Melanie Adcock answers some tough questions on the future of Chicago's favorite love it or hate it tech community gossip rag.

Seven days ago Melanie Adcock was just another cat lover on Facebook.  She made the rounds at local tech events, known as the smiling, friendly woman who took pride in making people feel comfortable.  Chatty and personable, Melanie's creative  zeal colored her activities and lead to her involvement in several local arts organizations.  She would be called by a "pleaser" in Adlerian psychology and a "giver" by the rest of the world.  In short, she is the polar opposite of Ron May, who has famously quipped, "the May Report has no friends."  Yet on Friday, August 20, Ron announced in his Report that Melanie Adcock would become his new assistant editor. 

The news was as much of a surprise to Adcock as it was to the Report's readers, and something she immediately embraced and touted on her Facebook page.  Adcock is a relative newcomer to Chicago's tech scene, which may prove to be a good thing, because she is not burdened with the baggage and demons that have haunted Ron's Report like the grim ghosts of Christmas past.  Clues to how the May/Adcock oil and water pairing will play out may be found in this exclusive BIGfrontier interview.

Are you looking forward to working with Ron?
I wasn't expecting to be appointed assistant editor, so it came as a surprise.  I think Ron and I have a lot of complimentary personality traits and skills as well as many significant differences- it's a good match.  We are both passionate about high tech and care about the local industry.

Do the names David Jacobson, Katherine Gehl, Josh Schneider or Walt Winkleman mean anything to you?
No, I never heard of any of them.  

How long in have you been involved with the technology industry?
I've been working in Chicago high tech since early 2005.  I have a Master's degree in fine arts and visual communications and was a design teacher at the International Academy of Design and Technology. I love teaching but have been working technology sales for awhile.  Anyone can check out my complete resume on Linkedin.

I infer that you'll be bringing a new perspective to the scene.  What will you be doing for the Report?
Going to events - talking about them, writing about them; I have already been doing it for fun and for business development.  I like meeting people.  

Has any of your writing been published before?
Yes, I've contributed material to fine arts magazines. I'm used to working for free and I'm not getting paid to work for Ron.  I will volunteer for things that I'm passionate about.  I'm also in charge of the PR committee for ARC galleries - I do that because it's a cooperative for something I care about.

Will NOT being Ron get you into places that Ron is banned from?
Absolutely - I'm going to the ITA tonight and I recently spoke there; I have a great relationship with them. 

How is your style for getting information going to be different than Ron's?
I'm not as confrontational as Ron - I'm sweet and kind - and have a presence that people like.   Ron has made enemies - but I like to think that I can be on better footing with people - so I am a fresh perspective and want to add something new and different.

It sounds like you're interested in helping, is that what the Report is known for?
Ron has upset a lot of people - including me.  Several years ago he told me I'm a terrible person to be networking because I'm nice and there's no real reason to know me.  I thought about that - and he was right - there was no real reason to for me to network - but it made me think - there probably are reasons why people should know me.  And so I changed - I made reasons for people to know me.  His advice was not meant to hurt my feelings, but it did, and it also helped me.  The things that he says are intended to help - but in his own way.  

Ron typically goes to events looking for dirt - is that going to be your agenda?
I like to hear what's going on - some of it could be gossip; there is always the possibility that you can find it.  

Could any of this change the nature of the Report?
Sure - why not.  Change is good.  Just the fact that he wants a new voice means that he's open to change.  I hope things will be more positive through balance.  I want to inspire people - help them - make them laugh - give people something to read.  People read the Report to see that if they're in it or not.  That's his style.  I don't think I'll be like that.

If Ron dropped dead tomorrow would you be in charge of the Report?
I have not discussed that with him - so I don't know.  I will have an answer for that in the next couple of weeks.  

Would you want to run it if you could?
Sure - it's like being called to service; when I taught I felt the same way.

Are there any bad guys in Chicago's high tech community?
Of course - those people can be under the radar - they can appear as friends or leaders. 

Are there any assignments that you'd turn down?
Yes, anything that endangered my safety.

Like working with Ron?  Does this job give you immunity from being hit by his cane?
I don't know.  I haven't tested it yet, so let's hope so!