When I began blogging almost nine years ago I remember being asked what blogging was. I replied I was writing a magazine about me. And I suppose that is what I have been doing. Here there have been 2,516 posts and over there another 5,377. Most astoundingly to me are the 38,973 collective comments - beyond the filtered spam - that have been left by folks like you. I suppose I have read them all. I don't recall.
The end of the annual Christmas beery photo contest serves as something of a conclusion of the bloggy season in a way. It's good to reflect. To slow down for Yule and also think about the beer and blog connection. In one real sense, I have put my dedication to the fluid on display. Perhaps even my weakness to its call. I am not one to blindly boost good beer, after all, so much as to admit its grip - or, perhaps, only its deep abiding attraction. I don't really care about my right to good beer, the role of those slagged as neo-prohibitionists or even matters of snobby status. I don't think I have really discovered any truths. I don't want a job. I really just like the beer and like the regular discipline of writing about it.
So, away we go with the seasons. As we again turn slowly into the light of the sun as winter solstice passes with this longest night of the year, I will have beer and keep writing about it. I will enjoy it and I will think about it. I hope you do, too.
Comments
Ethan - December 21, 2011 10:48 PM
You are the Real Deal, Alan; have a wonderful Yuletide!
Alan - December 21, 2011 11:21 PM
Woooooooooooot! I think.
broadfordbrewer - December 22, 2011 5:03 AM
I read your blog but haven't commented before. As someone who's blog is only a few months old, a handful of blog posts and a smattering of comments I doth my cap to your efforts. I can only try and keep my blog going, although in reality I would happily trade it for my brewing dream to be fulfilled! Here's to a cheery beery season and keep up the top work!
Bailey - December 22, 2011 7:15 AM
Wow -- those numbers are something. Glad to note you're not having a crisis and talking about giving up blogging or anything crazy like that. We certainly always enjoy reading you, even when you're pointedly refusing to navel gaze...
Alan - December 22, 2011 7:40 AM
Quite the opposite, Bailey. The numbers speak mainly to habit. And when I think about moving on 9 years writing in this place about beer I usually wonder why I started so late. But then I recall the format didn't really exist.
Stan recently wrote about the important role of the editor. Amateur personal essays should need no such thing. I have worked with editors a couple of times and gave up any desire to make a habit of it, any pretense that I might make a living of this. I prefer to be to beer writing as the home brewer is to beer. Frankly, I wish some of the more ambitious would do likewise.
Rebecca - December 22, 2011 10:54 PM
I just found your blog a few weeks ago, and though the recent photo contest has been beautiful, informative, and entertaining, this post is the most inspiring.
"In one real sense, I have put my dedication to the fluid on display. Perhaps even my weakness to its call. I am not one to blindly boost good beer, after all, so much as to admit its grip - or, perhaps, only its deep abiding attraction."
I think that's the most eloquent way I've heard a love for beer phrased. In all seriousness. Great words, sir.