Humbled.
Below are words from friends of mine.
There’s no way to explain what’s below without being fully transparent. This is the email I sent to these people:
I thought it’d be fun to set up a piece of my blog to represent the people I really dig, and their thoughts on my projects and writing. It’s narcissism on the surface, for sure, but it’s also my attempt to represent the breath of community I feel when I walk around various cities and spend time on the web. Some of you are bloggers, IRL friends, colleagues, or partners. I sent this to a list of people I respect and really treasure knowing.
Every person on this email is someone I’ve watched do something I’m impressed by.
Feel free to ignore.
D
These are words from people I’m fortunate to know. I’m sincerely humbled by each of these people’s willingness to contribute to this.
==
“Oh goodness where do I begin. I guess 21 years ago when I met you. Over the years you’ve been a constant source of love and amusement, a sounding board for my thoughts and questions, a politics/technology/social media bantering partner-in-good-fun and a run-the-streets-get-in-trouble-music-loving partner-in-crime. You are always the first to support and encourage your friends to live their best life and now you are living yours. You are very, very smart. Smarter than I think you let most people know…even me. You are a great dancer…I think one time some peeps mistook us for a professional dance troupe as we grooved our way into 2am. You are brave for so many reasons and I admire you. Our memories run deep and my love for you even deeper. You are my brother and my friend and our spirits will always dance.”
- Chalise, a garden fox and emotional genius, who is a best friend, sounding board, and spiritual sister – http://www.gardenfoxdesign.com/
“You are one of a kind. You were there for me when I was a self-doubting, sad girl… You always listen. You know the right thing to say, and when to say nothing. You are passionate. You are brilliant. You will find love, I know it. You have an incredible mom. You had the best parties in high school. You cross my mind more than you know. You will be a millionaire one day. You are an artist. You are one of my best friends. I hope that never changes.”
- ‘Hope’, artist and teacher, who is a best friend, an inspiration, and the person who showed me the significance of deep thought - http://naturesjunglegym.blogspot.com/
“I didn’t really know what co-founder meant when I talked to you that day. I simply knew that part of the startup deal was that I needed one. From that day it took me 10 months to figure it out. Thank you for making this idea your own. Co-founder= mission critical aka I could not have done it without you.”
- Anthony Nicalo, activist and CEO of Foodtree, who’s inspiration and strength of person is the reason that Foodtree exists, and that I get to work on ideas all day long – http://anthonynicalo.com/ – http://foodtree.com
“When I think of Derek, I think of SOUL. Pure, delightful, brilliant, passionate, SOUL. His writing is heartfelt, sharp, insightful and inspiring. Derek sees right to the core of people and his environment, and expresses his reflections on both in an incredibly poignant, moving way. DShan is money, baby. Get on the train and join the fanclub! And don’t forget to download his daily dose of rockin’ tunes from Two-Nine — your iPod, your car, your creative jam sessions, and your workouts will thank you for it.”
- Jenny Blake, blogger and author of Life After College: The Complete Guide To Getting What You Want, who confounds me with her output, razor sharp perspective, and touching honesty - http://www.lifeaftercollege.org/
“Derek is one of the good guys. One of the people, who will have your back, when you feel like the floor is ready to drop out from under you. He’s the kind of person you want on your team, especially if you are playing beer pong
- Maura Rodgers, entrepreneur and founder Strutta & Bootup Entrepreneurial Society, who, along with her husband Danny Robinson, epitomizes everything I love about ideafreaks - http://www.bootup.ca - http://www.strutta.com -http://www.startupvisa.ca
“Derek is not only one of the most open hearted men on the web, he’s also incredibly savvy, ahead of the curve and connecting some of the best minds and voices floating out there in the magical world wide web. I hate writing these things…that’s just a fraction of what I could say without gushing.”
- Chelsea Latimer, blogger/gypsy/singer, who is the one of the most intuitive artists and web warriors I’ve met in my entire life - http://chelseatalkssmack.blogspot.com/
“I started reading Derek’s blog before I even really knew what a blog was. Years have gone by, and I still anxiously await each of his posts. His writing style is simple and moving; he writes at the heart of life. One of the sharpest ideafreaks I’ve ever met, Derek is a continual source of inspiration for me.”
- Nicole Antoinette, blogger and owner Shatterboxx Media, who is such a stupidly great writer and thinker it that makes me jealous often - http://nicoleisbetter.com - http://shatterboxx.com
“Dshan, I have so much love for you. You’ve got this ease about you, this way of putting your whole self and heart into the world, digitally and offline. I enjoy your laugh and your warmth. Thank you for sharing it as you do.”
- Gwen Bell – thought leader and author of Digital Warriors, who is in many ways a digital sherpa for me - http://www.gwenbell.com/
“DSHAN. You are my music pimp and one of my tiptop writing inspirations. Whenever I want to feel completely inadequate about my own writing abilities, I just pull up your blog. No, no, I kid. There’s enough room in the blog world for us both to be awesome. And you, my friend, are awesome, despite your wildly inappropriate negative views of John Mayer.”
- Jamie Varon, blogger and owner Shatterboxx Media, who’s all around a talented, hilarious woman - http://www.jamievaron.com/ - http://www.shatterboxx.com/
“It’s easy to be friends with someone whose brain is wired in a way that you like and admire. That’s a good place to start. Most of my interaction with you has been you asking web development questions. If I’m not able to explain it, it so happens that I love helping to find answers. Easy friendship match right there. But that’s only the first level of appreciation. Your blog is also an easy read – I find myself nodding and saying “”yep”" to a lot of the thoughts you put out there. I probably don’t let you know enough (I *am* a lurker), but if I did I’d be saying a lot of something to the effect of: “”DUDE. THIS POST.”" I figure that would get rather grating after a while. I stay silent habitually because I should be working, but hey, I show up in Google Analytics in the form of a Unique Visitor. That’s something, right?
- Nico del Castillo, blogger and entrepreneur, who is truly one of the most gracious people I’ve met - http://nicopolitan.com/
“Everybody knows that Derek is sweet. However, most people responding to this probably only know him in a personal way. We’re business partners, so let me say: the sweet never leaves.”
- Lisa Farlow, blogger and founder 20 Something Bloggers, who’s sense of commitment to her community has always driven its significance - http://20sb.net/
“Derek pushes me to be a better writer, a better business owner and a better human being without him even knowing it. How would I sum up Derek? A great person and a constant reminder that I can work and love harder as he shows us all by example each and every day.”
- Brian Plain, financial advisor and blogger, who’s dedication to the art of financial advice is truly ahead of its time – http://www.oakparkplanner.com/
“Besides the fact that you’re super smart and have this ridiculous ability to bring people together, you’re also the kind of guy who always makes everyone you talk to feel like they’re the only person in the world. That’s a talent I covet.”
- Mari Luangrath, entrepreneur and owner of Foiled Cupcakes, who turned cupcakes into gold by leveraging the web before she even understood it, and is a constant mentor on my business ideas - http://foiledcupcakes.com/
“Good for talking about the internet. Big picture thinking.”
- Mack Flavelle, entrepreneur and founder Compass Engine, who’s inquisitive mind is an addictive labyrinth – http://www.compassengine.com/
“I don’t want to inflate his ego too much. Let’s just say I think he’s a swell fellow and if I told you what I really thought about him he’d turn into a hermit because his head would get so big he’d never be able to leave the house again.”
- Jim / Tankboy, blogger and musician, who’s music taste, sincerity, and dedication to writing honestly and often has set a standard for me. – http://www.tankboyprime.blogspot.com – http://www.chicagoist.com
“I hate the way you live in a different country and I only see you a few times a year.”
- Doniree Walker, blogger and entrepreneur, who is an unsung hero in making 20 Something Bloggers happen – http://doniree.com/
“Derek is badass. Badass in nothing but a great form. He epitomizes friendship at its finest. He exudes love, charm + truth. He’s a fine example of community. He makes me smile. I’m proud to have him in my life. I’m happy to have met him. Trust. Love.”
- Sonya Ryan, friend and guerrilla advocate at A Thinking Ape, who is endlessly sweet and more talented than she knows – http://sonsryan.com/
“I love that you have so much love for the people in your life. I love that you let others in and that you’re always there for a quick pep talk when I need one. I love that you ask me for advice and value my input. I love that you go out of your way to make sure others are taken care of and I especially love the rare occasion when you drunk tweet. Oh, and I also love that you’ve stopped telling me I’m SOOOOOO YOUNG but I did love telling you you’re SOOOOO OLD. Thanks for being such an amazing friend.”
- Jenn Bollenbacher, blogger and 20SB Team Lead, who’s talent, generosity, and genuineness are a constant inspiration - http://jennsaidwhat.com
“Derek is super sharp with a breadth of ideas and opinions that would make any politician or businessman blush. He’s the type of guy you want to be around because he makes you think and smile all at the same time.”
- Rebecca Thorman, blogger and entrepreneur at Alice.com, who’s sharp clarity, insight, and ability to write are just a few in a long list of reasons she kick ass – http://modite.com – http://alice.com
“DShan is the man.”
- Zaw Thet, founder and CEO 4INFO, who is my blueprint as an entrepreneur and embodies incredible sensibilities around work, life, and fun - http://www.zawthet.com - http://www.4info.com - http://www.palindromeadvisors.com
“I love that you’re always willing to help out your friends. Startup life can really kick your ass and at the end of the day you still make time to do nice things for your peeps. You’re also a great connector. Don’t ever stop introducing me to awesome people.”
- Ryan Paugh, blogger and founder of BrazenCareerist, who’s contribution to the digital community and idea around its cultivation is a driving force for me - http://BrazenCareerist.com
