364 days a year, “06880” chugs along quietly.
A few times each day, I post something: a 5 a.m. feature story. Breaking news. A roundup of upcoming events, new business openings, whatever. An Unsung Hero, Friday Flashback or Photo Challenge. Every night at 9, a Pic of the Day.
I do it all as my contribution to Westport. One day a year, I ask you for a contribution to “06880.”
I do it on the anniversary of my blog’s birth. It began in early March, 2009. In 12 years I have not missed a day of posting — ever.
This man is smiling because he loves writing “06880.” (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
Last year’s “please contribute” story came 10 days before Westport changed forever.
When our schools, stores, restaurants, library, Y — and everything else — shut down, I worried I would have nothing to write about.
Hah!
For the past year, I’ve worked harder and longer at “06880” than ever. I’ve written about how to get COVID help, and how to help others. The pandemic’s effect on people, businesses, the town and the world. I began the daily Roundup and Saturday art gallery.
When WestportNow folded, I added obituaries and a bit of meeting coverage. I hope to do more.
“06880” is now, pretty much, my full-time gig. I spend nearly every waking hour working for you.
You see the stories I write. But there’s so much more.
I conduct interviews and research. I take, find and edit photos. I moderate the comments section. I answer every single email.
When a natural disaster like Tropical Storm Isaias hits, I find a place with power to work. And I keep working.
When Isaias hit, “06880” provided information on road closures, where to get help, and how to help others. (Photo/John Kantor)
I even spend my own money on “06880,” on software upgrades, hosting — and keeping this space ad-free.
Which is why this year, more than ever, I hope you will respond to my once-a-year appeal for donations.
I’m honored that more than 11,000 of you are daily (free!) subscribers. Another 5,000 to 8,000 check in each day, without subscribing.
I love you all. But only a small percentage of you contribute each year.
That means the vast majority of you enjoy my 1,200+ stories a year, and our wonderful online community, for free. You are, to use the technical term, moochers.
So: If you like what you read, please consider supporting “06880.” Click here for details (via credit card, check, Venmo or PayPal) — or scroll to the bottom.
Am I worth $1 a month? $1 a week? Perhaps (my choice!) $1 a day. Choose whatever amount you’re comfortable with. It’s greatly appreciated!
I hope that if “06880” has ever:
- made you laugh, cry, think or wonder
- spurred you to go to an event, read a book, try a restaurant or patronize a store
- helped you meet a neighbor, or connect with an old friend
- kept you up to date in a blizzard, hurricane, windstorm or power outage
- made you feel connected to your new town (or the place you grew up)
- alerted you to a new housing or zoning development
- provided a forum for you to rant about an issue, rave about a place, or complain about my own personal politics
- delivered news about a favorite person, place or thing
- galvanized you to support a cause
- publicized your event, book, appearance or concert
- published your photo
- honored someone you loved or admired, or gave them a kind “Remembering …” sendoff
- connected you to your hometown from many miles away
- saved you time or money
- opened a window on Westport’s history, helped you think about its future, introduced you to someone in town you never knew, or helped you look at someone or someplace in a new way
- inspired you
- made you sit up and say “Wow!” (or “Holy f—!”)
you will consider tossing something my way. First-time supporters are joyfully welcomed!
Just a suggestion.
Thanks for 12 great years. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, whether anyone sends an anniversary gift or not. I’ll still answer every email.
It’s all part of “06880.” It’s my honor and privilege to help share it with you.
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed 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 something.
I’m also on Venmo: @DanWoog06880. Thank you!
Thanks Dan- keep up the great work!
I’m all in Dan. I encourage freeloaders and moochers get on board too.
You are a treasure for Westport, and are the main (only) source of information we have. You fill a media vacuum with great writing, an unbiased platform, critical information, and help to create the necessary fabric of our community. Thank you for all you do.
Ms.Moocher right here! I would like to donate, because I would hate to think of myself as a freeloader. Keep on writing and I will keep on reading!
Happy Birthday 06880!
Instead of asking for donations you should consider making 06880 a pay site like so many other digital media outlets. It’s too easy for readers to not bother contributing when all the content and coverage is free. Especially with WestportNow gone, and WestportNews basically a joke, you’re pretty much the only Westport news outlet. And this is an upscale town. Paying maybe $5 a month wouldn’t cripple anyone. And I bet many loyal readers would still donate on top of that.
You are a true treasure. Happy Birthday to 06880. This is where I find out most of my Westport news and I am truly grateful for all of your service Dan. It’s amazing how you keep it up no matter what’s going on in your personal life or in the world when we need the news and connection most! Thanks so much for your service. And I will make a donation right now happily. 💜
Happy Birthday 06880! Dan – you provide a tremendous community tie-in for those here and for those once living here. Your tireless efforts to cover so many different angles around town is so greatly appreciated!!!! Keep up the great reporting!!!! Best—-
Happy Birthday, 06880! And, thanks, Dan, for telling it ALL and then some. You are one of Westport’s crown jewels. Looking forward to celebrating many more 06880 birthdays,
This community is so lucky to have you! You are my single and only source of news locally. Thank you for all that you do for all of us! Happy Anniversary Dan!
Happy 12th Birthday 06880! Totally agree with Michael Issacs above and to make 06880 a pay site. Happy to donate as always! And as you say to so many, “You Rock!”
Congratulations, Dan! We appreciate your work (and YOU!) more than you could ever know. 06880 is an integral resource to all that is Westport. And beyond current residents, I know many who subscribe though they have long moved away as it keeps them connected to a town they love… Cheers to you and Happy Anniversary, 06880!
Dan, I read 06880 everyday. It is what keeps us all connected. As mentioned above now that WestportNow is never again you are the only source I go to for local news and colorful commentary on our town. In my opinion you have already won a Peabody Award. If there is a blog Hall of Fame you have already punched your ticket. Thank you once again for your tireless reporting. Love 06880. P.S. the check is in the mail!
Done and Done
Congratulations Dan!!!!
Ditto what Mike Elliot said
❤️
Pegeen
Appreciate the reminder that there’s a hardworking Westporter behind all this important coverage. Done.
Dan, You are Westport to me……..always informative, always fun. I look forward to every post. Happy Birthday! The check is in the mail.
Dear Dan, you are best…cannot wait each morning to find out the ;latest of what is going on in Westport etc…..thank you with hugs, and HAPPY Birthday
well worth an annual donation! whether highlights or lowlights you report it all, and thankfully you may be the last reporting blog that actually has far more positivity than any other outlet in the world!!!! thanks for all you do Dan
Happy Birthday 06880‽ PayPal contribution is on its way to you!
Happy Bday, 06880! Dan, you and your blog are indispensable. Where would Westport and Westporters be without your hard work, your outreach, your sense of humor, and your nose for what’s important and/or entertaining. At a loss, that’s where. Thanks for all you do for us and our community.
All I can say is – Thanks. You know I’m a supporter of content with your efforts.
Dan, congratulations. You have become the one reliable and sustainable local news source in Town. You may not wish to make 06880 a subscription publication, but we readers should treat it as such and ‘subscribe’ with our donations. If we want to know what is happening in Westport and rely on 06880 we should pay for it. Thank you Dan for your dedication to the Town you obviously love.
Absolutely Dan! You are the man!
Happy 12th Anniversary! I so enjoy keeping up with my Weston/Westport area even after being away since 1981! I love reading your blog each day and look forward to my next visit to Westport and Weston- whenever that might be!
Only wish we had a Dan to do the same in Naples Florida!
Little present on the way!
Congratulations, Penny Lupton Love.
(John M. Lupton’s sister, he was former Staples graduate and President of his class)
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date with the goings on of Westport Dan!
Dan,
Of course!
Can’t wait till 06880’s “Bar Mitzvah” next year! — Scott
Scott, that definitely brought me my best laugh of the day. By the way, I wonder how many communities around the country are fortunate to have an “06880” type of blog. I imagine very few.
Already sent $, but have to add to and agree with the above. Ever since your Westport News column, I have enjoyed the connection you provide to my old home town. Not to mention what you provide for current and other past residents.
Thank you thank you thank you! 🐇🐇🐇
So glad you keep at it. It helps me feel connected even though living 3000 miles away. Contribution made!
Dan The Man! Thank you from a grateful community…
Almost a teenager! “Happy Birthday” and congrats – Thank you for all you do for Westport and beyond. Venmo sent!
Thanks to all! It’s been a busy day, but I appreciate each and every comment and donation. I love what I do, and I can’t imagine a better place to do it than here. Thanks for making this 12th birthday a great one.
Next year: I’m a teenager. And a bar mitzvah boy too?
Thank you for your daily updates. They’re very important to me. I love
hearing about everything you write about.
You inform. You inspire. And you rock!
Happy Birthday, 06880 !
THANK YOU DEAR DAN. . IN ADDITION TO THE COMMENTS ABOVE I GET GREAT VIBES WHEN I READ YOUR BLOGS. FROM MORNING TO NIGHT . .YOU ARE A TRUE TREASURE [ IN NEED OF A TREASURY] WITH LOVE AFFECTION. CARYL
Dan, you are a TREASURE!!
I check in with you daily and am thrilled to add my heart felt CONGRATULATIONS on your 12th anniversary as well as some well-deserved $$$! 😘
Sorry, I’m a day late to congratulate you on 06880DanWoog.com’s 12th Birthday. (It allowed someone to beat me to the “looking forward to your Bar Mitzvah next year” comment!!)
But it’s never too late to thank you for your wonderful daily, informative, interesting, quirky, heartwarming, supportive and indispensable Westport community blog.
And it is certainly our pleasure to help fund its continued postings.
Dan –what would Westport do without you?? Thanks for all your hard work on behalf of the town. I am very happy to contribute
Dan
Totally agree with all the comments before me. It seems as though the entire town appreciates your efforts. I know I do!
Glad you are my bro! I will keep contributing yearly (as I am sure hopeful most of your readers do!!)
5,000 to 80,000 check in daily without subscribing? Was this a typo? I am kind of appalled that only 41 comments were made to this posting. I wish 06880 a happy 12th anniversary. I think it’s your birthday also this month, like on the 27th. Happy birthday in advance. Dan, you do a phenomenal job. I am just astonished sometimes on how many subjects you cover and how widespread your knowledge is. Hey, did that crossword puzzle contest ever happen this year? I sure did miss your blog for about five months last year when I was in the hospital and rehab. Things really seemed back to normal when I could read your postings again. Thank you for being such a wonderful communicator. I haven’t lived in Westport since high school, but you really keep me informed all the time about what is happening, and I appreciate it greatly. Thank you.
Thanks, Barbara, for your great words — and welcome back!
That 5,000 to 8,000 can be many different types of people — those who click on when someone sends them a link, some who don’t want daily emails but check in on their own, etc. “Subscriptions” are those who receive it either every time I post, or once each morning.
However you read “06880”: thank you!
You said 5,000 to 80,000 in the post. So maybe it is 8,000. No matter. All of these people should be contributing and not freeloading. I wish you many contributions and a wonderful year ahead.
Hah! No one noticed that typo. I’ll fix it now. Thank you!