Acidman, RIP

I've just learned that Rob Smith, alias Acidman, has passed away. And the blogosphere will be a poorer place without him.

I first stumbled across the blogosphere back in the fall of 2002. At first I didn't range very far afield. The entire 'sphere was, for me, just a handful of blogs. And one of those blogs was Rob's Gut Rumbles.

Rob was one of a kind. A Georgia cracker, a crusty curmudgeon, who spoke his mind and never pulled any punches. A highly talented writer, too— one of the very best I've ever read online. At one point I exchanged a few emails with Rob, and he was just as crusty and quick on the trigger there as he was on his blog. I commented at Gut Rumbles on occasion, especially in those earlier days; later, I mostly just lurked, sometimes less frequently and sometimes more often. But always I returned knowing that Acidman would have something to say that would rock me back on my heels, clear out my sinuses, and make me chuckle.

Rest in peace, Rob. I'm gonna miss you.