PunditGuy is one year old today.

When I started this little hobby, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had no idea how much it would become a part of my life. I had no idea how much fun it would be.

I had no idea that one year later, blogging would become a love of mine.

Well, it has.

After 365 days, hundreds of thousands of typed words, roughly 584,000 unique sets of eyes, three different versions of blogging software, and three complete redesigns, I still wake up each day eager to learn something new, hopeful that I’ll write better today than I did yesterday, and grateful for each reader who stops by.

Blogging is a wonderful thing.

If you’ll indulge me a bit, there are a few people I need to thank. Each one has influenced me and in their own way, guided and encouraged me to keep going.

Stephen Green (Vodkapundit)
Hours before I wrote that first post one year ago, I was lucky enough to receive a kind word from Stephen. I asked a few simple questions in an email and he sent back honest answers. Most of all, he said, “Don’t get discouraged!” Thanks Steve.

Jeff Goldstein (Protein Wisdom)
Early on, when he probably should have, Jeff never told me to bug off. Even though I sent him link requests that weren’t always his cup of tea, he always replied with a nice word. Thanks Jeff.

Bill Ardolino (INDC Journal)
Although I’m sure he doesn’t know it, INDC Journal was the first blog to link PunditGuy. Thanks Bill. 

Ace (Ace of Spades HQ)
A good friend who has driven lots of new traffic to PunditGuy. Thanks Ace.

N.Z. Bear (Truth Laid Bear)
NZ taught me a lesson about sending out too many link requests. I respected that and I’ll always remember that bit of guidance. Thanks NZB.

Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit)
How can a one year old blogger not thank Mr. Reynolds? Thanks for the Instalanches Glenn.

Michelle Malkin (Michellemalkin)
She’s been generous and a great example for me. Thanks Michelle.

Kevin Aylward (Wizbang)
Wizbang has been a constant influence for me, and Kevin Alyward has directed many of his readers to articles I’ve written. Thanks Kevin.

Of course there are many, many others to mention. Too many, in fact. Every one of you have shaped this blog. I sincerely appreciate that.

And to the readers of PunditGuy…the ones who come back, day after day, contributing when I’ve had something interesting to say and tolerating me when I’ve posted complete nonsense…you are the fuel that keeps this engine humming.

Thank you.