Edit: AIXChange 2007-2020 RIP
Originally posted December 15, 2020 on AIXchange
In Rob McNelly’s final AIXChange post, we revisit some of his other posts from over the years.
By now I assume you’ve seen this IBM statement:
“… we will be retiring IBM Systems magazine for IBM Z and Power Systems at the end of 2020. We want to thank the team of publishers, editors and writers at MSP TechMedia for the years of great partnership and collaboration in producing the magazine on our behalf.”
Personally, this means the end of my run as a writer, blogger and technical editor for IBM Systems magazine.
I started writing periodically for IBM Systems in the early 2000s. This bit on VMware and this write-up of vnc are from 2004.
This April 2007 article, about the challenges newcomers to tech face in gaining practical knowledge, actually stemmed from an initiative between IBM Systems Magazine and PowerAIX.org. A contest was held for guest writers to submit their work for publication, and of all the entries, mine was chosen as the winner. As I noted on my archive, that opened doors for me. It’s no coincidence that the AIXchange blog debuted just a few weeks later.
This blog has been a huge part of my life. When AIXchange started, my kids were young. Now one’s left the nest while another is ready to graduate high school. At times the blog has been personal for me, like when I’ve written about staying in shape. A quick update on that: The diet I found has worked for me for several years now. I use a heart rate monitor and app to “game-ify” my workouts. I also engage in virtual contests with friends. Seriously, if you’d like to know more, please reach out. I’m eager to help anyone who has a goal of getting healthier. I understand everyone’s mileage may vary, but I also know now that it can be done.
No one knows what the future holds. I would like to find another outlet for my writings. Ultimately I could post some original work on what is now my article archive, or I could explore other ventures. But doing this blog has been a fantastic experience. I believe it was definitely a factor in me being named a Lifetime IBM Champion in 2019.
A lot goes on behind the scenes. Several people helped make and maintain AIXchange. Those who posted my articles online, the editors who organized my thoughts and helped me look good—I’m grateful for all of you.
And of course I’m grateful for you, the readers. Over the years I’ve gotten to know a number of you through email banter or from get-togethers at conferences. It’s led to some real-world friendships. And so many of you have been willing to share information and help solve problems when I get stuck. I’m grateful for all of that. I’m grateful for everything.