I've written before about the power of raising your hand.

Years ago, I raised my hand and started The Rich Media Sig. It is hard to believe today, but at that time, things like video, Flash, 3D worlds like Second Life were considered non-starters. They didn't work, they would never be adopted. I raised my hand to say: "Let's start something to educate folks on the power of these technologies." And now, nearly 10 years later, rich media is so ubiquitous that the term is an anachronism. It has just become "media."

Jeanniey also is a hand-raiser. Over a year and a half ago I spoke out at ad:tech about the lack of support email marketing was receiving from the then current trade organizations. Jeanniey raised her hand and started the Email Experience Council. The effects that the Council has had to date and continues to have are no less than astounding. Our industry needs more hand-raisers like Jeanniey and more organizations geared towards moving the industry forward like the EEC. My congratulations to everyone.

—Bill McCloskey