This is Donor Power Blog post #1,029. Okay, that probably doesn't mean much, but four years ago yesterday (July 5, 2005) this blog was born. In blog years, that makes us ... I don't even want to think how ancient we are.
Back in 2005, there weren't many readers. Page views were in the dozens per day, quite a few of which were me, checking to see if my posts were really there. There were also hardly any fundraising blogs. I think this one was the third or fourth. There are now around sixty. It was an intense conversation between a few people in a small room.
My first post, an earnest little manifesto that nobody read, was called New Fundraising for the New Donor.
The first real "controversy" on this blog started with a post on November 8, 2005. It said:
How Google might look, if it were run the way many nonprofits operate today. It linked to this graphic:
The comments -- which by the standards of that time amounted to a tidal-wave worth -- are quite amusing. They are basically an argument whether or not the post is funny.
A lot happens in four years. I'm thankful for each person who's taken the time to read this blog. I'm especially thankful for those who have left comments. Even those of you who are wrong (heh heh -- I get to say that here). I hope in some way, however small, you've been equipped or inspired to do fundraising a little bit better.
I can't see four years ahead. But I hope something like this blog is still going. And I hope you're there too. Thanks.
I spend many hours donating my talents to an up and coming non profit Enchanted Makeovers, www.enchantedmakeovers.org
Of all the daily emails I receive I read Donor Power the most. I find it sharp, honest and to the point. Thank YOU!!!
We are learning and you have accelerated our trek up the learning curve.
Posted by: Dancing BAG Lady | 07 July 2009 at 19:44
Thanks for all the good work and congratulations!
Posted by: Pat B | 07 July 2009 at 15:18
Congrats on the 4 yr b-day and thanks for all the great posts!
Posted by: Lanell | 07 July 2009 at 14:05
Thanks for all the posts. I usually just lurk, but of all the non-profit fundraising blogs I follow, I forward yours the most!
Posted by: TVDave | 07 July 2009 at 11:31
Congratulations on four years. I've been hooked for at least one so far. BTW the Google bit was and is funny!
Posted by: Leann Standish | 07 July 2009 at 10:24
Hi Jeff,
just wanted to say a big congratulations on four years of wisdom, insight and inspiration.
Some of my team still have the badges you very kindly sent over to the UK for us on their desk!
Keep up the great work and thanks again for sharing,
Craig
Posted by: Fundraising Detective | 06 July 2009 at 14:39