Live at Five

It hardly seems possible, but today marks five years since The Rap Sheet was launched as a blog separate from its great mother ship, January Magazine. Little did I know then what would come of this project. I didn’t ever expect it to last as long as it has, or to gain the popularity it now enjoys. But I’ve been pleased by it all. And I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the many contributors who have added their voices to The Rap Sheet since 2006.

The last year has been a big one, in many respects. The Rap Sheet clocked its one-millionth visitor on--of all dates--my birthday, March 18. And since then, it has been nominated for an Anthony Award in the Best Web Site/Blog category. This marks the second time in three years that The Rap Sheet has been in the running for such a prestigious commendation. While I still don’t expect to walk away with the prize, I do think that after five years, more than 4,400 posts, and well in excess now of one million visitors, The Rap Sheet deserves its nomination. I’m almost ridiculously proud of all it has become.

Also, I am very grateful to the readers who turn to this blog on a regular basis. The Rap Sheet has found a terrifically receptive and loyal community, members of which not only read it enthusiastically, but offer plenty of news tips and suggestions for its editorial expansion. Without their help, this site would be a poorer place, indeed.

So here’s to five years already, and hopes for five more!

(The artwork above is a 1928 painting called I Saw the Figure Five in Gold, by Charles Demuth.)