Rod Amis lived his life for words. And I think that is why I got to know him. My first knowledge of this rare man of words came via a report in the Nigerian daily, The Guardian. I am thinking this was just after Binyavanga Wainaina had won the Caine prize for African writing in 2002. I went online after I had read the report by one of the paper’s art journalist. It’s a pity that I can’t pick out his name at this point of writing. Be that as it may, I am still thankful to the man for directing me to the treasure chest that g21 was, and it still is.

I remember being at a café around Government Reserved Area, Ikeja in Lagos in the wee hours of the morning. It was from this cyber café that I sent out my first mail to Rod. He replied that he would publish my work. I was glad. And at that instant I sensed I had struck a good relationship with an excellent writer and editor.

I was eager to cultivate the newfound friendship because I had been searching for a reliable writing outlet for sometime. I was also stuck on the magazine by virtue of its strange name. I didn’t understand why a writing magazine would be called a “generator21.”  Additionally, g21 had a reputation that was world-class regardless of its bias for dissenting glimpses into topical issues of the time.  I hadn’t for once thought that Rod was going to write some day informing me that he intended to stop publishing the magazine in that sweet format that was known to me. But he did, with the transformation that he wrought on his personal writing baby, the generator. He had suddenly turned the magazine into a “personal blog.” Then, as if that tragedy wasn’t enough for me, Rod himself has left me to read my writings to myself.

Also disheartening for me is the fact that I never got to know Rod beyond the internet. But there was a party that he was planning. I had imagined that I was going to see him in true and lively colors. I very much looked forward to shaking hands with the man. I do believe him one of the greatest users of words ever to exist. He had the uncanny ability to use words effortlessly and in the most subtle of manners. He wasn’t given to the boastful use of words. He was often precise and direct in his social commentaries.  He had a sense of humor that was not self sparing.  He didn’t also perhaps spare his body.

My mental picture of Rod Amis is that of a tireless writer, always hunched over a desk in a determined attempt to mint words into sensible forms for the world to see. He really wanted to leave a bold mark on the world. And if one is judging by the complexion his demise has left on all of us, then we are qualified to say that Rod Amis will live in our hearts for eternity.

I miss Rod and will continue to do so. I don’t think I will ever get to understand what I have missed in not having Rod there across the seas again. He was a humble man. And I can also illustrate this ideal that he possessed. I remember he was working on a story about a massive purchase of computers by the Nigerian government. He needed some help along the line. And he was quick to write to me asking for “help on the Nigerian story.”  I did the little I thought would be helpful by sending him news about the project as I had read and seen in the local papers here. He was thankful in a characteristic manner that revealed sincerity.

I am thankful to God that I crossed paths with Rod Amis. It’s just sad that Alcohol did a terrible thing with his mind and finally set him on the road to the grave. I remember his fineness as a human being and also remember the finesse with which he wrote; week in, week out, for the World’s magazine.

Truly, I remember one of the most skillful writers to have lived.

On Cathedral of Words

Kevin Carey

Rod Amis never was going to make old bones; intellectual gypsies rarely do; and, of course, prime movers rarely get either money or credit for what they achieve. Rod was in that elite group of people who proved that free on-line journalism need not be cheap. There were many occasions when G21 was much deeper and  broader than the pulp competition. I loved writing for Rod and will never forget when he came to visit me in Brighton, England. You have to be very special to persuade people to write high quality copy for free; Rod was that special.

Rod and Me

DC Stultz

Back before the internet bubble burst in 2000, I was the Information Technology guide on About.com and Rod Amis was a tech columnist for the company that later bought Slashdot.

I started following his writings and struck up an email correspondence with him that lasted until alcoholism took his memory (and computer passwords). I even put him on a list I published of "The ten most influential tech columnists".

He was an educated man who spoke multiple languages and was a far better writer than me. While I never met him face-to-face, I could look at his picture and just imagine a hearty laugh.

After he lost his managing editor job (and now useless stock options) when the bubble burst, I followed him in his numerous geographic changes as he bounced around looking for writing gigs. Alas, he alighted for a time in New York, Baltimore, New Orleans, Phoenix, Austin, Calfornia, North Caroline and probably more. I frequently sent him Greyhound bus fare to get to the next place.

I too lost my internet gig in the bubble, but -- despite being hearing impaired and fifteen years older than Rod -- I have been gainfully employed in the tech field building intranet web applications, so fronting him some money for bus fare or for cigs or for rent wasn't a big deal for me.

I knew Rod drank, but I didn't know how much. Looking back, I should have. I'm a recovered alcoholic (sober 28 years) and I should have recognized the symptoms.

The big red flag should have been the changes in locations. In AA, that is called taking a geographic cure. And, the old timers will tell you that doesn't work because "you take you with you."

I miss Rod. I miss his frequent emails on a multitude of subjects. I miss his blog entries. I miss the laughter I never got to hear in person.