It’s an Honor Just to Be

Is it shrinking? I think it is.

I went through the nomination list for Howard Magazine’s Best of Howard issue this week and I swear it’s much shorter. Since I generally complain about things that are too long, I can’t exactly complain that this feels reduced. I’d be interested in reader’s feedback, though.

Naturally I’m interested in the Blog category. I snagged the top honor once and that was nice. Of course I’d like to win all the awards and be respected and valued and quoted when people are discussing local issues. Doesn’t everyone want to be recognized for their work?

But I don’t need it. I have awesome and loyal readers who read and think and give feedback regularly. My goal when I began the blog was to start a conversations around local issues. So far, so good.

That’s why I’m encouraging folks to head on over to the nomination page and type The Merriweather Post into the Blog category. It falls under Personalities. (Yes, we have them.) Jeremy Dommu, with Michael Golibersuch covering CA, have put in a ton of work over the last year and it’s time (overdue, really) for The Merriweather Post to be in the running.

Does this mean that I agree with everything they write? No, not always. It means I believe that The Merriweather Post is a valuable part of local discourse. Put it on the ballot, for heaven’s sake.

If you have other ideas, by all means: follow your own instincts. This is a recommendation, not an ultimatum.

Nominations are open until June 11th. Here’s the link. You don’t have to be a subscriber, you’ll just need to give an email address.

You can complete the entire list of categories or just choose a few. Take your pick.

While you’re doing it, let me know if you notice any categories that have been dropped this year. It’s just bugging me.

The Best of Howard is a Reader’s Poll. Winners get bragging rights. It’s a popularity contest. It can give a helpful boost to local businesses, too. Voting runs from June 29 until July 13th.

Just for fun, here’s a list of local blogs that ought to exist but don’t. Please don’t nominate them.

“My Takeout Food Looked Terrible”, the Best and Worst of Howard County Eats

“Elkridge Hates Everybody Else”, the blog that tells you why

“Too Loud”, a blog about loud businesses, neighbors, and drag racers

“Charcuterie is Dead”, a blog with a dark and humorous edge spoofing suburban life

“I wrote the Howard County Times,” a tell-all from former local journalists about the shrinking news coverage in Columbia/HoCo,

“Teachers Anonymous” - - what they really talk about in HCPSS teachers’ lounges

Do you have any suggestions for the Imaginary Blogs category? I’m open!

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