Letter from the Editor: A Fond Farewell
In life, as in poker, we're forced to make difficult decisions. Whether it's pondering what path to take professionally, or deciding whether or not to call that all-in bet on the river with second pair, life is full of things that make you go hmmmm.
I was in quite the predicament in the fall of 2008. I was fresh out of college and had no idea what to do with my life. Out of the blue, I emailed the leading poker agency in the industry asking for any sort of internship they could offer. The rest, as they say, is history.
Before moving to Las Vegas for the internship, I could only dream that one day I'd bump into one of my favorite poker players and say "Hi!" I was this close to saying hi to Daniel Negreanu one summer, but in the heat of the moment, I choked. After getting to know Daniel over the years, I know now that he would have been awesome and greeted me with that trademark laugh. Overnight, I went from watching the stars of poker on TV to rubbing shoulders with WPT champions and WSOP bracelet winners. It was pretty surreal. I'd like to thank the guys at Poker Royalty who took a chance and offered me an opportunity at pursuing a career in an industry I'm so passionate about.
One year after the internship, someone else took a chance on me. Matthew Parvis hired me to help him see out a vision for PokerNews that would solidify its status as the premiere poker news organization. For that I am incredibly grateful. From day one, I made it my mission to ensure that vision came to fruition. Somewhere along the way, I became known as the Nightly Turbo girl. As far as poker nicknames go, I suppose it could've been worse. Staying on top of the poker pulse, traveling around the world to cover tournaments, and working from home in my sweatpants — my time at PokerNews has been pretty darn amazing.
It's cliché, but sadly, all good things must come to an end. It is with bittersweet excitement that today is my last day with PokerNews. I was faced with one of those "all-in call/fold" decisions about a month ago. After tanking, and tanking, and tanking, I decided to call and make a move to the next phase of my career.
My time here at PokerNews has been phenomenal and I'd like to thank Matthew Parvis and the entire PokerNews team for the incredible faith and support. I'd also like to thank you guys. I can't begin to express my appreciation for the loyal readers who return to the site every day, tweet, share, and comment on the goings on in the industry. I can only hope you have enjoyed following this crazy roller coaster ride as much as I have.
As for who will move into the role as editor in chief at PokerNews, I'm proud to leave the ship in Donnie "DP" Peters' very capable hands. Donnie is a veteran of the poker industry and the site will not skip a beat under his leadership.
It's no secret that this industry has been through the wringer the last couple of years. Through it all, the PokerNews team has worked hard to bring readers the most complete coverage of all the ups and downs, while providing colorful commentary and even some great laughs, courtesy of our resident eye candy. I have been fortunate to work with a group of people who care so very much about the game we all love. We may never get back to the glory days of 2007, but I feel confident that brighter days are ahead for the poker industry. I encourage you to keep making your voice heard and fight for what you believe. Poker is most certainly a game of skill and if we continue knocking on our legislators' doors, one day, they will finally answer. And when they do, PokerNews will be right there to give you the scoop.
Thank you for the opportunity to be your editor. This industry has given me the chance to form lifelong friendships, learn a number of valuable lessons, and live a life that at times, seemed like a dream.
Elaine
