SAN FRANCISCO – Mark Herman, a respected figure in the live sound world, has left his position as publisher of Live Sound International magazine and ProSoundWeb.com. For a letter written by Herman discussing his surprising departure and plans for the future, click here.
There is a similarity between producing timely media and a live show. Turning out a monthly techie niche audio magazine is like being on a world tour that never ends. There are many constant deadlines, plenty of critics, little room for error and no true vacation for one completely consumed by the passion to produce a quality B2B publication in today’s world of bottom line expectations. Add on the 24/7 pressure of maintaining the industry’s biggest website, ProSoundWeb.com, and it is similar to mixing FOH and monitors, collecting the money, herding the band and driving the truck – every day.
Recently when asked what mattered most to me in the world, I replied, “Time. I desperately want to be around to watch my young daughter grow up. Have a relaxed lunch date with my fabulous wife. Talk to my brother when he calls instead of putting him off for a business call. Visit the parents and in-laws. Hang out with friends outside of business. Trim the roses. Go skiing. That kind of time.”
As a man with more than enough material wealth and success than I ever expected in this lifetime, this revelation hit home so hard I had to reconsider everything and make a choice that was inevitable anyway.
Knowing that I’m a self-confessed workaholic this is a very hard thing to say: I am leaving the job of running Huge Universe Inc., which includes Live Sound magazine and ProSoundWeb.com. It is the moment to “chill” and smell the many roses that I have neglected for years.
Ciao for now,
Mark Herman
Mark can be reached at: mherman@avlfactor.com
415-387-1698 San Francisco office, 415-902-7263 mobile
