we're this many (II)

Our two year anniversary was actually back in March, but June of 2003 found this site functioning somewhat steadily with continuous content. This improvisational journal continues to roll steady, with a touch of chaos, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

One thing missing of late is the voice of our now behind-the-scenes tech and editor, Joe Milazzo. Here's hoping that he'll return soon enough. I know many agree with me that his contributions here have been at once some of the most entertaining and challenging work to grace our pages. Joe's work is never of the controversial brand, at least in the sense that readers conspire against one another in brawls of opinion. That's why you don't see too many comments spilling off of his authored pages. If you're like me, you relish in the decoding of his pieces on a L'innomable recording or the Once Festival, and at the same time are intimidated by their magnitude. He's also capable of heartfelt concision, as with the tribute to his lost father in a simple note on an Ink Spots compliation.

We have some new voices aboard as noted in an entry or two below, and whose words can be read in recent feature articles and a review of the latest in the ErstLive series. Mike and Richard's perspectives are as refreshing as Marc Medwin's, and I'm certain the range of personality they bring to this site won't be lost on anyone. I should add that Derek's new (forced) management position has been paramount to the life of the site over the last few months. If you see him at a festival this year, give him a noogie and tease him. A lot. He'd rather write any day of the week.

I plan to add a new area to the site in the coming months, focusing on DVD and film commentary. I've been in contact with some distributors and the possibilities look promising. If you have any interest and experience with this area of writing, please inquire within.

Lastly, hats and glasses tipped to a strong two years. Cheers and blessings to those of you who were kind enough to contribute through the little "alms" link (over there, on the right) last year. I always want this site to be free of advertising and your donations have allowed that.