Stephen Downes Stepping Down

Stephen Downes has decided to withdraw from the scene for a time. This announcement is much like hearing that the Rock of Gibralter has crumbled and slipped away into the ocean. It is especially traumatic for those of us who discovered him and his ideas only recently. I discovered him through a blog in Singapore, and I found that my thoughts on music education technology are in sync with his principles and advocacy. What will we do without Ol'Daily? Downes kept us alert, informed, and aware. I guess now we have to do it for ourselves.

Here is Stephen's announcement on his website:

I have always tried to offer as much of myself as I could through this service and others in my work and in my own time. It has never been enough, which was made clear to me today, but I am tired and don't have anything more to give.

Accordingly, I am placing this newsletter and website on hiatus for an indefinite period. I will be back when I'm back.

Please know that I have always valued and held in the highest esteem the work that all of you are doing to try to make things better, especially for the young. My dedication toward your objectives, toward social justice and opportunity, toward a better life for all, is never wavering, will never waver.

It is time for a darkening of the light as I retreat and think about what I am going to do and how I am going to do it, but know that the light will never flicker and never fade. I wish you well in your endeavours, and I will be back to walk the long hard road alongside you.

This King is dead. Long live the King!