As many of you know, Susanne Sclafane has left NationalUnderwriter. As we move on, I will be putting together“Specialty Markets Insight,” writing often about excess andsurplus/specialty lines.

I cannot replace Susanne. Not even close. I hated the day sheleft because it meant that I wouldn't be able to see a friend andmentor every day. Her knowledge about your market was astounding. Ilearned a heck of a lot from her.

As we move on, I will get to know everything I can about whatyou do—in the same manner I did when I first sat down at a desk towrite about the property and casualty insurance industry four yearsago.

I learned to swim when my father threw me into a pool. I nowthink I throw myself into things in order to learn them. Ithink you have to sometimes.

Of course, the insurance stories I have written have taken me torisks covered by the E&S/specialty market (contractors,entertainment, collectibles, energy, entertainment, inland marine,etc.) and some of the legislative/regulatory issues that affect you(NRRA, for example).

I'll be able to keep from drowning, but that isn't my goal. I'dlike to keep my head above the issues and risks related to yourbusinesses by using more than a doggie paddle. With your help, Iwant the E&S/specialty-focused stories I (or our experiencedfreelancers) write to be the best. I want them to be something youtake pleasure in reading—because they are informative, because theytruly provide some “insight.”

In other words, I want to continue providing the type ofinformation you've come to expect from NU, and thensome.

This is an interesting segment of the industry, to say theleast. I can get used to writing about the risks insured by yourcompanies—the risks no one else will cover. These are some of themore interesting stories an insurance reporter gets to write.

Help me out. I'm here at my desk in Hoboken early most days.Many of you already know me. Call me up at (201) 426-1245. Email meat [email protected]. Follow meon Twitter @CTHemenway.

Put me on your email lists and send those press releases. You'reprobably going to get a call back, especially now as I get to knowyou. Tell me what you're doing. Tell me about the issues thatconcern you. Do you have an idea for a submission?

In the meantime, I apologize in advance if I ask a questionyou're tired of answering. I'm learning. After all, I just gottossed in the water.

But I assure you, I'm a pretty good swimmer.