Mashable's editor-at-large, Ben Parr, who had worked for the site since 2008, has been fired, according to a brief statement from the website.

First hint that the much-admired Parr was on his bike came on Sunday when mail to his Mashable address got an automated “no longer here” message. On his Mashable bio page he was identified as “the former editor-at-large.”

Parr then confirmed his departure to AllThingsD, indicating that he’d have more to say later. And he did on his website - although still without a clear message of why he was sacked and what his plans were. Mashable limited its official response to a single sentence, “confirming the terms of departure were termination.”

Ben is currently working on a yet-to-be-announced project. He also recently completed his first sci-fi thriller novel, Desel. His previous experience includes project management for Facebook applications.

Business Insider, quoting several sources, said Parr had originally intended to stay until July next year.

Parr has been a big part of the site which was why Mashable CEO Pete Cashmore reportedly offered him a $250,000 cash bonus to stay. Did reports of this kill the deal?

Mashable, said Insider, is growing very quickly, with around 20 million unique monthly visitors - but is having some trouble holding on to its top writers. Five writers have gone in a few months.

In a letter on his website addressed to "friends, family, colleagues and supporters," Ben announced,

"Friday, November 18, was my last day at Mashable. I want to thank the Mashable team for 3+ amazing years. They truly have been the best years of my life.
"I also want to thank everybody who has been part of my journey. Your help and kindness have been constant sources of strength. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

"During my time at Mashable, I wrote 2,446 articles, explored the technology world through my column and interviewed everyone from Ashton Kutcher toMark Zuckerberg.

"But most of all, I learned so much from the thousands of entrepreneurs that I have met. I will not forget their struggles, their triumphs and their ideas. I wish I could have written more of their stories. It was a true honor."

Ben does not reveal exactly why he was fired - and is vague about his future plans. He also reveals he didn't begin to speak until he was three. You can read it all here: http://benparr.com/2011/11/goodbye-mashable/