So it’s been about a month since I started writing for Gapers Block. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s something like peeing into the ocean in that there are no comments, I get no feedback as to what readers think of the post subject matter, and I never see any spin-off blog posts or conversations that flow from it.
What I like most is that I can gently, easily call out things I think are worth mentioning and know that it will reach a large, thoughtful audience. The thing I’ve always liked about Gapers Block since they started is that they link and get out of the way, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. Some other rules of thumb that I try to abide by:
- Avoid posting flat-out stories from the Sun-Times or Tribune, no matter how racy or fun. If the story is moved along by their reporting, then that’s fine, but plain-old "here’s a story from today’s paper" is discouraged (in my head). Exception: Fran Spielman’s classic quoting of the Mayor
- One more link. I always try to add one link to the story, setting the reader off to some original art that supports what’s up
- The dead are worthy. Continuing a long tradition of obituary obsession, I like to call out the dead who made a difference.