I’ve been really tied up in lots of things lately, and I’m sorry I haven’t been keeping up with my blogging. In fact, I just wanted to stop for a moment and talk to the people that really matter to me, and who I haven’t really connected with as much lately. I want to say thank you.
I’m truly sorry for that.
Kevin, Megin, Becky, Ben — You’re all amazing! Thanks for running Grasshopper New Media without me barely popping my head in. If you didn’t know it, these four (and several wonderful contributors whom I also love) have made wonderful work without my help for several months. I thought I’d find a way to run everything very well and still do my other work, but I’ve not yet adjusted to the new job, and I’ve let Grasshopper suffer the most for it. I’m sorry, and yet, thanks. Because you’re doing interesting and meaningful work. Thank you.
Chris & Bryper- You and I have so much work to do, and I’m excited for every bit of it. I’m looking forward to PodCamp Boston 2 (and lots of the other events), and I’m really grateful for our brief IMs. I like hanging out with you online, and I look forward to meeting up in person again. Ditto Steve Garfield for Boston 2, and MMOTV.
Jon, Rob, Michael S, Paul — Thanks for being such great, spiritual people. I’ve enjoyed your counsel, your kindness, your friendship and your insights. You all four have done a great job of giving organized religion a better name in my book. I’ve particularly liked the phone calls and Skypes. Very nice, indeed. Jon- you are an inspiration nearly daily.
Rob and Megin – You get a second entry because as a family, you’ve been the host of several of the most relaxing, best family-related experiences of this year. Thank you for that. I love your family, and I have such a great time having the occasional dozen beverages with Rob while grilling on your deck.
Michael & Persch — Something about the PodCamp, PME, Video on the Net, and PodCamp Pittsburgh thing has me putting you two together as soldiers in this space all trying to make it all turn out. I’m excited about 2007 for all of you. I have enjoyed hanging out with all of you and count you as friends that I hope do well, and count on.
Whit– If I had half the energy of you, I’d still be 30000 watts shy. You are astounding, endless, boundless. I can’t believe the amazing ideas and thoughts and feelings and sentiment you put into everything. You’re clearly 200% of a human for all that you manage to do in a day.
Courtney, Dale, Laura, John C. H, Podcampers I might miss by mistake — Our conversations in and outside of events, including taking tours of NYC, hanging out at breakfast meetups, and wherever else we’ve gone. Those matter to me a ton.
The new media community at large- amazing. You’re all amazing I love hanging out with the Eric Skiffs, the C.C. Chapmans, the Bryan Person (king of New Comm Road), Steve Garfield. I’m loving getting to know Steve Woolf and Zadi, Casey & Rudy, Hayden, and others. Julien Smith is a god. I’m grateful for the Canadians like Uncle Seth and company. Scriggity! Drew Olanoff and the team at PolariTV are really poised to knock stuff over in 2007, too. MARK DAY! Total riot. Thank you to Dr. Pascal Venier, a GTD hero.
Justin and Jim — I dont have many guy friends that I like to call and just bullsh!t with, or crack silly jokes, or talk seriously about things that concern me. For whatever reason, I feel like I can call you guys, share what’s going on, and get the sense that we’re in this together. I’m grateful for that, and man.. there are just too many stories already. Thank you.
Jeff and some of my new colleagues — I’m loving this opportunity. It’s drinking from the fire hose, but I’m loving the chance to do it all. Thanks, and then some. Really really. Especially Stu Milberg. You’ve been great! (A.L.)
If you’re still reading, thank YOU. If I didn’t call you out by name, I probably love you, too. I’m tired.
More to come in a “year in review” type post later on.