99th Blog Post: Thank You Everyone

This is my 99th blog post. To all you blogging veterans this probably makes me a blogging toddler (bloddler?). But we all have to start somewhere, and I'm honored that I've joined a group of people whom I admire deeply and have the greatest respect for. 

Here's some of what I've learned since I wrote my first post last year:

• Content rules.
• Strategy is critical, but content trumps strategy.
• RSS rocks.
• Blogging is a lot of work.
• Blogging can be very satisfying, which makes the hard work worth it.
• Don't be afraid to take some risks, but don't be stupid about it either.
• Stand behind your work.
• Roll with the punches.
• Admit when you've made a mistake and correct it as soon as possible.
• Apologize if you've overstepped your bounds.
• Show respect for your fellow bloggers and they'll reward you in innumerable ways.
• Remember that the written word can sound harsher than it's intended to.
• Along with the potential influence bloggers have comes a great responsibility.

To everyone who has linked to me or commented on my blog, a very big thank you. And no, I'm not trying to ingratiate myself to anyone..., but I want to say a special thanks to these folks who've had a particular influence on me, although I'm sure they don't know it (and since I know you all love links, here's one for everyone):

• John, your ability to write in a personal, down-to-earth style makes your blog very approachable, which I'm convinced is part of its great appeal.
• Kami, you make it look so easy, which is a real gift. 
• Mack, you're a true talent, and your blog is one of the first stops I make every day.
• Neil, you've proven there's no such thing as an "Extra."
• Rick, I'm so glad we reconnected after TC Williams. Thanks for your support and here's to another 10 years. 
• Sam and Serge, thanks for being my blog buddies and for always making me laugh.
• Scott, you're a master at strategy and always back it up with great content, and aren't afraid to take a risk when you feel its important.
• Steve, thanks for giving me my first real link.

Thanks also to those who've allowed me to comment on your blogs.

And finally, thanks to everyone else who has stopped by, but for one reason or another decided to stay in the background. 

I hope to be around for a long time. I know you'll all let me know when I do something right, when I mess up and when I'm right on track.

Thanks again, everyone, for letting me participate.

Comments

[Serge Cornelus]

Dat is heel graag gedaan. Don't know if there is a site where you'll find this phrase in a couple of hundreds of languages, but it is nevertheless from the heart. And besides: with your knowledge of German, you should be able to understand it quite easily. For the rest: keep blogging!

[Kami Huyse]

Andrea;

I agree with Serge, that was very well said. Or, as we say it in English, what a nice thing to say, thanks.

BTW, are you Flemish Serge?

Anyway, congratulations on your big 99! I like your style. I think we strarted posting at about the same time, so we are in the same class in blogging "school" :-)

[John Wagner]

Andrea:

Thanks for the kind words ... I am honored to be included in your list.

Every now and then, I see a new PR blog and I just somehow know that it's going to be one of my favorites. I think it's a connection with the writing, and subject matter that differs slightly from what everyone else is writing about.

I felt that way about your blog, from the first time I landed here. Congrats on your 99th post ... keep up the great work.

[Mack Collier]

Andrea thanks for the kind words, I think I need to let you be my recruiter ;) I also check New Millenium PR every morning, you're off to a great start, and this blog is definitely a prime example to those that are wanting to start a new blog and see it grow!

[scott]

Thank you, Andrea. I've enjoyed our talks and wish you all the best!

[Sam Smith]

Many happy returns Andrea (that's what I've had each time I check my aggregator and there's a new post from you). Keep up the great work

And just to keep the foreign language theme going Llongyfarchiadau Penblwydd Hapus 99 Millennium PR(not quite correct I know but I couldn't work out the Welsh for '99th blog post' so birthday will have to do)

[Serge Cornelus]

Yes Kami, I am Flemish. But the www being ww, I thought I might as well post/comment in English. The name Huyse is, btw, a name that is quite common in this part of the world. Especially in the Kortrijk area, which is in the south of West-Flanders. Sometimes it is also spelled Huysse. I've just checked and it apparently comes from 'Van Nieuwenhuyse' and other similar names, which refer to a location with a lot of new houses... (vague, I know). Any chance of Flemish ancestors?

[Kami Huyse]

As we have discussed at my blog, it is because it is Flemish indeed. My husband was born and raised in Belgium. I married into the name :-) There is a "Huyse" house in Damme. "Huyse de Grote Sterre Damme"