ConBlog’s Third Blogiversary!…

Happy blogiversary to me!
Happy blogiversary to me!
Happy blogiversary Dear ConBlog!
Happy blogiversary to me!!
Arise and draw nigh, all ye denizens of ConBlog Nation! It is time for us to celebrate!
Where does time go?
Three years ago, I started this blog out of sheer frustration. I was tired of the all-out assault on my views by liberal media outlets. I wanted to exercise my voice and I wanted to do so using the technology that was available. I didn’t care if only one person was reading the site back then. That was all I needed to feel as though I’d accomplished something.
Today, it’s not just one person reading. It’s not even just a thousand people reading. It’s thousands. Now, I know I’m not a huge blog. I’m a medium to small player in the Blogosphere. I have no delusions about who I am or my place in the world. The fact that I have thousands readers on a monthly basis continues to amaze and inspire me.
I’m not a full-time blogger. By that, I mean that I do not have the ability to blog all day long about topics that come up. My full-time employer has very strict and stringent internet access policies, and personal blogs are not on the “approved” list. That leaves me with evenings–when I’m not trying to have a life–and the result is what you see here on the site. I don’t get to comment on everything and, honestly, I don’t think you’d want me to. I comment on the things that I think are a little more important than others or, at times, maybe just a little funnier.
I’ve used this quote with a friend today, and I think it describes ConBlog pretty well:
“People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, OK? They come to Chotchkie’s for the atmosphere and the attitude. That’s what the flair’s about. It’s about fun.”
People can go anywhere for analysis and political blogs. I’d like to think that ConBlog, in addition to being “about fun,” also covers some pretty serious topics. I don’t need you to agree with me 100% of the time. Hell, I don’t want you to agree with me 100% of the time. (If you do, I seriously question your ability to function in society because, Lord knows, I question my own. LOL) Regardless, I do it in my own fashion which is probably more pithy than it ought to be at times, but that’s just who I am.
My goal is to make you think about a given topic, and maybe even a bit differently than you did before. If that thought is 180 degrees out of phase with what I write, then that’s great—I’ve still accomplished my goal. My ulterior motive is to use my voice to get you to use yours. Be it in writing, or conversation or even at the voting booth. We all win when you use your voice.
Speaking of using voices, I’ll be using mine pretty soon in the debut of the ConBlog Nation Podcast. I’m putting together the format and the bumps now and hope to debut it soon. So many people do podcasts and, well…some of them are entertaining but pretty dry. Details and downloads should be available soon, so keep an eye out for the inaugural edition!
I always have goals for the site considering the upcoming year, and this year is no different. In addition to the podcast, I hope to branch ConBlog out in to some different venues. The year we just finished has seen sparring with a former CBS News reporter, substantive discussion with a successful author and Fulbright Fellow and two almost-appearances on ABC and CNN. It is my hope that this year, in addition to general growth on the blog, sees some live debates (in person, that is), some tv that is in the works and some exclusive interviews with potential Presidential primary participants.
All good, good stuff. As usual, details will be released as they become available.
Of course, none of this would be possible without all of you. I am truly grateful for each and every person that comes to this site, regardless of whether they agree or disagree. It is my sincerest hope that you continue to come back for “the flair.” Thank you for being here and thank you for participating in my little slice of our democratic society. You are the most integral part of this site’s success and that’s apparent to me every single day.
Here’s to year four, friends! Happy blogiversary to us!
William Smith
ConservativeBlogger.com