India’s Republic Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Indian constitution. It is an annual gazetted holiday in India on January 26. (From timeanddate.com)
To my fellow bloggers from India I wish you a happy day and celebrate the contributions of your great nation to the world. To my followers from India I salute you for your contributions to the blogosphere and your friendship.
I am not a journalist but I am a blogger and therefore share a brother and sisterhood of those who are keeping us all informed about the world around us. When you attack a journalist who is an essential part of our democracy then you undermine society. Bloggers, journalists, writers, reporters are all a part of keeping the shadows of the world illuminated so that no one can do nefarious things that can harm people.
The notion of fake news is a subjective one but there are a lot of news outlets who are doing the hard work of reporting the facts. Sure journalists are human and they don’t always get things right but more times than not they are accurate and factual. Without them we don’t know whats going on out there. So to those who are on the front lines in the news gathering business you have my support.
A couple of bloggers recently mentioned my blog in their blogs and I was very honored to be among great company. I have been mentioned by other bloggers too and I thank them for their interest in what I do.
I’ll be very disappointed if Tony isn’t as great of a guy as I think he is. His posts are so unassuming and his humor strikes me in the right way. I’ve enjoyed my connection with this blogger and I would suggest his website to any new WordPress user.
Blogger of the Year:Tony Burgess
When I first saw Tony’s blog I was at a loss, his posts were short, and at the time I would have called them status updates more than I would blog posts. But for over a year I have followed him to work, enjoyed delicious dinners with he and his amazing wife. I have gone to the movies with him, and enjoyed the sites of (one of my favorite spots in Tennessee) Chattanooga all from the comforts of my couch in my living room. Tony is active in supporting his followers, and feels more like a friend and less like just another subscription on your blog wall. He is your break from monotonous poetry and overstated advice columns, he is real, authentic, and a breath of fresh air. He is the guy, that everybody knows his name, you find some exotic new blog that’s way off the beaten path, chances are you will find his comments there too.
One thing about my blog is that I post about the world around me and what is going on in my head. Having come from Tumblr I have taken the concept of smaller, shorter posts here so you can visit, read and get on to the next post of mine or someone else. I want to thank Jess and Jason among others who have appreciated my brand of blogging.
Four things I would advise any blogger to do and none of these things is rocket science or brain surgery.
Post frequently – It builds an audience and keeps your skills sharp
Be authentic – Be yourself
Be the star of their own blog – Your blog is about you first
This has been a challenging year for many and a time of great loss for the global cultural community. Many of our icons and heroes have left us. Some of us have had personal situations that have tested us. We have seen political and national unrest. Life is about to get more interesting as we head into 2017.
No matter our situation we have comfort in holding close to the things that truly matter such as family, friendship and faith. In the coming year we have to come together to make a difference individually and collectively. Our world needs us now more than ever.
As bloggers we have an obligation to decrease the suck we see in the world. Our global outreach can make a true difference. No matter what we have a passion for we have to share it so others can be see the light.
My friends I wish you nothing but the best and as we look into the new year we will see great opportunities to do good things because the bad stuff will keep coming. Grace and peace everyone. Have a very Happy New Year.
I am not a journalist but I am a blogger and therefore share a brother and sisterhood of those who are keeping us all informed about the world around us. When you attack a journalist who is an essential part of our democracy then you undermine society. Bloggers, journalists, writers, reporters are all a part of keeping the shadows of the world illuminated so that no one can do nefarious things that can harm people.
The Tony Burgess Blog 