FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Today marks my one year on FanNation. A year ago, I was sitting at this very desk, bored at my job and saw a link for some NFL story (I forget which one) that I could comment on. After posting that initial comment, I forgot this site existed for a week, until I posted a comment about a kid who signed with the Jets as an Undrafted Free Agent. That comment is still on my profile. Anyway, some thousands of comments later and now 83 blogs later (plus one forfeited TD) I am celebrating my year.

The funny thing is that I never expected to be on this site as much as I have been. I didn't even think I would blog. Phatdragon (a user I am sure isn't even on this site anymore) begged me to blog. So did Esco, who was one of my first friends on this site. Actually, I have to thank Esco. He nominated me for the Hall Of Fame after only two blogs and the outrage that my nomination received, urged me to step my game up. Although, I respectfully bowed out of the situation, I can't lie that if I was nominated again, I would be real happy about it. I consider Esco like a younger me, so I really have to let him know that I thank him for encouraging me to get on my grind and do the best that I can on this site.

I also have to thank RUGator. RU spreads such a positive message to all members of FanNation, but it's the fanmails that we share between each other that really keeps me going. I feel like he knows exactly where I am in my life right now, and that he has gone through the same experiences help me to know that it's not all bad. Admittedly, I can be a bit of a complainer so it helps to have someone that can put it all in perspective. Once again, thanks for everything RUGator.

To Djroxalot: Man, thanks. You actually pushed me too. I remember you fanmailing me about participating in throwdowns, and when I told you why I won't do that, you respected it. Now, we e-mail each other and probably going to have a good ole time when you make it out here to the NYC. I started on this thing, as someone who wanted to make no personal contact with anyone and you changed my perspective on that. So, thanks for it all. Remember that the beer is one me.

To Thugmeister, Oso, Hllywd, and DCSportsNut I have to say one big collective thanks. I admire you guys' work and dedication to this thing. I have to admit, I studied you guys before I started writing. Actually I admire a lot of people here. Even those people who I have problems with, I admire because even though through the power of the internet we can't see each other, it does take some courage to come on here and spout an opinion that may not be a popular one. Some of the commenters here can be pretty vicious, and to take a verbal onslaught day in and day out kind of shows some balls. That's a bit impressive, if you ask me.

So, it's been a year. Like this blog it's been one rambling, yet sentimental occasion. What started out as nothing, became an addiction. I'm enjoying the ride for all it's worth.

As always, thanks for reading.