So, here’s a thing that happened:
This blog turned 15 years old this month. On October 19th, actually.
Blink, blink.
Holy crap, this blog is old. It’s a surly teenager now. It’s slamming doors and stealing my whiskey. It just ran up the stairs and yelled down at me, YOU’RE NOT MY REAL DAD.
Oh, but I am, blog. I am.
If you’ll take a momentary trip with me in the Wayback Machine, you will discover that once upon a time, when Cavepeople rode to work on Pteranodons, I ran a BBS — a bulletin board system. (I had various names for said BBS: BizarroWorld, ShadowLands, UnReality.) It was like the Internet before there was an Internet, except my fucking shitty 486 computer ran it and you had to use a screamy dial-up modem to connect to my house. And there online I offered networked forums and games and warez and ASCII art and all those Cool Jamz, and I had a little writing group called WAR (Writers Against Reality, a weaksauce title but shut up, I was a teenager). I’m not even sure my parents knew I ran the thing? And one time, Bruce Campbell dialed in? Whatever.
When it came time to establish an online presence post-college and in the dawning era of the Intertubes, I decided that I needed a BLOG — which as I have noted before is like, the worst name for anything ever. Blog sounds like the onomatopoeia of my dog horking up a wad of ill-eaten grass. (Actually, vlog may be worse than blog, because vlog sounds like Dracula’s idiot relative. “Hi, I’m Vlad the Impaler, and this is my little cousin, Vlog the Inn Tailor.”) My initial plan when it came time to plan out this blog was that I wanted to have it serve as an online writer’s community, much as I did back when I was a SysOp running a BBS. Thus the name terribleminds — it was meant to evoke that feeling of, blah blah blah, a bunch of gloriously terrible creative minds getting together and shooting the shit about wordsmithy.
Except, that sounded like a lot of work and I also didn’t like people at that time so instead I said, “Fuck that shit, George,” and then I decided instead to just do a blog about me, me, me.
OH GLORIOUS NARCISSISM
As such, my programmer roommate at the time did a static HTML page — she did a cracking good job and set me up with rudimentary HTML skillz and an FTP client and I did all my updating the old fashioned way — by yelling code into a donkey who carried the blog up a mountain to the Internet.
And it was fine and nice and it was me yelling at me about me. Often about writing, sometimes about other rantylicious topics. But it had no metrics. It had no comments.
I had no idea who was listening.
Around 2009, Will Hindmarch suggested I be a big boy and actually get a WordPress installation, and I nodded and smiled and pretended I knew what he was talking about. Thankfully, he coached me through it, and next thing the world knew, I had metrics, and comments, and sweet hot hell people were actually reading this blog. It was like opening the curtain to your front windows and finding a bunch of people staring in through the glass.
The blog numbers have gone up considerably over the last several years, too.
2009: 35,000 views.
2010: 435,000 views.
2011: 1.5 million.
2012: 2.7 million.
2013: 3.2 million.
2014: 3.6 million.
And this year we’re on target to match 2014, with the added bonus of having daily subscribers — over 8,000 people who get these blog posts in their mailboxes, daily.
All the while, I’ve done it without soliciting money or posting advertising or any of that. I fuel the existence of the blog with the money I (ideally) make with my writing.
(Oh, I’m told blogs are dead now. But terribleminds will keep on, zombie-like. /braaaaains)
It’s been an amazing journey, and while I still hew roughly to the same style of blogging I did way back when (yelling at myself about myself), the original and seemingly forgotten goal of terribleminds actually circled back around and became a true thing: this really is, I feel, a community of and for writers. It exists because of all of you, so thanks for being here and being awesome. It’s mind-boggling that so many of you care to listen to the froth-mouthed gabbling of a freakshow like myself, but I really, really appreciate it.
AS SUCH, it is time to do a giveaway.
I initially though I’d give away my books, but meh, who wants that?
Then I thought, maybe I’ll give something bookish — a Kindle or what-not.
Even then, I feel like that runs counter to the spirit of the weirdness that is this blog.
So! Instead, I’m going to giveaway something TOTALLY RANDOM. Unexpected. A bizarre-o care package sent to one lucky commenter. Here’s all you gotta do:
Go leave a comment beneath this post.
Oh, and be from the U.S. — I know, that sucks, but international shipping is a terrible thing.
Then, on Thursday, I’ll pick one of you randos to receive MYSTERIOUS GIFTNESS.
*poof*
EDIT: We Have A Winner
The winner of the birthday fun is:
JEN.
Someone named Jen, no last name!
Jen, who wrote the comment, “Happy happy!”
Jen, I’ve got an email address for you, so I’ll try it, but if the one you signed in with is incorrect, ping me at terribleminds at gmail dot com so I can get a mailing address from you.
MYSTERY PACKAGE INCOMING.
Risa says:
Congratulations on 15 years. Looking forward to reading the next 15 years.
October 28, 2015 — 6:35 PM
jeffreyricker says:
Hey, I’m a rando! Is that like being Rambo? Or is it like being randy? I dunno, but happy blogrthday!
October 28, 2015 — 6:36 PM
humzai says:
Congrats, I hope you’re having a productive day in the murder shed.
October 28, 2015 — 6:37 PM
Franklin Taylor says:
I am glad you wrote a Star Wars book, because I would have not known about your work. Thank you for the hard work you put into your projects.
October 28, 2015 — 6:38 PM
divynal66 says:
You’re an inspiration, Sir. Not kissing your ass as it probably tastes of farts: just saying.
October 28, 2015 — 6:42 PM
Dean Mark says:
If it wasn’t for your Star Wars aftermath book and your lastest Twitter post I’d never find out anything about your blog. Not really a blog kinda guy but wow your accomplishment is really outstanding to say the least. So I’m really thankful to read through your daily blog. Anyway it’s been booked marked for now so congrats again! I’m a real newby and just subscribe but hey to me it’s a good thing.
October 28, 2015 — 6:44 PM
Jessica says:
Your blog was born on my birthday! I’ve not got a US address of my own, but my brother is in California… does that count? Although he’s a monk, and he’s off being monkish at a meditation retreat at the moment, where I’m not sure if they frown upon bizarro care packages. Hmmm… do you suppose if you happen to pull my name you could send it in January?
Happy belated birthday to your blog. 🙂
October 28, 2015 — 6:53 PM
tigs (@syzara) says:
Happy blog bday!
/I remember the screaming of modems
October 28, 2015 — 6:53 PM
Shannon says:
I am among those 8,000+ people who open their mailboxes every day, bypass the boring stuff, such as work email, low-balance alerts and invites to my mother-in-law’s Avon luncheons (arg), and go right to the Terribleminds blog post, delivered so thoughtfully to my inbox.
Never dull. Always a little out there. Just my cup of tea—laced with homemade moonshine.
Raising my teacup to your health!
Happy Blogrthday, Terribleminds!
October 28, 2015 — 7:02 PM
Beth_Bartlett says:
Happy Blogbirthingsqueezingwordsoutofyourmindhoohoo Day! I still turn to your writing ebook when I need inspiration or a kick in the pants. Thanks for that. Also, thanks for the tweets as well as the blog.
October 28, 2015 — 7:02 PM
Sarah Lucia says:
Happy Blogrthday!
October 28, 2015 — 7:03 PM
Peter B. says:
Words can’t express how happy I am that this blog exists.
(As a writer, am I allowed to use the phrase “words can’t express”? Or is that code for “I’m too lame to get off my ass and come up with a solid way of expressing my feelings”?)
October 28, 2015 — 7:11 PM
Brad Barrett says:
Cripes, man, I feel the need to leave an awesome comment, but I’m gonna go finish Aftermath instead. I’m about halfway done and I’m digging it. Happy blorgthday, Dr. Penmonkey.
October 28, 2015 — 7:16 PM
Kat says:
Oooh, Happy Blogoversary Day! Now give me free things…I mean I’m so happy for you (to give me free things). Stop doing typing those things fingers! Great, now I’m just having a conversation with myself.
October 28, 2015 — 7:18 PM
Ayliesha Harris says:
This is honestly my favorite blog, and I’m including my own in that mix. You’re the dorkiest asshole that I’m honored to say exists, and the absolute randomness and rawness of your posts – and just words in general – make every day a badass day. If blogs are dying, I hope this one carries on, limping on it’s last leg because fuck the trends, it does what it wants.
Happy Blogrthday, Terribleminds. Have a glass on my behalf, you’ve earned it.
October 28, 2015 — 7:20 PM
Steph Storey says:
Happy Birthday Terrible Minds! Chuck you are always zany and uplifting! Thanks for sharing your mania!
October 28, 2015 — 7:38 PM
LesserKnownHeron says:
Congrats on 15 years! This blog is definitely not dead, your badassery and whiskey soaked wisom make this blog and community what it is today. I love coming here and hope that when the rest of the blogs die out, this one lives on.
October 28, 2015 — 7:39 PM
Kate Davidson says:
Happy anniversary! I only recently discovered your writing with Zer0es and I look forward to reading lots more of it!
October 28, 2015 — 7:52 PM
Mr Stonebender says:
I started following you here back before Mockingbird was released for the first time, and it’s been awesome watching this area grow along with your career. Congrats on 15 fantastic years. And I’m looking forward to the next 15, after which I’m sure I can just beam your blog directly into my brain via wireless thought-transfer. At which point I’ll probably stop, because that’s creepy get out of my head.
October 28, 2015 — 7:56 PM
Sasha says:
Happy Blogrthday, Terribleminds. 😀
I discovered this website by accident while lurking around the writer’s self-help section in Barnes and Noble and I picked up “The Kick-Ass Writer.” Also I bought the book because it’s snarky, encouraging, and has great advice. I’ve stalked this blog ever since. Now I talk to people (strangers, family, my dog) about Chuck like he’s my best friend. “Oh Chuck is on the New York Times Bestseller’s list, I’m so proud.”
October 28, 2015 — 8:03 PM
Marie A says:
Who knows how I got here? But I did. And now I’m serenading you on my ukulele. Happy birthday to yoo-uuu!
October 28, 2015 — 8:11 PM
iconoplast says:
I am in dire need of (good) mystery randomness. I’ve had more than my share of the negative mystery randomness lately.
Nice to know that I’m part of a crowd of email subscribers, even if I don’t know if 8,000 is a lot or not in this context. Also, this caused me to realize that if I had kept blogging, my blog would now be old enough to move out, vote, buy cigarettes…
October 28, 2015 — 8:15 PM
aryquin says:
Happy Birthday Terribleminds! *sends digital cake*
…We all know how that ends, right?
October 28, 2015 — 8:15 PM
Jeff Petersen says:
Oh, man! I have a big hole in my RANDO WEIRDNESS NOOK that needs filling. Fill the nook, please.
October 28, 2015 — 8:27 PM
Roger Socks says:
I want to be a famous old writer who is known for profound wisdom.
October 28, 2015 — 8:33 PM
S. Weippert says:
Congrats on 15 of wacky and sometimes useful info.
October 28, 2015 — 8:38 PM
Deborah says:
15 years– that’s giant metal chickens, right? Where do I send yours?
October 28, 2015 — 8:46 PM
TheGoblinPhantom says:
First, let me start off by saying Happy Birthday Terribleminds! I haven’t been reading for 15 years, but I have been for almost a year now.
This blog has been really helpful to me. I’ve finished the first draft of my novel because of this blog and Chuck’s words of writery wisdom. So, thank you for that. Enjoy some cake and coffee and keep the wisdom coming!
October 28, 2015 — 9:04 PM
amariesilver says:
Congratulations and Happy Blog Birthday!
October 28, 2015 — 9:04 PM
dmcclure17 says:
I like free stuff.
October 28, 2015 — 9:05 PM
Joey says:
I got you a cock waffle iron for you B-Day C-Dub. Cheers!
October 28, 2015 — 9:06 PM
Victor Von Spandex says:
Hippy Barfday Lord Wendig’s Blog, from a random lurker of the interweb hoping – beyond hope – to be the random recipient of mysterious giftness. May the ghosts of your hamster’s ancestors forever recline on silk cushions.
October 28, 2015 — 9:30 PM
kindheartedwriter says:
Happy Birthday, terribleminds!!! 😀
October 28, 2015 — 9:34 PM
Widdershins says:
Happy blog-O-versary!
Canadian here so no potential goodies for me, still I am Canadian, so no hard feelings. 😀
October 28, 2015 — 9:40 PM
wil d says:
All right, all right, all right…
October 28, 2015 — 9:45 PM
Pat says:
Sensei – Through your blog, I’ve expanded my writing education and been able to participate in this awesomely generous forum of writers. Hand on heart truth, you and this blog have elevated my practice of the wordsmithing craft. Every single time I hit or exceed my word count, I think of you. That equates to at least five days a week, I send you gratitude and good wishes. I don’t need to “win” anything – I’ve already won. Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Danke, Domo, etc.
October 28, 2015 — 9:46 PM
jane stevens says:
so, I’ll give it a go. thanks to you I am now writing. not every day, not in a disciplined way yet, but my mind is beginning to bubble over and run down my face. thank you.
October 28, 2015 — 9:53 PM
Lost Carlson (@LostCarlson) says:
That Said….Do I have timing or what! I join my first blog on the year of its Birthday! I suppose you’d like to know why I chose Terribleminds, well nothing sappy, not a hint. Much delightful self-depreciation, peppered with witty bootstrap advice for this fledgling.
October 28, 2015 — 9:56 PM
Stacia says:
You’re funny. I like you. Thank you for writing such awesomeness that makes me laugh at inopportune moments. Like now.
October 28, 2015 — 10:08 PM
Robyn says:
You may not consider me one of your usual Word-Nerds. I’m a Beta Reader. When one of the writers I regularly creation-shred for turned me onto your blog, I was thrilled to find it written by someone as weirdly wired and as full of Snarkassiness as I am! Your rantings have helped me get multiple points across to my writer-monkeys. (Insert angelic chorus here) Also love the stories about your son. My daughter (now 25) was very much like him. She grew up and fell in love with Cosplay and pulled me in along with her. It’s amazing! And how many parents can say that they STILL play dress-up with their kid? So did not see her BA in Technical Theatre going there! Love what you do. Happy Blogrthday!
October 28, 2015 — 10:16 PM
penultimus says:
As a proud owner of a half dozen Wendig books, I’d welcome anything besides the error I get when I try to subscribe to your mailing list: “There was an error when subscribing, please try again.”
October 28, 2015 — 10:32 PM
Kristin Mireles (@kristinmireles) says:
Happy Blogrthday! Your blog has continued to be an inspiration to me through the years, and I appreciate all that you do. That said, since the prize is random, I’m going to throw in some random micro fiction:
Her love of all things dark and sinister belied her sweet face and innocent eyes. She was a master of manipulation — especially of manipulating that special man in her life.
That evening when he came through the door, she sat before him, looking up. She kept her eyes locked on his as she arched her back, knowing he couldn’t resist the urge to touch her. She licked her lips, anxious for what she was about to taste.
And then, she got exactly what she wanted. Her timing was perfect.
Sophie the chihuahua knew there was no way in hell her owner would give her a treat after he saw what she did to his favorite shoes.
October 28, 2015 — 10:50 PM
Ciara says:
Happy birthday, terribleminds!
October 28, 2015 — 11:10 PM
DanKGirl says:
Bloggy Birthday happiness to you terribleminds – ‘balloons, streamers, cake, fairy bread, little take-home bags, fizzy drinks, partygames’ – What about if you live in another country but have a US address you can provide for delivery of said MYSTERIOUS GIFTNESS? Hmmm? Pretty please with candy cherry on top?
October 28, 2015 — 11:15 PM
Heather says:
So I’m taking this crazy-big online course (via Iowa Writers Workshop) with about 10k people all blathering at each other about writing. Questions keep popping up on the forums there. And every single time I come across one of those questions, I head over here and find the answer. (Well, your answer, but I’m using you as my authority here, so for my purposes, it’s THE answer.) Then I read, and I learn, and I share a link back here with whoever brought up the question in question in the workshop course.
(Wow, that sentence needs work. But I know what I mean.)
In any case, I keep spreading the Word of Wendig around to all who could use some writing guidance. (And that sentence makes me sound like a friggin’ pixie.) But you do good stuff here, and in the spirit of what you do to help other writers, the least I can do is help other writers find you.
Happy blogrthday.
October 28, 2015 — 11:36 PM
Karen Robinson says:
Happy blog birthday! Between terribleminds, Scalzi’s Whatever, BookBub, and Amazon, I’m going to spend my golden years living under a bridge. I will, however, have a great deal to read.
October 28, 2015 — 11:58 PM
PASchaefer says:
Harpy Barthday!
October 28, 2015 — 11:58 PM
karibean says:
A bizarre-o care package sounds both awesome and terrifying. I’M IN.
October 29, 2015 — 12:16 AM
Scott p says:
Ooh. Ooh. Pick me! Pick me!
October 29, 2015 — 12:20 AM
Gabriel Novo says:
Throwing my hat into the ring.
*misses ring*
Alright, you get the idea.
October 29, 2015 — 1:40 AM