We almost lost last round of John Hewitt’s March Blog Madness. Pitted against Writing on the Web, we squeaked by with a one-point victory.
Seriously. One freakin’ point. It was that close.
Now we’re next up for round two, taking on Publishing Careers. We’re being good, too, and James hasn’t tricked the game yet. It’s tough on him, but he’s managing.
This round, John rakes blogs over the coals mercilessly, focusing on giving points for quality comments from the community (*AHEM*), value-for-reader posts (check), top three most commented posts (check), and… and…
Uh, that’s it. But that’s enough. John’s a tough critic and an especially fair and neutral one (which is very cool.)
Let ‘er rip, John. Scrape her over and let’s see if we can’t pull this round off in a smashing victory!
Yes, based on the criteria used for this round, Men with Pens is definitely the hands down favourite I would think. If blogs are about community (which John obviously believes they are) then MwP is definitely one of the most community-based blogs I’ve come across.
I mean seriously, most blogs have “Top Commentators” in the 5-7 posts range. But 200+, 100+, even 50+? If that isn’t community, I don’t know what is.
MwP is like the cyber-version of the water cooler with a new (and intelligent) topic of discussion pinned to the bulletin board above it every day. This is no small feat — I’ve seen many websites and “online communities” try this since 1995, but few seem to have captured that careful balance of “smart” and “social networking” quite the way you guys have. (Ironically, the only other one that springs to mind is the old alt.misc.writing group…)
And to think you both have full-time jobs as well!
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..Article on Web Content Good Lesson for All Writing
Do you guys post twice a day now? It seems like there was another post here a little while ago that I didn’t even get a chance to read.
Anyway, congrats on advancing in the competition. You’ll do great, of course. You always do. So, don’t be nervous . . . Just enjoy it.
Laura Spencer’s last blog post..How Important Is It To Have a Photo On Your About Page?
I am especially looking forward to your review. You’ve drawn strong competition once again. I enjoy it when I get to review two blogs with real strengths and contrasts.
John Hewitt’s last blog post..Game 22: #2 Seed Content Maven Versus #6 Seed Write From Home
Hey, what happened to my email from the Men this AM? Normally your posts are emailed to me, not today. Lord, I’m addicted! It’s been bugging me all day!
Christie’s last blog post..Why looking cheap can hurt your business
@ Christie…. dunno? Feedburner says you’re all active and everything… spam folder?
@James – no. Weird. Sometimes I think cyberspace is just plain cranky.
Christie’s last blog post..Why looking cheap can hurt your business
Good luck. I took a look at your competition.. no offense to them, but I think you have it in the bag.
Tony Lawrence’s last blog post..Internet Anonymity Laws – bad, bad idea by Anthony Lawrence
James,
No email to me, either.
Nice job vs. Publishing Careers. It seems community rules!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Chapter the Next, Wherein the Author Gets Fan Mail
congratulations, James and Harry, on another well-deserved victory. You are the Komment Kings, Id bow to you with reverence except my knees hurt…
Patsi Krakoff, The Blog Squad’s last blog post..Content Marketing: officially in Wikipedia for first time
Thanks everyone!