LUDIC LOG

Today is the Ludic Log's second anniversary!

It doesn't seem like a long time, really, two years...I know people who have been doing websites far longer, who have done websites far better, or both. But for the last 730 days, I've written something brand-new, original, and at least a full page in length. I started this log in order to get myself in the habit of writing every day, in hopes that my skill would improve and I'd be more motivated to get writing work done; it's fulfilled those hopes quite admirably. 2002 was a better year for me, writing-wise, than any year prior; I wrote, sold, and published more in that year than I had at any year since my first paid freelance writing was published in 1987. And 2003 was even better than that -- by far my best, most creative, most lucrative and most fruitful year as a writer. I have similar hopes that 2004 will see continuous improvement. I'll continue doing the log, I have a number of freelance possibilities lined up, I hope to finish and sell my crappy novel, and I'd like to see a collection of the best selections from this website get published.

I realize that this site doesn't have a lot of regular readers. Most people coming here are looking for naked pictures of She-Hulk, nutritional information about Diet Coke with Lemon, or release dates for Benzino's new album. However, there's a diehard few of you who check in on this site on a regular basis; some of you read it every day, and some near as dammit. For each of you I am unspeakably grateful, and I only hope that you get a modicum of enjoyment out of the site. Aside from having been profoundly gratifying to me creatively and personally, the Ludic Log has led me to meet, work with, and befriend some amazing people, and that ain't bad at all. So thanks to everyone who's ever read this site or is reading it now.

This week, I'll be featuring five full days of exciting anniversary entries, starting tomorrow with a guest column you simply dare not miss. Failing to stick with me through this star-stuffed anniversary week would be an unconscionable crime against human culture a billion times worse than the destruction of the ancient Afghani Buddhas by the Taliban. However, today, due to a rather frustrating computer problem, I offer you simply this brief recap and message of thanks, and ask you to please return tomorrow for the kick-off of what I assure you will be an astounding week of fun, adventure, and snails. Again, thank you more than I can say to those of you who have stuck with me. If you have anything to say about the site, please do e-mail me using the link below.

And, of course, I cannot leave you on this special day without any content at all. Please take a look at this article, a dandy little short humor piece by me entitled "Philip Colavito, Mob Accountant". It was featured today in the well-loved literary whatchamacallit known as McSweeney's, and I hope it is to your liking.

See you tomorrow, and thanks once more. I'm glad you read the site.