What I’m Thankful to This Blog For…The One-Year Anniversary

I can’t believe one whole year has passed since I started Journeys in Classic Film.  I might have mentioned this story before, but this was a grand experiment to A) see if I could keep something running and B) gain further writing experience (and maybe get some free movies).  Ultimately it all boiled down to a desire to write about classic films, something I don’t normally get to do as a film reviewer.  Since then the site has increased in audience, reader response, swag, and writing improvement (although I’ve had comments that say otherwise).  In the spirit of my first anniversary, and on Thanksgiving, I’d like to write out some things I’m thankful for that this blog has allowed me to accomplish.  The one-year hurdle is over, let’s see if I can make it to five!

I’m Thankful For: The readers, Twitter followers, LAMB members, and Facebook friends: I’ve said this before, but it’s all about you kind people who take time out of your day to read my ramblings, write comments, and follow me online.  The Facebook page recently crossed the 100 follower mark, 300 people (and counting) read my Tweets, I’ve recorded several episodes of the LAMBCast and become a fixture there.  I’ve made so many new friends via this blog that I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and been able to voice my thoughts on movies further.  I hated Twitter before this blog, and because of it not only have I met awesome people and discovered the wonders of the TCM Party, but I’ve had Twitter interactions with Lindsay Haun, author Don Winslow, and others!  I strive to put out something great for everyone, and I’m blessed that so many people like it!

I’m Thankful For: my Photoshop improvement.  I really wish I had kept a couple of my early Photoshop efforts because they were pitiful.  If you remember the original logo that was simply an image I added text to with Windows Paint, you know what I’m talking about.  In creating ads, and other things for this site I’ve discovered the art of overlay, coloring, twisting text, etc.  People pay hundreds of dollars to learn Photoshop, and I’ve learned a lot in a year!  I have retired a few of the generic logos (the Old Hollywood book and the Golden Age television), and I hope to improve even further as the new year progresses.

I’m Thankful For: the new films I’ve discovered.  A lot of my reason for starting this blog was an interest in classic film.  Since then I’ve seen so many amazing, and some less so, classic films.  I’ll go in-depth on which films were my favorite towards the end of the year, but in doing this blog I’ve discovered new genres, directors, actors/actresses (without this my Veronica Lake interest would be non-existent and I don’t want to think about that), and films that are filling my upcoming Christmas list.  I’m always open to suggestion so don’t hesitate to give me more classic film suggestions.

I’m Thankful For: swag!  I’ll admit, I hoped in doing this blog I’d get some free merchandise.  Who doesn’t want a little free something for their time?  I’m thankful to the countless publishing houses who have graciously  given me free reading material!  I’m an avid book lover, and I’m beyond happy that a lot of books I’d have spent money on were given to me to review.  It’s certainly helped my wallet, although I’m slowly running out of room so if someone wants to send me a bookcase that’d be nice!  I’m also thankful to the various networks/movie studios that allow me access to their press rooms (although screener copies are always appreciated!).

I’m Thankful For: Robert Davi!  I’ll admit, the best thing about this blog was being able to interview Robert Davi.  I joke with my family about the people I’ll interview “when I’m famous,” but I honestly never expected a celebrity whose films I love actually reading a review of mine, and offering to take time out to talk to me.  Hell, I never expected this blog to reach anyone in Hollywood!  Not only did Robert graciously answer my corny questions, and call me back because my cell phone loves to drop calls, but he took the time out to ask me about my blog and even recommend a film!  It was a total nerd moment for me, and something I always tell people about.  If you haven’t read my original interview you can do so here.  Without Journeys in Classic Film, I wouldn’t have a moment like that.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, and again I appreciate everyone who stops by to read my blog.  I hope to keep improving, even on the spelling and grammar!