We're starting into a year of change at Suite101, and to help ensure we're properly using our strengths (and are equally aware of our weaknesses), we're today launching a very simple, quaint little census.

Purely for Suite101 contributors, this survey of details and opinions will give us a better idea who you are. Practically, it will help insert you (and your interests) into our project.

Esteemed colleagues,

It's with mixed feelings that I tell you tomorrow is my last day at Suite101.

While I am excited to start this new chapter of my life, part of me is sad to be leaving at a time when Suite101 is heading in such an exciting direction. The change in management, with Michael at the helm, leaves Suite101 in the best hands I've seen it in. I know some think we've bandied around the word exciting a little too liberally of late but, seriously, it's so exciting to see Michael's ideas come to the fore. And it's validating for all of us to see Suite101 become the editorially focused company we've all wished it to be.

I've been with the company since January 2009, and ever since I ambled into the Suite101 office on my first day I've been aware of the privilege it has been to work with such talented writers, editors, and staff. You can bet I'll be popping into the community every now and then to say hi and keep tabs on Suite101's progress, but I will miss interacting with you on a regular basis. By and large, this community is something special.

In my absence, please direct your editorial inquiries to Suite101's new Community Manager, Stephanie Cebulka.

Thank you, take care, and so long!

A few observant TEs have noticed a new addition to the topic tool set.

Talking of early deeds, chasing up last week's post on Suite101's plans for the future, I'd like to quickly dish out a handful of more or less concrete activities to expect in the coming days.

There are many ways to answer biological questions; such as how things work, why they are useful, what part they play in the life of the animal, and how they might have evolved.

An article about 'how cells tell time' looks at time-keeping mechanisms at the cellular level, and why they are useful for living things.
 

Although Halloween is obviously the peak of the horror season, Christmas is also (for some) a time to enjoy a slice of the macabre with their cranberry smothered turkey. The traditional seasonal feel-good movies have now long been counterbalanced with much darker, and in many cases decidedly trashier, offerings.  From family friendly classics (The Nightmare Before Christmas) to far more controversial productions (À l'intérieur) the Christmas Horror slate is one niche ripe for review. 

The new series, Jane By Design, will begin on ABC Family in January, 2012. To prepare for this new show, some writers/bloggers have been selected to take part in a challenge. The show is about a young high school student who gets a job in a fashion design house, Donovan Decker. Jane must juggle her world as a student with her world in fashion.

What happens when you've got so many thoughts that nothing actually makes it out intact? Well in this case, you walk in to doors and stand in the rain.

I feel privileged to edit Marine Biology & Oceanography, since there is so much to be written about and so many talented writers contributing articles. I will just cite one writer from each of my sub-topics, and link to one of their recently featured articles to show you the flavour of the writing here.

Scientist and Suite101 writer John Austin selects three things for his imaginary museum and tells why he chose them.

Pull on your reading socks and settle in for a read, this selection of Suite101 articles is the perfect accompaniment to a chilly autumn day.

There are so many reasons why people partake in the practice of fasting and of abstaining from various foods, and I’ve been fascinated with the topic since my youth.  I recall that when I was very young there were... 

This is definitely the season to find great books to fit most readers during the holiday gift-giving season.  Anything by Michael Koryta and Deborah Lawrenson's The Lantern should not be missed and readers looking for lighter angelic fare with humor should give Carolyn Hart's series a try.  I'll add an article featuring more great picks next week. 

Four months have passed already since my last company update, and this has been a very busy period for us. At the same time, our marketplace has continued to change – with the end result being an emphatic restatement: Suite101 will be changing. Today I would like to give a fresh update, and an outlook on Suite101's upcoming developments.