Hello! (said in Mark's voice in my head) I am Abby, daughter of Sara and friend of Mark. I pretty much say yes to anything Mark does and so that is how I am part of Article Club. I often fail at reading the actual articles but always enjoy Mark's remarks. I love the community that Mark has built with Article Club, love that this community includes my mom, love the insights/perspectives I get when I do actually read the articles, and love the chance to spend time with old friends and meet new ones. Can't wait for the next 500 issues...
Hi, I'm Jason from Alameda, CA. I love Mark's idea that if we read more and connect with other readers we'll be better off. I also love his questions around the articles, his scaffolding and encouraging discussion, his attitude of intelligent inquiry mixed with curiosity and compassion and of course his curation of deep and thoughtful articles. My wife was/is a colleague of Mark's, so I knew in advance about his awesomeness.
Jason, I feel like you should lead Article Club’s marketing team! Thank you very much for the kind words. You definitely understand the spirit of what we’re trying to do here. The idea of reading + connecting = good things might feel like a naïve and outdated notion, but if you believe in it, so will I! 😀 Thank you again, and I appreciate that you read Article Club so closely.
I’m Steven, a hopeful realist who believes in small, repeatable acts of presence and hope. Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked across education, mental health, and community spaces, starting as a Pre-K teacher, making several meaningful stops along the way, and now serving as an international leader in suicide prevention and postvention. I founded Elpis Consulting, Coaching, & Community Building ( “Elpis” means hope in Greek) where I help schools, nonprofits, communities, and individuals build emotionally literate, inclusive spaces and support the grief and healing journey.
I joined Article Club because I love thoughtful conversation in the spirit of an old Victorian salon (sans corsets) and because I adore Mark. Our personal and professional connection is a reminder that belonging matters, and so do giveaways. Mugs and even a blanket with Mark’s face proudly live in my home. Here’s to another decade of reflection, community, and, hopefully, for me, a chance to gather in person.
Steven, not only do I appreciate the work you do in the world, but I also appreciate you, because you are kind and thoughtful. It’s abundantly clear that when you’re listening (whether to me or others in discussion), you are deeply listening, fully there and present, building connection and a sense of belonging. My hope is that there will be more giveaways in your future! (Wish you could come to HHH 500; the grand prize is a doozy.)
I'm Rebecca, and Mark is my current instructional coach (I teach 9th grade here in Oakland), although I believe I joined AC of my own free will. I very much enjoy the article recommendations, and also the pet pictures, despite the curator's slight bias toward dogs over cats. I have always been a voracious news-reader, but in becoming a teacher with the attendant logistical and emotional demands, the more thoughtful, long-form articles that article club recommends have taken priority on my reading list.
By no means were you coerced to join, Rebecca! But I’m grateful you did. (And now that you’ve won a T-shirt, there’s no going back.) Thank you for the kind words. I agree with you that we must protect ourselves and our emotional reserves from the blather and vitriol of our newsfeeds.
Hi, I'm Tess. I live in Nashville, though crossed paths with Mark (and many Article club folks) in Oakland for a while in the mid 2010s. I am a former English teacher (Mark was my coach), got a PhD and am now a literacy administrator at a very cool charter network in Nashville.
I read more news than I should (especially these days. I set a timer when needed), and although I come across some of these articles on my own, the push to engage more deeply, to broaden my lens to different publications, and to return to articles I may have overlooked is always welcome! Plus I love Mark's intros, community and connection. I love seeing and reading other people's thoguht and hope to join article club one of these days. The time difference and the three tiny ones always seem to throw me off! some day! (Also maybe ill be back in the bay sometime for a HHH.)
Thank you Tess and great to hear from you! I hear you on using a timer when reading news. In fact, I’ve been thinking, in its next decade, maybe Article Club could be a place where we share ideas on how to read online (e.g., not too much, not too little, how to find good things, how to save articles, when and how to read). I’m not sure this would be interesting to folks, but my gut says yes. Thank you for being around all these years!
Hi. I'm Nicole. I live in South Carolina. At first, I joined Article Club because I was stoked about discussing compelling articles with other word lovers. But then I found out Mark was an actual lovely person facilitating thoughtful discussions amongst several other lovely people, and that's why I've stayed. My life 10xed after I joined—divorce, back to college, several funerals, two new jobs, two children moved back home—but I linger on in hopes my schedule will once again align. ❤️
Nicole, thank you so much for sharing. You are wonderful. Our discussions are even kinder and even more thoughtful when you are there. When your life comes down from 10x to maybe 7x or 4x (or whatever x!), we’ll be here, ready to say hi again, looking forward to your contribution. I love the way you read.
I'm Kati :) and I joined Article Club maybe when it was first started? I found an old copy of "Iserotope Extras" in my email, so I've been a longtime fan. I joined because I think the concept is really neat, and I always like to see what Mark will suggest we read. I've known Mark since I was a student and he led our We the People group to state championships! Even then, Mark always encouraged us to learn new things, find a different perspective, and dig deeper. I enjoy that the articles are curated and have summaries--sometimes I learn of issues I didn't even know about! My hopes for the next decade of Article Club are that it continues to expand and evolve--the future is bright!
We definitely go way back, Kati! I think it’s funny you remember “Iserotope Extras.” Those were the days. Our We the People team was mighty. I remember voraciously reading about the Constitution (I still like "strict scrutiny") so that I could keep up with you all! Thank you all your kind words about Article Club. Onward to Issue 1,000!
Hi! I'm Carina and I joined Article Club at the recommendation of a colleague (who was a classmate of Mark's!) back in like 2019? I subscribed because I like receiving articles that are well curated that I wouldn't usually come across. I appreciate the Zoom discussions and interacting with folks from all over! Hmmm the second decade of Article Club ... do we get to have an East Coast HHH??? :)
My sixth grade classmate (your colleague) made a great decision to invite you! Carina, you have been at the center of Article Club for many years. Thank you for all your contributions! And yes, let's talk about an in-person East Coast HHH. Anyone want to lead the chapter? :)
I joined because I was interested in the idea of newsletters and was about to start my own. I stayed because it's great to get interesting articles, and rewarding to discuss them with others over Zoom. I'm Alison, a freelance journalist in Toronto.
It's been wonderful to meet you and get to know you via Article Club and Substack, Alison! You have no doubt influenced my articles of the month choices lately. Have you noticed a trend?
Hello friends near and far I’m Joel and I live here in Oakland and joined because Mark is very compelling as a colleague, friend, writer, and collector (of articles). Plus I loved the Kindle parties!
Thank you Joel! My article collection has reached 44,000 — with about 1,850 of them appearing in the newsletter. Also, there’s going to be another Kindle Party this summer this summer if you’re interested!
Howdy! My name is Matt and I’m a high school art teacher. I originally subscribed to Article Club to support the work of Mark (who might have been my instructional coach back then?), but quickly became intrigued by the articles that I would not have come across otherwise. For the next 10 years of Article Club, I’d like to see even more doggy action shots…maybe even some snippets from National Dog Shows! In all seriousness though, I think there is a good thing going here, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.
Howdy Matt! Yes, let's work on doggy action shots, GIFs, videos, dog shows, you name it. (Uno the Beagle, 2008, was always a favorite of mine.) Thank you for being here!
I'm Leo. I live and teach in Oakland and Mark is my mentor teacher. I love to read and am grateful to receive these curated articles every week. I also like to write, and am thinking of starting my own Substack soon. I play a lot of Ultimate Frisbee in my free time. I'm excited to attend HHH 500 and start to participate in more discussions!
Leo, I might be a reader, but you are a reader reader! It's all very impressive, especially given all the great things you do. I'm looking forward to your Substack and upcoming Ultimate tutorials!
I’m Debra. I live in Tracy and Santa Cruz. I retired last year after 36 years in education, as a middle school and high school teacher and a teacher-librarian. That last job supported my interests in 2 things: 1) reading voraciously and talking about reading(s) with others and 2) indulging in being an info specialist and sending articles to folks a lot! I have participated in only a handful of AC discussions but I almost always read the article.
Debra, I've loved meeting you via Article Club, and you’ve brought so much to our discussions. (Did I ever tell you that I'm a library school dropout? It's a fun fact.) Anyway, I appreciate how closely you read articles and how you listen deeply to other Article Clubbers in our conversations. Thank you for being here!
OK I'll go first! I'm Mark, I live in Oakland, and I'm an assistant principal here. I've always been a big reader, and so about 10 years ago, I started sending out my favorite articles to my friends and family. My big belief is that if we found more time to read and then connect with other kind, thoughtful readers, our world might be a little better. Either that or maybe we just need more dogs? I'm happy you're all here! (Who else is here?)
Hello! (said in Mark's voice in my head) I am Abby, daughter of Sara and friend of Mark. I pretty much say yes to anything Mark does and so that is how I am part of Article Club. I often fail at reading the actual articles but always enjoy Mark's remarks. I love the community that Mark has built with Article Club, love that this community includes my mom, love the insights/perspectives I get when I do actually read the articles, and love the chance to spend time with old friends and meet new ones. Can't wait for the next 500 issues...
Hi, I'm Jason from Alameda, CA. I love Mark's idea that if we read more and connect with other readers we'll be better off. I also love his questions around the articles, his scaffolding and encouraging discussion, his attitude of intelligent inquiry mixed with curiosity and compassion and of course his curation of deep and thoughtful articles. My wife was/is a colleague of Mark's, so I knew in advance about his awesomeness.
Jason, I feel like you should lead Article Club’s marketing team! Thank you very much for the kind words. You definitely understand the spirit of what we’re trying to do here. The idea of reading + connecting = good things might feel like a naïve and outdated notion, but if you believe in it, so will I! 😀 Thank you again, and I appreciate that you read Article Club so closely.
Hi Article Club friends!
I’m Steven, a hopeful realist who believes in small, repeatable acts of presence and hope. Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked across education, mental health, and community spaces, starting as a Pre-K teacher, making several meaningful stops along the way, and now serving as an international leader in suicide prevention and postvention. I founded Elpis Consulting, Coaching, & Community Building ( “Elpis” means hope in Greek) where I help schools, nonprofits, communities, and individuals build emotionally literate, inclusive spaces and support the grief and healing journey.
I joined Article Club because I love thoughtful conversation in the spirit of an old Victorian salon (sans corsets) and because I adore Mark. Our personal and professional connection is a reminder that belonging matters, and so do giveaways. Mugs and even a blanket with Mark’s face proudly live in my home. Here’s to another decade of reflection, community, and, hopefully, for me, a chance to gather in person.
Steven, not only do I appreciate the work you do in the world, but I also appreciate you, because you are kind and thoughtful. It’s abundantly clear that when you’re listening (whether to me or others in discussion), you are deeply listening, fully there and present, building connection and a sense of belonging. My hope is that there will be more giveaways in your future! (Wish you could come to HHH 500; the grand prize is a doozy.)
I'm Rebecca, and Mark is my current instructional coach (I teach 9th grade here in Oakland), although I believe I joined AC of my own free will. I very much enjoy the article recommendations, and also the pet pictures, despite the curator's slight bias toward dogs over cats. I have always been a voracious news-reader, but in becoming a teacher with the attendant logistical and emotional demands, the more thoughtful, long-form articles that article club recommends have taken priority on my reading list.
By no means were you coerced to join, Rebecca! But I’m grateful you did. (And now that you’ve won a T-shirt, there’s no going back.) Thank you for the kind words. I agree with you that we must protect ourselves and our emotional reserves from the blather and vitriol of our newsfeeds.
Hi, I'm Tess. I live in Nashville, though crossed paths with Mark (and many Article club folks) in Oakland for a while in the mid 2010s. I am a former English teacher (Mark was my coach), got a PhD and am now a literacy administrator at a very cool charter network in Nashville.
I read more news than I should (especially these days. I set a timer when needed), and although I come across some of these articles on my own, the push to engage more deeply, to broaden my lens to different publications, and to return to articles I may have overlooked is always welcome! Plus I love Mark's intros, community and connection. I love seeing and reading other people's thoguht and hope to join article club one of these days. The time difference and the three tiny ones always seem to throw me off! some day! (Also maybe ill be back in the bay sometime for a HHH.)
Thank you Tess and great to hear from you! I hear you on using a timer when reading news. In fact, I’ve been thinking, in its next decade, maybe Article Club could be a place where we share ideas on how to read online (e.g., not too much, not too little, how to find good things, how to save articles, when and how to read). I’m not sure this would be interesting to folks, but my gut says yes. Thank you for being around all these years!
Hi. I'm Nicole. I live in South Carolina. At first, I joined Article Club because I was stoked about discussing compelling articles with other word lovers. But then I found out Mark was an actual lovely person facilitating thoughtful discussions amongst several other lovely people, and that's why I've stayed. My life 10xed after I joined—divorce, back to college, several funerals, two new jobs, two children moved back home—but I linger on in hopes my schedule will once again align. ❤️
Nicole, thank you so much for sharing. You are wonderful. Our discussions are even kinder and even more thoughtful when you are there. When your life comes down from 10x to maybe 7x or 4x (or whatever x!), we’ll be here, ready to say hi again, looking forward to your contribution. I love the way you read.
You are wonderful.
I'm Kati :) and I joined Article Club maybe when it was first started? I found an old copy of "Iserotope Extras" in my email, so I've been a longtime fan. I joined because I think the concept is really neat, and I always like to see what Mark will suggest we read. I've known Mark since I was a student and he led our We the People group to state championships! Even then, Mark always encouraged us to learn new things, find a different perspective, and dig deeper. I enjoy that the articles are curated and have summaries--sometimes I learn of issues I didn't even know about! My hopes for the next decade of Article Club are that it continues to expand and evolve--the future is bright!
We definitely go way back, Kati! I think it’s funny you remember “Iserotope Extras.” Those were the days. Our We the People team was mighty. I remember voraciously reading about the Constitution (I still like "strict scrutiny") so that I could keep up with you all! Thank you all your kind words about Article Club. Onward to Issue 1,000!
Hi! I'm Carina and I joined Article Club at the recommendation of a colleague (who was a classmate of Mark's!) back in like 2019? I subscribed because I like receiving articles that are well curated that I wouldn't usually come across. I appreciate the Zoom discussions and interacting with folks from all over! Hmmm the second decade of Article Club ... do we get to have an East Coast HHH??? :)
My sixth grade classmate (your colleague) made a great decision to invite you! Carina, you have been at the center of Article Club for many years. Thank you for all your contributions! And yes, let's talk about an in-person East Coast HHH. Anyone want to lead the chapter? :)
I joined because I was interested in the idea of newsletters and was about to start my own. I stayed because it's great to get interesting articles, and rewarding to discuss them with others over Zoom. I'm Alison, a freelance journalist in Toronto.
It's been wonderful to meet you and get to know you via Article Club and Substack, Alison! You have no doubt influenced my articles of the month choices lately. Have you noticed a trend?
I do not need to "put out anything", dear Mark, because you did it already!
You are a celebrity, Sara! Fellow Article Clubbers want to know more! 😃 (I'm kidding, no pressure at all.)
I joined because I like receiving curated articles that I am interested in
Thank you Stuart for being a subscriber for all these years.
Hello friends near and far I’m Joel and I live here in Oakland and joined because Mark is very compelling as a colleague, friend, writer, and collector (of articles). Plus I loved the Kindle parties!
Thank you Joel! My article collection has reached 44,000 — with about 1,850 of them appearing in the newsletter. Also, there’s going to be another Kindle Party this summer this summer if you’re interested!
Howdy! My name is Matt and I’m a high school art teacher. I originally subscribed to Article Club to support the work of Mark (who might have been my instructional coach back then?), but quickly became intrigued by the articles that I would not have come across otherwise. For the next 10 years of Article Club, I’d like to see even more doggy action shots…maybe even some snippets from National Dog Shows! In all seriousness though, I think there is a good thing going here, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.
Howdy Matt! Yes, let's work on doggy action shots, GIFs, videos, dog shows, you name it. (Uno the Beagle, 2008, was always a favorite of mine.) Thank you for being here!
I'm Leo. I live and teach in Oakland and Mark is my mentor teacher. I love to read and am grateful to receive these curated articles every week. I also like to write, and am thinking of starting my own Substack soon. I play a lot of Ultimate Frisbee in my free time. I'm excited to attend HHH 500 and start to participate in more discussions!
Leo, I might be a reader, but you are a reader reader! It's all very impressive, especially given all the great things you do. I'm looking forward to your Substack and upcoming Ultimate tutorials!
I’m Debra. I live in Tracy and Santa Cruz. I retired last year after 36 years in education, as a middle school and high school teacher and a teacher-librarian. That last job supported my interests in 2 things: 1) reading voraciously and talking about reading(s) with others and 2) indulging in being an info specialist and sending articles to folks a lot! I have participated in only a handful of AC discussions but I almost always read the article.
Debra, I've loved meeting you via Article Club, and you’ve brought so much to our discussions. (Did I ever tell you that I'm a library school dropout? It's a fun fact.) Anyway, I appreciate how closely you read articles and how you listen deeply to other Article Clubbers in our conversations. Thank you for being here!
OK I'll go first! I'm Mark, I live in Oakland, and I'm an assistant principal here. I've always been a big reader, and so about 10 years ago, I started sending out my favorite articles to my friends and family. My big belief is that if we found more time to read and then connect with other kind, thoughtful readers, our world might be a little better. Either that or maybe we just need more dogs? I'm happy you're all here! (Who else is here?)