Dodger Thoughts, which published the excellent, "The Disposable Baseball Blogger," a few weeks back, is at it again, this time interviewing LA Times Dodgers beat writer Bill Shaikin on the role of sports blogs:
No one writer can think of everything, and if someone else spots a trend before I do, more power to them. The seed planted by a blog can lead a writer to use his access and ask questions of the appropriate parties. I agree with the Dodger Thoughts perspective that the blogs that stand out offer original reporting - not just a
Original reporting, huh? Sounds like some folks consider their blogs more of a profession than a hobby. I think the distinction should be made, in fairness, to the poor suckers out there that do offer a mere “take” on matters of relevency.
It seems like the expectations of bloggers are skyrocketing to the point where the “big hitters” are being forced to put in excessive hours in order to maintain their readership. Once that bar of excellence is set, there’s no turning back. I felt that expectation, and it made this “hobby” feel too much like a second profession.
I’ve talked to a few fellow bloggers who have indicated to me that the incentive to maintain a super-popular blog isn’t so much an incentive as it is an obligation. For me, that took the fun out of it. But I think the big boys really relish the role of pumping out quality piece after quality piece – no matter how much spare time they have to sacrifice in the process. Those are the guys that make me green.