Let Us Now Praise Local Advertisers

*Ahem* The world of blogging is full of tiny little accomplishments. QUIET IN THE BACK! Thank you.

When, following what I am now realizing must have been an undiagnosed stroke, I decided to launch a Seattle news and culture blog, I was thinking primarily of beer money. When I gathered this hardy band of ex-Seattlest-ers, I looked them each in the eye and said, “We will make enough money for a monthly happy hour.”

As God is my witness.


Not only did I want us to be writing about local news and people and events, but I wanted to give local businesses and arts groups and politicos a way to reach Seattle readers for what amounts to beer money. Now, I won’t lie, we’re not talking PBR. I have a fondness for Old Seattle Lager. For the German imports.

But it’s working. On our second day, Central Cinema ads showed up. I didn’t think it was possible to love a place more that brings me pizza and beer while I watch a movie, but it was. And then Scarecrow Video asked about rates. They’re both an advertiser and a source–when I was doing a post about SIFF’s Spanish film fest, Scarecrow gave me a list of even more new Spanish films for you to watch. And now Richard Conlin–there he is, in the sidebar, elect him–from the City Council has piled on. Endorsed by The Stranger and the Seattle Times. He’s got my vote for that accomplishment alone.

I know, it’s only three advertisers. But they couldn’t be more local. I–excuse me, a bit choked up…I wrote at Seattlest for four years and all we got was a Chris Gregoire ad. So this is a real moment for me. Big hug, Seattle. Big hug.