With the Final Four well on its merry, bloggin’ way towards realizing a dream, I wanted to take the time to thank the most underappreciated group affiliated with NGS II.  No, I’m not talking about the remaining four.  No, I’m not referring to the judges.  And no, I’m not looking to pat myself on the back.

I’m talking about the good sports out there.  You know who you are.  The fine bloggers that didn’t make the cut, but found it within themselves to offer kind words of encouragement throughout the contest.  The eliminated finalists who remained gracious in defeat and continued supporting the cause despite obvious disappointment.  The wise old contestants from NGS 1.0 who came back to offer their own words of advice to a jittery new pool of writers.  To all of you, I say thanks.

Seriously, thank you.

It’s all too easy to forget about the good guys out there amid the bitter waves of comments that pop up from time to time.  Without your continued support and interest in the blogging community here on FOXSports.com, none of this – NGS or the blogging community itself – would be possible.  It is your diligence that has helped transform this community into something special – something that brings unassuming visitors of FOXSports.com back for endless visits, and gives them a forum to voice their thoughts.  That’s the essence of free speech, and with such a supportive group, it’s become a celebration.

So, again, I thank you.  And I’m sure by now, the sleep-deprived and malnourished finalists agree.

Keep up your support, it means a lot to all of us!