In the United States, today is Thanksgiving. For many, it’s a day of togetherness as families come together to share a day, gorge on turkey, and maybe catch one of the several football games running through the day. For others, it’s a day of shopping, as people file off to the big box stores with hopes of finding that doorbuster deal. And, for others, it’s a day of work, serving the people looking for previously mentioned deals.
At its core, though, Thanksgiving is a day for giving thanks, to the events and people who’ve blessed our lives through the year. Today, I’d like to take a moment to do just that.
The Herald Team: Over the past year, we’ve added a number of people to the team. It’s been a crazy road, but I’m happy to have all of them aboard. Matt, Anthony, Dorian, Annette, Brian, Seth, and Brianka: you are all fantastic, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year.
Our industry contacts: The various folks we keep in contact with in the industry, you’ve always been amazing. I’m not going to name names this time around for obvious reasons. Regardless, the help you’ve given us, from screeners, to news releases, to the countless meetings and interactions have been just amazing. It’s been an honor to work with all of you, whether it’s been for six months, or twelve years. You guys rock, and I hope you all realize that.
AniTwitter: AniTwitter has been nothing short of astounding. The friendly faces, and genuinely helpful folks have been nothing short of incredible, as we’ve grown and changed. You weren’t afraid to tell us what worked, and what didn’t, and you’ve been nothing short of fantastic since I can remember. There are too many people to name, out there, but I want to say that every one of you has been simply incredible.
Matt Brown & Nicole Kirk: Without you two, I’m sure I wouldn’t be here. Like, at all. You were the ones that gave me the chance to really step up in 2002, when I joined Anime Dream. And, from that point, you’ve been there with advice and guidance (Matt, especially). I don’t know how things would’ve turned out if you guys weren’t there, nor do I really want to.
Ivette Perez & Stephanie Shalofsky:: I’m not sure where you are now, but you (and the rest of the great folks at Central Park Media) were the first ones to really treat me as a professional. I’m not sure if it was the persistence (or the fact that I had cold-called Sam Napolitano’s office in 2004. True story!), but you were there, and more than happy to work with us. Your encouragement and assistance really helped me to grow skills that would be invaluable going forward.
L.B. Bryant: Independent blogging is a different world from that of a site owned by someone else. It’s definitely not easy. There are a lot of challenges that one just doesn’t worry about, from managing team members, to ensuring that the lights stay on month after month. It’s a pretty unique position to be in. So, when you can find someone who gets those things, it’s pretty easy to form a bond.
L.B. Bryant, head of Otaku Review, is someone who totally relate to this crazy life. He’s become someone who I am happy to call a friend, and a rival. You just rock.
Each and every one of you readers: I’ve said it before, and it never stops being true: without you, there’s no Anime Herald. I thank you for stopping by every day, week, month, or even year, to see what we put forward every day. You guys are our motivation, and I can’t be thankful enough for such a fantastic audience.
So, yeah.
Thanks much for reading, everybody, and I hope you have a fantastic evening!
