On this date, one year ago, I was kicking along with a brand-spanking new blog and still trying to discover my voice. I had a lot I wanted to say, but still wasn’t sure how much of it would gel into coherence, or fit in the same box.
On this date four years ago, I was embarking on my final week of television. Sixteen-plus years of broadcasting and accolades, and I was walking away for something different. I left the only career I knew for health reasons, taking a public affairs job with a non-profit. The December prior, my wife and I prayed over the decision, and calculated that we could afford the pay cut since she was still working part-time.
After committing to the switch, we found out we were expecting again. The DINKs (Double-Income, No Kids) were becoming SITCOMs (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage.) On this date four years ago, I was leaving everything I knew. For less money. With more responsibility than ever. Venturing into a field where many looked on ex-journalists with more than mild disdain.
I’ve never sold myself as something I am not. My best shot is to be what I am – a communicator. Working with different tools and different challenges, it’s still about finding a core of truth and telling it in a way that resonates with people. Thanks to each and every one of you who find my blathering meaningful or valuable – you keep my compass pointing true. And thanks to Michael Sebastian at Ragan Communications, for recognizing this blog as “The Best Read of 2007.” It’s not the best PR blog, not the best marketing blog by a long shot. Those niches are taken by people with far more expertise and experience, and I read many of them myself.
Four years ago today, I had never heard of Ragan Communications, and was scared as hell.
One year ago, my readership didn’t extend far beyond immediate family.
Today is a good day.
[tags]Ike Pigott, Occam’s RazR, communication, blogs[/tags]
Congrats Ike! I’ve enjoyed lurking on your blog. I love your Venn diagrams.
Ike, You are a true inspiration. You found a passion and you followed it. Many people talk about doing such a thing but never follow through. You are now making a name for yourself (well-deserved) in a new area and sharing your knowledge, talent and support with so many of us resulting in us spreading what we learn. You don’t act like a child; you’re smart and you’re patient. This then influences those of us who are now in the learning process, in a positive way. What a great way for you to pay it forward. Congratulations and continued success, my friend.
Nice to meet you Ike. I like have enjoyed what I’ve read today, and will be back.
@Sarah – More Venns coming soon, I promise. (or people will forget why I use the icons.)
@Susan – You’re too kind. I do in fact act like a child. I do I DO I DO!
@Cooper – Thanks for dropping in. I used to lurk on your blog a while back, then lost my big list of links when my browser blew up. That was pre-del.icio.us, and I had no backup.
So imagine my surprise to stumble across your site again. I think it was the combination of the Darfur links and the Blogcritics that triggered the memory. Thanks for the work you do – as Susan says above you, it’s rare to find someone who finds their passion and follows it.
Great post! š I always enjoy how you blend personal thoughts with the more professional stuff…
Congratulations for the recognition and a big pat on the back for your bravery and fortitude. Keep up the good work, and keep your eyes out to the future.
Tojosan