Welcome to Post 1,000!

I know a lot of bloggers that started around the same time as I did have shut down in recent months, but I feel I could write another 1,000 posts easily. Like tomorrow.

The world is a big, interesting place, and I love writing about it. There is something new every day.

Here are some statistics on DadTalk:

• Posts: 1,000
• Comments: 3,997 as of writing this
• Lifetime page views: 262,700
• Average unique visitors per day: 201
• In the past 7 days: 1,839
• Feedburner subscribers: 289
• Total Words (counting comments): More than 730,000
• First Post: 04/16/02004 at 8:31 p.m.

Text of first post:

Good morning dads.

How are you doing? Are you finding that being a dad nowadays is pretty rough? Are you working extra hours to pay for your children’s future college expenses and then fretting that you’re not spending enough time with those kids you care so much about? Or maybe you are getting divorced and having trouble winning the right to see your children?

As far as I’m concerned, it’s a tough time to be a father: High housing costs. Low-paying jobs. Too much time on the freeway commuting. Way too much stress. The list goes on toward infinite.

But if you’re like me, you love being a dad. You love seeing your son or daughter growing up to meet their potential. You love it when they plop down in your lap so you can read a book to them, and you love launching them down the slide for the first time.

There are a number of websites out there that already provide help for dads. I’ll provide links to them since I’m not trying to replicate them or compete against them. Instead, my mission is to provide you with information about what is happening out there from dad’s perspective. I will strive to find interesting stories for concerned dads – single, married and divorced alike – and provide summaries and links.

One day you may see a story on where the best towns to raise family are. Another day you may see a story about the huge custody rights battles that are occurring around the nation and world. 

And while I’ll occasionally mention my own family, this site is not about myself. It’s about dads around the world who want the best for their children.

What really amazes me is how close I’ve stuck to my original idea. Is it vision or stubbornness? I don’t know, but writing this blog is the fourth best thing that every happened to me: The three that come before it are my wife and two kids.

Bring on post Number 2,000!

Comments

[Bee]

1000?

---round of applause---

[brettdl]

Thanks!

[Neil]

You don't even look 1000!

[brettdl]

I look young for my age.

[Clint]

At the current Canadian US exchange rate, 1,000 US is equal to 920 Canadian. We're anxiously awaiting the next 80 to celebrate with you.

Congrats! And keep the great posts coming.

[Phil]

Wow, congrats! I'm at 837 posts as of today.

I didn't realize we've both been blogging for the same amount of time. My first post was in May of 2004.

I think I've been reading your blog longer than any other!

[brettdl]

Clint: By the time I get the next 80 in, the exchange rate will be 2 U.S. to 1 Canadian.

Phil: Thanks. I think yours and Blue Sloth's are the ones I've been reading longest.

[Summer]

Man... it's been years hasn't it?

I gave it up for personal reasons, and I have absolutely no regrets, as much as I enjoyed it at the time.

I'm glad you're still going. Congrats Brett.

[brettdl]

Thanks!