No, this is not a Eulogy, as Mike or Storyteller.net are far from deceased. Rather, this is my attempt to thank my friend for his dedication and vision for Storyteller.net and for storytelling itself. Mike has stepped down from the regular staff of Storyteller.net in order to spend more time with his family and to pursue some exciting options in his "day job." This is his family’s gain and our online loss.

It was only four years ago that Mike and I were sitting together discussing the power of storytelling that we had encountered in our lives. As I had been involved in telling at a professional level since 1985, I knew then (and I know more today), that the love of and need for storytelling is instinctual in people. With Mike’s deep love for theater, he, too, felt this truth.

Our goal for Storyteller.net was not to build a site that was “my site” or “his site” but rather a place on the Internet that was dedicated to all tellers and listeners. I think in many ways we have succeeded at our initial goals. Today, there are over 300 tellers with free web pages with Storyteller.net. At least 75 tellers found it possible to sell their wares online with our innovative artist’s store concept. We’re still privileged to serve over 10,000 guests a month who come through our virtual doors to hear stories, read articles, find events, and enjoy the Amphitheater. In many cases, these same listeners have also searched for a teller in their home area and booked a performance. We’ve watched several tellers "come into their own" and are glad to be a part of this process.

Mike combined both his love for telling and his skill as a programmer with Storyteller.net. Few people are aware of just how much time goes into producing the “framework” on which Storyteller.net rests. Mike has literally logged thousands of volunteer hours working to better the online and off-line storytelling communities.

Mike- thanks for all you have done for us. Thanks for introducing so many online folks to the wonder and power of storytelling. Thanks to your family for sharing you so generously with us. You’re a great man.