Update III (6:09 p.m.): Based on the some of the comments I’ve seen on other blogs regarding the NRO piece, I want to briefly explain my criteria for picking the selected bloggers. My targets were sites with less than 5,000 unique visitors per day (at the time) and recognizable to most readers following Rathergate. That traffic limit excluded high-profile blogs, including INDC Journal, which at that point was getting crazy traffic. Bill did an excellent job. In fact, I endorsed him for Best New Blog (Est. 2004).
As the story developed, I realized I couldn’t include all the bloggers I interviewed. I’d like to thank everyone who took time to answer my questions. 
Update II (around noon): Do you remember when I wrote this in September?
If blacks in that town are envious and angry, they need to use that energy to create something instead of complaining about what they don’t have. They need to organize bigger and better reunions for themselves and get the word out. Hey, they can even hire me to write a few snazzy press releases and promotion materials.Whenever I’m feeling envious toward others, I don’t complain about what I don’t have and how unfair life is and how racist white people are. I do something about it. I turn the energy of that negative emotion into something I can use. Even if I accomplish a small goal or two, I’ve done my best. Envy, I have no use for.
When I wrote about turning the “energy of that negative emotion in to something I can use,” I already had the NRO article in mind. Generating your own press or creating your own buzz rather than complaining about what you don’t have or begrudging others for what they have are object lessons from that post.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read the class reunions post.
Update (sometime this morning): Check out my journalistic efforts at National Review Online, “The Blogosphere’s Smaller Stars.” I wanted to give some recognition to smaller bloggers who played a role in Rathergate. The idea came to me after I was overwhelmed with envy while reading stories about blogs like Power Line and Little Green Footballs (No offense, guys!). While I didn’t do much besides link to other bloggers, many others investigated and interviewed people, but they weren’t getting calls from the media. The story is my small way of recognizing their contributions. By the way, congratulations to Power Line for being chosen TIME Magazine’s “Blog of the Year.” Hmm…That gives me an idea for another story…
Not that this guy needs anymore more traffic, but…
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Journalist: 1 a : a person engaged in journalism; especially : a writer or editor for a news medium b : a writer who aims at a mass audience — 2 : a person who keeps a journal
When I was younger, I held journalists in high esteem. I wrote for my high school newspaper, loved the movies All the President’s Men and Absence of Malice, and thought I wanted to be a reporter.
I don’t remember what I changed my mind, but I was still in awe of people who wrote for newspapers. Needless to say, the thrill is long gone. When I first began writing op-eds, critics would refer to me as a “journalist,” and I’d write back, vehemently denying it as if I’d just been accused of robbing a bank.
Now, I suppose I have a reason to embrace the title. At some point in this freelance writing adventure, I’ve become…a journalist (?). At least one important person thinks so. I’ve been invited to speak at the African-American Christian Journalism Conference. Bob Case, director of the World Journalism Institute (sponsored by World Magazine), has been to my site, read samples of my writing and wants me to speak to college students this summer about being a Christian journalist. I’m listed as a teacher. Does anyone know how to make a nervous-looking smilie?
I’m honored, and it’s a great opportunity to establish some legitimacy for myself in the media world and talk to young people about their desire to be journalists. Honoring God is the most important responsibility we have, and I pray that this will open more doors for me and other Christian journalists.
