Pretty cool! We’re proud. But personally, I don’t think of this as “public relations” or “public affairs” or whatever. I mean, I know my posts are “public” and that I am “relating” to you, but that term has so many connotations that just don’t apply here. This is different.

People who know me know that I talk a lot about the importance of just being real. And that’s why I love this blog. It’s a place where I get to speak just like I do “in real life” (which, forgive me, is sometimes filled with exclamations and references to geeky songs) and talk about things I truly think are interesting. It’s also a platform where I get to share the things I create and connect to fascinating people. (I’m learning a lot from the folks who comment, email us, and participate on Flickr.)

But regardless of what you call it (public affairs, new media, just babbling about stuff…), this is a great award. So here’s my thank you speech: 

• Thank you to all the authors that contribute to this blog. You all are making this a more interesting place every day. Your excellent posts have helped quadruple our readership in the past three months! 
• Speaking of authors, thank you to Cooper for sparking the idea for a Chapter blog.
• Thank you to the judges (and to my bosses) who recognize the importance of communicating through conversation, not just through press releases.
• Thank you, of course to our readers. It wouldn’t make much sense to have this thing without you. 
• Thank you to everyone who has told their friends and colleagues about the blog. Spread the love (and the preparedness tips)!