Nearly 2700 posts. More than 31,000 comments. Much laughter. Some frustration. A little genuine anger.
The day was half gone before I realized that today is the fourth anniversary of the birth of my blog, Right Wing Nuthouse. I have told the story of why I started it before so if you wish to know, go back to other September 23rd posts. I have thanked everybody before who had a hand in whatever little success I have enjoyed as a blogger-writer. They know they are and so do I. The short list begins with Ed Morrissey, goes through Glenn Reynolds, and ends up with Allah and Michelle Malkin.
There are dozens of others – some of whom aren’t even blogging anymore. And some are no longer supporters. Being a presence on the internet for 4 years guarantees making enemies – both right and left. I can honestly say I never consciously picked a fight with anyone. And some of those fights – whether they were between me and another blogger or more often, a commenter – mystify me to this day.
But I’ve found there are some people who will deliberately choose to interpret what you write a certain way just so that they can fight with you. Longtime readers of this site know that these blog tussles have been few and far between because I think they are petty and useless. Believe me, I’ve had plenty of opportunities but have passed on around 95% of them. I’ve usually had better things to do than engage in stupid, useless, back-and-forths over some minor supposed insult I’ve given.
Looking back over the last four years, there is plenty to be grateful for and some things to be sorry about. I am grateful that my writing has been recognized in a small corner of the internet and am now making a fairly decent living exclusively as a result of the success of this blog. And I am sorry for some of my more intemperate and angry posts where a judicious use of the “delete” button or a vigorous red pen should have been employed.
But that’s blogging, people – raw, immediate, personal, and as honest as one can dare to be. I have tried not to shave my positions on issues to go along with the crowd. If I believe differently than most on a certain issue, I try to say so. But no one is perfect nor is anyone completely honest about everything. In the end, I have to face the fellow in the mirror who stares back at me and frankly, I take great pride in being able to say that even when I’m wrong or wrong headed, it is not out of design or calculation but because I try to be honest with myself about what I believe.
This is what I owe to you, the readers of this site. It is what I hope keeps bringing you back. I won’t win any web popularity contests. I won’t win any prizes for being a great journalist or scholar, or thinker, or commentator. But at the end of the day, if I’ve made you pause and see things briefly from my point of view and caused you to examine your own thoughts about an issue, then I am content.
Rick Moran
Proprietor
4:22 pm
Hi Rick,
I am one of those that linked to your missives early and often and I am also one of those that has left the blogging world for a respectable living (just kidding, sort of). I just wanted to thank you for your continuing contribution to the “conversation” and wish you another successful 4 years!
BTW: You can take the link to my old blog (SOCALPUNDIT) off of your blogroll. If I do ever start another blog, I won’t be calling it that!
6:07 pm
Happy blogoversary.
Here it to many more years of the Right Wing Nuthouse.
Cheers
6:35 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RICK
You are absolutely, positively, the BOMB
I think I have to send the Nuthouse a birthday present. And Happy Birthday to Sue too
6:46 pm
Happy blogiversary, Rick.
7:02 pm
Rick, I am not here too often, but every time I get here, you have something to say that I actually have to think about before I comment. I don’t always agree with you, but I have never found your opinions to be nonsensical, or boring. And every once in a while, you write something so unexpected that I have to read it a couple of times to make sure I understand what you are saying. I like that in a blogger. Congrats on four years, and God bless you and your family.
7:58 pm
rick,
here is to you, sue, and of course the next hopeful president SNOWBALL!! thanks for everything and keep it coming.
cheers,
8:51 pm
From a long time reader who seldom comments (here or on any blog), thanks for everything!
Here’s to four more years and well beyond. Congrats.
9:13 am
We OWE you too Rick. Even when I don’t agree with you, you make me think. How bad can that be!
7:02 am
Congratulations upon four years of sucking ass, and of spitting out predictable Republican rhetoric.