Happy Birthday to Us

Today marks six years since I flipped the switch on this blog and started this community of progressive local politics bloggers (and commenters). I looked back at the entries from September 2003, and found some nostalgia (red light cameras) and some the-more-things-change-the-more-they-stay-the-same (candidate forums and Carolina North). In recent years, the OP community has developed a tradition of raising money on the occasion of our birthday. However, last year's fund raising only generated $140 toward the $420 that I pay for our hosting annually. (This is high because I use a service that keeps Drupal up-to-date and running smoothly.) 

I hope we can do better this year, and I'm open to suggestions. For example, should I thank the donors more publicly, or should I be more discreet? Would folks like t-shirts or other gifts to acknowledge their support?

I also know I've been remiss in organizing our quarterly happy hours for a while (of course I have a good reason, shown at right) but I think it would be great to get together at least once before the election. I'll even bring the baby, and let me tell you: he is a treat! I'd like to propose any Thursday in October. Anyone have favorites?

Meanwhile, here is this year's fund raising campaign. Also, here's a link to where you can buy t-shirts (note: colors and styles are customizable). I only make about $2 per shirt, but they're a great way to spread the word and show OP some love.