IV Words is thriving, thanks to you.
I’ve made changes to the blog over the past few months – improvements, I hope – that you’ve probably noticed and, if not, I’d like to share. But first…
Invaluable Cuppas & Sponsorships
Before I get to that, I’d like to take a second to thank the people who have stepped up to buy me a coffee, the two supporters who are helping out with individual blog sponsorships, and the three organizational sponsors IV Words has so far – the Dakota Resource Council, Citizens Local Energy Action Network and Donald Trump Poop Bags.
The first two are tremendous organizations that are doing great things. The third is a short-term sponsor (hopefully, because Trump’s gonna get dumped) that cracks me up, but actually sells excellent biodegradable bags for your daily constitutionals with Fido. The crap goes right where it is in real life – between the #OrangeMenace’s ears, and IV Words gets a percentage of the sale when you enter the code “IVW” when ordering.
This kind of support is not just appreciated; it’s necessary to free up my time from my day job to improve the blog, its content and the overall IV Words community experience. I’d like to add more non-opinion content, like features about local/regional difference makers on issues related to the climate crisis, the environment, social justice and decent government, as well as people who are getting into the “good trouble” Rep. John Lewis talked about. I’d also like to elevate groups and organizations that are fighting for progressive ideals and values. The more financial support IV Words receives, the more time I’ll be able to dedicate to that work.
A Touch of Color
I’m an old newspaper editor, and I still believe in old-school journalism, so when I started IV Words I wanted to give it a traditional newspaper look and feel. That meant black-and-white photographs with one spot color. I stuck to that for a long time, but finally realized it was detracting from engagement on social media platforms. While I’ve kept the black and white for header and background images, the switch to color for posts has made a difference.f
Speaking of social media, if you don’t already, please follow IV Words on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Facelift
I went beyond color images this week to give IV Words a facelift. Please check it out and let me know what you think – good, bad and ugly comments welcome.
Growing Readership
IV Words is building and reaching more people post by post, week by week and month by month. Subscriptions to the blog itself are climbing, more people are signing up for the weekly e-blast, and social media likes and follows are on the upswing. Speaking of which, if you’re an IV Words e-blast subscriber, please forward them to your friends and family and encourage them to sign up, too. If you’re not, there’s no time like the present.
Beyond that, IV Words posts are now featured regularly on DemCastUSA.com and a little less regularly on Hill Reporter. I appreciate those organizations for pushing out the good word farther and further.
I’ve also been flattered by an inquiry from a local radio station regarding whether I’d be interested in hosting my own show. Not sure what’s going to come of that, but it’s pretty cool, regardless.
I committed to writing at least one post a week, two or three when possible, at the beginning of 2020 and have stuck with that so far. In addition, the IV Words e-blast goes out like clockwork at 6:45 p.m. on Thursdays. The fourth day of every workweek = IV Words.
Guest Posts
I’m still looking for guests posts from people who like to more fully engage in the societal discussion. Your point of view is valuable, too. Even if you don’t think you can write a post, give it a try. And don’t worry; I’ll help you polish it and send it out to the world.
The Progressive Perspective
I’m honored to have readers like you who take the time to peruse the words I string together every week, hoping they are logical and engaging, and possibly offer a point or two that make you stop and think, maybe even nod in agreement or shake your head vehemently in disagreement. If nothing else, I hope the forthrightness, brashness and desert-like dry humor entertain you for a few minutes.
As for me, I’m happy to keep calling bullshit where and when I see it, saying what needs to be said regardless of who it irritates, and scratching this itch that compels me to sit down at the keyboard and keep hammering away.
Thank you for reading and supporting IV Words. I’ll keep at it if you will.
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