We say goodbye and give thanks to Sam Sabri as he heads off to his next adventure!
The season for change is upon us as we approach 2015 and New Years. Some of it is good, some of it is sad. For the last two years, Sam Sabri has been on my right-hand side, helping the Windows Central site grow into one of the largest Microsoft sites on the planet. He is also a good friend. It is with this sentiment that it saddens me to announce his departure from the Windows Central team.
As it turns out though, this is actually a joyous occasion too. Although we are losing an esteemed member of our staff, Sam had an opportunity that he just could not pass up. We jokingly refer to it as 'getting called to mothership' but in reality, it means he is going to work for Microsoft.
To say that we are proud of Sam is an understatement. We certainly respect his decision and couldn't be happier for him and his future at Microsoft!
Myself (L) and Sam (R) in Abu Dhabi for the last Nokia World, 2013
Sam has been a vital energy on the site, bringing new perspectives to our writing, coming up with ideas and connecting with developers and enthusiasts around the globe. I teasingly referred to him as my social secretary as he helped keep me stay organized at events, often getting me to go and meet with people instead of hiding out in my hotel. Sam always made covering stressful show fun. We shared a common sense of humor and sarcasm that is hard to replace. Sam made up for many of my flaws as an editor, which is why it is tough to say goodbye.
Sam's contributions to the site have been innumerable, including a lot of behind the scene things that often go without public credit. He is certainly one of the most well-known writers on our site, bringing some much-needed personality to a job where the writers are often overlooked as individuals. I first recognized Sam had the chops for this job when my mother – who rarely follows tech or reads the site daily – commented how she liked reading his articles. I then knew he was going to be a vital member of this endeavor to build the best Windows Phone – and now Windows – site around.
Sam and myself at Build, 2014 Image credit: Mark Guim
Windows Central has never lost a writer that will be missed as much as Sam Sabri and we wish him nothing but the best at Microsoft. Thanks, Sam, for all that you have done for us!
Now go get 'em!
Make sure to read Sam Sabri's goodbye and final post here!
