One year ago today, I started Pato News. Being a long time journal keeper, the thought of an online journal was fascinating to me. I had heard of bloggers and blogging, and thought it was the domain of the computer geeks and junkies. Being a junkie but far from an expert in computers, I figured it was beyond my capabilities.
I explored a bit and heard about Livejournal.com. So I started a Livejournal page. I was not real consistent in my posting and was at a low point in my life. I had left St Louis, pretty broke and facing the prospect that nearing 50, I was washed up as a Human Resource manager. Jobs, good ones, were scarce and went to the young and aggressive. I was old and burnt out.
My friend Connie had a friend and former colleague that worked for a company that ran 12 unit assisted living facilities. They needed live in managers, room and board provided plus a salary. I packed up to Maryville and did that until I almost went loony. My now defunct Livejournal entries chronicled that.
Seeking a more organized and functional format, I stumbled upon Xanga and created a Xanga blog for a while. That went pretty well until I realized Xanga was populated by creepy little teenagers and their nonsense. When a comment was left on a post about John Cage's composition "As Slow as Possible" saying "UR queer. Xanga is for teans" (sic), I realized it was time to move on.
So, on January 8, 2006, I created Pato News here on Blogspot. I have been pleased with the service and thrilled to have so many readers. I am amazed at how fast posts get referenced on Google and on other search engines. The vast majority of readers are led to Pato News through a search for something. I hope they find what they are looking for!
Blogging is good mental exercise and a good discipline. I posted something on 75% of the days available (276/365) in 2006. I am at the same pace in 2007.
Thanks to everyone who has read and visited, all 2500 or so of you. Look forward to more!
Monday, January 08, 2007
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1 comment:
Happy anniversary to you.
Happy anniversary to you.
Happy anniversary to Don and Pato News,
Happy anniversary to you!
Congratulations, Don, and my compliments on your excellent blog! I like your blog--and your kind of blog--because it contains thoughtful observations, some personal stories, and good writing. Also, it's not a place of endless political ranting, like some of the supposed "big name" blogs are. That sort of thing is amusing--for about a day or two--but my preference is for real blogs, written by real people, on topics of real (even if under-emphasized by the larger populace) importance rather than a mere commentary on the political issues du jour.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading your site for a long time!
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