As Hannah explained, I am her new co-editor. Which is exciting.

Professionally, I think that together we can make a really good alternative news website. It will give a voice to everyone who feels like the Pilot is edited by their constipated, half-hungover aunt and uncle who were born here and died five years ago.

So, yes, professionally excited. You (dear reader) are going to be proud to have this site here in your home city.

But I am also intrigued about where this will take our relationship. This morning was sort of our first official morning commute together. As I furiously scribbled down story ideas, Hannah looked at me longingly. She ruffled my overgrown beard in a way that made me feel both loved and intellectually appreciated.

“You used to look like a hot young Jew,” she said. “Now you’re bordering on looking like a Hasidim.”

Which is fine. I suppose every conversation can’t be either A) about what region-changing story we’re going to tell that day or B) if this burning (burning) is an eternal flame.

This will certainly make our personal relationship more complicated. But, as our first story meeting proved, it can simplify our professional relationship. This morning we were discussing the angle she should take on a certain story. I laid out my opinion. Then she stated hers. Then she stated hers again. Then again.

“That sounds great,” I finally said.

“I don’t even like you,” she said. “I’ll write what I want.”

See? Streamlined decision-making at its best.

In all seriousness, I am lucky. Hannah is a brilliant editor, a beautiful firecracker, and someone who could become beatified in this region if she reaches her potential. As much as I’m a partner in this site, deep down I know my role. Hannah is the star; I’m just here to take notes for her autobiography.

We’re taking a big risk here, and we hope you’ll take it with us. Maybe we will succeed and come up with this area’s Village Voice, or the magazine Port Folio could have been without corporate chains. Maybe I will end up asphyxiated by my Mac cord. Nobody knows.

But I’m excited to find out.