Where we're going, we don't need roads

So after a year in the wilderness, having fun and making mistakes, I'm returning to Substrakt, frankly the best digital agency I've ever worked with.

Contrary to what some might think, this isn't a step backwards or some tacit admission of failure. It was a conscious choice which I made while at the peak of my demand. The lady doth protest too much? Maybe, but I just wanted to make clear my motivations.

This doesn't mark the "end of an era": Andy, my business partner and I are still actively developing Nymbol, and rather than showing signs of slowing, that's actually beginning to pick up pace, which is really exciting. It will mean I'll be discontinuing a couple of projects, so I can focus my energies where they best belong.

I left Substrakt to pursue an idea. I took that idea to its conclusion and out of that came something else, which I knew I wouldn't be able to grow on my own. That idea was Nymbol, and as I've said before, I can't think of a better person to partner with. I've learned loads from the startup community and have loved being a part of it, so I'll be keeping my fingers - and those of Substrakt, collectively - in that tasty pie.

I'm so excited about my future with Substrakt, armed as I am with a better understanding of what I offer and how I fit in. I think this last year has helped me understand my worth and skill set, and I'm looking forward to start using some of those newly-acquired skills in upcoming client work.

I'll still be here, talking nonsense, and attending things like Tech Wednesday. I might also try and pop to WordPress Birmingham again, as I enjoyed the first one.

So consider this a warning: you've not heard the last of Mark Steadman. Sorry about that.