“I really like ‘06880,’” a woman said. “But you write too many stories.”
You don’t have to read them all! I thought. That’s what the “Delete” button is for!
“06880” is nearing its 16th birthday. Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of complaints.
This man does not always smile at the feedback he receives.
Sometimes, people ask why I did not cover something I wrote about the day before. Or the previous week. Or month.
“I know it’s your blog,” many of them begin. “But …”
Then comes a comment, about something. Anything. Or everything.
They say I should ban certain commenters.
I should let commenters use aliases, or comment anonymously.
I should write more about some topic. Or less.
Yes, it is my blog.
But it’s also yours.
“06880” belongs to its readers. On any given day, there are up to 20,000 of you.
Many live in Westport. Some have been here all their lives: 15, 30, 50, 60 years. Others moved in during COVID. Or yesterday.
Many other readers do not live here. Some are in Weston. Some are much further away — across the US, and beyond.
“06880” has readers in Westport, New Zealand. They’re not lost … just interested in our town.
Some grew up here, then moved away. Some have other connections, like parents whose adult children live here. They want to know what their “kids” and grandkids are up to.
As one year ends, and a new one begins, this is a good time to take a look at where “06880” is, and where it should be going.
So: What do you like about “06880”?
What don’t you like?
What should I cover more? What should I cover less?
What new features would you like to see? Are there any I should dump?
“06880” also has a mission to build community. Last year we introduced a Summer Soundview Stroll. With the help of the Westport Downtown Association, we kicked up the Holiday Stroll several notches.
A small part of the large Soundview Stroll crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)
We continue to raise funds — over $300,000 so far — for Lyman, our Ukrainian sister city, and for other worthy causes.
We were a sponsor of the holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge, and have organized 2 “Historic Homes of Westport” tours.
What other projects would you like us to undertake?
Is there anything else I (and my board of directors) need to know?
Just email 06880blog@gmail. com.
Or click “Comments” below. If you do, of course use your full, real name.
That’s one thing that’s not gonna change.