Welcome to My Blog
It took a while, but I’ve now joined the hundreds of other American wine lovers who are blogging, and I’ve got to say, it feels good to hop on the digital train.
I took my time for several reasons. One was simply a matter of physical constraints. I never felt like I had enough time to investigate the how-to’s of blogging, which involves technical aspects beyond my ken. Last year, I started to blog using a free online template (my rudimentary efforts are still floating around out there in cyberspace), but gave that up because the site looked as hokey as you’d expect a free site to look, and I just didn’t feel prepared enough to continue.
Another reason I didn’t blog right away was because I didn’t really feel the need to have another platform from which to speak. Unlike most wine bloggers (as far as I can tell), I already had a platform. A number of them, in fact: my columns and articles in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, my wine reviews (which are certainly platforms), and various opportunities to speak and teach at public events, both in my capacity as Wine Enthusiast’s West Coast editor and as an author of wine books. So the lure of blogging simply for the sake of more public exposure was not particularly strong.
Finally, up until quite recently I didn’t really understand the power of blogging. Although I’ve followed wine blogs for many years, my impression of them was one of disappointment. I found most of them boring (“Last night, I drank ‘X’ and here’s what I thought of it”), not worth my time to read, and decidedly non-enlightening. The last thing I wanted to do was create another boring wine blog.
Well, here I am writing a wine blog! I hope it’s not boring.
What made me change my mind? Sometimes, a person just isn’t ready for something until he’s ready. I’m ready to take the plunge.
Here’s what I’d like to do with this new endeavor.
First off, I don’t have a well-thought-out, coherent plan. This is Day One; I’ll start Day Two tomorrow. But what I think I want to do are: Express my opinions about things that interest me. These opinions will usually, but not always, be on the subject of wine. I have opinions on other things, too (especially politics), and I reserve the right to opine on them.
I might even publish some short fiction.
I hope this blog will be relevant. There are always issues floating around in the world of wine. I plan on chiming in.
This blog will mostly be on the subject of California wine, since that’s what I cover in my day job at Wine Enthusiast Magazine. But I’ll feel free to weigh in on wines from the rest of the world.
I’ll try to provide analysis of issues to my best ability.
I’ll share my experiences in the wine world.
I’ll ask you, the reader, what your opinions are, and if you send posts, I’ll try to get them up as fast as possible, and respond to them. I’d be thrilled if this forum became a place for people to air opinions and debate issues.
So that’s it. Welcome to my blog. I hope to see you here often. I’ll try as hard as possible to make your visits worthwhile.
Steve,
Welcome to the world of blogging! It’s very exciting to see that you’ve got another platform for which you can launch your ideas, opinions, and another insider’s perspective on wine.
You have so much to offer to us all. I look forward to following your journaling.
Best wishes and congratulations! — jo
Dear Steve,
I really look forward to following your blog. We need as many wine loving voices out there as possible!
Best,
Monica
Thanks to you both, Jo and Monica, 2 good friends. This is my Big Adventure!
And it’s about time…
I rather doubt it will be boring. Just promise us you won’t hold back.
Congrats and welcome, Steve.
Tom…
Tom,
If I hold back, I’m sure you’ll let me know! Thanks.
Steve,
Having written two of my favorite books on California wine and the folks behind it, I’m excited to see what you’ll do with the blog.
Welcome!
Steve,
Welcome.
Being the sensitive sort, I hope my site isn’t one of the snoozers for you.
Regardless, your presence will bring authority and perspective.
Jump into the deep end of the pool!
Jeff