This week, “06880” turns 17 years old.
Whether you remember that first post or discovered us yesterday, we hope you enjoy our 5 a.m. lead story; the morning Roundup and evening Pic of the Day; features like Unsung Heroes, Friday Flashback, online art gallery and Photo Challenge, plus breaking news and much more, throughout the day.
“06880” is your 24/7/365 hyper-local, full-service blog. We haven’t missed a day since we began, way back in 2009.
Here’s an important question: How much do you pay for this service?
From the beginning, “06880” has followed the NPR model. We rely on your support, at whatever level you feel comfortable. (Click here to skip the rest of this appeal, and contribute directly.)
Some readers pay $50, $100 or $365 a year. A few pay more.
Some contribute $10, $20 or $30 a month.
Several “06880” readers donate through personal foundations. Others give matching grants, through their employers.
The vast majority of readers, though, give nothing.
They read “06880” every day. They love it. But for whatever reason — forgetfulness, not realizing our funding model, the thrill of getting something for nothing — they don’t contribute to Westport’s most popular source of news, events, features, profiles, history, and bad parking jobs.
Reader support allows “06880” to survive and thrive. It pays for internet hosting, computer software and IT help, insurance, freelancers — and the salary of the founder and executive editor, yours truly.
I’m 17. Well, my blog is, anyway. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
“06880” is a labor of love. For 17 years I’ve researched, written, edited, taken and cropped photos, monitored the comments section, and answered your emails.
Along the way I’ve posted over 20,200 stories. I’ve publicized your organizations and fundraisers; helped you through blizzards and hurricanes; written about you and your kids; made you smile, cry, think and act.
With “06880”‘s growth, this is now my full-time, 8- to 10-hour-a-day, 7 days a week job.
So whether you’re a loyal supporter (thank you so much!), an occasional contributor (ditto!), or one who (ahem) prefers to spend all your money elsewhere — thanks for reading this far.
This is our annual fundraising appeal. Now just read a little bit further, to learn how to contribute to your favorite — and several times daily — hyper-local blog.
As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, we offer tax-deductibility to the extent allowed by law. In addition to individual contributions, we can accept corporate matching funds, and foundation grants.
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 “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
We’re also on Venmo: @blog06880
You can even scan this QR code:
Whichever method you choose: Thank you!
And tomorrow we go back to our regular programming.
As ever, there are no words to describe the breadth and depth of what Dan brings to his 12,000+ readers.
If you are reading this, there really is no good excuse not to send ‘06880’ something … today.
Use Zeffy so you receive 100% of your donations!!! It takes minutes to activate!!
Thanks, Dan for all you do – every day. We are so lucky to have you.
Dan, As President of the “Dan Woog Fan Club” ( Maryland Division) I congratulate you on your accomplishments! Would you consider a First Selectman run?
Dear God, no!
We all love you Dan and thank you for all your hard work 💚❤️🩷💜👩🎨
Congratulations Dan!! Look forward to your words every day. It’s a great column. And yes, time for me to put some more money in the mail.
done! you deserve it! you’re our local hero.
thank you for all your hard work, and the important and valuable contribution you make to our community.
Every year when you post 06880.org’s birthday I am surprised that 06880 is a teenager! Having lived in Westport for 40 years, it seems that 06880 has always been there – like the library, the arts center, the post office, fire and police departments, the beaches and downtown- it is that essential, that informative and that much fun. Are you sure we weren’t reading you in the late 80’s? Other towns have blogs that inform, but I don’t know any that do it the way you do – with heart, clear love for Westport and covering every possible subject, event, celebration, crisis, etc that goes on. 06880 is essential and a treasure of the town. Bravo on turning 17 – I hope everyone who is connected through 06880 supports you ($$$) today! Happy Birthday🥳🎁
Congratulations on your 17th birthday! You’re my first stop every morning and oftentimes my last! You provide all the valuable information that Westporters require. Here’s to many more years of 06880!
Ditto to everything, everyone has said already!!