I'm thankful...

For marketers who do dumb things so I always have something to write about.

For marketers who do smart things so I always have something to write about.

That the Super Bowl is still the greatest ad spectacle ever.

That new channels of communication provide more opportunity than ever for brands.

That buying a car is such a pain in the ass, it provided me with three weeks of content.

That advertising is often incredibly derivative.

That advertising is occasionally spectacularly original.

That no one complained when I quit doing "Free Idea Friday."

That people care enough to point out my mistakes and argue with me when they think I'm wrong.

For the words of encouragement.

That I've had this forum to keep me sane when work was slow.

That I've been able to keep it up when times have been busy.

That even though I sometimes struggle when staring at the blank text box, I don't feel like stopping anytime soon.

That in the one year and one day I've been writing this blog, I've had over 6,500 visitors from 82 countries who've viewed a total of 26,339 pages according to Google Analytics.

So "thank you" to everyone who has read and continues to read my ramblings from the ramshackle beach cottage. In honor of each of you, I've made a donation to Feeding America to help those who are less fortunate find the food they need this holiday season. If you are so inclined to thank me for my work, please go to the Feeding America website and make a donation of any size. Every little bit helps.

Finally, I'm thankful for a loving family, the four-day weekend, incredible food and college football (even if I expect Michigan to get crushed by Ohio State this weekend).

Enjoy the holiday. See you Monday.