When I started Barnestormin, I hoped to inform and entertain readers. I also hoped that through my writing here I would be able to bring to light some of the less-publicized issues in Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh region. I think that to some extent I have succeeded in these goals.
I believe my stories on lobbyists in this state have brought more mainstream media attention to the issue. Some of the other issues I have been writing about are not really addressed elsewhere online or in newspapers, and I think that because of that fact, those stories are serving a good purpose. Forgive me for tooting my own horn, but I am my own best PR flack.
Still, when I started this blog I thought I’d receive a more positive reception to it in my hometown. I’ve made my career in journalism mostly here in Pittsburgh, and people here know me and my work, so I thought more folks would give me a plug or two in a good faith effort to help me out. Some of those I expected to help have done so and I’m thankful for that. But strangely to me, some of those who I expected to help spread the word have not. Others, who I never heard of before, have let more readers know about Barnestormin.
So I never thought that the first newspaper to mention my web log would be on the other side of the state, particularly since many of my stories are based in Pittsburgh. Oddly, that is what has happened. And it happened because of one kind writer.
A sharp-eyed blogger in the Philadelphia area recently picked up on Barnestormin and blurbed it for others to know about. I want to put a Barnestormin holler out to Above Average Jane, who was kind enough to let readers know about my blog. Thanks to Jane, the Allentown Morning Call on Dec. 12 became the first newspaper in the state to mention my Pittsburgh-based blog. The newspaper mentioned my little web site in the following excerpt:
“In The Blogosphere:
Keystone Politics on a simmering veto showdown between Gov. Ed and the Legislature; GrassrootsPa rounds up some, but not all, of the Pennsylvania Society coverage; Young Philly Politics on legislation that would restrict voting rights for ex-cons; A Smoke-Filled Room on who Gov. Ed might appoint to the state Supreme Court; Above Average Jane picks up some PA Society coverage as well; PennPatriot is a new find; Barnestormin' is also another new-ish 'blog…”
I want to holler out to the Morning Call, and to folks in Allentown, the Lehigh Valley and the greater Philly area. Thanks for checking out my blog; I am flattered and gratified. This Internet thing is amazing—you never can tell exactly who is reading.
6 comments:
i have found the same thing, the internet makes whatever you put forth available to the entire world.
many of the people that visit and read my work are from all over the world and most of the e-mail i receive is from not only out of the pgh area but out of the state or out of the country.
this still, because of my age, amazes me. my daughter and son-in-law and my nephew because they are in late 20 early 30's age bracket aren't phased by this at all. besides, few pittsburghers it seems to me are held in quite the esteem from other pittsburgers as they are from others. i guess it's cause we just seem like regular home town people?? still, i'm glad you are being noticed. i think your choices of subject matter and your writings are first rate.
A shout out is also due to PSOTD.com whose mention of your blog led me to look at it and mention it in mine, which led to the Capitol Ideas newspaper blog, etc.
Thanks for commenting, Jane. I was floored when I saw you'd mentioned my blog.
And thank you, PSoTD, for spreading the word far and wide.
Sherry, it's always good to hear your positive take on things. And thanks for the props.
Hey Jonathan,
Just checked out your site. Luv it. I will create a link to PennPatriot Online. Keep up the fight raising awareness in "The Burgh". No matter what politcal party we support we all benefit by educating the electorate. I must be revealing my age to, I can never read these word verification things.
Randy Potter
PennPatriot Online
www.pennpatriot.5u.com
Randy, thanks for checking in and for the props.
I will be linking Above Average Jane, PennPatriot, and PSoTD soon.
You folks all are doing good work educating Pennsylvania voters, and I appreciate your interest, too.
For the record--I lean to the left, but I am an Independent.
Jonathan,
I think blogging is more about the issues than parties. That is why I love doing it so much. Individuals can debate ideas rather than debate the party line.
Happy New Year
PennPatriot
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