I wrote a long, rambling post about what I was doing, and about state of local media, but thought better of posting it. What I really just want to know is, what do you come to this site for? I know that a number of people come here, but I really don't know WHY, other than being a pal, or some sort of morbid curiosity.
There are SO many people blogging about the Grid and beyond, and so many organizations, from the Bee and SNR to semi-mechanical sites like Metroblogging and Yelp! and SacLights, that are trying to get your attention. I'm trying to assess what it is that I can offer you. With paying work needing to be done, and what seems to me to be a surplus of people vying for your attention, I don't want to waste your time, or my own.
So, I'm starting this year with a question: What is it that I can offer you via the blog? While years ago, I may have been in love with the sound of my own voice, and full of opinions, I have had plenty of years to bloviate and opine, and frankly, the thrill is gone. I want to be USEFUL to you, otherwise there's just no point for me. The internet has changed a lot of things, and the opportunity to just hold forth is one of them - and I no longer find that particularly compelling.
So: What can I do for you?
Do you want personal recommendations for what I think is interesting? Do you want a calendar of what's coming up? Do you want entertainment information, do you care about shops, or restaurants, etc? Do you want to know more about random Sacramento residents? Do you want info on the latest developments, controversies, etc? Working within a structure like the Bee's was easy - being outside of it, the structure disappears, and I'm no longer sure what people want from me - if anything! Nearly all of that stuff is already available at the traditional media outlets - and I don't want to replicate what they're doing. But I also know that a LOT of people aren't paying attention to what The Bee says anymore, and that the online presence of the traditional media in this town is...iffy.
So...where to, gang?
6 comments:
I thought your posts on the Bee's decline were particularly interesting. I like that your posts are long-winded. It sets your blog apart. You have more character as a writer than a lot of the other gridsters. Sometimes I'll read what you have to say on a subject when i'm not really interested in it.
You like to post photos of you're self, I like that :-)
As an employee inside Sacramento's print media giant I appreciated your ability to speak about the situation with candor but also education. It is hard to like where you work and have hope for the future but not hear anyone addressing the hard questions.
You gave a face to the emotions of the second floor that we on the first floor don't know, but it is both refreshing and frightening to hear how close things are.
So I think a voice any voice that questions the status quo is useful. I understand what you mean about what is there new under the sun left with everyone voicing opinions but I think all valid opinions are useful.
Besides I've always wondered what is on peoples minds, I remember crossing paths one day as I walked to the light rail both of us were wearing headphones and it occurred to me at that moment that we never know what people are listening to, I remember it vividly for some reason because I was listening to the portishead dj set from Radio One and I wondered if maybe I was the only person in the world listening to that at that moment.
So I think that long winded ramble is really just to say that keep doing what your doing as long as it suits you because some people are interested and curious.
Without wishing to oversimplify... I think you should "follow the fun" and write what you want to write about. If it interests you, then it will interest someone else!
p.s. I liked your original post on this topic. Glad I caught it before you had second thoughts;-)
I would like to more info on what's going on for nightlife in Sacramento. 2nd Saturday is coming up, where should I be going and what should I be doing! I know I can go to any 'ol website to get this info, but I would like personal thought from a professional. One stop shopping!
Let us know BEFORE it happens, we want to partake in experience..see the band, check out the exhibit, eat at the new (and good) restaurant. I hate siting at home on Friday night thinking "I don't have a SN&R to tell me what to do."
Tell me what to do, David Watts Barton!
I'd like to see more culture and nightlife stuff...basically, what you've been doing fine on so far.
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