The Observation Deck

I was reminded last night that one year ago today, Dear Husband & I went to visit Kenneth Warren at the request of Jim O'Bryan to discuss some wild schemes.

Warren, O'Bryan and Steve Davis had been kicking around an idea about a newspaper, or something like it.

A couple of weeks later we began to devise a way to talk about a number of ideas. I don't know that exact timeline, but I do know that our first online discussion area was password protected with the name of Hunter S. Thompson, who had just died. Thompson died on February 21, 2005.

By April 6th, we had the beginning of a structure for the Deck working.

Recruiting people to help with the project (and share their vision) became a part time job (as it continues to be).

By May 25, 2005 we had moved everything to a server that could handle what we had in mind, and LakewoodObserver.com was up and running.

All of that was in preparation of setting up an online discussion area, but more importantly, an online production department for the newspaper that was going to launch in June.

What with one thing and another, O'Bryan decided that the Lakewood Observer would be launched on July 4, 2005.

While that date is the milestone, in my mind, February 14th, 2005 marks my start date on the project.

It was the beginning of a labor of love from Lakewood to Lakewood.

Happy Valentine's Day.

DL,

Thank you all for starting this newspaper and website.

You don't know how many people stop me and tell me how much they love this newspaper. Since I'm out there and kinda visable...taking pictures...I have alot of people stop me and wave and smile and say tell everyone thank you for all your hard work..we love the paper.

I have never had one complaint!

That's something!

You guys really started something! And it keep growing!

Rhonda Loje

More than a few people birthed the idea, although Jim & Deb taken on all the risk. I don't think anyone is looking for any thanks.

The Observer is everyone's baby.

So thank yourself for committing to the project (as I thank you). It wouldn't work at all without everyone who contributes.

Steve Davis told me, quite recently, that Jim O'Bryan and Ken Warren actually met at a party Steve hosted in honor of my leaving town.
I feel honored to be a kind of psychic midwife to the Observer although I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that my main contribution to the raising of the standard of journalism was moving away.


Steve, call purchasing, please.

Your move caused a great feeling of loss. The emptiness had to be filled with something.