''Don't cry for me, I'm already dead.''

For the past few months here at Punknews.org, I haven't been able to contribute to the site nearly as much as I wanted or needed to. As one of only three editors, this put an unfair burden on both Aubin and Adam, as well as indirectly punishing you, the loyal reader. For my neglect, I apologize.

For those who haven't heard yet, in July, I moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to begin work as the new associate editor for Alternative Press magazine. For the past two months, I've attempted to keep up my duties as an editor here at Punknews, and I've come to the realization that it just isn't possible to do so at my current pace without causing serious mental strain on myself and others. It is because of this that I am officially stepping down as Punknews.org's news and reviews editor, effective immediately. This is not a decision that was easily made, as I have spent the past four years of my life as both a contributor and a staffer to this site, and I would not be where or who I am today if it weren't for this blue/grey combination I stare at all day long.

Now this doesn't mean I won't still be frequenting the site, and contributing in limited capacities here and there (especially behind-the-scenes). Punknews is still my homepage, both at home and at work; I just have to take the next step in my life personally and professionally, and I hope you, the reader, understand that. And if you don't? Well, there's always counseling available for those who are struggling with the loss of me. Send me five bucks and we'll talk about it.

Fortunately, we have found someone to fill my shoes, and then some: Brian Shultz, better known to most of you as InaGreendase. Brian has been a dedicated member of this community for some time now, and he brings to the table the passion and intelligence needed to keep this site on its toes. Brian will be handling the day-to-day duties of posting news and moderating comments sections, and over the next few weeks, he will take over the reviews section as head reviewer/ad hoc reviews editor. Aubin, Adam and I all have the utmost faith in Brian, and we think you all should, too. He makes an amazing chicken jambalaya, too.

But seriously, thank you all for the amazing experience I've had here with Punknews.org. Except for you, you can fuck off. But the rest of you, thank you.

Lastly, if you'd like to see what I've been up to with AP, the new issue [AP 195; Green Day cover] is the first issue with my name in the masthead; it would mean a lot to me if you check it out the next time you're at your local bookstore.

-Scott Heisel