Having been a member of the DKos community for a couple of years, I sometimes miss sight of the fact that Daily Kos was started by a single individual and that, now, this site is maintained exquisitely through the efforts of a group of awesome people.
Having no idea of the time and patience it takes to run a blog of this size, I would like to use this diary as a means of showing my true appreciation for Markos, as well as the many other members of this community who donate their efforts (both in time and passion).
I hope this can be a time to put aside any quarrels or differences in opinion, and to show gratitude for those who make this blog what it is.
And now, here's my informal list of thanks. Feel free to add your own in the comments. If I glaringly omitted someone worthwhile, it was probably because this community is so large and there are so many people that I appreciate within.
<opening envelope>
Thank you, Markos
Really. Thank you. I cannot stress how much I appreciate this place. Most of the people I know have a passing knowledge of current political situations, so it's sometimes frustrating when I wish to discuss an issue and they have no idea what I'm talking about. Daily Kos has been an invaluable resource in broadening my knowledge of politics, political history, economics, and even some media law. Thank you for creating this platform for progressive-minded people to discuss a wide range of topics. I honestly could go on forever about how grateful I am that you created Daily Kos.
Thank you, ct
For all the technological work you put into maintaining this site, especially in the past year with the insane rise in registered users. I have no knowledge whatsoever in regard to setting up servers/databases, so I cannot thank you for any specifics. But when I launch Firefox and the orange banner fills the top of my screen, I know it was because of you.
Thank you, FPers
mcjoan, BarbinMD, Kagro X, SusanG, MissLaura, Adam B, Darksyde, Devilstower, and Plutonium Page (and anyone else I'm forgetting): thank you for all the time and passion you put into your work. The front page always contains stories that I am interested in, and that is solely because of you (well, and Markos). It's like getting a new magazine every day that's personalized with stories that I want to read. I want to give you all huge hugs, but that would be kind of creepy.
Thank you, Bill in Portland Maine
Cheers and Jeers. What else can I say? Always fun, always awesome. I wish you and your partner the best.
(Also thanks to those that fill in on C&J when BiPM is away)
Thank you, Jerome a Paris
Your perspective is so much more sophisticated than mine so it's sometimes daunting to read your diaries. Plus, I'm not very keen on economics so that does not help my understanding of what you discuss either. But I've definitely learned a few things from you, such as market climates in relation to crude oil prices and whatnot. It may sound like I'm being a kiss-ass, and that's because I am. Muah!
Thank you, buhdydharma
While I usually just lurk in these threads, "Ask a Kossack" is always a source of enjoyment for me. Although I've only personally (well, directly) talked to you only a couple of times, I can sense this certain passion about you that is motivating to me.
Thank you, Elise
Your ACTION! diaries always amaze me with their substance and devotion. I wish I had your drive. The resources you provide me are invaluable and I give you my deepest of thanks for the work you do that help causes I support.
Thank you, Kestrel9000
I don't know what it is, but I really dig you. Plus your radio show is awesome.
Thank you, all of you
You've given me a great place to discuss what I love. I cannot thank you enough for that. Thank you. All of you.
Feel free to add anyone I missed, because I know I'm leaving out some people that I can't think of right now.
Update I: A few I missed:
Thanks (a BIG one) to these folks as well:
Bob Johnson
occams hatchet
clammyc
Diary Rescue and the Rescue Rangers
One Pissed Off Liberal (even though I don't always agree with you, your passion and idealism are admirable)
Big Tent Democrat
GTPinNJ (just to satisfy your narcissism downthread, =D)
pastordan
karateexplosions
HUNTER!
FleetAdmiralJ
Those who coordinate YearlyKos
Dood Abides
Al Rodgers and Sunday Talk
Lithium Cola
Major Danby
Meteor Blades (I can't believe I forgot you)
wmtriallawyer
terry pinder
Elizabeth D
GEORGIA10
nyceve
Eternal Hope
wiscmass
RenaRF
bonddad
cskendrick
Carnacki
ek hornbek
Ken in TX
The Top Comments crew!
You know, I forgot a good number of great Kossacks. I will keep updating this as I'm reminded of them.
Update II
I just received this email from someone, who obviously is unable to post his/her feelings in a comment on this site. So, while we dismiss his/her cowardice, at least we can give thanks to DailyKos for being able to frustrate such hopelessly bored wingnuts such as this:
You are right. There is no other blog that has so many prolifically unenlightened urchins as the Daily Kos.
Its’ ramblings are reminiscent of the culturally bankrupt period of the ‘60s and its clown prince Abby Hoffman the latter day Kos.
Among its achievements, Kos can be credited for the rejuvenation of the word "Liar" and unilaterally reinventing history even surpassing the efforts of The New York Times.
So as you pray to the Maharishi of Mindless Metaphors remember how much money was wasted on your education.