Scoble is leaving

Yup, it’s official.  I first saw the news via Chris last night.  Robert had hinted pretty strongly about this possibility a liitle while back, so it’s not terribly surprising to me.  It’s my understanding that several factors influenced his decision, and I can’t say I blame him for any of them. 

I think there’s no doubt it’s a loss for Microsoft, and maybe somebody could have done more to keep him around.  However, I think Robert has picked a reasonably good time to leave.  Not because I think Microsoft has trouble ahead – quite the contrary.  I think Robert set out to make Microsoft a better place and a better company – and I dare say he succeeded.  In some sense, I think a part of Robert felt that “his work here is done.” 

Still, Channel 9 won’t be quite the same without him.  As for conferences and the like, I’m sure we’ll be graced by the Scobleizer’s presence courtesty of his new role at PodTech.net

Good luck Robert!