It was right around Christmas time, when I decided to do a Google search of my name, that I came across a most pleasant and touching surprise.
One of my more loyal readers from Yahoo, a gentleman from the United Kingdom country of Wales, decided to post a video on YouTube.com entitled "Don't Check Up, Jerry Bonkowski."
I must say that in over 35 years in the sports media field, this was one of the most touching thank you's I've ever received. It actually brought tears to my eyes at a time where I was feeling very low and depressed, extremely devastated that Yahoo would lay me off after I helped build the site from virtually nothing into the No. 1 sports Web site in the world.
And we did it in just over four years!
Many of you don't know it, but I was the second sportswriter Yahoo hired, back in 2004. I take a great deal of pride that I not only anchored Yahoo's NASCAR content, but that I also helped build our NASCAR page into the No. 2 most popular source of NASCAR information in the sports world behind only NASCAR.com. More importantly, that means Yahoo's NASCAR coverage outdrew ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, CBSSports.com and every other Web site that contained NASCAR-related content.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the challenge of getting going again in the coming days.
Frankly, I've been quiet for the last month -- and that's one month too long. So, get ready for the return of my usual brand of biting commentary and analysis.
One last thing before I forget: I know these are very challenging times right now, but I wish you all a prosperous and healthy 2009.
Now, as Darrell Waltrip loves to say -- and I love to hear -- "Let's go racin', boys!"
Welcome back Jerry, it's great to see you back on the track. That's a great little video our fellow Marblehead Ralph put together for you, he's a great guy. We all can't wait to start the season off and trade some paint with you and the rest of the nascar community. It's going to be an interesting one that's for sure. Daytona here we come!
ReplyDeleteHey Jerry ! Good to have you back on the Internet ! Wishing you all the best with your new venture :-) Look forward to your first edition of trading paint :-) I am no whizz at all this computer stuff but have had great fun learning about it since the beginning of the millennium :-) Wishing you and your family Health and Happiness for the year ahead :-) Cheers Jerry (as we like to say in England/Wales :-)
ReplyDeleteScrew Yahoo let's see how they are doing to try to run the new season....this was a wonderful idea. This note is from a fan that has followed you from USATODAY, GORACIN', ESPN.com., Yahoo, Sirius 128.And now to better things! When is your book coming out?
ReplyDeleteMy family wishes yours the best....a Michigan fan.
Don't have to watch that video to know who posted it! Soon you'll have all the Marbleheads here. LMAO if Yahoo only knew....
ReplyDeleteI'm with Carol. I knew who posted the video without even looking at it. Jerry, it's good to see you back on the Net. Art, GREAT JOB!!! You make me proud to be a Marblehead!!! {SMOOCHES}
ReplyDeleteHoney Bunny
I finally find you, Jerry. I am so happy that I Googled and found your website. I setup a RSS feed with your column through Yahoo and refuse to delete them after you stop writing for Yahoo. Now I found your website, I feel much better and relief because I know I can enjoy reading your column again.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see you back. Since I am one of your royal readers, you bet I will be on your website all the time.
Best regards,
Christine from Hamilton, NJ