About a year ago Dave posted a request for anyone interested in joining him as a writer for Blogging The Boys. I was a relative newcomer at the time having only been a member for about nine months, yet I still thought it worth a shot to send in my "resume." While I wasn't really expecting to get picked I still checked my email everyday hoping to get a reply back from Dave telling me one way or the other. I'm not too ashamed to admit that when I saw that email letting me know I was one of two chosen to help out I started jumping around like a fool. Everyone in my office thought I had gone crazy.
I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for the opportunity I was given and how much fun I have had writing for the best Dallas Cowboys website on the web. My eyes have been opened to the difficulties in generating exciting and factual content for the multitude of Dallas fans out there, yet it was all worth it to see the gratitude expressed by those reading it. We have seen BTB grow over the past year to become the best it has ever been. Rafael and Raul are some of the best Cowboys writers in the nation and the merge with BSR was a momentous occasion for everyone here. I can only hope that my contributions have been fun to read and have helped spark conversation and debate about all aspects of the great Cowboys franchise.
One unexpected effect of writing for BTB was just how visible the website had become. Dave, Tuna Helper and myself have had articles and opinions featured on the New York Times website, as well as NBCSports.com, The Big Lead, Deadspin and have been linked to from all over the web. This has afforded me other opportunities to showcase my love for sports and writing in ways I never thought possible.
Three weeks ago I entered into negotiations with SB Nation to start my own blog and I am proud to say I was accepted.
Starting today, I am am the manager of the new Dallas Stars blog: Defending Big D.
What does this mean for my time here at BTB? Sadly, I will no longer be a full-time contributor. I will still do a guest article now and then (and I will finish my Top Ten!) as well as continue to produce the BTB Nationwide podcast. I will also still be a daily visitor here and will always jump in on the conversation to give my opinion. I still consider myself a part of the best Dallas Cowboys fan community on the web.
So, if you are a Dallas Stars fan and have been looking for a place to go and join others to talk about hockey, head on over to Defending Big D. My hope is to one day build as great a website and community that Dave has put together here at BTB.
Once again, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dave for all he has done for not only myself but everyone here at BTB. There's no doubt I wouldn't have this new and great job if it weren't for him.
[Dave Halprin:] It's with a mixture of pride and sadness that I say goodbye to Brandon as a regular contributor to BTB. When he asked me about starting a Dallas Stars blog for SB Nation, I couldn't have been happier to support that effort. I know he will do just as good a job there as he did here. I want to thank Brandon for everything he's contributed to this blog. He's welcome back here anytime to join the conversation.
While I'm at it, I want to thank Tuna Helper for his contributions. He has a style all his own, a mixture of comedy, Cowboys and pop culture that was a refreshing breeze to the blog. Since Brandon was leaving and TH has been with the blog for close to a year, I thought now would be a good time to allow a couple of new guys a chance at the front-page. I'll be posting soon about BTB's search for new co-bloggers. Rafael and I will pick the winners so if you're interested, wait for my post and then be ready to put your name in the hat.
Thanks Brandon and TH, your efforts here are very much appreciated. And good luck on the new blog, Brandon.