OK, so we cannot talk about issue "X" as part of the membership drive. I really don't like not talking about issue "X" or much of anything else for that matter. Yet I have obfuscated the discussion. Hmmm. An unsatisfactory thing yet maybe the source of some pause for thought.

So you will have to help me with the drive to expand the empire around here. One thing I could do with is less. Right now I have been at the computer for about ten minutes and I have yet to check all the things I need to check. Aggregation has only meant I have more things telling me I need to check them. Michael has pledged to do less at his computer in 2006. I have only pledged secretly to myself to have about as much private gnawing regret in 2006 as before.

When you think about it, we have been all about gimmicks around here - the tenuous facsimile of community, the presentation of myself as a 42 year old male and not a 4 year old gold fish in a bowl with clever access to electronics - but isn't a new year a time for renewal? How can this site be renewed? Just one thing to remember, though: my glee at not podcasting is us there with my happiness in knowing I never chose to become a chain smoker. Don't ask me to do that. Please God no.

Looking at the membership drive posts so far, I don't recall PBS or TVO's membership drive being so laced with doubt. Would they get more members if they did? Maybe that will be the trend of 2006 - concern that we are wasting the hours of the days of our lives. Nah...more likely the trend will just be better yet more obscure logos on everything.