About
On a fateful day in late August, 2008, a blog called “The Mudflats” rose to national prominence when Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was selected as John McCain’s running mate in the race for the White House. Masterfully written by Anchorage resident “AK Muckraker,” the blog has continued to thrive since then, capturing the hearts and minds of progressive citizens from Juneau to New York to Dublin to Sydney. In fact, the blog became so immensely popular that a discussion forum was born, out of necessity, in order to prevent the blog from crashing while like-minded folks commented on all manner of topics, political and otherwise.
Both the Mudflats blog and the Mudflats Forum have evolved into unique online settings. The Mudflats provides a community in the true sense of the word. There is a feeling of fellowship, of common understanding and purpose, on the blog and the Forum that is cherished by its members (also fondly known as “mudpuppies”). Topics range from a deeply serious study of the economic crisis to a lighthearted litany of the funny things children say, and everything in between. Mudflats devotees support each other through difficult times and celebrate each other’s victories and joys.
The community has reached beyond the virtual world to include in-person and real-time contact. Multiple “Mudstocks” have formed organically across the US, and the Mudflats Team of Moderators and Administrators have solidified friendships in their shared time on the flats. Team members chat with each other online 24/7, spread across the globe. They busily hatch contests and meet-ups, and share jokes and stories, as well as life’s many somber moments.
This feeling of oneness and connectivity that was born out of the Mudflats is what has prompted this new blog. So many Mudflats followers were shocked and dismayed when AK Muckraker’s identity was outed. People searched for ways to show support, and for many of us, the usual outlets did not feel sufficient. The Mudflats team recognized the need for this blog, a place where people could both convey support for AKM and also express appreciation for the Mudflats blog and Forum in myriad creative ways. We hope this I heart Mudflats blog grows and takes on meaning for its members in the same way the Mudflats blog and Forum have. Let’s spread the Mudflats love!