• 1,461 Days Later…

    Posted by on April 20th, 2009 · Comments (17)

    Four years ago from today, I started writing this blog. And, if you would have told me, back then on ‘Day One,’ that WasWatching.com would be where it is, today, I never would have believed you.

    It’s amazing what can happen over a period of 1,461 days.

    To this day, over all that time, one of the greatest things that I receive from doing this blog is the feedback, from so many readers, where folks share how much they enjoy WasWatching.com. Hearing that never gets old.

    Granted, I’ve also seen a few comments, here and elsewhere on the internet, where some have expressed that they do not enjoy this blog because they perceive me to be too critical of the Yankees organization and/or their players. And, when these comments are brought to my attention, it’s somewhat disheartening.

    However, it’s only unsettling because the parties making these comments about my blogging have chosen to solely focus on some commentary where I may have expressed an opinion that differs from their own opinion (on a person and/or topic), ignoring all the other times where I may have written something that they may have found favorable, and then decided that I’m ‘terrible’ or a ‘hater’ because I’ve expressed something that doesn’t march in step with the tune that they prefer to play in their head.

    I find it sad that some, when another party expresses an opinion different from theirs, will put on blinders and then feel compelled to attack a party who doesn’t hold the same beliefs as them.

    But, that’s the nature of the beast, I suppose? The history of the world is full of examples of how this happens all the time. Why should the internet be any different? Heck, it’s even easier here – because you don’t have to show your face or share your real name.

    Plus, I’ve found these negative comments to be tied to a small group of people, probably less than a dozen, who frequent several different websites, using several different ‘handles’ (or usernames). And, I know that those who enjoy this blog greatly outnumber those few with complaints about what I’m offering here. So, looking at the whole picture, I know what I’m doing here is valued by the vast majority of my readers. And, to those who are fans of WasWatching.com, I want to say “Thank you.” I appreciate your interest in my work. I expect ‘Year Five’ here to be much like it’s always been at this blog.

    Hopefully, it will be a banner season for the Yankees in 2009 – where all the team’s wildest dreams come true. And, we can enjoy it, together, at WasWatching.com.

    Comments on 1,461 Days Later…

    1. April 20th, 2009 | 1:02 am

      Four years, eh? That’s what — 50? — in blog years? Congrats on the milestone!

      I know we’ve all disagreed on various things around Yankee-land. In the end, though, we all want the team to win, and I’ve always enjoyed reading your take on things. What fun is it if all of us writing about the Yanks agree on everything anyway??

    2. MJ
      April 20th, 2009 | 7:55 am

      Congrats Steve, it’s been a fun ride.

      I’ve been a reader here since the 2005 ALCS and this is still my #1 destination multiple times a day. Over the years you and I have disagreed on Hughes, A-Rod and Cashman but I’m glad to be a reader and to enjoy WW.com every day.

      If not for this blog I wouldn’t be a season-ticket holder so I can say with all honesty that this site has imrpoved my life tremendously.

      Cheers to you!

    3. MJ
      April 20th, 2009 | 7:56 am

      *imrpoved = improved.

    4. April 20th, 2009 | 9:30 am

      Congrats Steve. :)

    5. Corey
      April 20th, 2009 | 9:53 am

      congrats, and i look forward to the pictures you take from the world series clinching game this year! :)

    6. Raf
      April 20th, 2009 | 9:57 am

      Hmmm, the Yankees haven’t advanced past the 1st round since you started your blog… Clearly a jinx :p

      :D

      I’ve been around since the netshrine days, which I think I found through Lee, and haven’t regretted swinging by. It has been a lot of fun, and I’ve enjoyed my time at both sites, as evidenced by my page views as well as number of posts.

      Congratulations and I hope you’re blogging and writing for many more years, Steve :)

    7. GCohen9782
      April 20th, 2009 | 10:15 am

      Congrats Steve, keep up the great work.

    8. muskratrambler
      April 20th, 2009 | 10:25 am

      The reason I read blogs, as opposed to official sites, is to get some unsterilized commentary. While this site does regularly have the most pessimistic (or sobering) take on the team, I read regularly because I value that end of the spectrum. Sometimes this site gets a little too “Fire Brian Cashman” for my tastes, but other blogs frequently amuse me with their elaborate contortions of fact in an attempt to paint a rosier picture. But if you’re a fan interested in taking a regular reading on the moods and thoughts of fellow fans, the best way is to subscribe to the feeds of a handful of select blogs, and I would always recommend this blog be included. Remember, people who attack must be reading. No one will agree with every word posted here, but the site is clearly relevant and unique. Keep up the good work, Steve.

    9. clintfsu813
      April 20th, 2009 | 10:43 am

      I visit the blog several times every day. I enjoy your thoughts immensely. While the negativity sometimes gets me down, thats got more to do with my own blinders and desire for everything to be peachy. I appreciate you guys keeping it real.

    10. Joel
      April 20th, 2009 | 11:03 am

      If you can’t be critical of a GM who has had virtually unlimited resources and no World Championships over the last eight years who can you be critical of?

      Congrats, Steve. Keep up the great work.

    11. YankCrank
      April 20th, 2009 | 11:29 am

      If you can’t be critical of a GM who has had virtually unlimited resources and no World Championships over the last eight years who can you be critical of?
      —-

      I can be critical of you for assuming that unlimited resources should always result in a Championship. If players didn’t age, have down years or come down with injuries than yes i agree, the Yankees should win every year.

    12. butchie22
      April 20th, 2009 | 11:36 am

      Steve, you are an oasis that is much appreciated. Is it better to be critical and tell it like it is as opposed to being a homer and let Cash Man and Co spend money unwisely and make moves that are wrong or make believe the sun is shining and all is right in the world? I appreaciate your viewpoint, probably because I share a lot of your opinions. BUT also because ,I’ve been a fan for so long (since 1973) and have seen so many permutations of this team,both successful and unsuccessful and said experience has both enriched and darkened my opinion on the Yankees.

    13. YankCrank
      April 20th, 2009 | 11:43 am

      Oh yeah, and congrats Steve!

    14. April 20th, 2009 | 12:32 pm

      Just wanted to poke my head in here and say “Thanks!” for all the kinds words and well wishes. It’s very nice of you all to share…

    15. Joel
      April 20th, 2009 | 12:47 pm

      YankCrank–I never said that having unlimited resources should “always result” in a Championship. That was not my point.

      In fact, I would guess that I am more pro-Cashman than Steve. I was merely pointing out that Steve’s criticism/negativity towards Cashman is very much fair game.

    16. YankCrank
      April 20th, 2009 | 1:11 pm

      Joel- Totally fair, sorry for misinterpreting your statement.

    17. muskratrambler
      April 20th, 2009 | 4:39 pm

      I’m not certain if it was my comment that started the discussion on whether or not Cashman is fair game, but to clarify my point if anyone is interested, I only meant that the site, at times, gets a little single-minded in its focus on Cashman, hence my allusion to the “Fire Joe Morgan” blog. At the very least, however, I would imagine most Yankee fans would consider Cashman’s record spotty and the man himself not integral to the club’s future.

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