You probably don't know it, but Marc is someone who truly changed my life. I started reading his original blog - Marc's Outlook on Productivity - in 2003. I found his enthusiasm for David Allen's popular Getting Things Done methodology infectious. But there was more. Marc's blog piqued my curiosity about social media overall. This eventually led to life changing events - the start of this weblog, more media attention than I certainly deserve and, last but not least, a dream position at Edelman, a role I absolutely love.
Marc and I unfortunately never met face to face but we corresponded regularly via email, Skype Twitter and our blogs. He was a warm man who spent hours helping others, often without recognition. He had incredible patience and a love for all things geek. Marc inspired me and his memory will always continue to do so.
I take solace in the fact that in a way I was able to give back to Marc a tiny bit of what he gave me. Back in 2004 I played a role in helping Marc connect with Jason Calacanis. This lead to a position writing for Weblogs Inc. Marc mentioned the story here. He later went on to blog for ZDNet and more recently blognation.
The story is all indicative of the blogging ethos. We help each other. Many of us are stars but we like to pass the ball and create opportunities for others. Points don't matter. Assists do. The blogosphere is a global village and, unfortunately, Marc's untimely death is a reminder that we should always remain that way - even when we often disagree.
My thoughts and sympathies go out to Marc Orchant's family. I just hope they get one day to read all these posts and to feel the impact he had on many of our lives. Rest in peace, Marc Orchant. We will miss you.
