I’ll admit I’m still trying to figure out the nuances between regular column writing and the online blog. It’s not that I’m technology shy; I send my words in the same either way. And it’s not the comments. I try to read them all (some columnists do not) and even answer (though the Great Wizard of the blog doesn’t always allow my responses through). And I take to heart the criticism. All journalists should, to a point.
My pondering this today could be a respect thing. I’m somewhat old school journalism; I don’t feel I’m giving readers the respect they deserve unless I produce an entire thought process, a few new facts and ideas that might stay with them beyond a few minutes. Those are my goals, however hit or miss.
Any time those goals are accomplished with an iota of style, I thank a higher power. I’ve said before I could never tell a joke and will leave the humor to Dick Y. and the other clever pens. I’m more of a passionate plodder in my writing, but don’t ask me to define that too much, and unlike the better bloggers there are rules I feel I must follow. Yes, I’ve been a rule girl since childhood. Just made that way.
So every week I wonder: Should I throw out a casual mommy-centered chirp? That would be bigger than a tweet or twitter, but not necessarily red meat. Do readers want a light moment of clarity on local issues, or news on a more personal front? I get feedback supporting almost all.
To regular bloggers like Pat H., MK, What Would Atlas Do, Samuel Adams and the ever present Anonymous: What do you guys want to see more of in this space? What are your favorite topics lately? What do you think these blogs should or could accomplish and how could we do it all better?
One more thing: I think MDJ bloggers are actually much more civil than most city paper blogs I’ve read. Compliments to you all.
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An article is a writing that includes all the known gory details about a subject of interest to the community along with your opinion about the subject matter. Takes a lot of investigation. That's why I tell you that you are an excellent investigative reporter.
A Blog is a conversation online about a subject of interest, where you ask a question and jump back in to respond to a comment be another person. That way lots of people can express their view about the subject.
For instance: What is your defination of a classic speed trap? Do you know that all reduced speed zones at schools in Cobb County are knowingly constructed as classic speed traps. This is done by erectomg equipment, signage and lights to schedule a speed reduction zone by means of a timer controlled directional flashing light at both ends of the speed zone, without installing signage to notify the unwary driver, or visitors to an area, of the times when the lights are scheduled to flash. So, anyone who passes under such a light, just before it is scheduled to flash, does not see the light begin to flash and is therefore caught in the trap. Do you think this method of raising money is a fair and equitale method for a city or a county to utilize, at $123.59 a pop, at the expense of an unwary driving public? Could this be construed as "taxation without representation", or maybe Licensed Thievery"? Check it out yourself in Cobb County or check the same practices in adjacent counties. Equal justice for all, right. Tell us what you think or your experiences if you have been trapped yourself.
"love" between the main characters. Do they really want their young kids to witness that??? High Schoolers....probably.
Elementary Schoolers .... NO WAY!!!!
Fundamentally, a blog is much more interactive and usually includes a chronological sequence of posts, photos, videos, hyperlinks and such that are not used in this space.
This is why as you say, are having a hard time "figuring out the nuances". You don't have the tools to produce a proper blog in this format.
Also, the people that make comments on the articles such as myself are not bloggers either but merely commenters. Some may happen to have a blog, but simply commenting regularly does not make one a blogger.
This format isn't conducive to a blog at all. Maybe someone at the MDJ needs to define for you what they expect in this space. I tend to expect something more spontaneous than what I might find in a regular column. Because the format is the same as your columns, you can only make it different by changing the nature of the content. Take it from there.