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TalkLeft is Six Years Old Today

TalkLeft turns six years old today. It's our blogiversary (and as Skippy would say, y.i.c.t.p. -- yes, I coined that phrase.)

Six years is a long time on the internets, and since we have so many more readers than we did at the beginning, for those who are interested, here's a little history. [More...]

I started TalkLeft in 1999 as a website with political links. It was intended to be a companion to one of my other sites, CrimeLynx. Here's what it looked like. On June 15, 2002, I converted it to a blog. Here is my first post.

Our tagline since day 1 has been "The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles" from Bob Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues.

My first blog buddies were Instapundit, Eric Alterman (who wrote MSNBC's Altercation at the time), Steve of Vodkapundit, Markos of Daily Kos and Atrios.

A few months after I started it, Markos offered to convert TalkLeft from Blogger to Movable Type and do a complete redesign. It took him a month. Here's what TalkLeft looked like for the next few years. That daily news feed on the left hand side? I spent at least an hour a night hand selecting the articles from the next day's papers around the country. I wish I still had the time to do it now, as none of the commercial news services provide such topically targeted feeds.

Here's a basic chronology:

  • January, 2006, our Man in Hollywood, CL, who wishes to remain anonymous, begins making exclusive graphics for TalkLeft. You can view an assortment of his great work on my facebook page here.

Along the way, I got to cover the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston and the Republican convention in New York; live-blog the Scooter Libby trial in Washington, DC; meet great people and make great friends in the blogosphere and the policy and political realms.

One of the most exciting days I've had as a blogger: when Bill Clinton brings a bunch of us into New York for a get-together with him at his Harlem office.

As of today, TalkLeft has had more than 24 million visitors and 50 million page views. The average length of each visit to TalkLeft is over 5 minutes.

I had no idea when I sat at the computer one weekend in June, 2002 to create a blog that I'd still be doing this six years later. But, here we are.

A very special thanks to TChris and Big Tent Democrat who are just as much a part of TalkLeft as I am, and to CL for his graphics.

Last but certainly not least, thanks to every one of you who have read a page, posted a comment, given me a news tip, linked to TalkLeft, donated dollars (and two laptops) and befriended me. You've made it all worthwhile.

< The Difference Between Disagreement , Criticism and Hate | Contrast >
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  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    Happy blogiversary (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by LoisInCo on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:47:02 AM EST
    and many more!

    Happy Birthday! (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by Esme on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:08:23 AM EST
    Jeralyn, you should be very proud! You've created a wonderful blog! I stumbled upon this blog in January, when I was trying to find civil discourse about the Democratic nomination. When I found this site, I was amazed by the quality of both the blog entries and the the comments! And, I find myself now reading all of the blog entries, even the ones pertaining to criminal law, an issue about which I know very little.

    So, thank you for providing all of us with a space to engage in civil, informed discourse! I'm sure that it takes you a lot of time to maintain TL, and I really appreciate it! I hope you have many great years of blogging ahead of you!

    And I have to say, thanks to BTD for all of his posts on the malign acceptance of sexism. He really has done a great job in chronicling the sexism on the blogopshere and in the media. I still think he should write a book about it!

    And thanks to TChris for his very interesting legal posts!

    Also, due to my current inability to fall asleep (it's 4 am here), I spent a good hour reading all of the links that you posted in this entry. I was especially intrigued by your entry on meeting Bill Clinton and the comments that ensued. Seems like there was a lot of anger towards Bill, even back then.

    Happy Blogiversary! (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by otherlisa on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:15:18 AM EST
    I remember the old design! I guess I've actually been lurking here for a while.

    As I commented below, TalkLeft is a rare oasis of sanity in these crazy Internets. I love the posts, the community and the conversation here.

    Thanks for everything that all of you do to make this place happen. And I promise I'll kick in as soon as my bank account recovers from the primaries!

    Congrats (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by Alec82 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:16:59 AM EST
    For many years of supporting us lefties. And, in so doing, the truth.

    Such an interesting mix of contributors. (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by oculus on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:20:33 AM EST
    My former life as a prosecutor would not have permitted me to read Talk Left and start commenting but for the fact BTD ended up here.  Since then, Tchris hasn't been posting often until recently and I've come to appreciate his subtle, informed style.  Jeralyn, of course, is the housemother who tries to control the out-of-control on her blog.  What will happen between now and Nov. 8?  Hard to tell, but I'm quite certain it will be interesting.  

    Woo Hoo! (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Jackson Hunter on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:34:45 AM EST
    Happy Blogiversary Jeralyn, BTD, and Tchris.  Thanks for provideing such a tremondous place to chill and discuss the world.  Here's hoping that you have another wonderful six years!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Jackson

    congratulations jeralyn! (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by cpinva on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 04:57:44 AM EST
    i've been reading (and running my mouth) here since i first picked up the link. i think it was from bob somerby's daily howler, sometime in early '04. believe it or not, after my quad bypass in sept. 04, this site was among the few i could enjoy safely! lol probably because i was able to vent, among people reading at higher than an 8th grade level.

    you guys all do a great job. even though my work is in the tax area, i still find your legal posts very insightful.

    here's to many more blogiversaries! :)

    Congrats on keeping a (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by mikeyleigh on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 06:54:07 AM EST
    balanced, entertaining, and reaoned blog going for so long.

    Happy B-day Talkleft! (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by suki on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 06:55:35 AM EST
    A big thanks to Jeralyn and all of you who work hard to make this place so great.
    I found you just a few months ago and only wish I had much sooner.
    You are a true model for how it should be done on the blogosphere.

    Oh beamish blog! (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by dutchfox on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 07:31:35 AM EST
    Oh frabjous day! Calooh! Callay!

    Congratulations, TL! (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by scribe on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 07:59:22 AM EST
    And many happy returns!

    I've been with the site since about 3 years ago - it seems like forever but is "only" that long.

    It was interesting to go back to that first day's post from 2002.  It seems a lot of the issues remain the same - detainee protection and issues, constitution-free conduct by the administration, War, you name it.  Would that more of the predictions about just how bad it could get, had turned out false.  And, a lot of the predictions here about the downsides of the approaches taken by the admin - have sadly come to be true.

    One is compelled to wonder whether, and how, the site would have been different had we known then what we know now about what was being done then.

    w00t! (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by No Blood for Hubris on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 08:02:56 AM EST
    Happy Blogiversary to you!

    Many thanks!

    I loved reading the history (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by bjorn on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 08:08:17 AM EST
    Thanks Jeralyn and CREW!  I love the blog, the atmosphere, and all the good things you are trying to do.  I hope you have many more anniversaries!

    Happy, happy. (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by estill on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 08:30:42 AM EST
    Happy blogiversary, Jeralyn.  I can't remember when I started reading you, but it was near the beginning.

    Ed

    many happy returns of the day (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by teacherken on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 08:34:28 AM EST
    and may there be many more such celebrations

    peace

    Happy Birthday Talk Left and (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by GeorgiaE on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:01:00 AM EST
    Congratulations Jeralyn and Crew, I found this site a few weeks ago and it really helped me keep my sanity as the primary election ended.  Thanks for being here and keep up the good work!Also, thanks for the Truth..


    What if he brings a gun to a birthday party... (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Talktruth on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:13:46 AM EST
    ...when all that's really needed is a knife to cut the cake?

    Six years old...that would explain backing Obama!  Actually, that's an insult to six year olds, and I'm sorry.

    TL looks good as ever! Born under a good sign? (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Ellie on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:16:08 AM EST
    Many happy returns! Thanks again for all the hard work you do, and for being a truly progressive voice in the blogosphere.

    Do you have an Amazon wish list that we can contribute a little sump'n sump'n to to mark the occasion?

    eg, I know you're a big Sopranos fan and a few compilations of music from the series, as well as DVDs of the seasons are available.

    I was going to take in the Tony Soprano lawn sale, if anyone wants to come with. Fess up, Jeralyn, you've always wanted to strut around in Tony Soprano's bathrobe, which is ON SALE!! That's right, Tony Soprano's gone CRAZY -- uh, even more crazy!

    Congratulations and Happy Returns (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by The Maven on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:20:45 AM EST
    I hope that as TalkLeft moves forward, you will continue to find our presense as guests in your house a positive once.

    When I rediscovered TL a few months ago (I'd lurked from time to time way back when), what I found most promising was that the site's viewpoint was governed by a consistent position on the issues -- not on the expedient, impassioned feelings du jour driven by the "masses".  Keep up the good work (as I'm sure you will)!

    Happy Birthday/Blogiversary! (5.00 / 3) (#22)
    by Anne on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:24:52 AM EST
    And here's to many more years of great thought-provoking posts, and the structure that enables real discussion about them.

    Thanks for putting up with us when we stray off-topic, when we occasionally get so caught up in an issue that we lose it a little.

    Thanks, too, for keeping us informed on the too-many instances of injustice in this country, and for your dedication to eliminating that injustice when and where you can.  It's not just hard work to do it, but it's hard work to make people aware of it.

    Thank you for all you do.

    Yes! (none / 0) (#37)
    by tree on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:32:00 AM EST
    What she said.

    Parent
    Way to go Jeralyn! (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by talesoftwokitties on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:30:11 AM EST
    I appreciate and respect your work.  In fact, this is the only blog I've ever contributed $$ to.  Your evenhandedness and insistence on civility keep me coming back.  The writers, especially you and BTD, sparkle with clarity and provoke critical thinking and discussion.  Many thanks!  M

    Congratulations! (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by stillife on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:40:44 AM EST
    Many happy returns.  Thanks for all you, BTD and Chris do.  It's much appreciated.

    Way To Celebrate (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Silhouette on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:43:17 AM EST
    Happy Birthday Talkleft.

    Let's celebrate by keeping attempts at censure down to zero.

    OK?

    Happy Birthday TL! (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by Democratic Cat on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:44:33 AM EST
    You run one of the most interesting sites on the web, with a clear liberal point of view and no apologies for it. Congratulations and best wishes for your continued success.

    Happy Blogiversary Jeralyn! (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by vigkat on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:49:32 AM EST
    And a huge thank you to you, TChris and Big Tent Democrat.  I registered here sometime ago, but never posted much until this year.  Once I started reading on a regular basis, I could not resist the urge to join the conversation.

    Although it has been a refuge over the past couple of months, TL has emerged as my favorite blog; in fact, it is now my homepage, the place where I know for certain I will get the truth of the matter, delivered without bias, and discussesd in a civilized manner. Here's to another great year!

    TL has been an Oasis to bask in (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by Florida Resident on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:49:40 AM EST
    As an opponent of the Death Penalty and the False War on Drugs mantra, I have found your posts on Law, civil rights, and other issues a well constructed and expressed source of information.  I would hope more blogs would dedicate themselves to issues that you and few other blogs do.

    Keep up the good work.  There has to be some sanity in our so called Justice System.

    Happy Anniversary. TL has been (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by zfran on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:50:33 AM EST
    a "saving grace" for my sanity. Your site has made me feel I'm not alone, and, for the most part, I have found sanity, wisdom, respect and intellilect here. Thanks Jeralyn, you are unique.

    Happy Anniversary (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by MO Blue on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:59:52 AM EST
    Many thanks for all the hard work you all do to keep this site a place where issues can be discussed in a civil manner.

    Happy Bday and (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by lynnerkat on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:01:57 AM EST
    thanks for all you and the rest of the crew do. I've been lurking for a few years and have enjoyed the topics and comments. You all have made me think and given me some validation in this crazy time.

    Well I can say it here too: (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by andgarden on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:03:44 AM EST
    Here's to another 6 years!

    Cheers! (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by Tess on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:04:39 AM EST
    Happy, happy blogiversary!

    I adore this site...you all make it look easy but we all know it takes tons of work.

    I bow to you all!

    Thx Jeralyn, BTD and Tchris (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by laurie on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:15:02 AM EST
    Fabulous piece of history.

    Thx for all your hard work and honest, liberal administration.

    Happy Birthday and many returns of the day. (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Burned on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:15:23 AM EST
    Thanks

    What a interesting history (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by BarnBabe on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:19:07 AM EST
    I am sorry to say I was not aware of all the awards and growth spurts TL has gone through since 2002. I only stated lurking here when BTD came over from DK. And, I have only been a blogger since 2004. Guess I am still a newbie. Ha. I always enjoy seeing someone succeed with their projects and dreams. Glad you were able to make yours come true and beyond. HB

    Happy B'Day TL (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by squeaky on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:18:12 AM EST
    I am glad I found you and stuck around...

    Here is a tune that I know you love.

    thanks and you're right (none / 0) (#44)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:36:48 AM EST
    one of my favorite songs ever (and why it's been on TL's front page since day one.)

    Parent
    Congratulations TalkLeft... (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by Maria Garcia on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:30:44 AM EST
    Thank you so much for the chronology. I started lurking at TalkLeft duing the Libby trial but left the commenting to the legal experts. I only really comment about politics, but I adore the legal commentary ranging from criminal law to constitutional law and I have great respect for Jeralyn, BTD, and TChris. Keep up the great work.

    Congrats (5.00 / 4) (#43)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:33:45 AM EST
    and I have enjoyed the past 5 years, in my case.

    You know, TL is the only left wing blog that tolerates opposing point of views. That says a lot about your faith in your positions.

    In fact, it has been my reading TL that I have moved  from being pro execution towards a mostly LWOP position.

    May you have another 6!

    wow (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:39:29 AM EST
    Jim, I didn't know that. That's huge. What a great birthday present to know that. Thank you.

    Parent
    Wow (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by squeaky on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:53:36 AM EST
    News to me too. That is one of the best comments, or best, I have ever heard from you ppj. I am touched.

    Parent
    Don't be getting squishy, Squeak (none / 0) (#67)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:43:30 PM EST
    No Need To Worry (none / 0) (#68)
    by squeaky on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 06:48:21 PM EST
    About that. Although I do applaud your change of heart, it's a biggie.

    Parent
    Happy blogiversary! (none / 0) (#38)
    by stxabuela on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:46:57 AM EST
    Thanks for all you and your team do to keep this an island of sanity in the blogosphere.  

    thanks Jeralyn and co. (none / 0) (#39)
    by nic danger on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:57:23 AM EST
    Talk Left has been a daily read for me since late 2002.but over the last several months it has turned into my main online source for news and information.you run a quality site,and i know i'm not the only one who thanks you from the bottom of my heart...

    Congratulations Jeralyn, TChris, BTD and CL! (none / 0) (#40)
    by standingup on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:08:07 AM EST
    I went online looking for more information when I realized our country was in big trouble after September 11.  I didn't find Talkleft immediately or read it as frequently as I have been during the primaries but have always been very impressed with the content and coverage.  

    Thank you for all of the time and attention devoted to keep TalkLeft running and full of great information.  I imagine more goes into maintenance and administration than most of us ever consider.  I really appreciate the extra effort to keep a civil and pleasant environment that is rare but very welcome.  

    Woof Woof! (none / 0) (#47)
    by zyx on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:00:45 PM EST
    says my pupster, who shares your birthday (he's 2!)

    Happy Birthday (none / 0) (#49)
    by john horse on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:10:37 PM EST
    Congratulations Jeralyn and TL.

    TL is still one of my must-read-with-my first-cup-of-coffee-in-the-morning blogs.  

    Boy, things sure have changed politically since you first started your blog.  And it is partly your fault.

    Thank you.

    Thank You . . . (none / 0) (#52)
    by Doc Rock on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:31:50 PM EST
    . . . for what you've done, for what you do, and for what you will do! Best wishes for the next six.

    Happy ... (none / 0) (#53)
    by dianem on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:55:44 PM EST
    ...Birthday.

    I think this is a terrific site. If the rest of the web applied the same standard of intellect and civility that is found here, I think that the web world would be a much better place.

    happy birthday to you! happy birthday (none / 0) (#54)
    by hellothere on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:59:43 PM EST
    talk left, happy birthday to you! this is following by cheers, claps and shouts of "cut the cake".

    Happy, Happy Anniversary/Birthday/ (none / 0) (#55)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:48:38 PM EST
    Blogday...keep up the great work.

    happy blogiversary, jeralyn! (none / 0) (#56)
    by skippybkroo on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:00:59 PM EST
    blogtopia (and yes, i coined that phrase!) is a much better place with you and your analysis!

    congrats on 6 years, and here's to another 6!

    Happy Anniversary! (none / 0) (#57)
    by Iphie on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:56:17 PM EST
    6 blog years, wow -- how many human years is that? Thanks for the chronology, I even remember some of those milestones.

    Happy Bday (none / 0) (#58)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:38:57 PM EST
    To a really great blog and its family of bloggers.  I always enjoyed reading BTD, so came here when I discovered that he was blogging here.  Days later also noticed that I enjoyed reading the other bloggers here just as much.

    Thank you, Jeralyn (none / 0) (#59)
    by McKinless on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 05:44:32 PM EST
    A relative newcomer here. But really appreciate your thoughts, analysis. I got hooked with your Libby trial blogging and commentary with Jane Hamsher and Emptywheel. What a great gift it was.

    Happy B-Day (none / 0) (#62)
    by coigue on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:16:23 PM EST
    You don't look a day over 5 years old!!!

    Wow, that is tremendous (none / 0) (#63)
    by Valhalla on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:51:53 PM EST
    Congratulations!

    O... (none / 0) (#64)
    by desertswine on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 11:54:29 PM EST
    Happy day!

    Time sure flies.... (none / 0) (#66)
    by kdog on Mon Jun 16, 2008 at 10:16:51 AM EST
    when you are having fun learning...I tell ya.

    I stumbled upon the joint when Greg Easterbrook got fired from espn for supposed anti-semitic comments I forget how many years ago and never left...I am eternally grateful for the information and the forum...Congrats and Thanks!