2010 Yahoo! Contributor of the Year Award Acceptance Speech

Greetings Associated Content/Yahoo! Readers, Contributors, and Staff! If you're expecting me to begin this acceptance speech with the acknowledgment of how honored I am to receive such a coveted award, then you are in luck. It truly is an honor to be recognized for merely sharing my thoughts with the world. Suffice it to say, being named a Yahoo! Contributor of the Year is quite an admirable tribute.

My journey with Associated Content (which began in 2006) started with just a few hit-or-miss pieces on topics that interested me. I soon fell in love with the ease of publishing, the feedback, and the fact that people were actually paying attention to the random examples of "useless information" that I'd tucked away in the recesses of my brain. Along the way, it's also been amazing to see that some of the tidbits I've shared had more value than I realized.

Associated Content/Yahoo! has not only helped fuel my passion for writing, but has also helped me to become a stronger writer. I've learned that in the wide world of pop culture, there is indeed a niche (or several) for creative slants on entertainment. I am extremely proud to have found my way into one of those niches. That being said, I owe thanks to several people (and things) who have in some way contributed to my receiving this prestigious award:

1. YOU-the readers, subscribers, fans, and followers who continue to support my brand of "controlled lunacy."

2. The entire AC/Yahoo! Staff who have provided invaluable feedback, and tips for maximizing my presence on the website.

3. The AC/Yahoo! Community (Contributors and Forum Guides) who continuously offer moral support and helpful hints on increasing readership.

4. Mindless television: Yes, the hours and hours of soul-sucking TV-viewing actually have benefits.

5. My family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, pets, annoyances (human or otherwise), and acquaintances who have supplied me with a seemingly endless number of topics to explore on Associated Content/Yahoo!.

There are probably at least 319 other people that I've forgotten to thank. But there simply isn't enough space on this page for all of them. So, I'll limit my thanks to the aforementioned groups.

In short, I must say that writing for AC/Yahoo! is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. The power of words truly is incredible, as is evidenced by the impressive collection of work found on this website. To those who have just begun their journey, I offer these helpful tidbits:

Start by writing what you love. Learn to love what you write. More than likely, others will too.

Read, read, read. Especially the work of other Contributors. You will quickly develop a writing rhythm that works for you.

Soak up as much "life" as you can; your perspective will almost always prove to be invaluable to someone in the world.

Again, a Million Thanks to you all! Have a wonderful and prosperous 2011!