One year ago today, it all began with the "official" first post. It seems like a very long time ago, in some ways.
The launching of the website was a personal dream come true. It was inspired by the idea of creating an interactive community instead of spending my life responding to a plethora of poignant and passionate Port questions. After all, now I have you folks to answer questions like:
I now have a life again and my daughter remembers that I am her father, and that she was not spawned from my computer. Thank you all.how long should I decant a bottle of Bin 27 that has been in my dad's cellar since I was 6?
After meeting (aka "interviewing") a few web designers, I knew that Stewart Todd was the right man for the job. He had a real career and it was not computer related and that was a relief. He actually approached me with a great Port idea (he will ONLY tell that story, if you are on the upcoming trip :twisted: after many glasses of old Vintage Port). That aside, Stewart showed his talent as a creative idea generator and also possessed the computer skills that baffle me. He wanted to learn more about Port, drink great wines ... yada yada and we struck a deal. Today, he is my key advisor on all FTLOP developments.
Without Stewart's ability to incorporate my content and actually make it look good in a very user friendly manner, you would not be reading this post, a year later. We meet frequently to discuss all aspects of the website, newsletter and Forum. Although the modifications to the Forum that have taken place so far are mostly invisible, within a couple of weeks, there are many more significant changes coming to the website and newsletter. Shortly, Stewart will just flip a switch and they'll magically appear! Thanks for your patience ... I trust you will all be rewarded and will graciously accept the bottles of 1963 Nacional that will appear in your mailboxes. Fred, are you on top of that one?
Today, on this occasion, it is time to reward Stewart with the title of Vice President - Technology Partner (don't worry folks, there are other perqs besides the title 8)). I hope you will bestow like gratitude to Stewart, as although he is not always visible to you, he is VERY involved here on a regular basis, behind the scenes.
I would also like to thank Mario Ferreira who has been a loyal friend for many years and a great partner in our travel business. We have shared lots of Port and travel over the years, come up with a slew of ideas for Port ventures that were 90% dreams and heck, besides my own wife ... there are not that many people that I would choose to be around for a full week at a time! His vast knowledge of the Port trade is impressive and I continue to learn from him. Thanks Mario!
I'd also like to express my appreciation to my loving wife Dorene (and spunky daughter Taylor) while I am at it. For tolerating the hours I spend writing my newsletter, responding to emails, calling Portugal late into the next morning ... not to mention the amount of time moderating and responding to this FORUM ... knowing that it has not been for compensation, but truly FOR THE LOVE OF PORT ... I want her to read it here too: "baby, you're the greatest!"
Now, for the rest of you 10000 Maniacs ... ok, so I have you confused with a rock band?
Make that :type: 400+ Maniacs! All kidding aside, this is YOUR Forum, your place to hang and have fun and talk about our favorite Portuguese dessert wine topics. It has remained incredibly civil here, over the past 12 months. I have deleted LESS than one handful of posts overall, which amazes me. There have been friendships created between folks within the UK, Canada and USA (and many other locations) and offlines in all 3 countries as well. Yet we have people from more than 50 countries on 6 continents either participating here and/or receiving the newsletter.
Yes, I am very proud that we reached the 8000 post target set in the early daze of this venture and the hopes of having 400 registered members by the end of the year, but the stats really don't mean that much. Ok, I am lying -- I am a stat junkie. Butt and here comes a big one ... together we really have created a cool place, with no pretentiousness, no egomaniacs taking pot shots at each other or worse yet, new members or those just beginning their exploration of Port, Madeira or Douro wines. For that you all deserve another bottle of 1963 Quinta do Noval Nacional. Frederick please ...
I have rambled on WAY long enough ... and I still have to get the 16th newsletter to Stewart before heading to bed. Speaking of which, I hereby appologize for missing June's issue. Spending 20-something days between tending to my ill father in NY and then the other half with Mario in further developing this year's UK/USA harvest trip in Portugal ... the newletter did not get started on time. Maybe the answer is to have a "guest" article writer or two ...
(in English Fred --
... he knows I care about him and fortunately, I can joke with him! 
). But enough of my lame excuses! :help: The newsletter will be in your mailbox this weekend ... to take your mind off of that '63 that did not show up. Thanks to YOU, FTLOP treads forward into year 2! My sincere appreciation for all the time you have invested in making this the place to be when it comes to Portuguese dessert wine discussions.
just kidding Roy) I had ever found that dealt only with my favourite topic.