Dear BMGers: You are most cordially invited to our official, extra-special Blue Mass. Group 10th anniversary Propaganda Propulsion Pizza Party! It’s Friday January 23rd, starting at 6:30 pm, at Bertucci’s on Route 16 in Medford. Why there? David dropped his business card in a bowl and won a pizza party, so there you go. Pizza and wings are on them; cash bar for drinks.
We’re hoping that this event will serve two functions. First, it’s good for everyone, including the BMG community, to step out from behind the keyboards now and then and meet up in person. Those of you whom we’ve already met, we’d love to see again; those of you we’ve not yet encountered in person, what better time?
Second, we’re trying to raise some much-needed funds to maintain and upgrade the site, and we hope you’ll support our efforts.
Why a fundraiser after all this time? Well, the maintenance and minor improvements we’ve had over the last few years have been bankrolled — barely — by the slender stream of advertising revenue from the site. And when extra expenses have popped up, your editors have dipped into their own personal funds, even depriving their loved ones of life’s necessities in so doing. Not only have we not been making money from the site, we’ve been losing it – for years.
Now, we’ve made some changes, and we’d like to do more. You may agree that after all this time, the site could use a few improvements. We’ve finally moved to a new server. We need a new developer to take on some projects: A mobile-friendly version (i.e., “responsive”, in WordPress jargon) would be nice; more social-networking possibilities; maybe even an events calendar. As you can imagine, this is the kind of thing where you can spend as much money as you’ve got. Once we get a budget we can see what’s possible.
In addition, there will be a silent auction — donations of wicked classy things are most kindly accepted! Our donations are:
1. a voice lesson with Charley
2. lunch and constitutional banter with David — ask for his hilarious Stephen Breyer impression
3. a singed and signed copy of “Napalm” from Bob
Donate something valuable, or better yet, bid!
Do let us know if you plan to go, and give a percentage chance you’ll make it. Here’s a rough, easy translation of your words into percentages:
“I’m coming! Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor dead of night shall keep me from it!” = 75%
“I can make it. See you there” = 50%
“I think I can make it” = 10%
“I’ll try to make it” = 3%
And if you can’t make it, consider this BMG pledge time. Why not subscribe and do some small part to keep our little pamphlet mill cranking away? Subscribing also gets you a spiffy gold badge by your user name, and cuts down on the advertising you’ll see on the site. Alternatively, you can toss a few bucks our way using the PayPal button below:
So COME ON DOWN to Bertucci’s in Medford on 1/23. It would be great to see all or any of you in the flesh!
It’s on the calendar, but we’ll see when the time comes. There are definitely some of y’all I’d like to put a face and real name to.
nt
I’m looking forward to finally meet some of the comrades
I’ve been debating with since 2012.
And I’m happy to report to y’all that my New Year’s resolution has been honored — I just became a yearly subscriber to BMG to celebrate their 10 year birthday and I feel good about it. It only hurt for a little while. 🙂 I urge my friends to do likewise.
Happy New Year to all and hope to see you at the party !
Fred Rich LaRiccia
But I am now a subscriber. I’ll catch you all the next time, preferably south of Boston. Medford is a bit of a ride for me.
You are good fellows and it is very much appreciated!
will both be there? Must be the social engagement of the season! I’ve got it on my calender – that’s 75%.
Pizza courtesy of Bertucci’s: what could be better!
I’ve been a huge fan of Bertucci’s dinner rolls for most of my professional career. Best in the business, Bob.
I look forward to the rolls, but then wonder what in the world I actually want to order. I’ve never figured out how to make leftover ones quite as good, however.
If you have a toaster oven, pop it in for long enough to get it warm all the way through. Still, that’s only for a day or so afterward. They aren’t meant to have a shelf life.
I’ve been an aficionado of Bertucci’s since the days of the indoor bocce court in Somerville.
…or really sad commentary on what passes for some of us having a life:)
My card got rejected twice, spent some time checking out my credit card and still no luck ….happened to me 3 months ago and I gave up. Won’t this time.
Will miss the crazy ads actually..a little bit of relief sometimes.
Count me in!
The donate button doesn’t take me to a BMG page. It takes me to the PayPal login and from there to my account page. Is there something you need to fix?
Safari, Mtn. Lion, Mac
Thanks for the heads-up!
Good Lord willin’ an’ the creek don’t rise.
Made a few last minute schedule changes…..and I’m going to make it. Looking forward to meeting you all in person.
BMG (which are my initials, by the way!) and Bertucci’s are 2 of my favorite things! What a great combo! 🙂 Looking forward to meeting you all!
I used to live across the street from there! But now it’s a trek.
across the street? I’m not judging …
is the proposed site of the Wynn Casino. We could take a field trip!
Bertucci’s has four sides and only one faces the reservation. LOL
faces the street!
I’m so confused. I don’t know which way to turn.
around?
Thanks for giving us all a chance to ponder, pontificate, and vent.
Subscribed, and will attend the gathering (75%).
I’m planning to attend, but I’ve not purchased anything yet for the grab bag.