50,000 hits: a commentary by Jordan's dad

We exceeded 50,000 hits this past week, and wanted to write a short entry about it. My dad, Bill, sent us a write-up he wanted us to put on the blog, so we think it says all we need to say at the 50,000 hit mark. Without further ado, here are the sweet words of my dad, who brings a tear to my eye with his unwavering support. -JK

I have never written a blog before so this should be interesting. This whole thing started a discussion about how people seem to be attached to their phones. I was telling the kids that spending your day telling people what you are doing was ridiculous [for example, on facebook or twitter]. Jordan explained to me that a lot of conversation was just that, however social networking could be a powerful tool for communication. She explained that there are online communities of people who support each other and work together to help each other. Not understanding the system, I changed the subject back to the upcoming wedding which we were previously discussing. Sue and I were bragging (for the hundredth time) how we had done our wedding for $700 and fed 120 people. She of course pointed out that that was in 1979 and that things had changed. I said why don’t you use your “social network” to help you hahaha (triumphant cackle)?! 

            “Dad! There are nice people out there. Look at my craft trading group [Craftster]. We make things for each other and enjoy the sharing!” “Well no one is going to give stuff to strangers.” I said. Jordan said, “We could trade or even just get things that are filling someones’ basement and they want to see it go to good use.”

Well I guess I have been proved wrong. But in return my faith in people has been renewed. None of these wonderful people or companies had to do a single thing. They did it as part of the experiment, but mostly they did it because they cared enough to do it. There was no promise of success or recompense yet they did it willingly. There have been over 50,000 hits and I am told this is remarkable for a private blog. Oh yes there have been negative people who wished they had thought up the idea first. But in any endeavour there are always naysayers. This from the beginning has been a labour of love from strangers and I for one feel better about the world for it!

PS: For any naysayers out there who think I am excited because this has saved me a lot of money, the kids were going to get married on their own and they had refused to take money from us for it. We are not a rich family and Jordan and Brian refused to put a financial burden on us. They are special kids.

-Bill 

We love you, Dad. :) Thanks for the 50,000+ hits, world! We love having you along for this journey. 44 days to go til the wedding, and only a handful of loose ends to tie up. Thank you, everyone!