Aside from being a founding father of the modern blogging culture (he lent John Amato money to get Crooks & Liars started), Mike Finnigan has decided it’s time to hang up his blogging pen and enjoy his travels as one of the world’s most well-respected musicians.

Today, Finnegan announced he will leaving his long-time spot at Crooks & Liars, as well as his “Mike’s Blog Round Up: his daily blog post shining a light on smaller bloggers. The name and spirit of the daily post will remain, however. Here’s what Finnegan had to say at Crooks & Liars:

I began the blog roundup shortly after John Amato started Crooks and Liars. It has been a real blessing to be a contributor to a site that evolved into an important progressive voice in American politics.The bloggers I got to know and the readers who took time to express their appreciation, or who sent tips, have enriched my life. Now my work and travel outside the U.S. has made it nearly impossible to be a reliable part of C&L so I wanted to say goodbye to all of you and tell you how much I will miss you and this wonderful place.

I’ve had the good fortune to get to know Mike and have been linked by him several times. It’s always an honor and an ego-boost to see the reader numbers swell. More that that, Mike has been an online friend and someone who is always quick to give a word of encouragement, support or honest advice. He is a great ally.

Also, if you’re a conversationalist, a dream conversation should be with Finnigan. The man can riff – in depth – on virtually any topic, and usually have several personal anecdotes at the tip of his tongue.

Here’s a feature I wrote on Mike, his music career, hius trials and tribulations and long-time sobriety, as well as his beginning days as a blogger. I spoke with Mike’s wife, Candy Finnigan – an interventionist on the hit A&E show “Intervention” – in a story you can read here.

–WKW

Crossposted at William K. Wolfrum Chronicles