JMUSB First Birthday Charity Pledge
I’m not sure if this is an anniversary or a birthday, but the first JMUSB post ever was made one year ago tomorrow. You’ll notice that the very first comment on that very first post closed with this little bit of friendly advice, “Let’s hope it gets better from here.” At least we knew someone was reading.
The past 12 months have been a real thrill for us. I can’t speak for Todd, but my excitement for starting the blog was definitely overshadowed by my paranoia that nobody would ever read it, or worse, that tons of people would read it only to tell us how bad it was. By some stroke of luck people have read it, thousands of people actually. And with the notable exception of Liberty fans, I think it’s safe to say that most of you understand that we’re doing this not because we claim to be experts on JMU sports, but simply because it’s a lot of fun. And it really is a ton of fun.
Todd and I definitely wrote a few posts that were forgetable, but there were others that we’ll remember for a while. Todd’s Mike’s Chevron post and our Best Eats Bracket series of posts were neat for us. While both were admittedly wierd, they clicked with some new readers who thankfully have decided to stick around. Our simple post about a throwaway line in one of Arthur Moats’ pre-draft interviews got linked in SI.com’s Hot Clicks and ended up getting more views than every other post we had written to that point combined. And finally the preview of Tech game was my personal favorite because I got to be a total smart ass and make a ridiculous prediction for a JMU win. Then somehow the Dukes miraculously won the game providing the true highlight of the year for every JMU fan on the planet.
We are enormously grateful, and quite frankly kind of amazed, that so many people read the blog. In order to show our appreciation we’re going to make a donation to charity in the name of JMUSB. To be precise, we’ll be donating to Autism Speaks. There are tons of worthy causes and charities, this just happens to be one that means something to us. My cousin has autism as do the children of several friends. Additionally, both of our wives work in the school system and do a lot of work with children with autism and aspergers. Autism Speaks is an outstanding charity and we really encourage you to support them. In fact, if you make a donation online between now and Christmas, please email us the receipt at jmusportsblog@gmail.com. Do that and we’ll go ahead and match all donations until we reach a total of $500.
The blog has attracted a lot more readers than we ever thought it would and we just figured if even a small number of you donate 5 or 10 bucks each, it could add up. We’re not going to pressure anyone and we understand that times are tough and lots of you can’t donate, support other worthy causes, or simply aren’t interested. That’s completely fine. We just thought we’d take a flyer and see if we could get a few folks to support an organization that does a lot of good. We promise not to beat you over the head with this or continually beg for donations. We’ll let you know if anyone takes us up on the offer though and post the totals after Christmas.
Thanks again for reading. We sincerely appreciate it.
Cheers on Year 1, fellas. The rise of JMUSB is one of the coolest things Mr. Irrelevant has ever been kinda sorta involved with. Here’s to many more!
Thanks Jamie. We can’t thank you enough for letting us start by posting on Mr. Irrelevant. We actually can’t believe you risked letting us destroy your blog in 300 words or less. And it’s no exaggeration to say that without your encouragement, we’d still be talking about starting a blog, instead of actually doing it.
Never commented here, but wanted to drop in and say congrats on your first year. Subscribed the first time I saw your blog. You guys do a great job of keeping me up to date!
Agreed, good work. Definitely enjoy reading up on football and hoops.
Happy 1 year. I love the charity and hope you reach $500. Tis the season to give.
The world’s most famous “Stamping” Blog, http://www.paperlicious.typepad.com, explained to me that it’s a “blogaversary.” Thanks JB! If you don’t know what stamping is, I do not recommend clicking over unless your looking for “double post ignore” items. It’s unbelievable how blogging basically takes dorks (us) and turns them into uberdorks.
I second the thanks to Jamie!
Special thanks to readers CoachPriz, Uncle Ron, Dukie95, jmusuperfan2000, jmurugby, Bio, and Landeta for all the support. (and to the Boards community for not crushing us)
Congrats on 1 year. This is really a great informal way to keep up with JMU Sports, especially since the major sports sites don’t do a very good covering our beloved Dukes. Cheers to another great year and beyond.
THANKS so much for thinking of Chris when deciding on autism as your cause to support!!
i don’t give a rat’s about college sports (alas–just ask my husband) but i luv joan bardee’s blog even if she is a lawyer. this morning she says hi and says autism speaks is a good outfit. i contributed. i am also sending solicitations to my neighbors to give to fight autism. my grandson has a very mild form of it. time to pony up, dudes.
oh Loni, that is so sweet of you!!!
Congrats on the success guys!
-Bobby C/O ’07
Happy blogaversary! Joan sent me.
Good going. Congrats on your blogaversary.
Joan says hi.
Happy blogaversary. Joan sent me, and I will be back.
Best wishes! Joan sent me!
Happy blogaversary! Joan sent me here, too. Isn’t she wonderful?
One year and still posting strong. Congrats.
I’m a stamper in Hawaii who reads Joan’s blog. Congrats and what a great idea to help Autism Speaks!