I’m not going to get all mushy or dramatic. It has been a year since I started aBlogtoRead.com and it has really come a long way. When the site began, I had little idea that it would be solely a blog about watches. Could I really handle writing about watches all the time? Well the answer to that question is pretty self evident. At first, I really thought that watches would merely be a regular, albeit shared category, along with other things that I know about. While I do occasionally remark on legal or business items, and Internet marketing, my passion has obviously laid with those little time telling machines that I wish were more ubiquitous.

Over the past year the look of the blog has developed, and so have my contacts in, and knowledge about the watch world. I have a lot of plans in the works to further improve the site, and your ideas are more than welcome. Among those things that I have learned, not all are pleasant. Getting to know the watch industry and online watch retailers has been a mixed bag. While I have made new friends, and gained much insight, there is also a distinct dark side that I have begun to uncover, and currently still fight against. What is the manifestation of this dark side you ask? Different forms present itself in sites that intentionally attempt to confuse the consumer, malicious competitors, technology connected villains that wish to harm my site, as well as those people who just don’t like anyone talking about their watches without their consent. Why all the negative attention? Because in addition to the people who appreciate my opinion, there are those bad sports who just can’t take some productive criticism or alternative ideas. If you put a product out there on the market, you need to expect a consumer reaction. I tell it like it is, and never hesitate to provide my informed opinion that I always try to explain as best possible.

What I can promise you going in to the second year of watch blogging is my continued unfettered opinion and discourse. If I say something is worth your attention, in my opinion, it really is. Conversely, if I present a negative view of a product, it is with full cognizance of the product as related to the industry and price point. the integrity of my words, and the justification of my statements are of the utmost importance to me.

My sincere hopes are that you have enjoy my presentation of information, and the topics that I choose to discuss. Your opinions, suggestions, and feedback are heartily encouraged, for it is my dedicated audience and loyal readership that makes this pursuit of horological exploration all the more worth it. Happy first birthday aBlogtoRead.com!