at 12:18 PM on March 5, 2015


Yeah, we'll start rapping his knuckles pretty quickly after that, but for now LM had some pre-existing schedule stuff for this first week so he's being a mensch and covering her shifts today and tomorrow.
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:19 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


...Aaand stay out!
posted by thinman at 12:21 PM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!

OK, gang, so Friday night, right here, we're longboating this thing with an epic shitstorm as a sendoff!

We need some controversy, dammit!

I kid, of course.
posted by spitbull at 12:26 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


It's amazing that this is the one place online where I don't have to take a deep breath and grit my teeth before reading comments all the time. Who knew that creating and maintaining a real online community was so much hard work?

Thanks, Matt.

(Also, sixteen years and I still have no idea how these people got their cats wedged in their scanners, or why. What is this place coming to?)
posted by RedOrGreen at 12:33 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Holy shit. Shows what happens when you step away from MeTa for a day...

Matt, you're a mensch. Your steady hand on the tiller of my internet home (my wife sometimes calls herself a "Metafilter Widow") has also been a great example of how to excel at Real Life.
posted by notsnot at 12:36 PM on March 5, 2015


Zippity BOP!
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 12:41 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Aren't you getting at least a LITTLE bit teary-eyed by now, Matt?
posted by Namlit at 12:44 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for a great site.
posted by colie at 12:44 PM on March 5, 2015


We could bring up post titles again, that should bring drama! In all seriousness thanks Matt for giving this cripple a voice on the interwebs!
posted by wheelieman at 12:45 PM on March 5, 2015


I want to thank you ... from the bottom of my heart

Took the words right out of my mouth, Matt. You're at the top of my list of people who made the Internet what it should be. Thank you for the long explanation, too; glad to hear you're taking care of yourself (and family).
posted by LeLiLo at 12:54 PM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thank you. What you have done has made a big difference to my life, and to who I am.
posted by howfar at 12:54 PM on March 5, 2015


I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying MeFi as a member and user for the first time

Thanks for making this thing of beauty a thing. Enjoy!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 12:56 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, Matt. 16 years is a long time. Don't be a stranger, and comment often. Also, favourite this post.
posted by bdave at 12:58 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thanks!
posted by leotrotsky at 1:01 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for everything, and be well, and stay well. You've changed lives for the better.
posted by seyirci at 1:02 PM on March 5, 2015


I just saw this. Matt, I can only thank you for everything, and wish you the best life has to offer going forward-- you've more than earned it. Looking forward to still seeing you around the site in a non-stressful way, I hope.
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:05 PM on March 5, 2015


I want to join everyone in saying thank you to Matt. Even though I don't comment much, this has been my ''home" on the web for more than 10 years. I think all of the things Matt says about how he is not some kind of SV-disrupter-bro is exactly why this site is so great and why it has lasted so long. So many other people would have sold the site or brought in investors who would demand profits, etc. It is a testament to Matt and his values and character as a person that he managed the site's growth over the years without ever trying to cash-in in some way that hurt the community.
posted by Mid at 1:08 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


mathowie: "Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!"

Just one last big score with two days left 'til retirement, eh? I can't imagine anything going wrong.

Kidding! Very happy for you and the rest of the team! Seriously, there's even a minor bug I'm not going to report for a few weeks until things settle down.
posted by stet at 1:11 PM on March 5, 2015 [9 favorites]


I love this place. Thank you for making a place on the web where I can feel at home. Enjoy your retirement from the front lines.
posted by evilDoug at 1:17 PM on March 5, 2015


Salām!
posted by standardasparagus at 1:19 PM on March 5, 2015


I don't know what all of this is about this mathowie guy and cats and scanners - I am really tired of being bashed around...I was just looking for a used car. I think that I will walk instead.Goodbye. And thanx a lot.

Seriously I don't say much here but this place means so much to me. I'm happy to be a tiny little part of such a lovely bunch of misfits. Thanks Matt for building and maintaining this place. I don't know how you've done it and you deserve the break. I hope your next adventure is a wonderful one.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 1:25 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


I work at a tiny company and can recognize all that stress well. I've only been here 3 years, but sometimes I look longingly at job listings with bigger salaries at more established places. I'm not quite burnt out, but I don't know if I could stick it out another 13 years or so. Good Luck Matt! Thanks so much for all your hard work over all these years. I 💜 Metafilter!
posted by bluefly at 1:30 PM on March 5, 2015


Waitwaitwait. This means we'll need new MeFi propaganda posters!
posted by Chrysostom at 1:33 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]


Thank you. You've done wonderful work.
posted by apartment dweller at 1:36 PM on March 5, 2015


"Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!"

So be it. Set Friday night alight.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 1:40 PM on March 5, 2015 [24 favorites]


>> mathowie: "Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!"

> stet: Just one last big score with two days left 'til retirement, eh? I can't imagine anything going wrong.


For God's sake, just don't start showing us photos of the boat you're going to cruise around in with your wife!
posted by benito.strauss at 1:50 PM on March 5, 2015 [10 favorites]


Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!

I hope to see some hilariously inappropriate drunken modding on Friday night.
posted by homunculus at 1:53 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


foopster, I have two last days here. Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!

I think at some point you have to leave a mod comment in a thread that ends with "I'm getting too old for this shit!"

(Happy trails!)
posted by yoink at 1:54 PM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]


I started reading MetaFilter on a daily basis when I was in middle school and now I'm inching pretty close to 30, which in some sense means that I was partly raised by this place. That should terrify you all as much as it does me.

Thanks, Matt.
posted by invitapriore at 2:02 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you.
posted by So You're Saying These Are Pants? at 2:02 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for everything, Matt. It has meant the world to me to have this community for many years. All the best to you.
posted by whatevrnvrmind at 2:05 PM on March 5, 2015


Ghidorah: the comment about how this site has made members better people really struck me. I'm definitely different than when I first started lurking here. Since joining, and through posting and interacting, I've noticed changed in my word choice, more awareness in my social interactions, and more than a couple times wishing that online interaction in other places could be more like here.

Ditto this. From your fledgling dream of a community site to something so much more (how many communities foster so much positive change in their members?), all based on your desire to create something in the relatively early days of the internet, back when the internet was still pretty basic in terms of general format.

I've been binging on Game of Thrones, and a recent scene came to mind, following this line of thought
Robb Stark: [My father] once told me that being a Lord is like being a father, except you have thousands of children and you worry about all of them. The farmers plowing the fields are yours to protect. The charwomen scrubbing the floors, yours to protect. The soldiers you order into battle. He told me he woke with fear in the morning and went to bed with fear in the night. I didn't believe him. I asked him, "how can a man be brave if he's afraid?" "That is the only time a man can be brave," he told me.
Part of the reason this site is so great now is because Matt really cared about it, and how it functioned as a community site, not how it made money.

"You think I'm running this site so they'll sing songs about me? I want to go home."

Go home, Matt, and let the amazingly capable, kind, considerate, and humorous moderators run this site. Enjoy the site as most of us do, simple users who don't peak behind the curtain.
posted by filthy light thief at 2:05 PM on March 5, 2015 [10 favorites]


"Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!"

Challenge accepted.
posted by double block and bleed at 2:07 PM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


And thanks for everything.
posted by double block and bleed at 2:07 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks Matt for what you created here. The culture of a place stems from the top and so it's clear why Metafilter went from 'finding the best of the web' to 'being the best of the web' (how very...uh..meta...). It's also partly why none of us have any worries about the future of the site (Congrats Cortex). Anyway, good luck in the new gig and enjoy the retirement.
posted by TwoWordReview at 2:07 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


What time Friday? Wanna make sure I'm there for the big finish.
posted by Melismata at 2:08 PM on March 5, 2015


Matt, 16 years is a long time to do anything, even something you love. Have a nice retirement, you earned it.
posted by doctor_negative at 2:09 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for building a home and not a site. And no need to tinker with your CV really, just point prospective employers to this thread. Good luck mate.
posted by peacay at 2:17 PM on March 5, 2015 [6 favorites]


The internet is a better place because of Metafilter, and I am a better person because of this community.

I've never met you, Matt, but I have much affection for you and what you have created. Thank you.
posted by andraste at 2:22 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


filthy light thief: "You think I'm running this site so they'll sing songs about me? I want to go home."

And now I'm re-reading my words and I'm concerned that I mis-portrayed my impression of you - I was trying to say that you ran this site for 16 years not for fame and glory, but because you felt proud ownership of the site, and were concerned for all its members, highlighted by anildash's recollection.

Your concern is evident in the actions and reactions of everyone who is "officially" part of MetaFilter, from the mods who respond in to even the most minor of inquiries in mere moments, to pb and his wizardry of improving the site from remote locations, and it all appears to come from general and honest concern for the well-being of this site, not because it's their jobs, which is in itself a magical thing. Finding and cultivating such individuals is one of your amazing feats here.


Over a decade ago, I was one of two general managers for a college radio station, and one of us was always "on call" if there was an issue at the station. We'd trade off with the pager, but before the year was out, I'd find myself waking up feeling or hearing ghost vibrations, imagining something went wrong and I was needed there right away. That twitch lasted a few months after I passed the responsibility to others.

May your ghost email chimes and phone vibrations disappear quickly, so you can really become a casual user of the site.
posted by filthy light thief at 2:25 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]


Its you who we'll be missing like elephants pissing. Cortex will play you out.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 2:27 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for everything, Matt. I've learned a lot from the place you've created.

Best of luck, and see you 'round the internet!
posted by functionequalsform at 2:29 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for all your hard work Matt! You will be missed.
posted by SarahElizaP at 2:56 PM on March 5, 2015


So I'm downstairs on my wife's computer - which doesn't have any bookmarks.

My normal way to get to Metafilter is to just type it into google and lo and behold its the first return. But what do I see as news headlines, posted 6 hours ago?????!?!?!? Holy smokes! I'm shocked, I'm surprised. I'm sad. I'm happy for you.

I'd say personally that this site has offered me a ton over the years, long before I paid my five bucks I read it religiously - and I'm glad that I finally did. This site, and that means you - have played a massive role in my life. For that, I am personally thankful.

Ultimately - congrats on retirement. Does this mean you'll be playing canasta and shuffleboard with Jessamyn now? I bet you'll score big with all the silver-foxes in any retirement community you settle with.
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:00 PM on March 5, 2015


Best of luck Matt. Thank you for your good work on this corner of the interwebs. I'm sure the world is greatful
posted by JoeXIII007 at 3:01 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, and good luck.
posted by graventy at 3:13 PM on March 5, 2015


When I was very young, I had invisible friends. My parents of course considered them imaginary friends, but I knew they were real - just couldn't be seen by anyone around. And they were great friends; always there when I needed someone around.

Now that I'm very much older, that's pretty much how I feel about MetaFilter. Thanks, Matt, for making it originally, and maintaining it ever since. I know how much harder that is. I wish you all the good things you deserve.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 3:21 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


But what do I see as news headlines, posted 6 hours ago?????!?!?!? Holy smokes!

The photo accompanying that article is SUCH a "40-ish techy guy retires from big-name techy thing" photo, isn't it?
posted by kate blank at 3:24 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you for this place, the inspiration, and the care you have taken.
posted by Oyéah at 3:25 PM on March 5, 2015


I like MetaFilter.
posted by Palindromedary at 3:30 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for everything, Matt. You have built an amazing community here. Looking forward to seeing you around!
posted by mochapickle at 3:30 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you and good luck. And see you around!
posted by hat_eater at 3:31 PM on March 5, 2015


sweet bro im unemployed too if you wanna hang
posted by klangklangston at 3:33 PM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]


I can't add to what other people have said, but good luck in your next job. I think you've done good work building this site so it can stand without your moderating it directly.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 3:34 PM on March 5, 2015


I'm disappointed that we're not crowd-sleuthing Matt's new job, Kaycee Nicole style.

This Slate story from mid-February offers what could be a clue: "Haughey mused on his blog how easy it could be for someone to see his junk."
posted by rcade at 3:50 PM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]


Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!"


Well, now you're screwed. I'm looking forward to your buddy cop movie with Cortex as your irrepressible sidekick who just won't play by the rules.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:06 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Super classy posting, Matt. Your sincerity and openness in this post is in keeping with Metafilter's finest moderation traditions, which is no surprise at all. Your work and vision and dedication to the site and its community are responsible for MeFi being one of the best places on the web to be. This place is my online home, and you built it. Thank you for that.

Thank you as well for being brave enough and humble enough to recognize when you needed to step back. That's not an easy thing to do, and it takes a lot of courage and a lot of humility to do it as beautifully as you've done here. Thank you for quitting while you were ahead, and for leaving the site in such excellent shape. I'm particularly glad to hear that MeFi is once again financially sustainable; we have your excellent piloting to be grateful for there, that was a thorny situation and you handled it very very well.

I wish you all the best in your next endeavors, for all the good you've done here. I look forward to hanging out with Old Man Mathowie, the retired founder. You may no longer be running the party, but this will always be your house.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:16 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:16 PM on March 5, 2015 [6 favorites]


<Columbo>"Just one more thing..."</Columbo>
I just lurved the picture that accompanied the Best Of Metafilter post about this. If anything argues for the reinstatement of the <img> tag, that does.

<Columbo>"Just one more thing..."</Columbo>
But I did notice in the 'about' blurb at the top of the page...
MetaFilter started as a community weblog in 1999, later added question and answers, then music by members, jobs, projects by members, a podcast, and finally an area dedicated to meetups.
Where's FanFare? Or Chat? (or is that just something between us members?) Needs updating. Cortex, that's YOUR job now.

<Columbo>"Just one more thing..."</Columbo>
we'll need new MeFi propaganda posters!
Mao remained China's #1 poster boy long after he died, so I don't think we need to change until/unless the "Cortex years" run longer than the "Mathowie years"

<Columbo>"Just one more thing..."</Columbo>
the comment about how this site has made members better people really struck me.
Just because I'm not a better person, please don't think you've failed.

<Columbo>"Just one more thing..."</Columbo>
foopster, I have two last days here. Friday night is my last hours of mod time, then I'm out!
Now I'm going to feel responsible for whatever train/plane/multi-car wreck occurs tomorrow evening even if I don't participate in it. Of course, that doesn't mean I WON'T participate in it.

<Columbo>"Just one more thing..."</Columbo>
and I also lurve when Matt calls me 'foopster'.
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:19 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Also, I'm really excited to see where MeFi goes with cortex at the helm. I've always deeply respected your moderation cortex, and you've always seemed like you have a really strong vision of what this place should be. I feel totally certain that this place is in good hands, and that it will continue to grow and develop. I feel not a trace of apprehension, only anticipation for the good times to come.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:23 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Good luck mathowie. Thank you.
posted by nims at 4:23 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for providing a place on the Internet where people actually care about what other people think, feel and say. Good luck in all your future endeavors too, and it sounds like you are making a good choice and we all know the site is in good hands.
posted by BrotherCaine at 4:43 PM on March 5, 2015


Hey pb, is there any way that we could resurrect the img tag, but only for Matt? I feel like it would be only right.

Then again, are we sure we could trust him with it?
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:46 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


welp. that took a bit longer than anticipated, but i guess my work here is done.
posted by quonsar II: smock fishpants and the temple of foon at 4:46 PM on March 5, 2015 [15 favorites]


Podcast posted!
posted by mathowie (retired) at 4:47 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


is there any way that we could resurrect the img tag, but only for Matt?


posted by mathowie (retired) at 4:49 PM on March 5, 2015 [150 favorites]


Chrysostom: "Waitwaitwait. This means we'll need new MeFi propaganda posters!"

I gotcha covered [imgur mirror].
posted by Rhaomi at 4:50 PM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


Matt, you have made a very good website. /ron swanson
posted by secret about box at 5:01 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


I was here for a while... not much anymore, but I keep tabs. But my main period of activity here was one in which I really felt a sense of community and I wanted to thank you for building that, Matt.
posted by evilcolonel at 5:18 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


I love this website, and my profound thanks, Matt, for making it and shepherding it to this stage. I have learned, and continue to learn, so, so much here (even when--especially when?--a conversation frustrates or exasperates me). This is a special and unique place, and a particularly terrific community of people. I look forward to the new era.
posted by LooseFilter at 5:20 PM on March 5, 2015


p.s.: OMG IMG TAG. I kind of freaked out a little. Very disconcerting.
posted by LooseFilter at 5:21 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you, Matt.
posted by stennieville at 5:23 PM on March 5, 2015


The truth has been revealed....Congrats to Matt on his new gig at Slack!
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 5:31 PM on March 5, 2015 [9 favorites]


Retirement Day 1: Slack off
Retirement Day 2: Turn slacker into a full time job

d00d! UR DOING IT WRONG!
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 6:02 PM on March 5, 2015 [6 favorites]


I am not a huge participant in the site but I do visit it constantly and I've been happy to support it (I'm not sure how long I lurked before I signed up for an account, but it was a while). Best of luck to you, Matt, and thanks for creating a cool site (which, yes, can sometimes annoy the hell out of me but I generally find to be a pleasant and delightful place on the Internet).
posted by darksong at 6:38 PM on March 5, 2015


I have been, and will always be, your customer.
posted by Chitownfats at 6:40 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thanks for everything! (And good luck in the new job!)
posted by equalpants at 6:45 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you. :)
posted by bizzyb at 6:47 PM on March 5, 2015


Wow. You'll be missed. Thank you for all the wonderful years you gave to pretty much my favorite site on the entire internet. Best of luck to you.
posted by _Mona_ at 7:00 PM on March 5, 2015


I have a tear in my eye and I don't know why—it's been a long, weird full-moon week around these parts, I guess, but also, I fucking love this place that you built, mathowie, and I happily pay money for it each month.

Congratulations mathowie! Congratulations cortex!
posted by limeonaire at 7:22 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for making the Internet worth visiting, and for helping me become a better human.

Should you ever find yourself in Iowa City, beer is on me. Cheers!
posted by nicodine at 7:24 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you Matt, and thank you moderators, for making this the only general-interest site I know where you do want to read the comments. What can I say — the internet without MeFi would be bleak. But I'm confident the community and the moderators will carry on with the same standards, and you can be proud of that.
posted by mubba at 7:27 PM on March 5, 2015


Congrats on the retirement and big change. It's good to shake things up. I wish I could remember exactly how I found MeFi. Maybe I used to be cool? But it's amazing to be a part of something that has lasted so long and been so good. The principles are sound and there is really nothing else like it. Best of luck to you!
posted by amanda at 7:50 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Dear Matt -

Next CAPS LOCK DAY, post.

Thanks in advance -

eriko
posted by eriko at 7:51 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for creating and hurting this site (and by site I mean community) and best wishes in your future ventures.
posted by Brian Puccio at 8:01 PM on March 5, 2015


I've been with this site since the Blogger days. I moved to SF the weekend before 9/11 and enjoyed that Fray Day and its subsequent Zoolander marathon. Since then I've become a web dev and to this day I haven't met many developers who can't quote extensively from Zoolander. That always reminds of my excitement of the early web and the thrillingness of Blogger and blogs. It's strange to see you step down, but as many of your peers have moved on, I'm happy that you've found a new place to land.
posted by bendy at 8:05 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for creating this great site!
posted by obscure simpsons reference at 8:09 PM on March 5, 2015


Thank you for making the best of the web, and keeping it that way. Well done, Matt!
posted by Quietgal at 8:10 PM on March 5, 2015


Your retirement announcement is one class act Matt! Thats the thing I love about Metafilter a class act all the way! I always saw Metafilter as a site where intelligent, creative, engaging and infuriating members are kept in check by cool headed, smart, compassionate Mods trying to restore sanity. All of this wonderful discourse possible because of Matt providing a user friendly site, with a framework of rational values and heart and for a bargoon price. Genius.

I was once in a very stressful managerial job situation but did not pay attention to the cues. I imploded on the job and resigned shortly thereafter. Your way is better Matt. Life is too short.

And you can always come to metafilter when you're feeling like a fix. I feel privileged to be a member. Thanks for everything Matt.
posted by smudgedlens at 8:13 PM on March 5, 2015


\o/ /°\

Your website is the best place in the whole web world to hang out. Thanks!
posted by a humble nudibranch at 8:37 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks for all your hard work!
posted by Maastrictian at 8:44 PM on March 5, 2015


Creating a community project that can live on and prosper without your involvement takes talent, foresight, wisdom, and humility.

Thanks for doing it right.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:47 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for all your efforts. So many conversations in our household have started with "So, I read this thing on Metafilter..."
posted by gamera at 8:51 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you thank you thank you.
posted by Wantok at 9:00 PM on March 5, 2015


I will take the credit for summoning migs, but I don't know who is responsible for Stan Chin. Talk about star-bellied sneeches.
posted by yhbc at 9:10 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]


Did you not like the movie or something?
posted by eddydamascene at 9:24 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Reading this place has been a significant part of my entire adult life, though I don't say much. I've learned a lot.

Thank you, Matt.
posted by Alterscape at 9:26 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks, Matt, for everything you've done for this community. What you created will go on, and what's cooler than putting a thing into the world and have it come to life?

Can't wait to hear what comes next!
posted by griffey at 9:42 PM on March 5, 2015


Thanks Matt. Nice little house you've built here and my life would be so much poorer without it.
posted by Ber at 9:43 PM on March 5, 2015


"When people comb the archives for this post sometime in the future, the tags are going to be tremendous assets."
posted by mr_crash_davis

-circa 2008.
thȯ-mə-ˈtər-jik Friday?
(Runs like hell)
posted by clavdivs at 10:08 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


Man, if I was in the market for a job I'd want to work at Slack. Supes jealous. Congrats!
posted by wemayfreeze at 10:41 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


After over a decade of lurking I'd like to say thank you, Matt. Metafilter has had a profound and positive impact on my life.
posted by wireless fidelity at 11:21 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Hey, I barely just joined the party and now the host is leaving? Well, I'll just help myself to the leftovers in the fridge if you don't mind!

Thanks for all the work!
posted by monocultured at 12:20 AM on March 6, 2015


Thanks Matt. You've done good work here.
posted by K.P. at 12:56 AM on March 6, 2015


Another long time lurker here.. I've learned so much here and there's still so much to learn. Thanks for making this place what it is.
posted by faustian slip at 12:58 AM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


I've been here for 15 years now. Sometimes I'm more active than others. But, no matter what, the only days that I don't visit MetaFilter are the days when I'm camping or something like that without web access. The only online communities I've been in longer are my BBS, my neighborhood mailing list, and the mailing list I run for a band. And I spend a lot more time here than at any of those.

A few years ago I made an anonymous/sockpuppet AskMe post during the most painful, traumatizing time in my life so far. I still haven't really recovered from that time at all. But people here were so kind and helpful that I will never forget it, and I think it has made things better than they would have been. (And thank God no one bugged me about "threadsitting" when I was in there crying my eyes out, asking more questions, not knowing how I was going to survive. Thank God people seemed to understand.)

Of course the majority of my interactions here have not been that intense. But I don't know what I'd do without this website, which has been my daily web home since February 5, 2000. And I hope will continue to be that for many, many more years yet to come.

Matt, thanks so much for creating this place -- this community. Even if you never do anything else awesome (but of course, you will) you can be proud of what you've built here. I owe you for it, more than you know.
posted by litlnemo at 1:11 AM on March 6, 2015 [21 favorites]


Thanks for all your work here, Matt. This is a fantastic place. I'm glad you're thinking about your health.
posted by persona au gratin at 1:14 AM on March 6, 2015


Best of luck, Matt, in whatever comes next. And, thanks for contributing MetaFilter to the world, it is a better place because of your efforts.
posted by HuronBob at 2:24 AM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you so much for creating Metafilter, Matt, and for all of your hard work. Because of Metafilter I am healthier and happier and more functional and less anxious than I was 7 years ago (when I discovered this site), and I am so so grateful to you for this community that you have created. Good luck in all your future endeavors!
posted by colfax at 2:51 AM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


I don't normally check MeTa in the morning, so I just found out about this shocking development over at Gruber's site.

I'll umpteenth others with a heartfelt "Thank you!" for creating Metafilter and shepherding it into the indispensable part of my life that it is. I would never have met the fantastic people I consider friends (no matter how anonymous and disembodied they may be.) The web would be a much colder, emptier place without your brainchild.

Good luck in what you do next!

I don't suppose we could talk you into doing a farewell lap of sorts of upcoming meetups in the next few weeks? 'Cause, Indy is actually having a meetup and, well...um...y'know...
posted by Thorzdad at 5:00 AM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


Just wanted to let y'all know that this minor blip in the physical world will have no effect whatsoever on the Astral Plane. Mod activities, ownership structure, etc. remain timeless, crystalline, pure.
posted by Meatbomb at 5:40 AM on March 6, 2015 [7 favorites]


I didn't realize they use ColdFusion at Slack.
posted by smackfu at 5:45 AM on March 6, 2015 [12 favorites]


Well done Matt. On your bike!
posted by anthill at 6:06 AM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


The net is a better place because of you.

You and quonsar both.

Fishing time.
posted by flabdablet at 6:06 AM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


I am slightly worried that this is all being orchestrated by xetroc, the evil Mirror-Universe cortex, seeking to rule the universe from beyond the grave, but I rest assured that he will have missed that one crucial detail that will lead to his whole byzantine plan unraveling....
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:14 AM on March 6, 2015


Please continue to post on fanfare about the movies you see, Matt. You have good things to say over there.

Also, I second what everybody else has already said.
posted by dogwalker at 6:34 AM on March 6, 2015


Mirror Universe cortex can be identified by:

- hatred of Dune, rogue-likes, doughnuts
- correct pronunciations of "dragon"
posted by Chrysostom at 6:38 AM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


correct pronunciations of "dragon"

Oh man MetaFilter is being run by someone who mispronounces mefite.
posted by Going To Maine at 6:42 AM on March 6, 2015 [11 favorites]


Slack! Slack is the future, man. I currently work somewhere where beyond the office and conference calls, Slack is the workplace—to the extent that when I just went to italicize "is," my fingers initially used the underscore Slack formatting. At a time when my best friend and I both recently started jobs working remotely on the Web, this feels very zeitgeisty.

mathowie, you're going to be repping an amazing way of working. Also, tell them to add better (read: any) bullet formatting options.
posted by limeonaire at 6:48 AM on March 6, 2015


My knitting group uses Slack! We are stoked about this news. Big thanks and yay, mathowie.
posted by clavicle at 7:08 AM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


kate blank: The photo accompanying that article is SUCH a "40-ish techy guy retires from big-name techy thing" photo, isn't it?

That photo caption reveals more: "[L-R] Matt Haughey, crater of MetaFiler Chris Poole, creator of 4chan"

Which could mean that Matt was trying to crater MetaFilter in 2012, with the help of Chris Poole, aka moot of 4chan, but he failed because MetaFilter was too big to fail, so he scrapped that plan and decided to stick it out with the Old Blue/Green/Gray Lady.

Or that's a typo, and he was simply scheming with with moot on their exit strategies at least three years back.
posted by filthy light thief at 7:19 AM on March 6, 2015


Adding my gratitude and wishing you well, Matt. Big hug.
posted by valetta at 7:26 AM on March 6, 2015


Or that's a typo, and he was simply scheming with with moot on their exit strategies at least three years back.

So Slack is going to open a mootxico office, then?
posted by Going To Maine at 7:33 AM on March 6, 2015


I am way late on this (snow day yesterday) but I just wanted to add to the chorus to say very very best wishes and thank you so much for all the hard work in creating and making Metafilter a great place. I really, really appreciate it and have met a number of people, both in person and who I have never met face-to-face, who I am super happy to consider my friends. Good luck with everything!
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:40 AM on March 6, 2015


Just another note of thanks, here - I appreciate all the hard work and effort that everyone puts into this site. I wish you well, and hope your stress levels go down. Burnout sucks.
posted by needlegrrl at 7:43 AM on March 6, 2015


Just echoing what most of everyone else has said. You've built something amazing here and I'm glad to be part of it. Thanks for MetaFilter and I wish the best for your future.
posted by ODiV at 7:53 AM on March 6, 2015


- correct pronunciations of "dragon"

But in the mirror universe, it's actually spelled "draygun."
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:13 AM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thank you for creating such a wonderful site, mathowie. All the best to you.
posted by Gelatin at 8:52 AM on March 6, 2015


All the best, mattowie, congrats and thanks!
Welcome to the new role, cortex!
posted by chapps at 8:58 AM on March 6, 2015


Thanks for all your work and care. I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors!
posted by introp at 9:06 AM on March 6, 2015


One more thing; thanks for toughing it out back in 2002!
posted by TedW at 9:11 AM on March 6, 2015 [10 favorites]


Thanks for all you've done, Matt! And thanks to the new administration, too, for keeping things running.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:19 AM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


You know, I have always considered myself in your debt, Mathowie: So much of who I am came from the community you've created, fostered and cared for here at Metafilter. I had no idea how you suffered in the process. I am so, so very sorry. And humbled. And overwhelmed. And and and and.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You.

Go rest. Relax. You deserve it.
posted by Freen at 9:26 AM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you so much, not just for creating the site, but also for all of the hard work you've put into the site over the years. I agree with the sentiment that the internet is in your debt, but I personally am also in your debt. This was the first place I felt comfortable commenting and interacting on the internet (after lurking for-ever!), and this site has had a very real effect on my development as a person, both on- and offline. The stress sounds enormous, so I wish you nothing but the best and most restful days in the future. Thank you so, so much.
posted by lillygog at 9:43 AM on March 6, 2015


I've had sex because of this website, so thanks very much!!
posted by JanetLand at 10:42 AM on March 6, 2015 [10 favorites]


Will you have time for all the fucking now? I can't wait! (And thanks so much for building this amazing corner of the internet.)
posted by SpookyFish at 11:05 AM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks, Matt for such as awesome site. Congratulations on your new path!
posted by foxhat10 at 11:22 AM on March 6, 2015


Oh i just saw this. I just wanted to say i found metafilter back in 2000, but did not register. And when i wanted to register, signups were closed. I eventually got in as a $5 noob in 2004. It's a testament to the awesomeness of this site that I've stayed for as long as i have.

I also wanted to say a personal thank you to Matt. Back in 2005 i went to my first PDX meetup. I totally felt like a fish out of water. Here i was this black chick who did not know a single person there. I wasn't one of the prolific posters, so hardly anyone recognized my username. Matt came up to me specifically and made me feel very welcome, asked me what i was drinking and got me another glass (it was a beer) and actually introduced me to a few other users.

Anyways, thanks Matt, that gesture always stayed with me. You're good people. Enjoy your 'retirement'.
posted by ramix at 11:53 AM on March 6, 2015 [22 favorites]


Than you for making this and keeping it for us long enough to establish a culture and community that will last. It's a pretty unique place and it's clearly saved lives. You did that. Feel great about it and enjoy your new adventures and your family. But please, do the podcast if you can, it's one of my favourite things.
posted by Iteki at 12:15 PM on March 6, 2015


I ignored this for the past couple of days not wanting to hear bad news. But this, this news is good and healthy and forward looking... I can live with this news.

Congratulations on taking the next step forward and upward, Matt, and thank you for sharing your playground with us n00bs.
posted by infini at 12:41 PM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt.
posted by not_that_epiphanius at 12:50 PM on March 6, 2015


Thank you for everything you've gone through over the years. Metafilter is truly the best of the web.
posted by djeo at 12:52 PM on March 6, 2015


Getting automated memail from cortex is by far the strangest part of this brave new world.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:58 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


On the one hand, another bit of basic AskMe advice is that when you don't enjoy coming in to work, when just THINKING about your job causes stress, it's time to move on to something else. On the other hand, it's gonna be hard for we the people if MeFi to see such a big change --- but cortex and lobstermitten and the rest of the Mod Squad will do as they've always done, and keep things running smoothly.

Take care of yourself!
posted by easily confused at 1:00 PM on March 6, 2015


Since the Blue post got deleted, could anyone please explain how Slack differs from other group chat apps like Campfire?
posted by leotrotsky at 1:03 PM on March 6, 2015


Yayboobutmostlyyaybittersweet!

I cannot imagine my life without this site.

I am super happy that you've taken up a new opportunity, Matt and wish you the very best! And yay for Cortex running this joint now.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 1:03 PM on March 6, 2015


What began as my best online source for information on the 9/11 attacks has turned into an integral part of my life. Thanks, Matt, for everything you've done and I wish you nothing but the best with the new gig.
posted by tommasz at 1:07 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Since the Blue post got deleted, could anyone please explain how Slack differs from other group chat apps like Campfire?

Did Matt self-link?
posted by jaguar at 1:11 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Since the Blue post got deleted, could anyone please explain how Slack differs from other group chat apps like Campfire?

This is not, at all, the place for that discussion. Maybe try AskMe?
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 1:12 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


I got an IRL notification from cortex

everything is wrong

up is down

do i keep my hat on inside now
posted by KathrynT at 1:33 PM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]


You're making me feel old Matt. All the best and good luck on the next chapter.
posted by zeoslap at 1:34 PM on March 6, 2015


(Congratulations, Matt! Being able to leave when the leaving is good is one of the great untrumpeted skills of life. And I feel like you've set up a really strong transition plan that is easy to feel comfortable with. Well done!)
posted by KathrynT at 1:35 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


MetaFilter comforted and connected me with others on 9/11 when I worked and lived in downtown DC six blocks from the White House, before I was even a member.

I've had so many alternatively fun and serious conversations here (sometimes both!) that have opened my eyes in ways I couldn't have dreamed about fifteen years ago before I knew how to talk on the Internet. I'm a different person than I would have been without MetaFilter, without AskMe, and without MetaTalk. So many good and difficult conversations. I don't think I looked out for you enough for you, Matt, during some of those conversations. I'm sorry that I probably contributed to your stress levels.

I went to a MetaFilter meetup on a whim in 2003, where I met the man I fell in love with, married, and had a baby with in 2003, 2005, and 2009, respectively. I basically owe my current life and happiness to you, Matt.

How you have quietly, modestly, thoroughly changed my life for the better, Mr. Haughey. Thank you for it all. I hope whatever you do, it makes you as happy as you've made me and so many others.
posted by onlyconnect at 2:27 PM on March 6, 2015 [21 favorites]


Wow. It's no exaggeration to say Metafilter : my adulthood :: Calvin & Hobbes : my childhood -> a do not skip daily read that's sparked a disproportionate amount of creativity, connection with others, and self-reflection over roughly a decade of my life. (Lurkerdom included.)

With that analogy in mind, here's wishing you all the relaxation and respite from the daily grind that Bill Watterson's enjoyed since December 1995... but hopefully way less hermit-ness.

Congratulations on a fantastic run and a class-act exit, and good luck out there.
posted by deludingmyself at 2:47 PM on March 6, 2015 [3 favorites]


Hi Matt.

I don't get the sense that you have super radical politics but you've created something radical.

In an age and industry that so highly emphasizes profit, you created a true community that seems agnostic to that motivator. Without explicitly dedicating yourself to the “causes” of access and caring for others, you quietly created a space of fun, whimsy, education, and common good, in the setting of fraternity not charity. This clearly arose not because you have some political agenda to put forth, but because you simply embody values of doing what is interesting or good, not just what makes the most money.

In some ways it’s surprising to hear you struggle with anxiety. Your affect around the site is so even keeled, so calm, so darned sensible. I always appreciate reading your deletion reasons, or your comments on MetaTalk, where you are the model of reason .

Although I don’t know you, I am grateful to you, and I am so happy for you to get to release this project and move on to other things, and to what sounds like a more sustainable lifestyle. Unspoken in your “resignation” above is that you are also creating space for others to lead here, which is both thoughtful and admirable, and again, the strikingly reasonable thing to do.

Best to you, and thank you!
posted by latkes at 3:04 PM on March 6, 2015 [22 favorites]


Arriving a tad late, but wanted to say thank you so much, Matt! You have been wise, fair and quite awesome and I'm glad you'll still be around in the background. I love Metafilter and appreciate all you've done! (<:
posted by but no cigar at 4:17 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


I saw Matt's tweet about his new job at Slack and feared the worst. Matt, I'm glad to see that you're taking steps to address fundamental issues which make running the place so stressful to you. Thank you for making this wacky playground of idiosyncratics in the first place.
posted by ooga_booga at 4:29 PM on March 6, 2015


Matt, wishing you the best. Thanks for creating and nurturing such a beautiful thing.
posted by amusebuche at 4:36 PM on March 6, 2015


I just noticed matt started the final paragraph of his post with "It’s been a long, crazy road". We are all Grateful, and only a few of us are Dead (and NONE are Walking).
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:59 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you for making my favorite site *and* for doing what's best for YOU. That is super-brave.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 5:13 PM on March 6, 2015


Matt, Thank you for all you have done here. It has been a very weclome home to many of us and a needed place for thoughtful discussion and lighthearted whimsy when required.

Best of luck going forward with all that you do.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 5:31 PM on March 6, 2015


You still reading all the ways down here? As someone who operated a small community for a a long time and took the opportunity to retire when the server caught fire...even if you haven't enjoyed the adulation, it's weird when its gone. That weird fades. It doesn't mean you made the wrong decision, and dude! That many years of doing the same thing. And being where the buck stops. Rough. I hope you get to enjoy this place like ther rest of us. If you don't already have a sockpuppet, maybe you should make one and use it, until the drama dies down.

Also i believe your and your gang could totally write a textbook on moderation. Royalties suck, but influence on future mods enormous. I'd prep the books for the publishers for free.
posted by b33j at 6:11 PM on March 6, 2015 [5 favorites]


Maybe we could just get this thread bronzed.
posted by Going To Maine at 6:18 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


I actually, no fooling, got my goodbye thread printed up into a book. I suggest mathowie do the same with this one. So much love.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 7:43 PM on March 6, 2015 [28 favorites]


Jeez, you go offline for a couple of days... although I go back and forth a lot about how much I want to be engaged and involved online I still see things every week and think, I want to see what they have to say about that over at Metafilter. Thanks for building it, Matt.

Though of course it's fairly obvious that this has all just been a big cover story and "retired staff" mathowie and jessamyn have actually become a costumed crime-fighting duo.
posted by nanojath at 8:30 PM on March 6, 2015 [6 favorites]


This has been my favorite place on the web for the past 15+ years. Thank you Matt, and to all the mods for making it that way.
posted by invisible ink at 8:42 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


To me, Metafilter is one of the few rare sites that somehow outlasted the fall of the "old internet". I've been a member under one username or another since I was a kid who looked around here and felt like I was totally out of my depth, and now I'm a grown woman who's many years into a career in technology. I wouldn't be doing what I do if it wasn't for the fact that I had the chance to participate in the kinds of discussions that only really happen on this site right here. So thanks, Mathowie! Your creation helped shape my career and probably my life as well.
posted by theraflu at 9:28 PM on March 6, 2015 [3 favorites]


I actually, no fooling, got my goodbye thread printed up into a book. I suggest mathowie do the same with this one. So much love.

That's a terrific idea, I will get a book print of this thread when it closes next month.

That, along with mathowielove.com mean I've been able to enjoy two big, public eulogies where people say how awesome I am and how much they loved me without actually having died, which is extremely lucky and awesome and I would highly suggest it to anyone if it's an option.
posted by mathowie (retired) at 10:35 PM on March 6, 2015 [34 favorites]


Great idea, Matt! Okay, everybody: I'm ready to receive your love! So to speak.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 10:43 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


I tend to confuse It's Raining Florence Henderson with le morte de bea arthur. Even though the latter has been absent from the site for a few years now. #IRFHlove
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 10:56 PM on March 6, 2015


Matt, thank you for everything. Metafilter has made my life more wonderful in so many ways - taught me so much, introduced me to new ideas and opinions, guided me through some challenging situations.

I'm a better person because of Metafilter and this community, which has been "my home on the internet" for so long - even if I mostly lurk. I even met my husband here, true story! (thanks MeFi 10th anniversary meet-up!).

Best wishes for the future, and enjoy it.
posted by indienial at 12:28 AM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]


I actually, no fooling, got my goodbye thread printed up into a book. I suggest mathowie do the same with this one. So much love.

Oh my goodness, that's neat.
posted by Pope Guilty at 12:32 AM on March 7, 2015


Thank you, Matt, for giving us Metafilter. I've made life-long friends here. Every time I visit Metafilter I learn something, or I'm entertained, or outraged, or educated. Never bored.

It was a pleasure to meet you in London a few years ago. We were all so excited about your visit - like Royalty was coming to see us! This picture pretty much sums it up .

Enjoy your life, be well, be happy. And again, thank you.
posted by essexjan at 4:55 AM on March 7, 2015 [15 favorites]


Thank you, Matt, for sticking with it through the years. It has been a wonderful gift.
posted by jjray at 6:10 AM on March 7, 2015


Thanks so much, for the hospitality, patience and conversation!
posted by Smart Dalek at 8:44 AM on March 7, 2015


So much love Matt! I hope you read this far down. Metafilter is truly the very best of the web - there is so much good that happens here and so many good people who make that good happen. But it started with your vision of what you wanted the web to be Matt and it is a rare thing that someone's vision makes it to reality. So many best wishes to you and many thanks for your vision.
posted by bluesky43 at 9:26 AM on March 7, 2015


Thank you, mathowie, for putting this all together and setting things up so it will continue.

MetaFilter makes the world a better place in the same ways that the most renown centers of learning do… and then some.

BEST $5 I EVER SPENT.
posted by mistersquid at 9:31 AM on March 7, 2015 [4 favorites]


Thanks for this community, which has been a very pleasant part of my life for a long time now. (I don't post or comment much, but I read a lot.)

And good luck in your new gig!
posted by enrevanche at 9:50 AM on March 7, 2015


Go away for three days and this is what happens. Note to self: never close the MetaFilter tab.

Matt, thank you for all you've done over the years. This site feels like home to me and it's down to your work and the team you have built. Enjoy the next step and godspeed. LM, welcome back!

Right, off to read the comments.
posted by arcticseal at 10:33 AM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]


The baton is passed at last. Well, inevitable I suppose, and I for one welcome our new moderating overlords!

Good luck, Matt--this place was always the brightest spot in an often gloomy webscape. May your new 'scape be as bright.
posted by readymade at 11:25 AM on March 7, 2015


Member since July 2000. I know whatever you do you will be good at it, because you are who you are.

Drop by now and then and let us how it's going.
posted by bjgeiger at 11:41 AM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]


Posted the above before reading the thread.

I must say $5.00 well spent all those years ago. At the time I did not have a way to send it online so I just mailed it to Matt.

Nice to so many members posting that I have not seen in awhile.

Have fun Matt!

And welcome cortex.
posted by bjgeiger at 12:18 PM on March 7, 2015


I feel inspired by your rush for freedom, Matt. It makes me think I can do something new too.
posted by amtho at 12:29 PM on March 7, 2015 [3 favorites]


Mattowie, you're a god amongst mefiites but thanks for the open and smooth transition plan. This community, the internet as a whole, and possibly the world, have been made immensely better because of all the sweat and tears you poured into MeFi.

... oh, and welcome on the user's side of the site. It's really awesome here and that's thanks to you and the moderators team.

Long live Mefi! All hail king cortex!
posted by TNLNYC at 2:53 PM on March 7, 2015


Thanks for shaping Mefi into what it is now, Matt, and for attracting and keeping good people around.

cortex will make an excellent Despot and it's great to have LobsterMitten back on board!
posted by ersatz at 5:06 PM on March 7, 2015


Major respect, Matt. You've made something so rare, so bloody humanistic, so important and meaningful to so many. I am and always will be grateful. Sending heartfelt wishes that your next adventure is amazing fun and much less stressful.

Thank you for leaving us in such capable hands; it's a relief to know MetaFilter will endure. I honestly don't know what I'd do if this place was gone. Thank you for your creation, and thank you for finding a way to let it live on without your hands on deck.

It's taken several tries for me to say anything here. I leaked. This place, this community has been so important to me, even though I'm a pretty quiet member. I love you all.
posted by vers at 5:22 PM on March 7, 2015 [13 favorites]


So when site owners/moderators/nexuses of awesome retire is it like with champion race horses where they get put out to stud?

More seriously, many thanks to you for this place. I've only been a member since 2011 or so but had been lurking for some years prior to that. Metafilter is a shining light in an internet that is so often a turbulent sea of dross, vitriol, and hateful man children. Best of luck with whatever adventures your newly found freedom takes you on.
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 7:33 PM on March 7, 2015


So when site owners/moderators/nexuses of awesome retire is it like with champion race horses where they get put out to stud?

Where do you think model glue comes from?
posted by Dip Flash at 8:17 PM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]


Though of course it's fairly obvious that this has all just been a big cover story and "retired staff" mathowie and jessamyn have actually become a costumed crime-fighting duo.

I would read this comic book...

Thank you for leaving us in such capable hands

This thought keeps coming back to me, too, and it's something I wanted to mention in my earlier comment but needed more time to figure out how to write what I was feeling...

If someone had told me a year ago that in a year's time, mathowie and jessamyn would no longer officially be on the MeFi staff, I wouldn't have believed it and thought they were kidding. My reaction would have been, "Aaack, get outta town!!" and also "Why are you saying such mean things?!" And I would have panicked a little (okay, maybe more than a little).

The process of getting here was not something I could have predicted, but here we are. I'm so glad jessamyn is still here as a regular member; it's always cool to see her participate in threads with her POV and good advice, and hear how she's doing on the podcast. (jessamyn, I'm sorry I somehow missed commenting in your goodbye thread; I only commented in the staff change announcement and your last-day thread. In any case, that is a really lovely book and I'm glad you have it!)

And now with this news -- Matt, in your post up top you said "Never fear," and you put my fears to rest. Knowing that the site won't change, the staff will be the same, and that finances are steady, is a huge reassurance. cortex is more than qualified and will do an excellent job in his new role, and it's great to have LobsterMitten back full-time. Nth-ing others who've said that it's a testament to your skills as a leader that you hired such capable people for your team to begin with. What a fantastic feeling to be able to trust that your team will keep doing good work, and that the site will be fine!

So all of that, plus the fact that you're able to move to a position where you can try new things, be happier and less stressed out, and still stay involved with MeFi -- as you've said, it's a good foundation for the future. So today I see both you and jessamyn with the "retired" badge and it's a little surreal, but yeah, no panic, no fears.

It must have taken a lot of soul-searching and courage to acknowledge what you had to do, and then a lot of work to take those steps to get to this point. Count me as yet another MeFite who's really proud of you and wishes you well.
posted by rangefinder 1.4 at 9:44 PM on March 7, 2015 [5 favorites]


Have been on holiday and only catching up with the internet just now. I'm so surprised by this, but it feels right too. Trust Mathowie to make a big bold move in a way that's considerate and well-planned!

Thankyou so much for building this place Matt, and making it a home for so many wonderful people. Cortex and the mod team will do an excellent job and Slack will be better for having your input. If you are ever at the arse end of the earth, the drinks are on me.
posted by harriet vane at 10:16 PM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh goodness. Best of luck, Matt, and thank you for creating a place I've looked at on a near-daily basis for over 15 years now.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:19 AM on March 8, 2015


Also coming late to this thread. but luckily in time before it closes ...

This brings to mind the situation a while back with Apple, where some people had a concern that with the 'head guy' leaving, it was going to be 'the end'. Steve tried to make us understand that it was not he who had directly created those products; rather he had created a company with a _culture_ that could create such products.

I think we can look on our current MetaFilter situation in a similar light. Matt isn't responsible on a daily basis for each and every interaction that we have on this site - the respect for others, the 'adult' conversations, the wide mix of interests that is found here - but he has been absolutely responsible for creating an organization that has such a culture baked in (and in which newcomers learn to behave with the same ethos).

Now that Matt is stepping back (fortunately under less dramatic circumstances than with Steve), I think most of the long-time members here are perfectly confident that the culture will survive, in pretty much the same form. Will it evolve from here under the direction of moderators who bring their own ideas and inspirations? Yes, of course, and it would be unnatural to expect otherwise.

I have my own experience of creating (and leaving) a thriving internet community, and through that am perfectly confident both that MetaFilter will continue to thrive, and that Matt, being more than ready to take on a challenge in a fresh field, will also enjoy success in his new endeavour.

Nothing left but to add my own voice to all the previous commenters in this thread in offering a heartfelt thanks to you Matt for both the original creative concept for this place, and for having the skills and (long-term) patience to actually build it and follow through with bringing it to maturity. Ideas are cheap. Everybody's got an idea. But execution is something else entirely, and there are not many people who could have pulled this one off, and certainly not as well as you have done. Thank you sir, and best wishes for your future ventures!
posted by woodblock100 at 1:12 AM on March 8, 2015 [4 favorites]


Late but: thank you Matt for creating the site and all the work you put in to make it what it is. I am a better person with a better life because of it.
posted by runincircles at 3:56 AM on March 8, 2015


This brings to mind the situation a while back with Apple, where some people had a concern that with the 'head guy' leaving, it was going to be 'the end'. Steve tried to make us understand that it was not he who had directly created those products; rather he had created a company with a _culture_ that could create such products.

Funny...I think it's true here...but not at Apple.
posted by Joseph Gurl at 4:12 AM on March 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


YAY MATT (and cortex and LobsterMitten) !!

Thanks so much for all you've done! And for this most excellent explanatory post! I'm so glad you were able to find help and figure out a solution and are finally taking some time off for yourself and all that good stuff.

Best of luck! I'm sure whatever you do it'll be gr9 :D
posted by junques at 7:34 AM on March 8, 2015


Be well, #1. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors.

This little thing of yours has changed my life. I'm a much better person for having your website in my life.

Take care and thank you!
posted by jason's_planet at 9:16 AM on March 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


This FAQ entry probably needs to be updated!
posted by Night_owl at 1:13 PM on March 8, 2015


Heh, yep, we've got a lot of little bits and pieces to update over the next little bit.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:20 PM on March 8, 2015


Speaking of pb, he's not mentioned specifically in Matt's transition plan. He's staying on to maintain the place I presume?
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:15 PM on March 8, 2015


Absolutely, yeah. Everybody not mentioned is status quo, basically; restless_nomad's still the other US-daytime mod, so she and LM and I have the week divvied up between us; taz and gnfti are continuing as our European-nightime mods with no real changes there either. And pb is a wizard, and you don't fool around when you've found a good wizard, basically.
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:16 PM on March 8, 2015 [13 favorites]


I hope you're not meddling in his affairs.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:27 PM on March 8, 2015 [8 favorites]


Dude, I cannot believe you did this for 16 years. Here's to the next thing. May it be fabulous.
posted by frykitty at 10:18 PM on March 8, 2015 [1 favorite]


May you have all the best of fortune, Matt, in your endeavors.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your creation: blog, friends, community.

"The Best of the Web" has enriched my life beyond measure, and those of my friends and colleagues.

Godspeed.
posted by key_of_z at 2:11 AM on March 9, 2015


cortex: "Heh, yep, we've got a lot of little bits and pieces to update over the next little bit."
Maybe you should add a small table to the db and insert the names automagically in those places? You don't want to be updating all those bits and pieces manually every sixteen years, for fuck's sake.
posted by dg at 2:49 AM on March 9, 2015 [9 favorites]


When I started reading, a Mefi thread used to get three or four comments at most. Now if you look away for a few hours it'll have hundreds. Well done on riding that crazy wave so far and for so long, Matt, and the very best of luck in your new role.
posted by rory at 4:04 AM on March 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Late to the show, but you've certainly earned it. Thanks.
posted by absalom at 4:56 AM on March 9, 2015


Matt, the community you've built has really helped me. I was sad to learn you've put yourself through so much stress for us. It reminds me of what a friend said about something he read in Lacan - a clearly defined leader keeps everything together because he shoulders all the responsibility and acts as a nice and clear target for anybody who's unhappy. I wish I could do more than poorly paraphrase it. I guess, with great moustache comes great responsibility and you've really sported that motherfucker in a proud and kind and inspiring way.
posted by yoHighness at 6:12 AM on March 9, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thank you, Matt. I have often marveled at the smart, imaginative and compassionate site design and management here, and still feel as lucky to have found it, as I did at first discovery. I hope life rewards you many times over for the contributions you've made to the quality of Internet life, and that we see you in the comments from time to time.
posted by mmiddle at 6:59 AM on March 9, 2015


p.s. - I keep thinking you should have been nominated for a MacArthur grant by now. I wish more of the work done with those prizes was at the level of what you have created on your own. It has been a truly rare gift to the culture.
posted by mmiddle at 11:04 AM on March 9, 2015 [12 favorites]


Thank you for your service, Matt, and putting up with us. I have a small inkling of what you have been going through, and think you probably made the best possible move.

Metafilter has in a very profound way shaped how I view the world during the years I've been lurking and contributing. It is the Internet at its best, made possible by your vision and hard work (and the contributions of everyone who work and hang out here). I wish you all kinds of success in the future.

And I second mmiddle's wish that you shuld be nominated for a MacArthur grant. Unfortunately I didn't get elected to be a secret nominator this year either, but hopefully some MeFi has.
posted by Harald74 at 11:51 AM on March 9, 2015 [5 favorites]


This place has been my home on the internet for 14 years because the moderation and the community have always been so amazing. Matt, you've been awesome, and I'm thrilled for you that you're exploring new horizons. Go you!
posted by dejah420 at 5:31 PM on March 9, 2015


Really I appreciate MetaFilter. Lurked a long time before joining. I learn so much here. Thanks for making this site. Good luck in your future endeavors!
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 9:15 PM on March 9, 2015 [1 favorite]


Who do the MeFi IRL MeMails come from now?
posted by grouse at 7:40 AM on March 10, 2015


Cortex, I believe - I think all that stuff is switching over to him.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 7:53 AM on March 10, 2015


A.M. = After Mathowie

Way late to the party here, but so much thanks to Matt for imbuing this place with the awesome stuff that made it what it is. Sorry to hear about the stress -- here's to hoping the next 16 years hold waaaay less anxiety for you!
posted by missmobtown at 8:01 AM on March 10, 2015


Farewell Glorious Leader. This truly is, a Brand New Day.

Thanks Matt.
posted by ALongDecember at 1:26 PM on March 10, 2015


Matt,

I just want to join with everyone else in saying thank you.

What you created here, with the team you have established, shows the true potential of what an online community can be. Thanks for making a home here for all of us.

Good luck in all your endeavors and thanks for inspiring me and so many.

Karl
posted by kmartino at 3:04 PM on March 10, 2015


Late to the thread, but I too wanted to say thank you. I've been a lurker and then a member since my co-worker turned me onto the site waaaay back - and it's been a source of information and entertainment and the sharing of grief and the provoking of thought about my own attitudes and biases and actions, and so much more. As many above have said - I am a better person today because of Mefi than I would have been had I not discovered this corner of the internet.

And Matt and the rest of the mod team are a core, critical part of why that is true, so thank you - enjoy your well deserved new opportunities and be well
posted by darsh at 3:44 PM on March 10, 2015


I've had my head in the clouds for a week or so now so I'm very late to the thread. I just wanted to pop in an thank you for the years of awesome the community you founded has brought. I joined officially quite late due to commitment wavering (maybe I should sign up. I don't know. Oh, now you can't sign up. Five whole dollars! Well, it's the first site I hit every day...) but have always enjoyed the content and community.
posted by flyingfox at 5:23 PM on March 10, 2015


some advice for cortex: Of New Princedoms Which a Prince Acquires with His Own Arms and by Merit
But to get a clearer understanding of this part of our subject, we must look whether these innovators can stand alone, or whether they depend for aid upon others; in other words, whether to carry out their ends they must resort to entreaty, or can prevail by force. In the former case they always fare badly and bring nothing to a successful issue; but when they depend upon their own resources and can employ force, they seldom fail. Hence it comes that all armed Prophets have been victorious, and all unarmed Prophets have been destroyed.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:54 PM on March 10, 2015 [6 favorites]


Perhaps they should just Dread Pirate Roberts this thing. cortex takes matthowie's handle. matthowie gets a new handle. the cortex handle gets marked as dead.
posted by Going To Maine at 6:28 AM on March 11, 2015 [5 favorites]


Going To Maine: "Perhaps they should just Dread Pirate Roberts this thing. cortex takes matthowie's handle. matthowie gets a new handle."

What makes you think this hasn't already happened several times over?
posted by Rock Steady at 1:06 PM on March 11, 2015 [3 favorites]


Didn't work out so well for The Silk Road.
posted by box at 1:22 PM on March 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


Late, as usual, to the thread, and a relatively recent comer to MeFi, but wanted to chime and say thank you. I haven't read everyone else's comments yet, but one of the things that has impressed me mightily is how open you are with what's going on for the business/admin side of MetaFilter. Not that we need the play-by-play, but your honesty is a breath of fresh air. It takes a lot of courage and I think sets the tone for the MetaFilter community (though of course everyone has bad days, just as everyone needs a hug). If it weren't for the fact that it would skyrocket your stress levels, and the new job you've got, I'd wish you would come run the place I work, or at least advise their communication strategy. Thanks for creating a site I'm proud to support in a small way every month. All the best and see you round the blue (or maybe green or purple or grey).
posted by Athanassiel at 3:41 PM on March 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks and best of luck!
posted by aroweofshale at 7:43 PM on March 11, 2015


Oh god I haven't read a thread this long in months and I don't know if I can finish it.

Thank you, Matt. You built a thing that that didn't suck. Well done. I don't think you really know how many times this place has saved my sanity, sense of humanity or even actual self.

Thank you and good luck, Cortex. The tiller is in good hands.
posted by loquacious at 8:09 PM on March 11, 2015 [4 favorites]


Adding my voice to the chorus. Thank you, Matt. Really. Your note reminded me that it's so easy to think that something as special as Metafilter just sort of magically comes into being, or evolves naturally into what it is. But of course that's never true, and it's always people making choices and giving themselves to make things happen, and usually a small number of people at the root. Thank you for being that person.

Metafilter has expanded my worldview, my empathy, and my knowledge. It's unique in the world, and has shown me a new model for community, online and in person.

Seriously, thank you. I don't buy T-shirts, but last year, I bought a Metafilter T-shirt as a gift to myself. On the gift card I wrote, "Support what you believe in."

Good luck with all. You deserve all the happiness that's coming to you.
posted by vecchio at 5:23 AM on March 12, 2015


This announcement resulted in me moving my whole company over to #Slack and it's amazing!
posted by Jacob G at 8:15 AM on March 12, 2015 [4 favorites]


Heh, there's an NYT article about Slack today. With Matt, they're finally hitting the bigtime.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 8:40 AM on March 12, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thank you, Matt. Mefi is my favourite online hangout, and has been for a long time. It has improved my life many ways. Thanks for creating and overseeing this wonderful place. Self-care is vital, so please take care of yourself, and best of luck with your new paths.
posted by mayurasana at 9:53 AM on March 12, 2015


Oh holy cats I somehow missed this. Best of luck to you and thank you for creating such a wonderful space and community.
posted by Joey Michaels at 5:55 PM on March 12, 2015


Thank you, Matt. And best of luck!
posted by vivzan at 10:59 AM on March 13, 2015


Thank you, Matt, for building this place. The voices here come and go but, as you know, MeFi means a lot to a lot of people. Even for those of us who have mostly moved on, this is and always will be a special place on the web.

.
posted by gd779 at 5:01 PM on March 13, 2015


Thank you so very much for this place, Matt.
posted by mkim at 5:20 PM on March 13, 2015


Wow. I mostly lurk these days, but Metafilter's been an incredible community to be a part of. Thanks for everything you've done to make it what it is, and the very best of luck to you in the next chapter.
posted by AV at 6:00 PM on March 13, 2015


Metafilter has made me a better person. Thank you!
posted by stoneegg21 at 6:35 PM on March 13, 2015


You taught me how to use internet rightly, Matt. I had it wrong for over 20 years.

It's like you took me in as a human young adult who had been raised by wolves and you taught me how to eat with a fork and proper hygiene and stuff. Even what makes jokes funny (or not).

You're like the living embodiment of a really terrific scout master AI. Who I am I owe as much to mathowie (podcast voice: "Matt Haughey!") as I do to any one of a lifetime of great teachers, great bosses, great strangers, and great mentors.

It makes me happy, wistful, grateful, and appreciative that you are doing something more, something for you. Because I know whatever is good for you is good for all of us everywhere.

Thank Be Praised for this community, these friends, and the massively multi-always-awesome-amazing hivemind that I know and love and have tattoo'd to my heart, mind, and soul that is Metafilter. Where would we/I be without you/it?
posted by Mike Mongo at 8:27 PM on March 13, 2015 [5 favorites]


Huh! I had just assumed #slack was a sort of joke about early retirement, as in Slacker! (Congrats on the new job!)
posted by chapps at 11:01 PM on March 13, 2015


Thank you so much Matt. Add me to the long list of people for whom this site, especially Ask, has been a life-changer.

My brother (also a long time MeFite and the person who introduced me to the site) and I regularly ask each other, WWAMFS? What Would Ask Metafilter Say? And yes, I have DTMFA'd and seen therapists and chased after dream jobs.

You have my gratitude. Best of luck in your new endeavors!
posted by nemutdero at 11:34 PM on March 13, 2015


Thanks for what you've done here, Matt. I've been following Metafilter for fifteen years (became a member in 2007), and it's changed who I am. I love the sense of community here. Reading the threads has changed how I think about things. Participating in the threads has vastly improved my on-the-fly writing skills.

Take care of yourself, man. you've done an amazing thing with this site, and you've left it in great hands.
posted by oozy rat in a sanitary zoo at 7:51 AM on March 14, 2015


After countless years of lurkig on Metafilter, I finally decided to sign up in 2011 and was bummed out to find my account disabled shortly after. After a short mail to Matt, he told me that my signup charge was disputed - but since this was mostly in place to keep spammers out and I appear to be a normal person he re-enabled my account and just let me use the site freely.

That's when I knew, this is the place.

Thanks for all your hard work and best of luck.
posted by bigendian at 8:28 AM on March 14, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thank you, Matt. As a friend said to me when I needed to hear it, "Quitting is good for the soul."
posted by Superfrankenstein at 11:06 AM on March 14, 2015 [1 favorite]


Very late to this thread, but thank you for everything you've done, Matt. Best of luck to you in your future endeavours.
posted by juliebug at 5:37 PM on March 14, 2015


I wanted to note down somewhere here that Matt not turning out to be a regular entrepreneur-type is precisely why MetaFilter has turned out so well, and so -- wistfully -- I'm really grateful for the part of your personality that's led to this decision to step down.

(Alternate-history MetaFilter would have taken on venture-funding, attempted to expand to millions of members, and sold itself to someone like Yahoo who would eventually dismantle it. But we wouldn't have cared by that point anyway.)
posted by nobody at 5:26 AM on March 16, 2015 [13 favorites]


The new post memails come from cortex. I love ya cortex, but it was like a punch to the gut. Wow.
posted by GuyZero at 9:47 PM on March 16, 2015 [1 favorite]


Really it's always felt weird to me that the automated emails come from any person.
posted by aubilenon at 10:20 PM on March 16, 2015 [1 favorite]


I know, right? I was awed when mathowie himself sent me a note that my first FPP had been approved. The big guy himself! Must be a good post! Imagine my shock when, not ten minutes later, restless_nomad deleted it for editorializing.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 12:51 AM on March 17, 2015 [16 favorites]


Wow, just noticed the news from the sidebar. Thanks a million, Matt! Metafilter has been such a quality community; I've been reading every day for well over a decade, and it's probably second only to gmail in my time spent staring at internets.
posted by p3t3 at 12:51 AM on March 17, 2015


Thank you, Matt, for creating this special place on the web. You deserve all the best. Have fun and love life.
posted by Pfardentrott at 8:59 AM on March 17, 2015


I love you Matt. Maybe everyone in this community already existed out there in the world but I doubt anyone else could've brought them all together like this. Thanks for everything you've done. Take care.
posted by doteatop at 4:50 AM on March 19, 2015 [2 favorites]


I'm really late to this, but congrats on the new direction. I'm sure your family and your health are going to love this. And thanks for everything you've done for us all these years.
posted by TrishaLynn at 10:44 AM on March 19, 2015


Very belated thanks and congratulations, Matt! Also, welcome to San Francisco :)
posted by en forme de poire at 9:16 PM on March 20, 2015


Omnia mutantur • nihil interit.
posted by sonascope at 7:22 AM on March 21, 2015 [3 favorites]


Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis
posted by h00py at 9:13 AM on March 21, 2015


“Two parents, to say nothing of one, cannot possibly satisfy all the needs of a family-household. A community is needed as well, for raising children, and also to keep adults reasonably sane and cheerful. A community is a complex organism with complicated resources that grow gradually and organically.” ― Jane Jacobs

Thanks for making a real, evolving community happen!
posted by Going To Maine at 9:16 AM on March 21, 2015 [3 favorites]


Thank you.
posted by Muffpub at 10:37 PM on March 22, 2015


Matt, thank you for all your work and love that went into this site. It truly is a unique place.

I wish you all the best with your future endeavors!
posted by escher at 10:00 AM on March 25, 2015


Belated congratulations on the new position and much gratitude for founding and building up MetaFilter into the place it is today!
posted by filmgoerjuan at 4:14 PM on March 25, 2015


Each time I see a tweet talking up *thatotherplace* I think it must be due to number 1
posted by infini at 4:53 PM on March 26, 2015


Thank you, Matt. MetaFilter has really helped me, and thousands of others; and you made something truly great. For a long time, you ate up risk and stress but made of it something of great value, a place where intelligence, curiosity and kindness (among other things!) can nest. I wish you every success, and every happiness in your new role; I know MetaFilter will continue in its success and happiness too.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:05 AM on April 2, 2015 [10 favorites]


Thanks again, all!

✅voted quidnunc kid #1
posted by mathowie (retired) at 11:37 AM on April 2, 2015 [40 favorites]


Gawd, noobs these days and their emotikanji.
posted by Celsius1414 at 1:15 PM on April 2, 2015


See you in the car! Best wishes -Milhouse
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:49 PM on April 3, 2015


Coincidentally, I just found a bunch of thank-you videos from our MeFi 10th Anniversary Block Party. Enjoy.
posted by eamondaly at 12:55 PM on April 3, 2015 [2 favorites]


Matt, congratulations on what you've built here and best of luck. I recently passed my 10-year anniversary as a member here and like others have said I can't put into words how important this place has been to me. It's not just the best of the web--it shows a little slice of how great people can be. When I think about how long this community has survived and grown, it's hard to imagine how you and your team could have done it, but there it is. Thanks doesn't begin to cover it.
posted by rustcellar at 1:21 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


A+++++ would [+] again.
posted by Eggs Benedict Cumberbatch Kids at 1:35 PM on April 3, 2015


Matt, I've always enjoyed my time on MetaFilter, years before I actually joined. Thanks for building it, and best of luck wherever life takes you.
posted by figurant at 1:42 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


What surprises me most is that I haven't already commented here.

Thank you, mathowie!
[1 ♥ −] ♥ added!
posted by phunniemee at 1:50 PM on April 3, 2015


Me too! (I.e., I love this place -- thank you!!)
posted by daisyace at 1:52 PM on April 3, 2015


:::Gold Watch:::
posted by Jahaza at 2:00 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


I couldn't possibly find the words to thank you enough for building this wonderful place that has been my online home for well over a decade. It means the world to me. Congratulations on your exciting new gig, and thank you!
posted by dialetheia at 2:07 PM on April 3, 2015


Congratulation!
posted by aniola at 2:16 PM on April 3, 2015


Thanks for creating the community that, more than any other, shaped me during the first handful of years of my adult life. I would be a profoundly different person, I suspect, were it not for MetaFilter.
posted by rorgy at 2:21 PM on April 3, 2015


Thank you, Matthowie. What you started here saw me through some dark times. I'm a better person for having been an infinitesimal part of it. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
posted by ob1quixote at 2:22 PM on April 3, 2015


I would have spent all that time on the internet somehow. Happy to do it here, where only my real life people think it wasted. Thanks.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 2:29 PM on April 3, 2015


Can't thank you enough for what you've started here. And now look, look at this madness!?! Isn't it great? I hope you're truly enjoying MetaFilter from the flipside!
posted by iamkimiam at 2:38 PM on April 3, 2015


Thank you Matthowie. This has been my homepage and my go-to site for news, commentary, interesting finds, wasting time, learning, being made happy/sad by posts and comments for over 10 years. I know that this site and its amazing people have profoundly shaped me as a person. I am who am I now because of all of you. I hardly ever comment on the site, but I regularly read all the 3 or 4 main sites. Thank you and best of luck in your new endeavors!
posted by dealing away at 2:50 PM on April 3, 2015


HAIL SATAN

(that's for you, Patty!)

Matt -- thanks, for the site and the community. So nice to see someone from Placentia make something of themselves.

Signed,

Formerly Fullerton

(the only comment of mine you favorited was in a FanFare comment that got nuked with a few others in that Michael Bay thread. I was briefly proud.)
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 2:57 PM on April 3, 2015


Yeah, this site has brought me uncountable moments of joy and some really deep friends. Thanks again.
posted by klangklangston at 2:59 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


congration Mark
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:17 PM on April 3, 2015 [4 favorites]


So, you're printing this thread as a book?
posted by charred husk at 3:27 PM on April 3, 2015


Love,
Metafilter

----------------- <--- cut here
posted by charred husk at 3:31 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


The money's in the
posted by at by at 3:31 PM on April 3, 2015


Looong-time lurker, short-time member. Metafilter has been a nearly daily part of my life for so long, I can't tell you how often I use "what would metafilter say?" to work out a problem. It's like it's in my head... you know, in a good way. Which is to say, thanks. Also, what ^they^ said.
posted by slipthought at 3:36 PM on April 3, 2015


congregation, Matt. A large one.
posted by Namlit at 3:45 PM on April 3, 2015


Thank-you, Matt, for making the best webs on the webs.

Pssst... cortex. Hey buddy. Does this mean we get new favicons now?
posted by team lowkey at 3:52 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


Keep off the sidewalk.
posted by buzzman at 3:55 PM on April 3, 2015


I'm going to leave a blink tag open and fuck up your whole bookshelf. So, fair warning, put this next to some old HTML book.
posted by nom de poop at 4:00 PM on April 3, 2015


matt - i don't really know how to express the gratitude i feel for you for creating metafilter. you have enriched so many lives... here's hoping you enjoy the next (several) chapters.
posted by fingers_of_fire at 4:23 PM on April 3, 2015


Help! Help! I'm trapped in a book! I don't know how I got stuck in here but everybody else seems to be devoted to a mysterious (though seemingly benevolent) demigod named "Matt."

I don't think I'm in any danger but it is all very, very confusing. I just came here to buy a used car.
posted by Navelgazer at 4:25 PM on April 3, 2015 [4 favorites]


So now if we fuck around in your goodbye thread, it's like analog trolling, right? We're artisans?
posted by klangklangston at 4:52 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you, Hope you had a good year!
posted by Dr. Zira at 5:15 PM on April 3, 2015


I wish we had hung out more. You seem like a really cool guy. Maybe I will see you around the mall this summer.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:47 PM on April 3, 2015 [2 favorites]


Does anyone read the pages back here?
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 5:47 PM on April 3, 2015 [5 favorites]


You've been a part of my life since I was a teenager. Happy trails to you!
posted by Zosia Blue at 6:02 PM on April 3, 2015


Good work! Thanks for everything.
posted by safetyfork at 6:48 PM on April 3, 2015


Thanks for giving me a place to stay. I probably owe you $100 in wasted bandwidth. Sorry about that.
posted by Treaty of Westphalia at 6:58 PM on April 3, 2015


Have a gr8 summer. Stay cool! XXOO BFF
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:07 PM on April 3, 2015 [1 favorite]


2 KOOL 2 B 4 GOT
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 7:25 PM on April 3, 2015 [2 favorites]


Bon voyage, sir.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:34 PM on April 3, 2015


In these wicked days, indeed, when virtue and vice are accounted alike, the ingratitude and unbelief of men keep our Art from appearing openly before the public gaze. Yet this glorious truth is even now capable of being apprehended by learned and unlearned persons of virtuous lives, and there are many persons of all nations now living who have beheld Diana unveiled. But as many, either from ignorance or from a desire to conceal their knowledge, are daily teaching and inducing others to believe that the soul of gold can be extracted, and then imparted to other substances; and thereby entice numbers to incur great waste of time, labour, and money: let the sons of Hermes know for certain that the extracting of the essence of gold is a mere fond delusion, as those who persist in it will be taught to their cost by experience, the only arbitress from whose judgment seat there is no appeal. If, on the other hand, a person is able to transmute the smallest piece of metal (with or without gain) into genuine gold or silver which abides all the usual tests, he may justly be said to have opened the gates of Nature, and cleared the way for profounder and more advanced study. It is with this object that I dedicate the following pages, which embody the results of my experience, to the sons of knowledge, that by a careful study of the working of Nature they may be enabled to lift the veil, and enter her inmost sanctuary. To this final goal of our sacred philosophy they must travel by the royal road which Nature herself has marked out for them. Let me therefore admonish the gentle reader that my meaning is to be apprehended not so much from the outward husk of my words, as from the inward spirit of Nature. If this warning is neglected, he may spend his time, labour, and money in vain. Let him consider that this mystery is for wise men, and not for fools. The inward meaning of our philosophy will be unintelligible to vainglorious boasters, to conceited mockers, and to men who smother the clamorous voice of conscience with the insolence of a wicked life; as also to those ignorant persons who have fondly staked their happiness on albefactions and rubrefactions and other equally senseless methods. The right understanding of our Art is by the gift of God, or by the ocular demonstration of a teacher, and can be attained only by diligent, humble search, and prayerful dependence on the Giver of all good things; now, God rejects those who hate Him, and scorn knowledge. In conclusion, I would earnestly ask the sons of knowledge to accept this Book in the spirit in which it was written; and when the HIDDEN has become MANIFEST to them, and the inner gates of secret knowledge are flung open, not to reveal this mystery to any unworthy person; also to remember their duty towards their suffering and distressed neighbours, to avoid any ostentatious display of their power; and above all, to render to God, the Three in One, sincere and grateful thanks with their lips, in the silence of their hearts, and by refraining from any abuse of the Gif
posted by robocop is bleeding at 7:34 PM on April 3, 2015 [4 favorites]


Psst... Yes, Metafilter? I think someone is looking at us... o/\o!
Someone IS looking at us!
Who is looking at us? A Monster?
No, it's... a Reader! A reader is reading us!
We are in a BOOK!
THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are in a book, we are being read!
Oh, I have a good idea, I can make the reader say a word.
You can?
Yes, if the reader reads out loud. Here I go....
"Pancakes."
Do you want a turn before the book ends?
ENDS?! The book ends?
Yes. All books end.
WHEN WILL THE BOOK END!?!
I will look....
Soon.
SOON?!
Yes.
But, but, I have more to give, more words, more jokes, more gifs, more ascii art, more thanks to give... I don't want this book to end...
I have a good idea.
Yes?
Hello Reader. Will you please read us again? (and maybe visit sometimes)

Thanks Mathowie
(with apologizes to Mo Willems)
posted by dawg-proud at 7:47 PM on April 3, 2015


Thank you for giving me a wonderful internet home that I've eagerly shared with so many others.
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:17 PM on April 3, 2015


I love Metafilter. Thank you so much for your dedication to creating a safe place for so many.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:29 PM on April 3, 2015


Constant part of my life for over 10 years now, for better or worse, whether I've been participating or not. I'm a different person because of Metafilter. Congratulations and thank you for building a great thing and good luck.
posted by loquax at 8:52 PM on April 3, 2015


We are going to miss you, Matt! Don't forget about us!!! Keep on shining you crazy diamond! Have an awesome summer, junior year is going to be so bitching!

This is going in a yearbook, right?
posted by msali at 8:53 PM on April 3, 2015


From pondering questions on Ask to secret quonsmas to IRL meetups, this little corner of the internet has made my life better in so many ways.

Good luck with your next adventures, Matt!
posted by so much modern time at 8:59 PM on April 3, 2015


professional white background,
a bucket of cocks,
a fish in the pants,
the saying of smocks,
have a great summer,
remember to poo,
and if you get lonely,
just stop by the blue. --- b. erma shave
posted by quonsar II: smock fishpants and the temple of foon at 9:25 PM on April 3, 2015 [7 favorites]


And that's...the rest of the story.
posted by oceanjesse at 11:18 PM on April 3, 2015


2cool
2b
4gotten
☜(゚ヮ゚☜)
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 11:21 PM on April 3, 2015 [2 favorites]


"Well, I'm back," he said.
posted by zadcat at 12:25 AM on April 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


MetaMatt, Best of Web 1.0, 2.x. Thank you thank you thank you!
posted by riverlife at 12:36 AM on April 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt, for creating this distinctly above-average community weblog. I think it might prove a success.
posted by Busy Old Fool at 1:06 AM on April 4, 2015


Matt, thanks so much for creating this amazing place, you have done us all such a big favour! I hope the next stage of your life is every bit as successful as this one has been.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 1:33 AM on April 4, 2015


You've continuously created one of the best things on the web for over a decade. Enjoy your new endeavor!
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:53 AM on April 4, 2015


Thank you for building the internet's only clean, well-lighted place.
posted by EatTheWeek at 2:40 AM on April 4, 2015


It is a milestone, not an end state.

It has been good and remains good. I expect to see Metafilter and you in the singularity and us residing in the same interstitial spaces as the Walled City.
posted by jadepearl at 2:56 AM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks Matt! When I joined at the end of 2011 I was a confused, uninformed teenager. Four years later I'm still a confused, uninformed teenager but in new and exciting ways, and I couldn't have done it without this fantastic site you built and nurtured. <3
posted by Quilford at 2:59 AM on April 4, 2015


Thanks for MetaFilter! I've learnt a lot here. It's pretty cool.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 4:01 AM on April 4, 2015


Haven't been paying much attention to MetaTalk these past few moths, and had missed this thread until just now. Bit I just want to offer a hearty THANK YOU, Matt for creating this site and for tirelessly making it better and better through the years. Wishing you all the best in all your future endeavors.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:19 AM on April 4, 2015


Thank you Matt for creating this wonderful online community which I am proud to call home.

Also thank you for having the good sense to hire great people and the wisdom to delegate, and also the self-awareness to realise that sometimes you got to make a change to stay healthy.

Thank you.

And to all the mods thank you for making this place what it is and also keeping it going.
posted by Faintdreams at 4:28 AM on April 4, 2015


Thank you for all of your work, Matt. I have been reading for fifteen years, and participating in some form for nine. MetaFilter has been a source for fun reads, interesting discussions, and advice/perspectives that have helped me with some difficult times in my life, and I deeply appreciate it. Thank you for all your work and best wishes for your new direction. They're lucky to have you.
posted by Naamah at 4:36 AM on April 4, 2015


THANK
THE
FUCK
MATT
posted by flatluigi at 5:22 AM on April 4, 2015 [8 favorites]


Thank you, Matt, for creating and maintaining this very special place. And thanks for hiring great people, so it can continue to thrive as you move on to new things.
posted by jeri at 6:01 AM on April 4, 2015


Matt,

You should be proud of what you have done here: brought together many thousands of thoughtful, articulate and often hilarious people into a community spread around the planet. I have met dozens of fascinating people at meetups, seen a lot of amazing stuff in their FPPs, read some brilliant and occasional heartbreaking words here, and been reminded almost daily that the world -- especially the online world -- is a better place than it often seems.

The moderators in whose hands you leave it are all wise and skilled, and I have little doubt the place will carry on for many many years yet bringing the best of the web to huge numbers of people who have not even heard of MetaFilter.

Thanks, Matt. We've got it from here.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:12 AM on April 4, 2015


FIRST!!!11!

Thanks Matt!
posted by moonmilk at 6:12 AM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thank you Matt!!
posted by tofu_crouton at 7:42 AM on April 4, 2015


¡Gracias, Matt!
posted by CrazyLemonade at 7:52 AM on April 4, 2015


Thank you for all you have done in creating and maintaining The Best Thing on the Web.

May we all continue to gather and drink in thy name, amen.
posted by likeatoaster at 8:16 AM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Wait, wait, Matt--before you leave, I've noticed this bug!

>-( )-<
>-( )-<
>-( )-<
>-( )-<
>-( )-<
>-( )-<
>-(. .)-<

. . . Matt?

OK, fine, it's a feature. We'll keep the lights on for you!
posted by DrMew at 8:55 AM on April 4, 2015 [5 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt. We promise to be good after you're gone!
posted by hydropsyche at 9:18 AM on April 4, 2015


I'm kind of only around intermittently, but I still really want to say thanks, Matt. Metafilter has been really important to me all by itself, but I kind of feel like it also made me like the whole darn internet better. Thanks.
posted by Mngo at 10:01 AM on April 4, 2015


I have learned more than I can say from this place, Matt. I've also laughed and cried and been entirely befuddled and humbled and enlightened. It's an amazing thing you've made, and I hope your new perspective on it allows you to enjoy it in a stress-free way. Sending all kinds of good wishes!
posted by Hellgirl at 11:17 AM on April 4, 2015


Thanks, Matt! One day I'll come to a PDX meet-up and tell you all about how Metafilter has positively affected me and the changes wrought as a result. In the meantime, suffice to say that reading Metafilter for the last decade+ has made me a better person, and that's a hell of a thing. Good luck and take care!
posted by malthusan at 11:30 AM on April 4, 2015


Thank you, Matt, for building something truly exceptional. Not just in terms of the internet as a whole, but for me personally. I first came across this site in early 2001, and since then I've lived in Reykjavík, Massachusetts, Vermont, Providence and Finland (where I'm moving between cities this month). Throughout this century I've had to rebuild my social life again and again, find new friends and activities. The one thing that's been a constant presence in my life during this time has been MetaFilter. It's a community that's always been there for me, on the other side of a computer screen. And I'm not the only one like that.

Without the work you've done building and running MetaFilter for all these years, this community wouldn't exist and wouldn't be nearly as wonderful. I've always admired the way you've dealt with the community in a patient and even-handed way. The way you're stepping away is also very admirable. This place, which is so important to me and many others, wouldn't exist without you, not only as a founder, but for the way you've run it through the years, both in your personal dealings with the community, but that you've hired good people as your staff. You're leaving a good place in good hands.

Enjoy your post-admin life!
posted by Kattullus at 11:32 AM on April 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Matt, I'm very glad I discovered this place all those years ago; glad I signed up; glad for all I've learned here; glad for all the people I've met and the friends I've made; and glad I finally got to meet you in person last October and share dinner, beer, and ice cream in Portland. Thanks for MetaFilter; for always putting it in the hands of wise, kind, good people; and for sticking around even as you move on to new things. Here's to more good times together in the future!
posted by Songdog at 12:04 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


because you'll have this for years it think its important to give you useful reference material


Treaty of Westphalia
Peace Treaty between the Holy Roman Emperor and
the King of France and their respective Allies.

In the name of the most holy and individual Trinity: Be it known to all, and every one whom it may concern, or to whom in any manner it may belong, That for many Years past, Discords and Civil Divisions being stir'd up in the Roman Empire, which increas'd to such a degree, that not only all Germany, but also the neighbouring Kingdoms, and France particularly, have been involv'd in the Disorders of a long and cruel War: And in the first place, between the most Serene and most Puissant Prince and Lord, Ferdinand the Second, of famous Memory, elected Roman Emperor, always August, King of Germany, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Arch-Duke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Marquiss of Moravia, Duke of Luxemburgh, the Higher and Lower Silesia, of Wirtemburg and Teck, Prince of Suabia, Count of Hapsburg, Tirol, Kyburg and Goritia, Marquiss of the Sacred Roman Empire, Lord of Burgovia, of the Higher and Lower Lusace, of the Marquisate of Slavonia, of Port Naon and Salines, with his Allies and Adherents on one side; and the most Serene, and the most Puissant Prince, Lewis the Thirteenth, most Christian King of France and Navarre, with his Allies and Adherents on the other side. And after their Decease, between the most Serene and Puissant Prince and Lord, Ferdinand the Third, elected Roman Emperor, always August, King of Germany, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Arch-Duke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Marquiss of Moravia, Duke of Luxemburg, of the Higher and Lower Silesia, of Wirtemburg and Teck, Prince of Suabia, Count of Hapsburg, Tirol, Kyburg and Goritia, Marquiss of the Sacred Roman Empire, Burgovia, the Higher and Lower Lusace, Lord of the Marquisate of Slavonia, of Port Naon and Salines, with his Allies and Adherents on the one side; and the most Serene and most Puissant Prince and Lord, Lewis the Fourteenth, most Christian King of France and Navarre, with his Allies and Adherents on the other side: from whence ensu'd great Effusion of Christian Blood, and the Desolation of several Provinces. It has at last happen'd, by the effect of Divine Goodness, seconded by the Endeavours of the most Serene Republick of Venice, who in this sad time, when all Christendom is imbroil'd, has not ceas'd to contribute its Counsels for the publick Welfare and Tranquillity; so that on the side, and the other, they have form'd Thoughts of an universal Peace. And for this purpose, by a mutual Agreement and Covenant of both Partys, in the year of our Lord 1641. the 25th of December, N.S. or the 15th O.S. it was resolv'd at Hamburgh, to hold an Assembly of Plenipotentiary Ambassadors, who should render themselves at Munster and Osnabrug in Westphalia the 11th of July, N.S. or the 1st of the said month O.S. in the year 1643. The Plenipotentiary Ambassadors on the one side, and the other, duly establish'd, appearing at the prefixt time, and on the behalf of his Imperial Majesty, the most illustrious and most excellent Lord, Maximilian Count of Trautmansdorf and Weinsberg, Baron of Gleichenberg, Neustadt, Negan, Burgau, and Torzenbach, Lord of Teinitz, Knight of the Golden Fleece, Privy Counsellor and Chamberlain to his Imperial Sacred Majesty, and Steward of his Houshold; the Lord John Lewis, Count of Nassau, Catzenellebogen, Vianden, and Dietz, Lord of Bilstein, Privy Counsellor to the Emperor, and Knight of the Golden Fleece; Monsieur Isaac Volmamarus, Doctor of Law, Counsellor, and President in the Chamber of the most Serene Lord Arch-Duke Ferdinand Charles. And on the behalf of the most Christian King, the most eminent Prince and Lord, Henry of Orleans, Duke of Longueville, and Estouteville, Prince and Sovereign Count of Neuschaftel, Count of Dunois and Tancerville, Hereditary Constable of Normandy, Governor and Lieutenant-General of the same Province, Captain of the Cent Hommes d'Arms, and Knight of the King's Orders, &c. as also the most illustrious and most excellent Lords, Claude de Mesmes, Count d'Avaux, Commander of the said King's Orders, one of the Superintendents of the Finances, and Minister of the Kingdom of France &c. and Abel Servien, Count la Roche of Aubiers, also one of the Ministers of the Kingdom of France. And by the Mediation and Interposition of the most illustrious and most excellent Ambassador and Senator of Venice, Aloysius Contarini Knight, who for the space of five Years, or thereabouts, with great Diligence, and a Spirit intirely impartial, has been inclin'd to be a Mediator in these Affairs. After having implor'd the Divine Assistance, and receiv'd a reciprocal Communication of Letters, Commissions, and full Powers, the Copys of which are inserted at the end of this Treaty, in the presence and with the consent of the Electors of the Sacred Roman Empire, the other Princes and States, to the Glory of God, and the Benefit of the Christian World, the following Articles have been agreed on and consented to, and the same run thus.

(continued in next comment)
posted by klangklangston at 12:20 PM on April 4, 2015 [10 favorites]


This comment is definitely shorter than the Treaty of Westphalia. It has that going for it, at least.

Thanks, Matt! More SF meetups whenever you want.
posted by gingerbeer at 12:47 PM on April 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Thanks for everything, Matt! MetaFilter has been a part of my life for nearly a decade and the culture that you've nurtured and safeguarded throughout the years has been a huge part of that. I'm glad you're getting the chance to take a much deserved rest and I know that you've left the site in excellent hands. Hope to see you again at XOXO or meetups!
posted by jdherg at 12:58 PM on April 4, 2015


I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you.

(And thanks!)
posted by asperity at 1:02 PM on April 4, 2015 [7 favorites]


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