Today marks the eighth anniversary of Bark Bark Woof Woof.

In this world of social media and rapid change, eight years is a pretty long time. When I did my first post on November 8, 2003, Facebook was still at Harvard and Twitter was something birds did. So far this blog has outlasted a lot of things, including any number of TV series, fads, fashions, and the George W. Bush administration. According to Blogger, this is the 14,250th post, all but one written by me. In that large a number, some of them have got to be lousy, but by and large I’ve been happy with the work and words that I’ve produced, and I have no plans to stop any time soon.

There are a lot of bloggers and journalists who have been supportive and inspirational, and I want to thank them: NTodd, Kenneth Quinnell, Melissa McEwan, Michael J.W. Stickings, Rick, Steve Benen, and a whole host of friends and writers. Each of you has made this a better place. Thank you.

A special thanks goes to my brother, CLW, who has been my guiding light in all things technical and who did the re-design of the site three years ago, making it look as good as it does… at least outside of the writing. He’s also been a big help with links, suggestions, QOTD’s, and moral support.

And, of course, thank you, dear readers. I do not take you for granted. You have shown remarkable tolerance, and I appreciate that very much (especially those of you who have bought stuff). I knew going in that I would be held up to some pretty high standards, but the one I held up for myself was the toughest: to never bore or disappoint the people who stop by here. I hope I haven’t. I also hope that as this little blog goes forward, you will help guide me, teach me, and inspire me. Thank you.

What’s next?