I launched this blog a little over three years ago, when I left the freelance employ of Ragan Communications, where I'd written something similar but much more professional, called Shades of Gray.
What can you say about someone who writes 1,000 posts?
Just what my writer mother wrote in a memoir once:
"Am a writer. Get to call myself that because I write."
(Although, being an obnoxious person, I fantasize about one day being asked by some young cherub for advice on becoming a writer. "Go write a thousand things, son," I'll say, pulling deeply on my Winston. "Then come back to me and ask that.")
Anyway, the real endurance champs are Writing Boots readers, who have put up with so much floating rage and anxiety, some utter gibberish, lots of unnecessary vulgarity and meanness, many phony poses and some self-indulgent sentimental bullshit—because they apparently think I've got something to say about communication that they like to hear.
I sure appreciate that, and only hope I still have something left.
I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Like, tomorrow.
There’s something cool about a milestone like this one. I watched my one number pass 900 today, and I’m still finding things to write about. A writer’s gotta do what a writer’s gotta do.
I don’t care what you have to say about communication. I just love you.
@ Glynn; yep, you and I are the same kind of hopeless fellers in this way.
¶ Suzanne. I’ll take that.
Here’s what I dig about you and this blog, David: you approach it as a writer and not a blogger. You’re not out here trying to make money off some mystical equation of hits and ads. You’re not trying to be anybody’s guru and “build your brand.” You’re not adhering to anybody’s guru’s Top 10 Ways to Make a Fortune Off Your Blog. You’re just doing your thing, writing like a real writer, saying stuff you want to say and telling us what you think. And somewhere along the way maybe we learn a thing or two and maybe so do you. So thanks for the 1,000 posts, David. They’re not just writing – they’re writing worth reading.
Reuben, thanks for that. It means a great deal. I learn a lot from this, but I do it because starting and carrying on conversations here is a daily pleasure.
I agree with Reuben. This blog is one of exactly TWO that I look at most every day.
I love that you say what you have to say David, in exactly the way you want to say it, and anyone who doesn’t have the stomach for full-frontal debate can feel free to use the door.
Particularly in a world which has developed an annoying rage for political-correctness, which in my opinion precludes real debate, it’s actually pretty difficult to find opportunities for real no-holds-barred conversations with intelligent, thoughtful, passionate people. This blog is a place where that kind of debate is always available, and I am grateful for it.
Congrats on 1,000 posts David. Here’s to the next 1,000 fights, er, I mean debates!
😉
Perfectly Gonzo. Love it! Way to go!
@Kristen: I disagree with everything you say here, and I’ll tell you why. (Insert smiley fuckface here.)
That’s 1000 smiles (mostly) brought into my life courtesy of you. Watching Scout grow up, getting to see Bill Sweetland in action now and then, feeling a part of your road-and-sea adventures; being encouraged (and sometimes smacked down–but only when I need it), amused, provoked, and getting to know people better through the conversations (I’m thinking particularly of you, Kristen)–you are a daily delight, even when I get weeks behind and have a David-fest all at once to get caught up. Thank you for writing to us every day.
Joan, you are too kind. And for that offense, I resolve to smack you down one of these days when you DON’T need it. In fact, when you’re least suspecting it.
I wish you would write more stuff about abortion, gays and women’s rights…but I guess I could get my own blog for that.
Love you, bro.
1,000 posts David? You get less for murder these days…