I posted the very first Open Mike on Friday, October 22nd, 2010. That was almost 16 years ago. I've been continuing to post an Open Mike on this blog every Friday since, and for a good length of time, I posted two a week.
I am well aware that the engagement in these Open Mike's has plummetted over the years. Many of you, including a gentleman earlier today, tell me this is a direct result of a certain commenter who posts on Open Mikes daily. Yes, I'm referring to Cheryl.
I literally post Open Mikes for Cheryl. Cheryl, a woman I've never met, shares in this space just about every day, and I sincerely feel she needs such an outlet and fear for what may become of her if she didn't have it. I would rather see 7 comments a week from Cheryl than 700 comments from others but no Cheryl. I find myself concerned for Cheryl's wellbeing on days she doesn't comment on an Open Mike. I have promised her I will continue to post an Open Mike every Friday for as long as she lives.
I'm sorry if some think I should ban her or stop publishing Open Mikes altogether. I've made my choice and I feel good about it.
