Matt Marshall has taught me a lot of things. When it comes to writing, one of the most important ones is not to bury the lede. So I’ll come right out with it: Yes, I’m leaving VentureBeat and joining TechCrunch.

A lot of you have probably already read Matt’s nice send-off, and perhaps some want more details. Well, sadly there is nothing scandalous behind the move. It was simply an opportunity I felt I had to take.

It’s always hard leaving a job, but it’s especially hard leaving a job you really like. And that was the case with me an VentureBeat. I love the team, love what we have built, and was comfortable. But TechCrunch came calling with a lot of intriguing opportunities — intriguing enough to shake me out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly at all. But in the end, I determined it was the right call to make.

And it was the right time to make such a call. I don’t think it’s any stretch to say that I’m leaving VentureBeat when it’s in a stronger position than it has ever been in. Since I started writing for VB last January, traffic is several times what it was, its position as a leading voice in the industry is established, and the business is sound with deals like the partnership with DEMO in place and having just successfully executed the first GamesBeat conference.

Within the tech blogging world, a lot of us look to Techmeme as not only a go-to source for news, but as a way to measure our influence. When I joined VentureBeat, it was the 21st most influential blog on Techmeme, according to its leaderboard. Just a few weeks ago, VB reached number 2 on that same list. The only site ahead of VB? Yes, TechCrunch.

It’s been a crazy ride over this past year-plus. I’ve gained a loyal group of readers, that I hope will not only continue to read VentureBeat for its excellent coverage of various topics, but also will read me now at TechCrunch. I’ve also gained a loyal group of detractors. You guys are welcome to stay at VentureBeat.

I kid. In some ways, I’ll miss the readers who a year ago questioned why the hell I kept talking about this Twitter thing on a blog about venture capital? I did it, of course, because I thought Twitter was about to explode in popularity. And it did. So kiss my ass.

I love what I do for a living. That’s why I’m so prolific. Finding new things to learn about and write about, drives me. Now, at TechCrunch, I’ll have an even bigger platform to do that. But I know there will be challenges. It can be hard to lend your voice to a site already so firmly established. And the site sometimes finds itself in the middle of controversy. But I’ve always thought all of that is overplayed. TechCrunch has risen to the level it has because it has a core group of writers, lead by founder Michael Arrington, who are very good at what they do. And I hope to add to that.

I want to take the opportunity to thank Matt Marshall for a great experience at VentureBeat over this past year. He’s taught me a lot, and is a great mentor. I’d also like to thank Eric Eldon, who pulled me out of relative obscurity, and has become a great colleague and a great friend. And of course, the rest of the awesome VB team: Anthony Ha, Dean Takahashi, Camille Ricketts and Dan Kaplan. And those no longer around: Chris Morrison, Tam Vo and Jacob “Darsh” Mullins.

There will be no rest for the weary in this case, as I’m starting with TechCrunch on Monday. I’d like to thank Mike Arrington, Erick Schonfeld and Heather Harde for reaching out to me and giving me the opportunity. And I look forward to working with my new colleagues Jason Kincaid, Leena Rao, Robin Wauters, Henry Work, Asad Akbar and Sarah Lacy. And a thanks to the recently departed Mark Hendrickson for his advice.

VentureBeat and TechCrunch have always been friendly rivals, and I have no doubt that will continue to be the case. Rivalries are good. They spur both parties along to put out their best work. It’s just that mine will now be found on TC.

I really appreciate everyone who reached out with kind words to me today over email, IM, Facebook and Twitter. It really means a lot. And yes, I’ll try to let you know if I find out anything about the CrunchPad.

Thanks to lalawag and Beet.TV for the coverage of my move as well.