BTB: Help Wanted

by Dave Halprin on Jan 21, 2008 11:25 AM CST in News Comment 33 comments

I need help.

For two and a half years I’ve been writing this blog, almost daily, in an effort to create the kind of Cowboys blog that I wanted to see, and the kind I hoped others wanted to read. It’s a labor of love - the financial compensation is minimal - but it’s still a labor. And I’m reaching the point where I need a little downtime. But I don’t want the blog itself to have any downtime, so I need help.

I’ve decided the time is now to add one, maybe two other voices to the front-page of the blog. There’s no other place I would want those voices to come from than our very own community. You guys are the candidate pool.

So here’s what I’m proposing, anybody who wants to become a co-blogger on this site at least through the offseason, all the way to kickoff in 2008, can put their name up for the job. Before you just jump at the chance you need to think about what I’m asking for.

One, you have to commit yourself to posting on a regular basis, maybe up to five times a week or so, for the entire offseason. It’s not as easy as you might think. Sure there will be times when you might not post for a while becasue of vacation, or family duties, or whatever, but for the most part you need to be consistent. If you have that kind of commitment, then you’re past one hurdle.

Next, you have to be able to post with a lot of care. Spelling, grammar, fact-checking, all of that stuff is required. Your writing also needs to be interesting and entertaining. You need to be able to string coherent thoughts together in a way that will hold people’s interest. In other words, you need to be a good writer.

Third, you need to be able to straddle the line between cheerleader and critical-thinker. This site is about the Cowboys, and most of us are die-hard fans who love the team, but you also need to be able to constructively criticize them. I’m not looking for a ‘homer’ or a ‘hater’. I’m looking for someone in the middle.

How will I decide who gets the job(s)? I’m not sure yet. I know most of you guys who participate a lot from your comments, so I have a little idea about everyone’s style. But in terms of writing full articles and such, and doing the research needed to write those articles, I’m not sure.

The first step I have figured out: If you’re interested in doing it, you can either say so in the comments below or send me an email. Once I figure out how many people want to do it, I’ll then figure out a way of deciding who will do it.

I know some people’s feelings might get hurt along the way, but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. Who knows? Maybe no one is interested and I’ll end up having to do it all alone. But come on, you guys got to be a little sick and tired of only me posting on the front page. We need a little variety.

If you’re interested, let me know.

0 recs | Comment 33 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I would be interested Grizz

Sounds like a interesting venture. If I can help out, let me know.

by Philosopher on Jan 21, 2008 11:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Your job

is a lot harder than I think most of us, including me, has realized. Look at all the requirements you just listed. My girlfriend and my daughter don't even find me interesting, how the heck could I get a bunch of bloggers to tune in to what I have to say?? LOL.

Just the ability to write one coherent article from start to finish, without jumping around from thought to thought, making sure your facts are as close to 100% as possible, checking your spelling so posters don't think you're an idiot, make it interesting, AND do it a whole bunch?? Probably beyond most of us. I'm pretty sure it's beyond me. Hell, I can't even figure out when to start a new paragraph most of the time. Can someone please help me with that??? LOL.

"Being with a woman all night never hurt no professional baseball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." -- Casey Stengel

by kameleon1 on Jan 21, 2008 11:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Grizz, you've some great candidates:

Philosopher, Terry, Deke, Longhorn(Teasipper), Tuna Helper, Burt D, TrueBlue24, SilverBlue5, GhettoBear04. The list is endless.
You did say minimum wage; right?

Wharter

by Wharter on Jan 21, 2008 12:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

thanks wharter, but I dont think my name

belongs anywhere close to the list of writing skill of Grizz and others here on the blog..

Grizz, I dont think you need to be compelled to put out articles every day during the offseason, things really slow down quite a bit between now and the draft, time for some down time, if one or two articles/diaries a week appear, thats more than enough to keep the comments going.

Trade up a few spots to get ahead of Houston and draft Jonathan Stewart, thee best all around Back in the draft.

by Deke on Jan 21, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha!

If only it were so easy, Deke. You guys know me by now, I'm obsessive about posting to the blog. I live under the constant fear that if I skip a day or two, no one will ever come back to read it again. I know it's irrational, but it is what it is. I never claimed to be sane!

If you're reading this, you could be commenting, too. Sign up for a free account on Blogging The Boys.

by Dave Halprin on Jan 21, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Writing

Deke, if the only thing standing between you and a regular column here at BTB is a proofreader/editor, allow me to offer two suggestions.

First, get over it. Your writing is just fine. We're not looking for a Hemingway. (Besides, he's more into fishing and bullfighting.) The content is far more important, and you've got it in spades.

Second, I know for a fact that there are people here who would be happy to fill that kind of role for you.

by RickT on Jan 22, 2008 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll stay positive here

and only name the candidates above that I would like to see based on their previous postings:

Deke
Burt D
Or Moyal
ArkCowboy

I like these guys based on the fact that they are not huge homers (like one name in particular on your list Wharter).

Grizz, we all trust your judgement - I just like to see BALANCED opinions.

Long Live Teague - the defender of the STAR

by ibleed blue on Jan 21, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol Ibleedblue

not me - I think I am better of in the dairies

by Arkcowboys on Jan 21, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I might be interested...

I'm pretty new to all this blogging stuff, but I've had some sports writing experience in the past. I'm not saying I can write better than anyone else could be, but I have potential. I've been a Cowboys fan my whole life, which doesn't hurt. Just keep me in mind. Thanks

Romo 4 MVP

by minimej41 on Jan 21, 2008 1:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I humbly raise my hand

You do a sensational job on the blog, Dave. I can't begin to believe that I could approach your commitment. But in a part time role, I think I could fill in with some semi-worthy writing.

by Or Moyal on Jan 21, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

All of the names submitted, including the authors

of "Diaries" are all literate, well-versed Cowboy followers. Even if there are some homers among these veterate posters, the roiling of their posted views have created some good responses...particularly from the visiting trolls.

Wharter

by Wharter on Jan 21, 2008 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'd be interested grizz

And I do havesomewhat of a professional background,as I am a copywriter,working in the health and nutritional supplements industry. I'm freelance,so I pick and choose who I work for,this would allow me the freedom to help out at BTB on a regular basis.

So thats me,i'm throwing my hat into the ring.Grizz don't worry if I'm not chosen ,I won't hold a grudge,needless to say,the members here have a wealth of knowledge of all things cowboys,so by volunteering I'm in know way claining to have superior knowledge in any way!

I do however, in my professional life have to use many angles to get my point across. I think that would be bebeficial for BTB.

Thanks
Jerry
TrueBlue24

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Jan 21, 2008 3:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

LOL

By the way I know HAVESOMEWHAT is not one word...Even in Texas...HaHaHa!

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Jan 21, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would be very happy to help out.

I follow the team through out the year and most people would consider me pretty well spoken and literate, I'm a HUGE fan but am also very observant also and will not hesitate to speak my mind. I'm more than willing to post through the whole off-season and do my best to dig for interesting tidbits others may not find.

John Boy

by John Boy on Jan 21, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'd be interested Grizz

I really enjoy this blog (THANK YOU), and would love to contribute in any way I could.

by Starred4Life on Jan 21, 2008 3:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Links

One of the very best features of this blog is the steady stream of links provided to articles about the Cowboys from various sources around the internet. This is literally a one-stop-shop for finding everything Cowboys on the net, and it is so convenient. I really appreciate the links and hope that they will continue to be provided in the offseason.

Thanks for all your great work Grizz.

by Cowboy Louie on Jan 21, 2008 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I will do it if...

I can bash Roy Williams at the end of every post.

Why?

Because he stinks!!!

LOL.

Good luck in your search Grizz!!!

Go Cowboys!

by DCFanatic on Jan 21, 2008 4:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

An Idea

Let's have auditions.

by cstorm15 on Jan 21, 2008 4:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Call Simon, Randy and Paula ASAP!!!

Go Cowboys!

by DCFanatic on Jan 21, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would kill to do this.

I know I haven't commented here, but I have been a loyal reader for the past two years. I am currently in college, and I am a Marketing and Mass Communications major. I really want to get into sports media for a career. I have been a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, and this would be an amazing opportunity for me.

I can send articles I have written in the past, or write something new. If there is anything I can do to take advantage of this opportunity, please don't hesitate to email me. Getting to write for my favorite website would be one of the best things to ever happen to me.

Thank you for considering me.

by Nextyearfordaboyz on Jan 21, 2008 4:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I won't do it Grizz

I am a terrible speller - and can not put a sentence to gether right - and to those of you that think thats funny - I made plenty of money with my 3 degrees - never claimed to be a English Major - tho I do admit at being no homer - my name came by the way Jerry Jones when he bought the team - it was called the Ark-cowboys - I have been a loyal fan of Dallas - I saw the orginal Ice Bowl - so I have scene pretty much all of it - just that I don't think I am quailfied - but you can count on me to give my opinion - even tho you disargee

People should be able to AGREE TO DISAGREE

that how we get a better team - JMO

by Arkcowboys on Jan 21, 2008 5:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm pissed, simply pissed

Why didn't anyone nominate ME??? Was it my spelling? I can spell! I just just type too fast, but I swair I can spel. Watch this POTATOS:P-O-T-A-T-O-S. POTATOS.

And exactly when were the primaries? This bites Grizz. I used to come here for truth, justice and the American way. Or maybe that was the Marvel site. Anyway, I was hoping for more.

I'd love to help, although I have no idea what amount of time it would entail. Or whether I'd be dropped faster than Howard Dean after the "I Have a Scream" speech...

Maybe you can sign up a few co-editors and in addition to writing, they can help accept "articles" by email for posting if they pass muster...

PS I already KNOW that I over use the ellipsis. No airchair editors, please... Is it arm chair or armchair?

by dunkman on Jan 21, 2008 5:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If he's serious

I nominate dunkman. He always makes me laugh and seems to have the knowledge required.

I'd be happy to help out with more writeups from actually being in the stadium, but that won't be needed until later on (sigh).

by Jordan2 on Jan 21, 2008 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

I totally nominate you as well.

Whew. What a weight off.

I can always do a semi-serious piece as a karmic counter-balance to the heavier stuff from Deke, Terry and BurtD...

by dunkman on Jan 21, 2008 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I second your nomination Dunkman

Just get spell check and grammar check and you can put all effort into content.

"On my signal...unleash Hell." Demarcus Maximus Decimus Ware

by APerfectStar on Jan 22, 2008 5:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No disrespect to anyone

Any of you guys would make a fine 2nd chair, but I'm throwing my hat in with dunkman, just for the laughs if nothing else. We could use em.

by grapejoos on Jan 22, 2008 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just now getting over

our loss to the Giants and now this! This year has most definately started out on the wrong foot.

Oh well, I think the important thing is to support the Blog, and our new host(s), while Grizz is on his sabbatical. Enjoy your time off Grizz!

by JJshairgel on Jan 21, 2008 5:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wow..

What an opportunity for some BTBer. I'd love to be a writer for the site, and thanks Wharter for mentioning me, but I'm in medical school right now. Translation: I probably already spend too much time posting on this site and reading other football analysis for my own good.

Grizz, if you need/want help with sorting through candidates, let me know!

"It was a 4-yard run taking the scenic route." -Joe Buck on Romo's Run

by GhettoBear04 on Jan 21, 2008 7:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hey Grizz...

I'm a graphic designer by trade, so if you're ever interested in branching out into some t-shirts or some Photoshop work for the site, I'm your guy...

Pete

by Pete on Jan 21, 2008 8:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That'd be...

awesome.

Romo 4 MVP

by minimej41 on Jan 21, 2008 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would definitely like a shot

I know I just signed up as a member, but I've been on this site for almost a year now and I like it a lot. It has a lot of in-depth insight compared to the scratching the surface information you get from other sites.

Anyway, I keep hearing from my friends that I know too much about football to not do anything with it so maybe this will put all that surfing on the web during work time to good use.

by futurecoach on Jan 22, 2008 7:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

It would mean the world to me

I've got endless essays I write up on various Cowboy matters in my head, I'd love an opportunity to unleash the proverbial hounds.
Not that it matters much, but much like NextYearfordaboyz I'm a communications student (broadcast journalism) geatly hopeful of going into the sports media market.

by Or Moyal on Jan 22, 2008 11:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs