signing off

As one of the founders of the U.S. Intellectual History blog, I announce with some sadness my resignation as a writer on the site.

This blog went live on January 25, 2007, and my first two posts were both on January 31 of that year. In the intervening period I served as an active blogger for some time. Nearly five years later, however, I am no longer a regular USIH contributor, and cannot claim to have been one in quite a while. Though I very much enjoy having this outlet for my thoughts, in the upcoming year I will be prioritizing other projects: finishing my book, trying to land a permanent academic position, and building up the administrative infrastructure at the Society for U.S. Intellectual History, where I serve as treasurer and, until a few days ago, chaired the committee that put together the recent conference. Additionally, it is my opinion that the blog deserves to be staffed by regular writers who are strongly committed to establishing a voice for the site. The continued presence of those who have a long history with the blog but post on it only rarely, might make it difficult for S-USIH Publications Committee Chair Ben Alpers to enforce such high but appropriate standards.

This blog has brought together a large and dynamic group of scholars. It allowed for the founding of the annual conference, which in turn prompted the creation of the Society for U.S. Intellectual History. For me personally, it has allowed for the development of a writing style that I can employ, when appropriate, as an alternative to traditional academic prose. More importantly, it has introduced me to a continually expanding circle of mentors, colleagues and friends.  Founding and writing for USIH has had a greater impact on my own post-graduate academic experience than has any other development. I will sincerely miss not only posting here, but being a member of this group.