Happy birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeee!
Two years ago today, ladies and gentlemen, I wrote the very first post on Midnight Sun.
At the time, I had no idea that Midnight Sun would eventually consume my life. And I could have never guessed that I would have as much fun writing a blog as writing a story or column for the paper.
Since there are (almost) no rules on Midnight Sun, I have this incredible amount of freedom in terms of style and voice. I've grown so much as a writer since Midnight Sun started.
Anyhow, enough of the boring stuff.
When Midnight Sun first launched, it was supposed to be an outlet for Baltimore Sun LIVE writers and editors. Heh, well, that didn't quite pan out like we planned. And the LIVE section itself ate the dust some months back.
But Midnight Sun continues to grow. Back in the day, I used to average about 1,000 page views a week. These days, it's more like 25,000 page views a week. In two years, I have written more than 1,600 entries and gotten almost 12,000 comments.
I love the community of commenters that has come together over the years. I remember thinking, "Wow, somebody actually reads my stuff." Because before Midnight Sun, I rarely ever got feedback on my writing.
And who could forget some of the wilder threads we've had on here ...
Remember the 'Hard times for Chris Sligh?" post? I think that was the first time GDA commented on Midnight Sun.
Then there was the infamous 'Zero Tolerance Parking' post.
I think the post that got the most hits of anything I've ever written was the one about bacon vodka.
And one of the more recent explosive posts was the sign outside Taps entry.
I sometimes wonder what the thread with the most comments is. Anybody know? Tonight, I'm going to toast two years of Midnight Sun. And again, thank you all for making it such a hit.
(Photo by Getty Images)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
The Coburns closing post brought some major action.
Posted by: my 2 dollar cents | April 29, 2009 12:51 PM
Congrats Sam and welcome back from the mini-vaykay.
So where's the birthday party celebration tonight?
Posted by: Brad - BeerInBaltimore.com | April 29, 2009 1:42 PM
Happy b-day Sam!!!! and now get the hell back to your vacation and wedding prep! ;)
Posted by: K | April 29, 2009 1:46 PM
Happy Birthday Sam.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy | April 29, 2009 1:53 PM
We should relive the posts while you are away on vacation, sort of a "Best of Midnight" blog.
Posted by: Jason Z | April 29, 2009 2:05 PM
bacon vodka? who ever heard of such a thing?
Posted by: Evan | April 29, 2009 2:25 PM
Nice work, Sam!
Congrats on the explosive growth of commenters. I've met some fun people through M.S. and get a kick from reading all the posts, even the ones that get my blood boiling.
Posted by: Courtney B. | April 29, 2009 3:15 PM
Sam,
your memory serves you well, but if you remember I arrived with much of the Chris Sligh bloggers in protest to a wee lapse of decorum and descretion.
Evan,
Have you heard about the bacon topped cupcakes yet?
http://welldonefillet.blogspot.com/2009/04/greatest-breakfast-ever.html
Posted by: GDA | April 29, 2009 3:49 PM
Happy Birthday Midnight Sun Sam!
There should be a birthday bash somewhere tonight, to celebrate. Even if it is Wednesday.
Posted by: PCB Rob | April 29, 2009 3:53 PM
Buon compleanno, Sam!
Posted by: *◄:o)Yum~ | April 29, 2009 5:24 PM
congrats man! it's been a heckofa ride/read?
Posted by: Allan | April 30, 2009 9:31 AM
The Golden West in Hampden serves a cocktail w/ bacon vodka AND a side of bacon. They put it in the drink kind of like it's a swizzle stick or something. Pretty amazing.
Urban Discoveries
Posted by: Urban Discoveries | April 30, 2009 9:34 AM
GDA... bacon cupcakes are old news. they were mentioned on Dining @ Large at least a week ago.
Happy 2nd B-day, Sam!
Posted by: pigtown | April 30, 2009 9:45 AM
pigtown,
It was your posting at Dining @ Large where I learn of them and it would of been a better thing if I credited your posting as my original source but if also I made a referback to Evan's Bacon Vodka there. It considered that Evan hadn't yet discovered their creation.
One of life’s clichéd moments, History to you and possibly news to Evan.
Nothing for nothing
Pigbag’s 1981 underground dance hit
"Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag" (extended version):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNDccgakPvo&feature=related
Posted by: Anonymous | April 30, 2009 3:58 PM
forgot to tag, Anonymous | April 30, 2009 3:58 PM, as mine
Posted by: GDA | April 30, 2009 7:57 PM