Congratulations!
 

Richard, this is a good time to explain to us the increasingly complicated dynamics of a magazine's masthead. What does an "executive editor" do that's different from a managing editor, editor in chief, senior editor, or just plain "Editor"?

p.s. congratulations--assuming this is (which of course it must be) a position taken in delight and enthusiasm and not desperation.
 

There's no desperation there. It's a great match and 02138 is lucky to have RB. BTW I'm a member of FAS not a relative of RB.
 

Executive Editor or 02138 sounds just fine! Congratulations! But what will happen to the blog? And are you still going to write books?
 

I feel like I saw this coming, and it sounds great. Congratulations, Rich.
 

Congratulations Richard!
 

Thanks so much for all the kind words. They are much, much appreciated.

What does an executive editor do? Well, the title reflects different responsibilities at different places. At George, it meant that I was in charge of the day-to-day editorial production of the magazine, while John Kennedy was really in charge of the big picture questions—general editorial vision, business development, that kind of thing. I think my responsibilities will be similar at 02138, and founders Bom Kim and Dan Loss, both of whom went to Harvard College, will be the big-picture guys. They're also the founders, so they're certainly involved in editorial direction as well. These guys started the magazine, and better than anyone else they have a feel for what stories work for it, so it's only natural that they be a vital part of that process.

And no desperation here, no. I've written for 02138 from its beginning, and I've enjoyed not only that but chatting with Bom and Dan over the past months over general questions of direction and theme and specific content. They'd suggested I come work with them some time back, but I've been really focused on this book. Now that I'm pretty close to finishing up the book, the timing just felt right, and I'm a genuine believer in the magazine; I think we can publish some really oustanding journalism here. Harvard is at an exciting and important moment in its history, and I want to chronicle that moment in this magazine.

The blog will continue, absolutely. It's a very important outlet for me, and I really enjoy it.

And yes, I'll be writing more books in the future. But I've just cranked out three books in six years, and I need to change gears a little bit for at least the near future.
 

Congratulations Richard.
 

Big news...does this mean you are moving away from NYC??!! We hope not....