Birthdays Abound

First off, I just realized that on July 16th, this blog turned three. I didn't give it a proper celebration, so I figured I'd at least say a few words.

I often tell people that the most interesting things that have happened to me over the last three years have happened as a result of this site. Normally they laugh. But when I explain, it tends to make much more sense. Here are three quick examples:

Sometime in May I get an email asking me if I might like to come out to Montana to give a talk. When I eventually found out what happened, it turned out that my good friend Max had suggested me and after checking out my blog Mike thought I would be a perfect fit. I ended up going out to Montana, talking about power laws and having a fantastic time doing something I never would have expected.
I first ran into Johanna in the comments section to a post Russell Davies wrote about likemind. She mentioned she was moving up to NYC and was going to stop by likemind. She did, we became friends and then when it was time for me to find a new job she was one of the people who got an email . . . one thing turns to another and I've now been with Naked NY for five months.
Almost exactly a year ago I wrote a very simple entry: "Lately I've had a desire to meet some people from the blog world in person. So, if you're a reader of this blog and live or are visiting the NYC area, drop me a line and we'll get coffee or a drink." That was it (well it actually said "That's all for now. Talk to you later." as well). A few days later I got an email from Piers saying we should grab a coffee. Eventually the chain turned into start a coffee morning, then call it likemind, then stick up a website and invite others. Now, one year later, that little idea that started with a 50 word post that got one response (thanks Piers!) is in 32 cities around the world.

The bottom line is that I'm overwhelmed by the power of this medium. Those three stories are by no means isolated incidents, they don't speak to the hundreds (literally) of new friends that have come as either a direct or indirect result of this site. To say it's changed my life would be an understatement.

So I just want to say thank you. When I look at the number of people who subscribe to the site I am tickled pink. Same for when someone comments here, I am absolutely amazed that people take their own time to contribute to my world and I can't tell you all how appreciative I am. It means an incredible amount that such brilliant people chose to spend their time interacting with both the site and myself. So thanks to all of you.

Last, but not least, that offer still stands: If you're around NYC and want to grab a coffee, drop me a line. Or, just show up at likemind (or the likemind birthday party on July 20th if you happen to be around).

Thanks again and happy birthday to NoahBrier.com and likemind.