It's been almost a year since I started this blog on a lark. All I wanted to do was post a comment on Blogger, and up popped the option of starting my own blog.

The Best Minimum Wage Job a Middle Aged Guy Ever Had has gone in some unexpected directions. I didn't think I would post so much about the housing bubble, for instance, or about the changes downtown. But then again, I didn't know there would be so many changes downtown, or the credit crunch would hit.

I've posted every day, and -- I probably shouldn't say this -- I haven't found it hard to do. I guess I'm just a natural blabbermouth. For years, I kept a business journal, that was in effect the same as this blog. I did it to save my poor wife from having her ears talked off. I just tranferred that effort to online, without as much cussing and bitching and moaning, believe it or not.

The blog has been both more upbeat and reasonable than I expected, but perceived as more cynical and downbeat than I expected. I am probably more vociferous in private than I am here, because -- online -- I have time to think about what I'm saying. To count to ten.

I know that being outrageous is the surest way of being noticed, but I really don't want to go there. I'd like to believe that just being as thoughtful and informative as I can is enough. The face I'd like to present to the world.

But I really didn't really think anyone would read this thing.

I still haven't looked into how many readers or hits I'm getting. I don't really want to know. The blog has garnered way more attention from the media than I would've ever thought. It has actually maybe even helped my business a bit, though that was never my motivation. The thought that people might actually be reading this has almost made me quit a few times. Or rethink what I'm saying. Or to wonder if maybe I shouldn't do this so offhandedly, but actually take a little time to rewrite and ponder and work at it.

But no, that goes against what's been working. I want to keep it casual.

I've been able, I hope, to keep walking that fine line of being honest and candid and upfront, without giving away too many business secrets. To talk about issues, but from a personal standpoint.

I didn't realize when I started that most 'personal' blogs are anonymous, and most 'business' blogs aren't. I guess TBMWJAMAGEH is a hybrid. Not by design, it just evolved that way.
As usual, I underestimated the cyberworld. There is a whole community who is active that I would've never known about. Turns out blogging is perfect for a person who is both non-filtered but very private.

And finally, I do have one major lament.

I could've written a couple of books by now!