Photo by pnzr242.

I wrote my first DCist entry on November 13, 2007. It wasn’t much, just a post offering some advice to Washingtonians who wanted to take a weekend trip to Shenandoah National Park. More than four years, 4,600 blog posts and 77,000 comments later, I haven’t been back to Front Royal. But I have forged countless memories, nearly all of them thanks to the people involved with this blog.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Since June 28, 2010, I’ve had the pleasure of being the editor-in-chief of this little slice of the Internet, or so I’ve grown accustomed to calling it. It’s been quite an experience; if I didn’t tell you that it was the most engrossing of my professional life, I’d be lying.

Over that time, I’ve gotten to work with some of the most willing, helpful, enthusiastic, intelligent, graceful, clever, and dedicated people in this city, the most notable of whom are those who somehow manage to surround my often repetitive and downright silly blather with comprehensive insight, discerning criticism and excellent photography. My deepest appreciation is extended to every single person who has contributed their time, talent and energy to DCist, before and during my editorship. Even though an incredible majority of our staffers and photographers work for free, I can’t imagine there being a more professional group of people to work with day in and day out.

To the community: never forget (and I know you won’t) that you are the engine which keeps this train barreling down the track. Much like every person who has ever contributed to this site, the commentariat — whose barbs, references and humor, I will truly miss — is vital. You are our filthy ombudsmen, and damn it, none of us can do this without you.

I would be completely remiss if I did not also extend thanks to all the talented photographers who populate our site with work of the highest quality, without asking anything in return but the most standard of attribution. This place certainly would be far less vibrant without your work.

Finally, to every single one of our readers — it’s been incredibly fun writing for you, reading your tips and hearing your feedback. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have, and I’m downright giddy to join your ranks. Do keep in touch.

Thanks, folks. I’ll see you around.