An explanation and a heartfelt thank you

Where are we headed on this unexpected thrill ride?

I figure it's about time to give everyone an update on what's going on, along with a big "thank you" for your kindness.

The outpouring of support for this venture has truly overwhelmed me. I'd say it "whelmed" me, too, but I'm not sure that's a word.

It's so heartening to read your comments as we take off on this wild ride together. I couldn't ever have imagined this would happen, and happen so quickly. 

I type for a living. Alone at the kitchen table. Sometimes with the TV on for momentary distraction and sometimes with it off. It's always off when I'm proofreading, the only part of the writing process I truly do not enjoy.

I did not expect this response.

Sure, I knew I had a number of readers over the years and I've been a part of this town for a very long time, but this reaction was a direct hit to the heart. I will be forever grateful.

I shouldn't be surprised. Davis is a loving and giving town, filled with good and decent and honest and very kind people. I wish to thank you all, individually, with every fiber of my being. Your love and your support mean the world to me and you have helped me through a very difficult time. May God Bless you all. 

It's true that I did not know about Substack. But my sweetheart, Shelley, and all six of our kids, not only knew about it, they were confident this would be a great place for my column to continue uninterrupted. They were right. They were so, so right. 

Almost overnight, I had several thousand subscribers, and just two weeks after launch we're nearing 4,000, with about one-fourth of those as paid subscribers. I'm thrilled with either, of course, but the reality is that paid subscribers are ultimately what makes this venture possible.

How quickly this has become my full-time job is nearly unbelievable. I feel like I'm living a dream.

I've never traveled at the speed of light before, but it's a thrilling ride for sure.

I don't plan a ton of changes from my previous writings in other places, other than the reality that this is clearly a different format. I also hope to use all kinds of great photos to brighten these pages.

This will continue to be a highly opinionated column about all sorts of things, plus live coverage of a number of sports at UC Davis. I can hardly wait for football season to start up again this fall as Tim Plough takes over the reins of the program from the legendary Dan Hawkins.

Still, since I am now completely in control of the content here, I'm sure I'll try some new things and have a few surprises. Maybe a contest or two with swell prizes.

I plan to interact regularly with you in the comments section, where the No-Holds-Barred Rulebook will be in effect.

I might even serialize a novel I have written and include that on a regular basis. 

And I'm always open to reader suggestions. Always have been and always will be. Please fire away about topics that are close to your heart or that you think deserve special attention.

I'd also like to say that I have great respect for the opportunity that Substack is providing for a lot of writers, some veterans and some newcomers, and everyone in between. It is an exciting venture.

I had the wonderful opportunity the other day to meet Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie and he is such a great and sincere supporter of everyone on his platform and all the readers who have joined as well. I'm in very good hands. 

Finally, I'd especially like to thank everyone who has come along for the ride.

I hope it's as wonderful for you as it is for me.

You can reach me directly at bobdunning@thewaryone.com.