A year ago tomorrow — March 6, 2009 — “06880” was born.
The first post described what this blog would be: open-ended conversations with a Westport angle, no matter how tenuous. I invited comments, feedback, tips — anything.
No one responded.
Things picked up soon — my 2nd post, on a Staples PTA’s “Risky Behaviors” panel — drew 3 comments. “06880” was off to the races.
Time flies when you’re having fun. Exactly 1 year later, my blog and I celebrate our 1st anniversary.
Thinking of a gift? That’s sweet. Ironically, the traditionally 1st-year gift is paper.
But I’d prefer money.
Feel free to donate as much as you wish to "06880."
For the past year, “06880” has offered up approximately 650 posts — nearly 2 a day. Some have been international in scope — the ones on porn star Marilyn Chambers, “Paranormal Activity” star Micah Sloat and supermodel twins and “Amazing Race” stars Derek and Drew Riker still draw viewers, months later — while others are intensely local: drivers who leave the Robeks parking lot by going directly over the curb onto the Post Road. Arby’s taking advantage when Westport eased up on its sign regulations. Edyo Keehan‘s tireless work on behalf of Westport’s World War II veterans.
And it’s all been free. A public service, if you will.
In honor of my anniversary, I’m making an NPR-style plea. If you like what you hear read, please consider supporting “06880.”
Am I worth $1 a month? $1 a week? Perhaps (my choice!) $1 a day.
Unlike Channel 13, you won’t get a Peter, Paul and Mary DVD. Or a tote bag. Donations are not even tax-deductible.
What you will get is the chance to help me recover a bit of the cost of registering domains, keeping “06880” ad-free, and spending an hour or 2 each day interviewing, writing, responding to comments, and scouring the web for appropriate (and occasionally inappropriate) photos and graphics.
Thanks for a great year. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, whether anyone sends an anniversary gift or not.
But it would be nice.
(Checks may be made out and sent to: Dan Woog, 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880. Put “06880” on the memo line. It won’t do anything for the IRS, but it may help you remember at tax time why you sent me some money.)
I’ll send ya a few bucks for the great idea to just pull out onto the Post Road from in front of Silver’s of Westport. I’ll double it if you cover the P&Z.
Cover the P&Z? That’s a fulltime job!
Whoa, one year. Good job, professor. IRS?
Subscription cost. Certainly deductible. I will
pass some paper your way.
Yo Feeley. Congress passed the VV March
Day two years ago!! Told no one. Bend over
pal, we are still getting shafted.
Dan, what a great year!! Congrats and thanx for bringing us so much, everyday! Today’s post is a new favorite! Check in mail!!
Awesome — thank YOU!
if you favour your blog generating more than one revenue stream, a great revenue model that your blog has the backcountry seeds of and that I don’t think this town would shun : nysocialdiary.com
you & your blog have the necessary, fundamental dedicated following.
As they say, “It’s in the mail.” Honest, it really is.
Would I kid you? Keep bloggin. You almost make me feel homesick ( for the Westport I remember in the 30s, 40s and 50s. ( Eras, not my age.)
THANKS, Gary — very cool. And the more homesick I make you, the happier I am.
Yeah. A small sum next week, probably at the Longshore March 23rd meeting. If I get a time break, I send you a story about Lou Santella from my LL Head Referee Days. I think the heavy response from the Main Street piece merits a larger article what with all these anniversaries coming up this year.
Count me in. Why don’t you set up a PayPal account? Would’t that make it easier for contributors?
I’ve heard some negative things about PayPal — I decided to stay away.
Check is the mail as I enjoy your column as well as the blog. I would, however, like to see some exchange of ideas relating to current political events. This may stem from individuals who are suffering from job loss, outrageous health care costs, a sickened housing market and an overall dissatisfaction (from both sides of the aisle) with our “dysfunctional” legislative branch. I am sure many Westporters, whether they will admit it or not, are suffering from the recent financial crisis and have definitive opinions on what needs to be done. If we can get a dialogue going on such issues, perhaps the divide in this country will diminish and hopefully, some kind of consenus can be reached. Happy anniversary!!
Dan,
You have always taken the high road, hope you stay there and live a long life!!!