I just recently past my 2,000th post on this blog. And, most of these are not throw away posts but original content.
I am not asking that you be proud of me or impressed. I am, however, impressed with myself for reasons you might not expect.
First, I have blogged for me and my interest in ways that I hope might help others, but primarily to interest myself. To keep me engaged. Hundreds of thousands have read my posts, but I think I would have done so even if it were only me readying my posts. In fact, before the Internet and blogging, I use to write down my thoughts on things like I cover on this blog, as well as business ideas, and just keep them in the top drawer of my desk.
Second, it is a chore. Sometimes it is a chore you do not want to do at the moment. But, most blogs result in a flurry of unimpressive posts about things like the directions to the courthouse, and then all updates end. Then, like most things, lawyers cry that blogging does not work. Well, it does. Like most things in life it takes time, patients and a general commitment and stick-to-it-ness for it to payoff.
Third, I am generally out of shape, but I image this is something like what a long distant runner feels. (Can you have a blogger's high)? The point is that you start off in a direction, you struggle with the commitment at times, often just feeling the pain but not the overall benefit, but you keep moving on. It is long term goal setting and you can always look back and be proud of yourself for continuing with it day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year.
Fourth, life is really serendipitous. Most things start out as an act of faith. You do not know where this is leading, or where it will take you, or if it will ultimately pay off in some way. You can fret yourself out of it if you are not careful. But, you do it because something in you says you have to. Even if it makes no sense to others, or your children think you are a little weird.
This is not my practice blog. It is just one of those things that interest me for whatever slightly strange or perverted reason. Kind of like my enjoyment of trying to find the perfect green olive or blue cheese, or my lack of basis for wanting to build a digital title plant, or trying to figure out in my mind (if nowhere else for now) how to build dirt cheap, cool and quick housing (you know in a George Jetson kind of way). I am not sure where this interest comes or how it get in my mind. Is it a gift or a ministry or a curse of some sort? Who knows really. All I know is that if I do not do it, I am not overly satisfied. I do it for me, but I have very much appreciated you coming along for part of the ride.
Add other blogs on which I have participated, and I do not know how many posts are out there in Googleland. And, this does not count Twitter and Facebook. Frankly, it does not include Basecamp, which is nothing more than a glorified blog on which I conduct and maintain my practice.
I do not consider this the finish line. But also, I am considering some changes ahead as to this blog.
Thanks everyone.
I am certainly proud of you! More than just this blog -- I am thankful for all that you and Mom have done for me and the rest of us silly children. =) We are so thankful to have such wonderful parents!!!
Posted by: Mary Wingfield | December 03, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Congratulations! I sorta think I "discovered" you, but I know that others have, too!
There are times when you have inspired me with your postings, there are times when you have informed me about certain niche practices I had no idea existed, and there are times when I really do not understand a certain obsession (the title company thing) you have.
Regardless, I am happy to call you "friend".
Posted by: Corinne A. Tampas | December 03, 2010 at 05:48 PM
Congratulations, Chuck. As a fellow blogger; though I couldn't put myself in such longterm company as yourself; I'm amazed at your consistency and quality. Here's hoping for another 2000!
Posted by: Jay Moffitt | December 03, 2010 at 09:45 PM
I've enjoyed getting to know you...blogger to blogger.
Posted by: Peter Olson | December 04, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Belated congrats Chuck. You are a powerhouse, always delivering some of the best quality online and managing to avoid any of the nastiness besides. I look forward to the next 2000 posts.
Posted by: Carolyn Elefant | December 06, 2010 at 02:55 PM
Congratulations. I really enjoy reading this.
Posted by: Trip | December 08, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Oh hell!!! You are just too cool man. I never knew that there could be something better to know about than from this piece of article. I shall have this forwarded to all my friends and even my dad, I am sure they too shall enjoy reading this piece.
Posted by: Kamagra | December 15, 2010 at 04:42 AM
Congrats Chuck! Because of you, I had one heckuva start in solo private practice.
However, watch out. I'm gaining ground. In 1927 more posts, and I'll be tied with you.
Posted by: Eric L. Mayer | December 15, 2010 at 11:43 PM