This blog is yours as much as mine

This was never the plan.

Even at the start, it never dawned on me that it would take such a turn.

The blog. I’m talking about the blog.

My idea was to write a computer column every day. That morphed into what it is today: A conversation starter. Whether the conversation is with 10 people or 99, folks are jumping on Just Wright Citrus every day, chatting in a nice way on issues that bring out the worst of people in other places.

---

We’re nearing the end of year two. Participation continues to grow. The relationship we share — writer and audience — is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of. That’s on you. I can write about any old thing every day and make it interesting. It doesn’t become a topic of conversation until you join in. 

Now it’s time to expand that participation, should you so desire. Yes, I’m talking about individual sponsorships. Yup. We’re going there.

Let's chat.

Our initial mission from the start: Tell people things they should know about Citrus County and wouldn’t know if I didn’t tell them. That’s fun, but the interaction is much more significant.

My good friend Laura Lee Putzback says the blog is Citrus County’s think tank. We have daily discussions on the issues that matter most in Citrus County, and you’ve shared in my successes and setbacks.

(I’ve heard more about Buddy the last few days than practically anything I’ve written in two years. As you can see by today’s photo, he’s thus far oblivious to the attention.)

I had a Cattle Dog chat the other day with a regular reader who says he comments on many political websites, but mine is the only one with an enforced code of conduct. He said he knows the playing field is level at Just Wright Citrus; no one is crowned king, and no one gets kicked to the curb either.

Along the way, trust built. You trust I have a clue what I’m writing about. I trust your comments stay on point. Combined, numerous conversations have happened, and decision-makers take notice.

Around this time last year, several people started asking about individual sponsorships. They wanted to help with a few bucks a month but not an ad. I thought it over and decided not to go that route for a few reasons. One was financial — I hit my goal and was doing OK. I’m not trying to get rich on this. 

Bigger, though, was it seemed like an imposition on my part. We were coming off an election year and I wasn’t all that sure how well 2023 would go. 

Turns out, it went very well. 

Once again, I’m hearing from folks who want a piece of the action so to speak. Most just want to pitch in, while others think some of my sponsors attract too much of my attention. While I disagree, I understand the perception.

We’ve been community mission-driven and God-focused from the start. I pray for provision, and that’s exactly what I’ve gratefully received.

So, with all that. Starting in January, Just Wright Citrus will begin accepting, with humbling gratitude, individual financial support. I’m still finalizing the details (including all the geeky stuff, so PLEASE offer suggestions or experience). It’s going to be as easy a process as humanly possible. Probably Venmo and PayPal, since I already have those, and maybe a subscription thing, though frankly, I’m not thrilled with that idea.

What do you receive for your generosity? A little token of my appreciation, and the undying thanks from a guy who’s just flat crazy about his community. I’m still figuring it out, so details are forthcoming.

We’re two years in and going strong. It’s a labor of love at this point. You’ve made it that way. We’re in this together. I hope you realize that.

This is such an exciting time in Citrus County. I had an amazing Cattle Dog chat recently with a developer whose name may rank with the Tamposis when all is said and done. And I watched bits and pieces Thursday of the planning commission where the topic of discussion was a lagoon development near Beverly Hills.

At the same time, our challenges are mounting, and citizens feel anxious about whether leading decision-makers are on top of this or not. Three county commissioners are up for re-election at a pivotal time in our history.

Just Wright Citrus is in the middle of it. You know what that means: YOU’RE in the middle of it. JWC empowers citizens of Citrus County to speak their truth without being insulted. 

I love writing about Citrus County. I’m thrilled you enjoy reading about it. 2024 is weeks away. Let's dive in.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.