Hot Air turns one
posted at 7:46 am on April 24, 2007 by Michelle
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Happy Birthday to us! And thanks to all of you for making the first year of Hot Air a phenomenal success. Here’s the very first post that appeared on our blog–posted at 4:15am after bleary-eyed preparations and an intense team effort to launch the site. And here were my reflections on our six-month anniversary.
This is the very first business I’ve ever run. The experience has deepened my already abiding respect for entrepreneurs small and large. It ain’t easy. Not everyone has the intestinal fortitude to attempt to create something from nothing, if I may say so. It takes a great leap of faith–and I’m grateful to all the members of the Hot Air team who took that leap with me.
The risks are great, but the rewards can be, too. And not just financial rewards. Hot Air is not just a business. It’s a mission. I intentionally brought together an eclectic group of incredibly talented people to bring something new to the blogosphere. One of the things, I think, that makes this site compelling and interesting to read and watch every day is that we have diverse views and diverse personalities here. If you want standard GOP talking points, if you want uniformity of thought, if you want a comfy echo chamber, you know you are in the wrong place.
One of the primary goals in starting this site was to give you content and analysis you can’t get anywhere else on a daily basis–both on the blog and in our original video features. Another chief goal: having fun. The viewers’ choice for favorite Hot Air video, which we’ll feature in the Vent space today, captures that spirit. So do so many of the other irreverent shows and posts that grace this site.
Hot Air wouldn’t be what it is without the active community of commenters and viewers who come to the site throughout the day, every day. Once again, we are opening up comment registration today for a limited time to bring new folks into the fold.
We’d like to hear from you today about improvements you’d like to see, constructive feedback on the video offerings, etc. Love notes are always welcome.
We’ve brought you to Iraq and into my closet and who knows where else in the coming year. I know the rest of the team will join me in raising a virtual toast: Here’s to another year of Hot Air rising.
Update (BP): Comment registration is now closed. Thank you to everyone who registered, and we hope to see you around the Hot Air water cooler in year two!
Update (BP): A great birthday present from Sanctuary:
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Speaking of preview, a wee bit of searching led me to Filosofo Comments Preview. It looks like the perfect thing for here, and I’ve got it working like a dream back home.
steveegg on April 24, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Happy Happy Birthday, HotAir! I love this place, I really do! It’s also a must read.
And I third the request for a preview button! Maybe some flash data session stuff would work?
Vanceone on April 24, 2007 at 12:20 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air!
An island of sanity, Dare I say it, HA lifts my spirits. I find it a must read, along with Michelle’s site. What a fantastic job you all do! I no longer care if I see the evening news, because I know that I’ll get an honest take here (not necessarily so in the MSM) and often much more timely.
Improvements: 1) numbering of comments 2) more vents.
FOX really should put the Vent ladies on a regular show; my only fear is that it would mean less of 2) above.
I was super impressed when you went to Iraq. That took the courage old Dan Blather could only talk about.
IrishEyes on April 24, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Yay, I was finally allowed to register!!!
Hello, all, and Happy Birthday, Hot Air. This has become one of my favorite sites and an absolute must-visit at least several times a day. Keep up the excellent work.
carina on April 24, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Esteemed host and crew, fellow commenters of all stripes, distinguished newbies,
Today is a day for thanks. I want to thank all of you.
This sums it up perfectly and is the reason I’ve been hopelessly ‘addicted’ to this site. The intelligence, calls to think critically, learning, challenges, controversies, sarcasm, cynicism, philosophies, sharing, character strengthening, growth, tolerance, enrichment, tears and laughs have been invaluable.
What a great country this is!
And what a great blog this is!
I love you each. I love you all.
We love Enrique :) Funny kid. Happy studies!
Entelechy on April 24, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Congratulations! My first stop daily for news, perspective on the news, and even a modicum of humor thrown in for good measure.Thanks!
conservator on April 24, 2007 at 12:41 PM
It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?
Happy birthday! There WILL be many more to come, I am certain!
And to the leftists out there who are boo-freakin’-hooing right about now over your success:
NAH, NAH, NAH-NAH, NAH!!
georgej on April 24, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Congrats and Thank You.
Sammy316 on April 24, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Congratulations Michelle and crew.
Thanks for bringing us Hot Air. I read this site often during the day to keep up with the news.
Thank again!
Here’s hoping for a Hot Air like show on FOX…..
CrazyFool on April 24, 2007 at 1:09 PM
This site has become my first visit everyday. I don’t know how I got along without it before.
Major congrats on the success and continued success.
Nate A. on April 24, 2007 at 1:12 PM
Many thanks for a fantastic site. And hey, I can comment now! Hurray!
krispy on April 24, 2007 at 1:14 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air - I’m so glad I got to be here from the start and am always happy to spread the word about Hot Air.
Your hard work is appreciated.
Candy Slice on April 24, 2007 at 1:18 PM
Happy Birthday! I think I registered on Day One. While I rarely post a comment, I visit Hot Air several times throughout each day and really appreciate this site.
surfhut on April 24, 2007 at 1:21 PM
Happy Birthday, indeed. Very happy I found this place, not only for the delivery of the stories but for the quality of the commenters.
Keep up the good work.
Krydor on April 24, 2007 at 1:28 PM
Here’s a one year Happy Birthday slap on the butt- WHACK!, and another- WHACK!, to grow on!
kevcad on April 24, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Congrats on one amazing year, look how much you’ve done in so little time! Hot Air is one of my first stops, and the place I go to for the “real” news. Keep up the good fight.
SistaInfidel on April 24, 2007 at 1:32 PM
Good job and congratulations to all of you! I for one hope this format will become more dominant and give us the ultimate in choice for our news an information. After all is that not what it is really about? The MSM and the majority of the talking heads by and large follow the same mantra and give us little guys no real voice and for that matter really don’t care what we think. Once again congratulations!
Altura Ct. on April 24, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Happy Birthday, Hot Air. May you continue to make tens, maybe hundreds of dollars. :)
Nethicus on April 24, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Happy Birthday to all and everyone…………
More naked pictures of Hellen Thomas……….
PinkyBigglesworth on April 24, 2007 at 1:54 PM
Congratulations on your anniversary and for some very entertaining video.
Tom Blogical on April 24, 2007 at 1:57 PM
Mazel tov everyone
you’re the first place I check for news in the morning and I love listening to Hot Air after classes!
Defector01 on April 24, 2007 at 2:05 PM
I’m not sure this is what Al Gore had in mind when he invented the internet, but progress is progress. Great site.
nico on April 24, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air!! Thank you for opening up registration, my first post and your Birthday. I am going to have a drink to the both of us before golf league!
deadbackpacker on April 24, 2007 at 2:12 PM
Happy Birthday HOTAIR!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope this site has a many more prosperious years
Maybe one day in the future we’ll see Hotair staffer allahpundit sitting next to the cyborg Helen Thomas in the white house press room.
Perhaps when President Ingraham or Malkin is addressing the press.
Again Happy Birthday
Kevin43 on April 24, 2007 at 2:16 PM
Hau’oli La Hanau!
Care to take on some Global Warming issues?
Kini on April 24, 2007 at 2:25 PM
I appreciate the thoughtfulness and integrity of those here — not only Michelle, Bryan, Ian, and Allahpundit (and See-Dubya) as leaders and informed analysts, but the community they have attracted, maintain, and interact with.
HotAir is that rare blog where I often find perusing the comments worthwhile. I search for my favorite commenters and even find new favorites, since they are generally respectful and well-informed, often adding context or thoughtful contention to the posted topic.
HotAir’s cooperative updates evolve toward comprehensive analysis on each story, making it useful for future reference as well as serving news as it unfolds.
I find the videos to be entertaining and good summaries, and the informative interviews (and panel discussions) to be particularly noteworthy. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the excellent contributions of Stakelbeck and Spenser.
Thank you, Michelle. Thank you, Hot Air. Happy Birthday, and best wishes for the future.
Kevin on April 24, 2007 at 2:27 PM
IMAO is better than you. They advocate violence.
Hippies.
Ringmaster on April 24, 2007 at 2:29 PM
Thank you and Happy Birthday!!
Chuck on April 24, 2007 at 2:32 PM
Michelle,
Since love notes are always welcome, consider this a love note.
Happy Birthday.
Jimmy
nafku on April 24, 2007 at 2:33 PM
Congradulations and continued sucess HOT AIR TEAM I first saw Michelle on Fox News talking of internment camps of all things. It was at that moment I thought that is one tough chick! Then while surfing the net during the 06 campaign I came across a link to Michelle’s site and ultimately HA. Wow it was like a barren conservative wasteland out there before I found you guys. WHEW! I mean conservative OK but speak up for chrissake! ha ha SONNY LOVES MICHELLE
sonnyspats1 on April 24, 2007 at 2:45 PM
P.S. SALUTE! (Sicilian Style)
sonnyspats1 on April 24, 2007 at 2:49 PM
happy birthday
2 right feet on April 24, 2007 at 3:07 PM
Bring back MKH! In fact, I wouldn’t mind another roundtable with the ladies Powers and Barber either! :)
Love Hot Air…one of my few and regular stops on the political blog trail. Thanks for a great year of fun and real information — may the merriment continue!
Jared White on April 24, 2007 at 3:10 PM
Oh, Put another Candle on the Birthday Cake… For all of you Sheriff John fans.
Thanks for the infotainment!
Oxybeles on April 24, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Congrats on the 1 year anniversary. I still blog myself but not like before. I took it up so I could pass on the real news to my friends and family but more and more I just tell them to go check out hotair.com to get the real story. Keep up the great work!!
RobertCSampson on April 24, 2007 at 3:20 PM
Rock on Hot Air!
Drtuddle on April 24, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Congratulations to all.
This is the best blog/vlog on the ‘Net. Period. Nobody else is even close.
Last weeks VTech coverage illustrated the point perfectly. Reading here was far more informative than CNN/FoxNews.
Well done.
Professor Blather on April 24, 2007 at 3:48 PM
Happy Birthday and thanks for opening up the comment sign up.
ulyses on April 24, 2007 at 3:50 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air!
EnochCain on April 24, 2007 at 3:53 PM
Best wishes in life and business
MarkB on April 24, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Happy birthday!
htom on April 24, 2007 at 4:01 PM
Hey Bryan maybe you could get Douglas TenNapel to do a Hotair crew cartoon? Something like a Flash video. Making ya’ll into cartoon characters would be cool! Then we could get at least an artistic interpretation of Allahpundit. :) See ya’ll in the funny papers!
Drtuddle on April 24, 2007 at 4:02 PM
Michelle, you are one of my very favorite conservative women out there and I’m so glad that Hot Air has been a success for you! It was a pleasure and an honor meeting you at CPAC.
Bryan, Ian, and Allah,
Thanks so much for all of the hard work that you guys put into the blog and various news stories.
Here’s to Hot Air!
bookwurm322 on April 24, 2007 at 4:09 PM
Congratulations! Great work, I enjoy checking the posts every day! Keep it up.
NavyWife on April 24, 2007 at 4:09 PM
You asked for it -
We LOVE you, Michelle!
We LOVE Hot Air!
Suggestion: the Vent theme song is pretty cool, but it could be just a little bit catchier, maybe… ; )
Bryan, Allah, Ian - fantastic job. I can’t imagine all the work behind the scenes to get this done every day. Hats off. Best site on the net, guys.
Halley on April 24, 2007 at 4:19 PM
Happy Birthday!
maggie katzen on April 24, 2007 at 4:21 PM
Happy Birthday to Hot Air and all the folks who have made it a success.
zoyclem on April 24, 2007 at 4:50 PM
I have enjoyed everyone of them. wtg and happy anniv to hot air. Now if we can get MM on FNC.
theporch on April 24, 2007 at 4:53 PM
If this is also the thread to suggest how to make stuff better, I have a selfish one:
Message Board.
Once a topic goes off the front page, some of the discussions get left behind.
Krydor on April 24, 2007 at 5:00 PM
Well done. HA is my first stop in the mornings. Keep up the great work!
Kid from Brooklyn on April 24, 2007 at 5:12 PM
Recomendations
1)preview comments/edit comments
2)make it so the links open their own browser so I don’t have to push “shift”. That way I can “follow the links” with ease.
3)make a “return to post” button after I send a Hotair article to a friend
4)Interview GW ask him to enforce the borders! :)
5)Bryan- Interview George Will
6)write more satirical music and then perform-ie.Ventilators
7)Show a little more skin Bryan j/k ;)(Probably just disqualifyed my recommendation with that comment)
8)Bryan interview Ken Burns about the new documentary “The War”
9)When someone does a “Vent” at the end they have to give a shout out to their hometown and the population of their town like “Hee Haw”
10)A cartoon version of Vent with all the characters so we can get somekind of image of Allah. Maybe ya’ll could go on a “scooby-doo”-like adventure.
Drtuddle on April 24, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air :) You all do a great job, this is one of my favorite blogs. Thanks for the hard work you put in to it.
Year one: Infiltration — Complete
Next stop: Global Domination
muahahahaha!!
dead-duck on April 24, 2007 at 5:23 PM
Congratulations! I’ve been hooked since the first week. I was skeptical at first, but with Allah’s blogging and your great Vents I found myself here several times a day.
You do have the perfect team, I enjoy everybody’s posts here. I can only imagine the amount of work all of you put into this. Maybe it’s time I got some Hot Air gear.
Free Constitution on April 24, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Happy Birthday!
Joshua P. Allem on April 24, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Congratulations and ditto to all those good comments that I can’t improve on.
Suggestions? — Often you speak of things that require ongoing action - boycotts, contacting certain officials or businesses, helping someone or somegroup in need.
You might add an “ACTIONS” button on the black bar under “HOT AIR” where posts and encouragement and progress can be kept up with for a month or so. As it is now your requests for action are only up for about a day or so.
Remind contributors at the top of a few strings that the time stamps work as good as numbers for keeping up with the posts
roydee43 on April 24, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Hot Air’s birthday comes close in time to other important events in this period, Israel was Born, and I was born May 1 :) I guess these few weeks, are great days in the history of the world :) More Hot Air in the future.
StuLongIsland on April 24, 2007 at 5:48 PM
Happy Birthday all!
Griz on April 24, 2007 at 6:20 PM
Congratulations, and thanks for all your work.
Suggestions? Well, Michelle is married, so more vblogging from MKH and/or Bethany. And when I say “more”, I mean “more than would be sane or reasonable”.
Hollowpoint on April 24, 2007 at 6:21 PM
I raise my glass to all of the Hot Air crew! Since I’ve been able to post here I’ve kinda quit writing on my own blog. Just lazy I guess. It’s much easier to blog a few lines at a time :-)
conservativecaveman on April 24, 2007 at 6:58 PM
Thanks for having the bravery for going to Iraq and finding truths, but don’t go again. We need you here!
Drtuddle on April 24, 2007 at 7:15 PM
I love this website, keep up the great work!
WisCon on April 24, 2007 at 7:28 PM
Well one thing for darn sure, I’ll keep watching. No doubt about that at all.
Remember when it first started and folks across the blogosphere were saying they couldn’t possibly keep it up?
Ha. Showed them, didn’t ya?
Bob's Kid on April 24, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Happy Birthday and thank you for all the hard work you guys do. I check out Hot Air several times a day for latest news….before checking anyone else.
Bravo Zulu!!
Mooseman
Mooseman on April 24, 2007 at 7:53 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air!
Athos on April 24, 2007 at 8:18 PM
Happy Birthday, been here since day one and have enjoyed reading you since.
Dash on April 24, 2007 at 8:59 PM
Happy Birthday, been a year already. Hope to see many more
djohn669 on April 24, 2007 at 9:01 PM
Congratulations to all of the Hot Air team. Keep up the good work.
Taipan on April 24, 2007 at 9:21 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOT AIR!!!!!!
I must say, thank you so much for opening registration. (I feel like it’s my birthday!) Hot Air is my main read every day, I love it. I love you Michelle! You have a great thing here, keep it up!
4shoes on April 24, 2007 at 9:22 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Glynn on April 24, 2007 at 9:24 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOT AIR!!!!!!
I must say, thank you so much for opening registration. (I feel like it’s my birthday!) Hot Air is my main read every day, I love it. I love you Michelle! You have a great thing here, keep it up!
Ok, if I post this twice, forgive me, I just want to be sure that I’m actually in and it works.
4shoes on April 24, 2007 at 9:25 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air, and kudos for your excellence in bloggery and vloggery!
That’s I-R-I-S-H with one “Ei”—-Proud charter member.
IrishEi on April 24, 2007 at 9:26 PM
Happy birthday!
NotTheMomma on April 24, 2007 at 9:28 PM
Great Job :)
derbal on April 24, 2007 at 9:29 PM
Michelle and Hot Air team:
Your brainchild has become a highlight of my evenings, and a place where I get news I can’t find anywhere else - with the bonus of being able to vent myself on a few topics. Congratulations, and here’s (holding up my wine glass) to a brighter, even more successful future.
thedecider on April 24, 2007 at 9:31 PM
I would like to sing for you and everyone “Happy Birthday”, but it won’t make the translation to print.
I’ll wish it instead and, Michelle, you’re still the best in my book.
I hope to say this again for many years to come.
tormod on April 24, 2007 at 9:43 PM
Happy birthday, y’all, and congratulations!
I’m not able to get here as often as I’d like anymore, but it’s the quality of both the bloggers/vloggers and the commenters that keeps me coming back when I can. You’ve built quite a community here, and I’m happy to get to be a tiny part of it. By all means, please keep up the fine work.
p.v. cornelius on April 24, 2007 at 10:09 PM
I didn’t like the site at first, but I quickly warmed up to it. Now, you’re near the top of my favorite sites. Keep up the good work!
gmoonster on April 24, 2007 at 10:45 PM
happy birthday.
Vincenzo on April 24, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Happy Birthday!
And thanks. This has become a favorite hangout.
petefrt on April 24, 2007 at 11:01 PM
You folks a great (for a bunch of kuffars).
Thanks for shining the light on the dark and ugly underbelly on the left: dhimmis, DU, KosKids, SeaHag, Rosie (wel, maybe NOT Rosie so much…)
Happy Birthday and I’m anticipating a mongo-huge-o 2nd year!!
omnipotent on April 24, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Happy Birthday,
Michelle, Bryan, AP, Ian, and any/all involved. A charter member here, it’s my first read of the day.
rightside on April 24, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Mega Dittos
repvoter on April 24, 2007 at 11:24 PM
Michelle I love what’s on the front burner but I’m always wondering what is simmering on the back burner just waiting to surprise us!
Drtuddle on April 24, 2007 at 11:30 PM
Happy Birthday HotAir!! I’m proud to say that I’ve been around from when you opened the door, and since that day, one year ago, I can honestly say that I can’t get enough HotAir - several times a day in fact (I’m a HotAir junkie). Congratulations Michelle, Allah, Bryan, and Ian (and everybody else behind the scenes).
Oh, I do have one question: Michelle, aren’t you a little concerned about Allah’s and Ian’s obsession with Rosie? It’s a little scary, to say the least.
Rick on April 24, 2007 at 11:57 PM
Happy Birthday Hot Air. Great Site, Keep up the good work. You keep producing, I’ll keep reading and watching.
gringo on April 25, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Okay, I’ll admit it: I didn’t think this site would last too long (I’m serious) because it was too good to be true. I actually believed this was a “holdover” until something better (like a TV show for Michelle) came along and then HotAir would dry up and wither away.
I’m happy to be wrong. This site is the best site on the net. I’m proud to be a commenter when HotAir was a relative unknown.
You guys are great.
Black Adam on April 25, 2007 at 12:13 AM
I’ve always liked Michelle Malkin’s articles reading the NY Post. I still disagree with her position on the Japanese Internment during WWII, though she does bring up good points, but I’m more upset that there exists something we do disagree upon.
I finally bought her Liberals Unhinged book from where i learned of her website. I never read political blogs before, but she got me hooked. After reading her blog I use her link list for my other favs. When Hot Air was launched I immediately signed on.
hadsil on April 25, 2007 at 2:30 AM
Congratulations Michelle on a great(always the hardest)first year!
I was very happy I could also register(my b’day is Friday). Thanks for the early gift. Keep up the good work, your service is invaluable.
JimmyT on April 25, 2007 at 7:59 AM
Hot Air has remained at the top of my favorites. Was here from the start and still check it several times a day. I very much appreciate Allah’s wit, skepticism and tongue in cheek commentaries as events arise to keep us in check. I very much appreciate Bryan’s well thought out and wonderfully written essays. I appreciate Michelle for being an articulate defender of conservatism and providing for this arena of ideas. Good job guys. Keep it up and Thanks!
frreal on April 25, 2007 at 9:40 AM
Happy Birthday Hot Air! I always start my day here with my morning coffee. I can count on always knowing what is really going on. Congrats on your success. Between the HA team and the commentors here I’m kept informed and laughing.
Thanks for opening registration. Now I’ll have to remember to keep the coffee away from the key board.
plainspeakin_mom on April 25, 2007 at 9:53 AM
Woohoo! A whole year of Hot Air! Congratulations, Michelle & Co. You guys all do a fabulous job!
Connie on April 25, 2007 at 10:13 AM
It would be nice if you sent a ‘thank you’ to the people who make donations. Good job Michelle & Co but no more financial support from me.
mlnicosia on April 25, 2007 at 12:10 PM
mlnicosia,
I don’t understand this…
When HA went to Iraq I made a donation, and received a very nice thank-you from Michelle a couple of weeks after they got back.
That said I know for a fact that HA does send out thank yous (not that it is required).
F15Mech on April 25, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Love note number 100:
Hotair is awesome. Michelle is awesome and I’ve had a big crush on her ever since I first laid eyes on this site and still do. Ok, I’ve also got a crush on Kirsten Powers, but one has to maintain a balance, right??
Awesome job, keep going, keep blogging!!!!
Aylios on April 25, 2007 at 2:03 PM
minicosia, I dunno. I don’t ever expect a “thank you” when I donate or help someone in need. It’s not why I do it.I know “thank you” is implied when I give.
But that’s just me.
SuperManGreenLantern on April 25, 2007 at 2:06 PM
HotAir Rocks!!! Michelle sizzles!!! Keep stickin’ it to the Libs, Lefties, and Lunes!!!
JeffreyC on April 25, 2007 at 2:58 PM
Yup. Everything it finds goes straight into it’s mouth.
mojo on April 25, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Congrats!
elvis on April 25, 2007 at 3:36 PM
Exactly, When I make a donation I don’t expect/require a thank you. In fact when I donate, I am the one sending a thank-you for the work they do. The “only response” I require is that they keep doing what they are doing.
F15Mech on April 25, 2007 at 3:43 PM
Grats and happy birthday, HA peeps!
spmat on April 25, 2007 at 6:29 PM
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