Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The 300 Milestone Reached - Thanks to my Friends

When I started this blog in December of 2005, I really had no idea where it would lead me. The initial idea was to provide a vehicle to communicate with the alumni from Dora High School.
I do the alumni website and blogging seemed like a good way to write stories and updates and give the alumni a chance to comment.
I wasn't sure at first if the updates would be daily, weekly, monthly, or what. But on Friday December 2nd,  I did my first update. Then on Saturday, I was so pleased with myself, that I did another one.
As days marched on, so did I. At first the only viewers on the blog were people who attended Dora High School.
It was blogging that gave me confidence to approach the local newspaper about the possibility of writing a weekly column.
The editor at the time was skeptical and told me that a lot of people wanted to write columns but very few stuck with it. After a few weeks, when they tired of writing, he'd be stuck with a hole in his paper.
When I told him I had a year's worth of columns already written, he sat back in his chair and scratched his chin. I left a packet of 10 of my best blog entries with him.
He called me the next day and said he'd be pleased to run my column in the Lifestyle section of the Sunday paper. I was ecstatic. 
Then after a few years of writing columns, I decided to publish a compilation of my best columns.
I couldn't find a publisher, so I self-published Remembering Big. There were local authors who advised against self publishing. You won't have the marketing and support --- you'll lose your shirt. 
Well, I didn't lose my shirt. In fact I quickly recouped my investment and I continue to sell books. And it all started with this blog.
It's interesting that most of the people who read my blog now have never heard of Dora High School. 
But that's the beauty of blogging. It gives writers a venue -- a way to connect with people around the world.
A few days ago I posted a note about nearing the 300 milestone. And with a little help from my friends, I reached that milestone today.
I am flattered and humbled.  I appreciate each and every one of you.
The books I promised as a prize are in the mail.
Thanks all.

16 comments:

  1. Hi Rick...I was just about to close up shop here on my ole Mac when I saw your latest posting. I'm not an alumnus of Dora, and haven't been around for very long... but I am very grateful I've found your blog. You bring to life and give voice to so very many aspects of life dear to my heart.

    Congratulations and many thanks for some wonderful reads!
    Hugs~

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  2. What a wonderful entry today Rick! Congratulations, you deserve so many more! Happy for you!

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  3. Congratulations Rick. Like Sush, I haven't been around very long, but I am very glad that I found your blog. Keep up the good work!

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  4. Congratulations. Your journey from novice blogger to newspaper columnist was fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

    mood

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  5. Congratulations sir!

    More to go!

    JJRod'z

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  6. It's a lovely blog and yay for sticking with it since 2005!! That's brilliant!! Yay!! Take care
    x

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  7. Congrats Rick, you deserve it! Keep up the good work!

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  8. Congratulations, Rick! I loved hearing of how you started off and seeing where you've come to, today! As one of your brand new followers, I'm looking forward to continuing your journey with you to reach even greater heights :)

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  9. Congrats Hubby!!!! when I retire, I am going to spend as much time on my blog, as you do yours.....and support my fellow bloggers! Hugs and love,
    proud of your writings!

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  10. Again, CONGRATS! Onward and upward!

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  11. Thanks all. It has been a fun ride.
    The think about blogs is that even people who don't talk a lot, often have interesting things to say and that comes out in their blogs.
    I am constantly blown away by the ideas, thoughts, and photographs of my blog buddies.
    It's inspiring.
    Again, thanks to all.

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  12. Rick this is fantastic news and huge congrats to you. I just love your blog because it always makes me feel "at home" like I belong in your neck of the woods. I like that. Here's to 300 more!

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  13. It's so enjoyable to come to your blog every day and just soak up the atmosphere. Congratulations, and hopes for much more!

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  14. Congrats to you Rick - now to 400!

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  15. Congrats..I enjoy your blog and Jilda's too! I think you are a wonderful writer. I enjoy keeping my blog as a journal tool..and when people tell me that they wouldn't have anything to write about if they had a blog, I just have to laugh...we all have a story to tell and it's surprising how many really fun blogs are out there written by ordinary people with extraordinary lives!

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