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Taking the Next Step…

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rob_picWhen I made the decision in February to sell GottaBeMobile to Notebooks.com and Xavier Lanier, my primary motivation was due to the time and energies caring for my daughter was requiring. Selling GottaBeMobile to Xavier was an answered prayer for me and my family, and I am very thankful for his loyal shepherding over the past six months.

Feeling very secure about the future of GottaBeMobile and the team that Xavier has built upon, I have decided to take the next phase in the process of selling GottaBeMobile and step away. Effective August 8th, I will no longer be contributing content to GottaBeMobile. This decision is soley based on the reason I sold the site back in February: to reclaim time and energies, and be able to focus on needed areas at home due to my daughter’s long term needs. This next step is one I must take.

I believe my stepping away at this point will allow the site grow even stronger and develop solidly under Xavier’s leadership. With a loyal and enthusiastic readership, a dedicated focus on mobile computing, forged with a talented stable of writers, there is nothing but good in GottaBeMobile’s future.

Running GottaBeMobile has been much more than about covering the latest in computers, gadgets and recording videos. Many of the readers here date back to 2002 and have followed me over the years as I’ve covered the world of Tablet PCs and mobile computing. We have developed wonderful friendships, enjoyed meeting at various conferences and meet-ups, having coffee when you’ve come to town, talking over the phone, and developing meaningful dialogue outside the area of technology. I’ve also been blessed to get to know, and develop some real friendships through various vendors like Motion Computing, TabletKiosk, MobileDemand, Lenovo, Ivy Worldwide, TechSmith, Microsoft, Allegiance Technology Partners, Active Ink Software, and too many others to go on listing. Many of these vendors and their CEOs reached out to me personally during some rough stretches the past several years. To say that I have been blessed with friendship would be an understatement.

I am also very thankful for the friendships that have formed amongst our writing team, some of the most overworked and loyal people I have ever worked with. Our friendships go back seven years or more. I will deeply miss working with Warner, Matt Faulkner, Matt Dillon, Truc, Sumocat, Craig, Xavier, Sierra, and John on a daily basis, but very good friends we will remain for sure. It is for that which I am most thankful as I look back at what God has done through the years. He gave me some of the most awesome and loyal friends, and used something as piddly as a computer to do it.

I still have a few articles and one or two videos in me until the 8th of August, so you’ll still have to put up with me for just a little bit longer. Our family is then heading off for a week of vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado – our first family vacation in over five years. I’ll also be checking in from time to time, commenting on articles, and keeping up to date with the latest in mobile technology from the group who does it the best — GottaBeMobile.com.

For those who are interested, I write on a frequent basis on a variety of topics, as well as post the latest regarding my family, to RobBushway.com. I’m also on Facebook, so feel free to send me a friend request.

As we come to mind, please keep my family in your prayers. God has laid out a long and difficult path for us.

Always yours,

Rob

56 Comments

56 Comments

  1. Warner Crocker

    07/30/2009 at 6:15 am

    Rob, you are one of the most amazing and caring human beings I have ever had the pleasure to call a friend and colleague. How you have managed the many challenges in your life with such integrity and patience is a lesson anyone who has been paying attention should strive to learn from.

    Our community will sorely miss your insight and contributions here on GBM there is no doubt, but that community will always have the legacy of of what you built and how you built it.

  2. Chris Davies

    07/30/2009 at 6:17 am

    Good luck, Rob, to you and your family. It’s been quite the journey from the start of GottaBeMobile (and before, of course) to its state now, and you should be very proud of all you’ve achieved. “Digital Ink” may not have taken the computing world by storm, but it’s done something arguably even better by bringing together enthusiastic and intelligent people and – through sites like this one – giving them a place to talk, argue, and generally share ideas.

    Best wishes for the future, and enjoy your well-deserved holiday.

    Chris

  3. Brandon

    07/30/2009 at 6:22 am

    Your presence will surely be missed Rob. Take care and we will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. James Kendrick

    07/30/2009 at 6:36 am

    Rob, you are a true friend and while you will be greatly missed in the tech sandbox you are doing the right thing. Take care of yourself and your family, that it what really matters in life. Stay in touch, though, as we care deeply and want to know how you are faring.

    Have a well deserved vacation.

  5. MiKeN

    07/30/2009 at 6:38 am

    Wow talk about a big step in life, I personally may not post on articles very much and haven’t been following the full 5 years (2 years) but I have enjoyed all the work you have done for GBM. Your ink shows are always very informative and thorough and you never miss a chance to help a reader. You will be greatly missed Rob and good luck with your family. All the best wishes.

  6. Tableteer

    07/30/2009 at 6:52 am

    Thank you very much for your contribution to the tech community over the years. Your passion for technology greatly benefited many. You input and opinions will be deeply missed.

    I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. Sumocat

    07/30/2009 at 6:57 am

    Rob, I’ll be the first to admit we’re not always on the same wavelength, but I’ve always appreciated what you’ve brought to the Tablet PC community in terms of experience and honesty. You’ve been a major presence in the tabletscape for as long as I’ve known. Your departure from the active scene will surely be felt. I’m honored to be on the team that will continue to carry this wonderful site forward. And I’m sure I’ll inevitably step out of line and give you a reason to step in and lay down the law – Bushway style! Enjoy your GBM retirement while you can. ;P

    Just kidding; I will behave. You just focus on what’s truly important.

  8. Andrew

    07/30/2009 at 7:01 am

    I’ve picked up my first tablet in May because of this site thanks to you and the GBM writers. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

  9. Robin Capper

    07/30/2009 at 7:14 am

    Thanks for all you’ve given, it’s been an essential part of my tech education. All the best for the future.

  10. Lukasz

    07/30/2009 at 7:34 am

    Your dedication and contributions to mobile/tablet technology are only outmatched by your dedication to your family. Thank you for your insightful contributions, they will be missed. I look forward to your upcoming articles. Enjoy your vacation and time with your family, nothing is more important.

  11. Rob Bushway

    07/30/2009 at 8:01 am

    Thank you everyone. Your words mean more to me than you will ever know.

    Warner – thank you for being one the primary reasons the site is what it is today.

    Sumocat – I’ll be keeping an eye on you ;-)

  12. Kupe

    07/30/2009 at 8:20 am

    Rob, I wish you and your family the very best. You have been and remain an inspiration to this community. You also touch an even broader audience with your personal strength and conviction. Thanks for everything you have done for us all. You will most certainly be missed, but you will not be forgotten.

  13. Kevin C. Tofel

    07/30/2009 at 8:22 am

    Rob, I completely respect and admire your priorities. I wish you and your family all the best for the future. Know that you’ve built a strong community and team here that will keep thriving — not because of your leaving it, but because of your starting it. :)

  14. loyukfai

    07/30/2009 at 8:49 am

    All the best.

  15. M@rc

    07/30/2009 at 8:51 am

    Rob,

    This site is the reason I bought my first tablet pc and for that I thank you. You made this website a wonderfull place to share something with other techno/tablet savvy people. I wish you and your family all the best.

  16. borax99 (AlainC.)

    07/30/2009 at 9:20 am

    Wow Rob, you will be missed on this site. I guess everything comes to an end, and this is a natural evolution. I wish you and your family the absolute best. I have greatly enjoyed your inkshows and will miss your thorough gadget overviews (remember the P1610 video? I bought one and haven’t regretted it for a moment – and that’s *two* of you now off the mobile radar, you and Hugo Ortega did fantastic work when the “Chalice” was just about to hit)…

    Thank you for your hard work in the mobile arena !

  17. tabletenvy

    07/30/2009 at 10:34 am

    Rob, best wishes to you and your family. I hope you find happiness and fortune in all your future endeavours.

    BTW… from one “gear bag addict” to another, I will miss your reviews dearly.

  18. Xavier Lanier

    07/30/2009 at 10:49 am

    Rob, you are a true inspiration to me on both a personal and professional level. Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to contribute to GBM and for setting such an example of what it means to be a good man.

  19. SAM

    07/30/2009 at 10:49 am

    I’ve enjoyed your site, articles, and your videos.
    I’m glad to run across your site, as we would have never experienced tablet PCs if it weren’t for you.

    Best of luck with your future and enjoy your family…

  20. Michael Fosmire

    07/30/2009 at 11:30 am

    Rob, you’re an amazing and insirational guy and I’m happy for you that you’re able to take this next step and what that means for your family. *Sincere* best wishes for the future and thank you for all of your hard work on the site and in the community.

  21. Rob Bushway

    07/30/2009 at 11:46 am

    thank you again to everyone. I would never have had the opportunity to meet folks like Xavier, Michael Fosmire, JK, Kevin, and all of our readers .

  22. Alex Morla

    07/30/2009 at 11:48 am

    Rob,

    You are an excellent example of servant leadership, have served the Tablet PC community well, and have transitioned the site to new leadership in an admirable way. We will miss your insights, perspective, passion, and championing of the Tablet PC cause.

    “And yet I show you a more excellent way.” Thank you for showing us a more excellent way, Rob!

    God bless,

    Alex

  23. Roland

    07/30/2009 at 11:50 am

    Rob, first I want to wish you all the best for you and your family, hope everything turns out well. second i want to thank you for being an inspiration to many of us, who make their living in the mobile space – especially when it comes to true unpretentious, non-biased reporting, all the best, roland (and the other guys at nbn)

  24. Brian Boston

    07/30/2009 at 11:57 am

    Rob, its clear from all the very talented posters above that you have inspired a number of them and changed their lives through your presence. Working with you and other Microsoft MVPs focused on mobile platforms, I have appreciated your insight and intelligence. Personally, I have been moved by the heart and passon you have brought to this space and the fact you shared it with all of us. You will be missed here but certainly not forgotten.

    –Brian

  25. Yonatan

    07/30/2009 at 1:56 pm

    Rob, I’ve been a GBM addict since close to the very beginning and I don’t think I saw this day coming on the horizon. Life is full of difficult decisions, but things always seems to work out in the end. Through GBM, you have changed the way I use mobile technology and have raised the bar for mobile technology sites. The community is certainly going to miss your presence on this site.

    The best of luck to you and your family. Stay strong.

    Sincerely,

    Yonatan

  26. JonGH

    07/30/2009 at 2:13 pm

    Hi Rob,
    I’ve been a frequent reader and occasional commentator for some time and just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you’ve put into Gottabemobile and the TabletPC community. Thanks to your insightful articles and video reviews I’m now on my third TabletPC and can say uniquivocally that as long as manufacturers keep making them I’ll keep buying them.

    Wishing you and your family many blessings on your vacation and in the future.

    Jon

  27. Travis Carnahan

    07/30/2009 at 2:18 pm

    Rob,
    I’ve been a reader since 2005 when I bought my first tablet. Thanks for all the information and help that you have provided. Good luck in the future and I will be praying for you and your family!

  28. Mark (K0LO)

    07/30/2009 at 2:36 pm

    Rob:

    This isn’t an ending but rather a new beginning. As you take this next step I know that it will be personally fulfilling and rewarding for you and your family. That doesn’t mean that all of us won’t miss you – we certainly will. You’ve been an inspiration to us all.

  29. John Jameson

    07/30/2009 at 2:38 pm

    Rob, I always enjoyed your commentary. GBM is a daily must read for me in large part due to your insight and character. I will miss your contributions and wish you and your family all the best.

  30. Gail Levy

    07/30/2009 at 3:13 pm

    Rob,
    I’m sorry to hear that you will be leaving Gottabemobile. Your articles and insight will be sorely missed.

    I know how important you family is to you, and I applaud your decision to spend more time with them.

    All the best,and I’m sure that our paths will cross again.
    Gail

  31. John Harrison

    07/30/2009 at 3:22 pm

    Rob

    I also am sorry to hear you are leaving, I have thoroughly enjoyed yours & the teams inkshows & reports that have been profesionally presented, I wish you & your family all the best, good luck Rob.

  32. Eve

    07/30/2009 at 4:54 pm

    I will miss you Rob, but am thrilled for you that you will have more time to spend with your family. I’m so grateful for the way GBM has made my job as an artist easier by helping me decide to buy a Tablet PC and giving me the info I needed to help me choose which one. I will keep praying for Maggie’s full healing.

  33. Steve S

    07/30/2009 at 5:10 pm

    Rob: I’ve seen this coming for a while, but it’s a shock, nonetheless, now that you’re announcing your departure. Team GBM has done a great job supporting and expanding the website (of course) but frankly, it won’t quite be the same without you. Considering the larger issues in your life you’re doing the right thing… the only thing… and no one would argue otherwise but as the others have said, you’ll be missed.

    My best wishes to you and your family, especially Maggie; she’s a real trooper. If events bring you back here, and I sincerely hope that they don’t, please look me up; I probably owe you a beer!

  34. bluespapa

    07/30/2009 at 10:21 pm

    Rob, I’ve been a fan before GottaBeMobile over at the TabletPCBuzz. I’ve appreciated your work, conscientiousness, and thoughtful contributions to the community, and the work you’ve done in creating a bigger and better community. I think this is a wonderful decision for you and your family, though the rest of us will miss you here.

    I agree the site is in good hands, but I do hope you get time to make the occasional contribution.

    God bless you and your family.

    Steve

  35. Lsb

    07/30/2009 at 11:31 pm

    WOW! I didn’t see that coming although I completely understand and support your decision. I remember trading posts wih you on Tabletpcbuzz.com and even remember a time I showed you something you didn’t know about Outlook and how good it made me feel. Over the years, I have laughed with you and cried wit you and although we have only met once (@ CES) I feel like I know you.

    You have left your impression on this community and even shaped its culture. The seeds you have planted will continue to grow and you will enjoy the fruit of this labor.

    I will pray for you, your family, and Maggie. May God bless this decision and this time with them.

    Steve

    PS I still use TabletBible every Sunday and refer to the copy of Total Workday Control I won on your Cutmeloose.com website every year. Thank you.

  36. Donald

    07/31/2009 at 1:38 am

    Your insights and good overall vibes will be missed. Thanks for caretaking this great site over the years. Good luck and have fun in the rest of the world.

  37. Charles Jannace

    07/31/2009 at 5:46 am

    God Bless the Bushman family in their daily walk. Romans 15:13.

  38. David Howard

    07/31/2009 at 5:46 am

    Hi Rob,

    I have been a regular follower of your work and thoughts here and on your personal blog. Your contributions here and there have always been helpful to me, and will be missed. It is important to have and live our priorities, and I am blessed that you are living yours.

    See you there,

    David

  39. HG

    07/31/2009 at 11:51 am

    Rob, wish you and your family the best. Your hard work in GBM will be missed but your family comes first. You built a great community, I have also been following GBM since the beginning days. I didn’t get a chance to meet you at the CES 2009 meet up. Well we will hope to see you write a few stories every now and then through out the community. Good luck.

  40. techgeek32

    07/31/2009 at 5:00 pm

    Rob,

    God is truly touching your life. Remember that he takes us through many experiences in our life so that we can end up being the best we can be. I will keep praying for you and your family and remember that God is in control of everything. You will be missed!

  41. jpollard

    07/31/2009 at 7:15 pm

    Rob,

    I remember our first encounter when you answered a question for me back at Tabletpcbuzz in 2004. Your great instructions helped me install a Dell wireless card in my first Toshiba M200! I have always profited from your posts, suggestions, and videos here at GBM. I cannot imagine life on a Tablet PC over the years without your sound, clear, and helpful advice.

    I heartily commend you for this difficult but wise decision. May the Lord Jesus wonderfully bless this important part of your journey. Have been and will continue to pray for you, Kathi, and the children.

    Jeff

  42. Paul Harrigan

    07/31/2009 at 7:39 pm

    Rob,

    Thank you so much for all you have put into this site over the years.

    I wish you the best, and I will continue to pray for you, your family and your daughter.

    Please don’t be a stranger.

    Paul

  43. mrpacs

    07/31/2009 at 7:55 pm

    Best of luck Rob You will be missed. It’s been good hanging with you since the good ol “Buzz” days!

  44. asiriusgeek

    08/01/2009 at 12:34 pm

    Rob: wishing you and your family all the best in whatever new directions life takes you. I know you will find and appreciate the blessings amongst the trials. Enjoy that vacation!

  45. Amitai Rosenberg

    08/01/2009 at 1:39 pm

    Rob, I wish you and your family to be well. Your presence will be sorely missed in GottaBeMobile. It won’t be the same. You did so much for GottaBemobile.
    Thank you!

  46. sbtablet

    08/01/2009 at 2:07 pm

    Rob,

    There can be no doubt you are doing the right thing for your family. Your priorities are absolutely correct. GBM will continue without your leadership, but we will miss your articles and your constant, guiding presence.

    You inspired me to move into the wonderful world of tablet pcs. I thank you for the adventure. You have created a community here unlike any other I have seen on the web. God be with you, my friend.

  47. Somename

    08/02/2009 at 2:17 am

    Godspeed, Rob.

  48. GoodThings2Life

    08/02/2009 at 5:59 am

    I’ve been visiting this site for a few years now, and the articles you and Warner were posting have been a very big factor in what attracted me to this site.

    Rob, you have an amazingly keen insight on all things mobile technology, and although the site is fantastic and will continue to thrive, losing you is like losing a limb… never quite whole again. (No offense to the others, because they all rock really hard core!)

    We will definitely miss your presence, and I hope that you will stay in touch as a commenter from time to time. I will definitely be Facebooking you! :)

    Good luck in your endeavors!

  49. Bishop

    08/02/2009 at 9:36 am

    Rob:

    Thank you for your leadership, insight, dedication and humor over the years. Bless you and your family.

  50. Clayton

    08/02/2009 at 12:55 pm

    Thanks for all you’ve done Rob! Everything’s pretty much been said, but I’ve got to throw in my appreciation as well. You know what has precedence and still have fun with gadgets.

    I too pray God will bless you and your family. Have a safe trip!

  51. Martin J. Smekal

    08/02/2009 at 8:17 pm

    Rob,

    You’ve been a trailblazer in the tablet pc blogging community which is a better place thanks to you and your insights. I may not have always agreed with your position on some topics, but your passion was true to your convictions and I’ll always respect for you for this.

    Please accept my best wishes for you and your family as you embark on this new chapter of your life. If I or the TK team can ever be of assistance to you please let me know.

    -M

  52. Rob

    08/02/2009 at 8:41 pm

    As I’ve read everyone’s comments, I have been floored by your encouragement and understanding. You’ll never know how much your comments have meant, and I will miss my interactions with you all a great deal.

  53. Dennis Rice

    08/02/2009 at 10:09 pm

    You are amazing Rob. All these comments are a testimony to who you are and the impact you have had.

    A lot of you may know that Rob and I founded GottaBeMobile years ago (on the back of a paper napkin as they say — in Vegas no less), but Rob and I have been friends for many, many years now. His energy and hard work have always amazed me, but the character is what always seems to come true.

    Although I may have been involved in helping him get GBM off the ground, Rob was absolutely always the star and the talent. Then once we added Warner and others to the mix, I was so outclssed by them I had to back away and just watch in awe at what they have done with the site. It’s more than a site — it is a community.

    Now I just can’t wait to see what Rob and his family does next! And you know how they say that behind every successful man there is a woman? Well in this case her name is Kathi, and a man has never been more supported in his quest. Can you imagine how much Kathi has tolerated in the way of late night posting sessions, constantly answering the door for the UPS and FedEx guy, etc.? You too are a gem Kathi, and the children you are raising may even turn out better than you both!

    Godspeed Rob, Kathi and family. Just keep being you.

  54. everbrave

    08/03/2009 at 2:08 am

    Rob,
    I was in a business trip and was not quite aware of what is happening at GBM for a while.
    For me, your move was unexpected. You really created one of, if not the, most enjoyable site on tablet pc on the web.
    No doubt, your decision is right, God bless you, your family and good luck for the time ahead of you.

  55. Travis

    08/03/2009 at 8:35 pm

    Rob,
    I’ve been reading your stuff and putting your great advice to use since the tabletpcbuzz days. You will be missed.

  56. Michael Penman

    08/05/2009 at 12:43 am

    I don’t comment here much or post many things on the forums, I guess I would be called a lurker. But, I have been lurking around these parts since 2002 (I was a fairly active member on the tabletpcbuzz forum, and followed Warner and You over from there), when I got my first tablet pc (a second gen Acer). I come here everyday to see what the latest new is and when I have a technical issue I check the forums. I used your TabletBible in GoBinder for a while. I have prayed for you daughter. I have never met you but you have had a tremendous impact on my digital life. I join the choir of tablet and mobile warriors who are singing how you will be greatly missed, and thank you from the bottom of their hearts for these last 7 or 8 years of your life that you have unselfishly shared with us. I am little overwhelmed with emotion by this news, but i pray only the best for your family and know that you all will remain in my prayers.

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