And just to be clear, the local (Dispatch) press has been nothing but completely cool to us. Despite the dumb stuff we can put out on occasion.

The perception of many that sports bloggers are basement dwellers and all that is a bit off base and possibly also played up. The vast majority of sports bloggers that I know with any type of readership are all talented guys. Considering that 95% of us have day jobs it only makes it that much more impressive.

I have to admit that the tabloid-y stuff and to some degree recruiting has me second-guessing a lot of stuff, but it’s 2008. When in 2008, do like 2008.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/05/01/spring.rankings/index.html?eref=T1

1) Why are “traditional journalists” so angry and scared about bloggers? Some blogs are very professional and written with more journalistic integrety than say, the NEW YORK TIMES!. Others are a place to joke or spread gossip or naked pictures. Take them for what they are.

2) Blogs can also be a very valuable resource of information for people who want more than what the evening news or traditional dailies regurgitate. In my profession, I use blogs as an important resource and they help me tremendously.

And like Will said, most fans realize that sports are just something to pass time and ultimately done matter in the grand scheme of life.

I would, without hesitation, concede to the higher degree of journalistic skill that professional writers possess. However, it is just another business. Professional news writers are beholding to their management, as we all are in our own work places. Everything that is said, or not said, goes through a review process. Advertisers must be made happy, money must be made, legalities must be observed. You don’t so much get a “news article” or “commentary”, as you get another news product. That product is packaged to meet the needs of the news organization. They have a plan and strategy for everything. Journalists don’t get free rein to express themselves, or do so at their own risk.

I can see, by the comments here, that people feel very strongly on this topic, as do I.

I love blogs. I like the freedom of expression, the arcane wit, and the personalities that go with. I am quite willing to accept the (generally) lower standard of blogs, because they come with a much higher degree of editorial freedom. Most blogs come with a stated bias, this blog is no exception. As a reader, I am free to agree or disagree with any and all content. I am totally free to voice my opinion (as Jason is free to delete it). There is true entertainment in genuine discourse, compared to digesting a packaged news product.

I want information, varied opinions, and a sense of fun. This is where I get it.

oh, and by the way, michigan still sucks.