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Walt Mossberg Is Retiring (theverge.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the well-accomplished-careers dept.

Walt Mossberg, a well-respected and long-time tech journalist, announced via The Verge that he will be retiring in June of this year. In his announcement post, he starts by reflecting on where it all began: It was a June day when I began my career as a national journalist. I stepped into the Detroit Bureau of The Wall Street Journal and started on what would be a long, varied, rewarding career. I was 23 years old, and the year was 1970. That's not a typo. So it seems fitting to me that I'll be retiring this coming June, almost exactly 47 years later. I'll be hanging it up shortly after the 2017 edition of the Code Conference, a wonderful event I co-founded in 2003 and which I could never have imagined back then in Detroit. I didn't make this decision lightly or hastily or under pressure. It emerged from months of thought and months of talks with my wise wife, my family, and close friends. It wasn't prompted by my employer or by some dire health diagnosis. It just seems like the right time to step away. I'm ready for something new.

37 comments

  1. FTA: by rmdingler · · Score: 2

    And, in the best professional decision of my life, I converted myself into a tech columnist in 1991. As a result, I got to bear witness to a historic parade of exciting, revolutionary innovation — from slow, clumsy, ancient PCs to sleek, speedy smartphones; from CompuServe and early AOL to the mobile web, apps, and social media.

    Walt should be revered for his foresight, and/or, his willingness to bet it all on the fledgling computer revolution. Nice.

    --
    Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.

    Ernest Hemingway

    1. Re:FTA: by mccalli · · Score: 0

      Nothing fledgling about it in 1991, everything well on the way.

  2. What notable articles has he written? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    What notable articles has he written? I've read a lot of newspapers and many technical magazines and other publications, but I can't ever remember seeing his name before. I mean, I remember notable articles by journalists and authors like Robert X. Cringely, Roland Piquepaille and Bennett Haselton. But I can't think of a single thing I've ever read that this Mossberg guy has written.

    1. Re:What notable articles has he written? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      But I can't think of a single thing I've ever read that this Mossberg guy has written.

      Perhaps you don't remember a single thing Homer or Shakespeare wrote either.

      Cringely produced the print equivalent of clickbait, on a regular basis. I remain appalled that
      Cringely ( IIRC that's not even the guy's real name ) was ever paid for the garbage he wrote.

      Mossberg, on the other hand, was a journalist who was one of the most reliably accurate writers
      of all those who covered tech in the English language. I think you will find that people who have
      been around tech for more than a few years would tend overwhelmingly to share my opinion of Mossberg's
      work.

    2. Re:What notable articles has he written? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Perhaps you don't remember a single thing Homer or Shakespeare wrote either.

      "Lisa, if you don't like your job you don't strike. You just go in every day and do it really half-assed. That's the American way."
      -Homer Simpson

    3. Re:What notable articles has he written? by Hylandr · · Score: 0

      Mossberg, on the other hand, was a journalist who was one of the most reliably accurate writers

      Citations please.

      --
      ~ People that think they are better than anyone else for any reason are the cause of all the strife in the world.
    4. Re: What notable articles has he written? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Why you little..."***chokes Bart***"

  3. Bill Gates & Steve Jobs Interview by InfiniteZero · · Score: 2

    First time I came across this guy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

  4. Erm... who? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    It'd be nice if TFS explained why I should give a shit; I'm not going to bother with TFA if the poster couldn't be bothered to say who Walt Mossberg is.

    1. Re:Erm... who? by slew · · Score: 2

      It'd be nice if TFS explained why I should give a shit; I'm not going to bother with TFA if the poster couldn't be bothered to say who Walt Mossberg is.

      It's a bit sad that people on a tech-site don't know who Walt Mossberg is, but I suppose that is probably why you posted AC.

      Perhaps that isn't something that interests the pure techie, but reviews of mainstream tech gear and trends in mainstream publications (like the WSJ) really used to make or break companies. For example, one thing contributing to millions of folks plunkog down hard money for the first iPhone would be a positive review about it in a WSJ publication. The mainstreaming of the computer and handheld revolution basically moved the tech industry from the obscure backroom machine to the common household product and in his position, he probably got a front row seat.

    2. Re:Erm... who? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

      I've read that Wikipedia page you linked to, and I'm still not seeing what was special about this fellow.

      So he was just a mainstream journalist who offered mainstream-grade coverage of technology? That's it?

      Did he ever add his own original insight into any of his work?

      That's what sets well-known tech journalists and commentators like Robert X. Cringely, Roland Piquepaille and Bennett Haselton apart from run-of-the-mill mainstream tech journalists.

      They used their deep understanding and experience with science and technology to not just tell us that products exist. Instead, they gave us a much more thorough understanding of what this technology really was and what impact it would have on society as a whole. Their articles didn't just inform us. Their articles transformed us, elevating us to a higher level of comprehension.

      In many ways, Roland Piquepaille defined what technology journalism was. He was a pioneer; a great truly great practitioner of the journalistic craft. That's why we still remember his name and his work, years after he passed away.

      But this fellow the submission is about? Many of us here haven't heard of him, and we can't think of a single thing he's done. He's no Roland Piquepaille.

    3. Re:Erm... who? by MightyMartian · · Score: 1

      Most ACs are trolls. I really do think it's time Slashdot disallowed AC posts.

      --
      The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    4. Re:Erm... who? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's a good thing that you use your full legal name here, "MightyMartian", and not some sort of a pseudonym. Otherwise we'd have to think that you're posting anonymously, like some sort of a coward.

    5. Re:Erm... who? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you know nothing about computers or anything else in general, get the FUCK off /.

      Dumb fucks everywhere you turn.

    6. Re:Erm... who? by Godwin+O'Hitler · · Score: 1

      Oh come on now. I'm sure the AC knows plenty of tech names you don't in different fields of technology. Just because we're on Slashdot doesn't mean we're all 24/7 gear magazine readers.
      Was it really too difficult to have a headline that read "Popular IT journalist Walt Mossberg is retiring", or was it supposed to be a test of geek eliteness?

      --
      No, your children are not the special ones. Nor are your pets.
    7. Re:Erm... who? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Brilliant! But you forgot to mention Jon Katz.

  5. US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    Only hit 6 jets.

    $95,000,000.00 taxpayer money in the TOILET.

    Assad BUNKERS WORKED. US BOMBS FAIL.

    1. Re:US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      US Bombs are *** INEFFECTIVE *** against Russian-made Syrian hangars.

      Period, and end of discussion.

    2. Re:US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

      Assad BUNKERS WORKED. US BOMBS FAIL.

      Ahh, but the US has a lot more where that came from, and can turn Syria into a giant glass parking lot if it desires.

      Chew on that, motherfucker.

      You pathetic piece of war-criminal-sympathizer trash.

    3. Re:US Syria FAIL by blindseer · · Score: 1

      I see later reports that 20 jets were destroyed. Assuming they were mid-level fighters costing $10,000,000 each then they lost $200,000,000 of gear in lost aircraft alone. If they were low end fighters, much like what rich guys buy as expensive toys, then at $250,000 each that's still $5,000,000 lost. If these were high end jets, just off the assembly line from Russia, then they'd be about $50,000,000 each, in which case hitting just two of them would make the losses "equal" on both sides.

      But you see, there's plenty more where that came from.

      Do you know who has the largest air force in the world? The United States Air Force.
      Who has the second largest air force in the world? The United States Navy.
      Third largest air force? The United States Marine Corp.

      If there was a fail here it was that there is doubt over if the chemical weapons stored there survived the attack.

      The point wasn't necessarily to send missiles, it was to send a message, and that's priceless.

      --
      I am armed because I am free. I am free because I am armed.
    4. Re:US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And who has the tiniest penis in the room? The guy bragging about mitary accomplishments he's had no hand in.

    5. Re:US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, so people are actually falling for the story Assad used chemical weapons? Christ people are gullible.
      Scenario 1: Assad (AKA Dr Evil) maniacally laughs as he launches a chemical weapon attack on innocent children, knowing full well the entire world will condemn him for it. The mighty and just Trump responds heroically.
      Scenario 2: Trump takes office. "Evidence" to "prove" Russian meddling in the election are fabricated. The military industrial complex sits him down and tells him how it's going to be. All fantasies of creating ties with Russia and bringing stability to the middle east evaporate. Business as usual continues. Usual military expansion. Usual use of mercenaries to start insurgencies. Usual false flag operations. Usual bullshit propaganda.
      My advice? Invest heavily in the MIC. It's going to be a fucking bonanza.

    6. Re:US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Another guy with boners for turning entire countries into glass parking lots.
      You're a real humanitarian.
      Let's all hope like hell no one as psychopathic as you is in any position of power to make that decision. I'm guessing the most powerful decision you get to make is whether to leave the toilet seat up or down.

    7. Re: US Syria FAIL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The propaganda machine is strong in this one. I think we have a future dictator on our hands.

  6. I applaud Mossberg's decision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Many journalists would not be brave enough to leave their careers to undergo gender reassignment surgery. I look forward to his book describing at first hand the interesting technology used in sex change operations today.

    1. Re:I applaud Mossberg's decision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I look forward to his book describing at first hand the interesting technology used in sex change operations today.

      The rest of the world looks forward to you having terminal cancer, you useless worthless immature shitstain.

    2. Re: I applaud Mossberg's decision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Forget to take your hormone replacement pills today? No one likes a bitchy tranny, dearie.

  7. mod do3n by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    teeth into when Obsessed - give ABOUT HALF OF THE

  8. I'm walt mossberg, shut up by s1d3track3D · · Score: 1

    I actually saw this before I knew who Walt Mossberg so I my impression of him is probably tainted... https://www.youtube.com/watch?... - mrhogg

  9. Retired by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hang out with me at my Lake Arrowhead lakefront for a month next year.

    usrockets.com JJ

  10. Apple's biggest fan boi by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1

    Apple is faultless and the most awesome tech company that will forever grace this world. All other companies are third rate hacks stealing from Apple. This is standard drivel from Mr. Mossberg. I wish he retired sooner.. much much sooner..

  11. Who? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Fuck the Verge

  12. Let's face it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Walt has just been phoning it in since Steve Jobs died.

    1. Re:Let's face it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Well, of course he was. Tim Cook obviously wasn't sending him enough gifts to garner the extra positive Apple product reviews anymore.

  13. On the other hand, Microsoft shill by CrankyOldEngineer · · Score: 1

    He's a good writer, but I lost respect for Mossberg after he wrote this in 2007: "After months of testing Vista on multiple computers, new and old, I believe it is the best version of Windows that Microsoft has produced." I wrote to him and asked him to explain. He praised the user interface and new security features. Over the years, I noticed that he rarely says anything bad about MS products. That's not journalism; it's shilling.

    --
    COE
    1. Re:On the other hand, Microsoft shill by Blaskowicz · · Score: 1

      It was pretty and safer than XP, the only problem is it required the best grade of everything. Like its successor, it makes 1024x768 feel cramped while XP was kind of comfortable at 800x600. So, you kind of needed a monitor upgrade if you wanted to fit a file manager and music player side by side. Also, sticks of 1GB DDR1 and 10k rpm hard drives weren't that cheap or common.

  14. 'Well respected'... by TJ_Phazerhacki · · Score: 1

    We clearly have different interpretations of that particular platitude. Mossberg has been an 'old man yells at cloud' columnist for years, and his clear bias when it comes to particular vendors *ahem, AAPL* means that he's had as much relevance for the last decade as the Dead-tree pulp he made his nut writing for. I'm not saying that the New Media replacements are an upgrade, but Mossberg was a relic from the last century who stayed visible by pandering to his tell-me-what-to-think demo.

    --
    Physics is nothing like religion. If it was, we'd have an easier time trying to raise money!