So, thanks to British Airways announcing strike action today, I am not entirely sure which day will be my last day in the office. It's either today, or early next week, so in light of this I wanted to say some parting words to you all!

At the risk of this sounding like an Academy Award speech, I really can't walk away from Same Same without expressing my gratitude to a whole group of people. This website has been my baby for the last three and a half years, and I am so proud to see how far it's come in that time. I believe we are an independent, unique voice in amongst the Australia gay media landscape, and I hope the site continues to retain its authenticity and integrity for years to come.

Firstly, I want to thank the whole Sound Alliance team, in particular Libby and Tim for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity. You have both been amazing people to work for - inspiring, honest, fair and generous. I really respect both of you. You gave me free reign to focus on what I truly felt was important, not only to myself, but to the GLBT community, and you never asked me to compromise. In this role I've been allowed to explore so many parts of myself, and that has meant so much to me. Tim, I will miss sitting next to you everyday!

Joel - you've been my right hand man for so long. You are so patient, talented and honest, and always have been with me. From the minute we had coffee that evening in Newtown I knew we had to hire you! Thanks for all your dedication, and I wish you well for the future. I know you'll succeed at whatever you put your mind to.

Travis - another absolute gem. You have taken Same Same Melbourne and have made it your own. You have my total respect. As I said to you in a recent email, "there are many strings to your bow and you will go far". You're not only a great writer but an outstanding photographer, and charismatic to boot. In addition to tripling traffic in Melbourne since you started, you've also injected a truly unique energy into Same Same. I can't thank you enough. I will miss working with you. Please stay in touch.

Anthony - you are another rising star. You're not only a talented musician, but a key part of the editorial team, and I'll really miss you! Long before we put you on the payroll you were always a shining beacon in Brisbane. You have a huge heart, you are fearless, brave, bold and beautiful. I know you have a lot to give, and I wish you all the best in your journey.

Cam - thanks for hooking me up with your peeps in London, and for always having a positive outlook on things. Good luck on your travels to, wherever they take you. Keep smiling!

Jade Starr - what can I say, you rock. We've had so many laughs - from the trip to Midsumma with Bradley, to 'Birdie'. It's been a hoot. You're a strong woman with real guts, and I respect how much you put yourself out there. You've got heart and talent - I really hope you keep the faith and maintain your creative energy.

To all our fantastic contributors, in particular Nathan Heron, Blake Price, Daniel Cheetham, Glace Chase, Josh Taylor, Nick Davis, James Forbes, Josh Crouthamel, Mark Pace, Deepika Mistry, Cameron Brockmann, Lance Richardson, James Lees, Ross Chrystall, Rod Spark, Danny Corvini, Jody Ekert, Josephine Ki, Paul McDonald, Alison Bennett, Andrew Georgiou, Robert La Bua... there are so many of you, and I've have valued every single voice we've hosted on this site so far. You all bring something truly special to the table, and it's been an absolute privilege to be in this job, meeting every last one of you.

And finally, to the readers, thankyou. Some I will miss more than others - and you all know who you are! But it wouldn't be Same Same without you all! It was a very daunting task to be handed an empty website back in October 2006 with no audience and virtually no editorial team! Together we've created a brand new online space, an internet site for the entire GLBT community that's centred around ideas, community and meaning. That's really exciting.

Thanks for being part of the last three and a half years. This site has become such a part of me, and I will miss you all.

Signing off,

Christian xx

STAY STAY STAY!!!!!

Bye Christian

All the best, with lotz of LOVE

Anthony Mahera

All the best in the UK Christian.
What an exciting chapter yet unwritten...

It was nice to meet you last Sat night.

Enjoy the change ! its something everyone should do .

Then come running back to us

Bon Voyage Christian and hope everything works well for you in London (personnel and work wise)

G69

Amazing. xx

Best wishes and good luck in The UK!!

Will miss you minxy.

Will keep a load in the fridge for you for your return

Awwwwwww Christian! It won't be the same without you!!!

Bon voyage! Can't wait to read your articles on the Guardian.co.uk's homepage

xxx

Same Same Media Player

Gwyneth Paltrow winning an Oscar® for "Shakespeare in Love" - YouTube

(hehe, sorry... I couldn't help myself.)

OMG. What are your plans for London? Work? Do keeps us posted please.

I give you 3 months til you start complaining about Old Compton Rd! Haha

But seriously you are going to love London/UK/Europe and be opened up and exposed to things that really excite you, which you totally deserve.

See you mister and enjoy your ride xoxoxox

Thank YOU Christian, you'll be missed. On to the next chapter....

Thanks, Christian.
I see your editorial direction here at Same Same as setting a foundation; a really solid one that you gave us a special something where all could relate & debate issues, gossip & events.....that affected us in at least some way in the gay community; directly or indirectly.
You're fair, funny & formidable. Your writing tells me so.
Cheers.

hey didnt even start the music !!

Have a blast CT !!

Josh

SameSame UK?

Until then, we'll miss you, CT!

thanks for all your great work! good luck and happy times for you ahead! x

All the very best for whatever lies ahead Christian

We'll miss you Christian!

Good luck!

Thanks for all the help and guidance you've given me while I've been contributing too, it's been invaluable!

x

Are the throwing out any good stuff?

Farewell and good luck Mr! My hat is off to you.. I know how demanding this job was and you managed editorial wonderfully. x

Best of luck in the UK.

Wear your wollies and keep dry

Hi Chrsitian?
Why are you leaving Same SAme, What are you doing. Such a well respected editor. Please receive my recognition and gratitude for a well done job
Let me know what are you doing next ..to support your work!
Cesar
cesarmoreno_25@hotmail.com

can't believe your going!! :*{

stay awesome mister!!

Well, i think its very selfish. Can I come?

thanks dude - im a new same samer, and left facebook to hang out here if thats any measure......

Hey Christian, you have been amazing! Thank you. Thank you for opening this avenue and providing people like me a voice.

xx

All the best in London town

thanks for all your support and your commitment to the community and change. Every success in the future....this is good bye but not farewell.

thanks you Christian, I have always enjoyed reading your letters..all the best.

It's been an absolute pleasure working with you Christian!
Make sure you keep in touch! xx