This blog started on this day, 6th April, nine years ago in 2004. Back in those days there weren't many agency blogs. Russell said we should start a blog. We said, 'What's a blog?'

Since then there have been 2816 posts, nearly 5000 comments, and nearly 250,000 page views. Which sounds like quite a lot. Thanks to anyone out there in Internetland who's stayed with us all that time. Thanks also to anyone who just occasionally drops by to see what we're up to.

Here's a reprise of that first ever W2O post. We were pitching for Tetley at the time. We didn't get it.

This first post established from day one the level of industry insight and provocative debate that has made Welcome to Optimism an industry legend.

In the top pic you can see (L-R Nzinga) (where is she now?), Matt Gooden, Tony Malcolm and Richard Hooker.

And above are Boo Thompson, Sean Thompson and Mick Bailey.

What a long, strange trip it's been. Happy birthday, blog.

From a supplement on outdoor advertising that came with this week's Campaign magazine.