I entered the blogosphere on August 27, 2011 and here we are after 230 posts, 849 comments, countless words and ideas presented and three years later to the day.

But these numbers are just dry stats that don’t begin to tell the real story. The real story revolves around the community of people who gather here week after week to share the common love of a craft that brings something good into all our lives.

To give you a sense of how real this community is, last Saturday I exchanged a series of emails with Matt Mathews about the content of TMC 07. He offered a specific comment about that edition and I asked questions of his experience with the material. The fact that I as a writer, can communicate directly with a reader of my work was, I hope, as gratifying for him as it was for me.

Another example? Via this work I’ve come to know Simon Dunkley of Great Britain. We’ve corresponded extensively and Simon is an unabashed fan of TMC. So much so, that he volunteered to do a final proofread of the volumes before publication. His skill has unquestionably added value to the work and I’m humbled by his willingness to help. And, as a true Brit, he’ll be properly embarrassed by this commentary.

I could continue on about the growing number of friendships from around the world with people I would never have known without this blog. I could talk about the exchange of ideas via the post comments and about how you’ve all immeasurably contributed to my understanding and growth as a modeler and writer. That the Internet allows me to create a work and reach a global audience of readers who subsequently become friends staggers the imagination.

I could also talk at length about the professional contributions of modelers like Trevor Marshall, Lance Mindheim, Greg Amer, Tom Mix, Tony Sissons, Dave Schroedle and James McNab, who’ve written articles or consented to answer my endless interview questions.

I’d also be horribly remiss not to acknowledge the friendship of my late business partner and former employer, Joe Giannovario. Joe believed in me even when I gave him no good reason to. Through O Scale Trains Magazine, he gave me the opportunity to grow as a writer and editor. Without his faith in my abilities, none of this work would exist.

This community of friends and like-minded readers is the real story of this blog and of OST Publications. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Regards,
Mike

5 Comments

  1. Simon

    Yes. I am.

    By enabling intelligent conversation you have created a space for us to think and discuss those thoughts. A thing worth supporting, in my book. Always happy to help.

    Simon

  2. mike

    Remain calm and carry on Simon.

    Mike

  3. Simon

    Forgive my rudeness, but a belated “Happy Birthday!”

    And if we are swapping linguistic stereotypes, “Aw shucks.”

    Simon

  4. Matt

    Mike,

    I have never had the opportunity to talk one on one with an writer of a magazine article. I enjoyed our e-mail conversation as well. There is much to learn from others’ ideas and insights in this hobby. Not only your thoughts and comments, but Simon’s and other frequent readers as well.Your blog and TMC are excellent vehicles for this transmission of information and I always look forward to reading more on my Sunday evening review of this past weeks posts!

    Oh, and a Happy 3rd Birthday and many more!!

    Matt

  5. mike

    Thanks Matt. I’m glad I could respond to your comments. Such discussion is good for the health of the craft.

    Mike