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…
—————————————————————————————
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.
Congratulations! Any chance a transcript will be available on this site? I wish CSPAN would cover the conference.
Comment by Evon Bachaus — 12.20.04 @ 7:53 am
Now that’s a good question. I’m sure it will be recorded, so I will request a tape of my segment.
Comment by LB — 12.20.04 @ 7:56 am
You ARE a teacher — don’t let the sobriquet fool you.
There are many who learn much from you and your words on a day to day basis.
I’d love to see a transcript of your talk afterward, too!
Comment by Michael — 12.20.04 @ 8:50 am
Just discovered your site and have found it very refreshing. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Eric Ragle — 12.20.04 @ 9:23 am
Congratulations La Shawn, and thanks so much for recognizing some of “the little people”
Great job on the article - you should be very proud - of all your efforts.
Comment by Cassandra — 12.20.04 @ 9:26 am
Congratulations Ms Barber — NRO is my browser homepage and I just read your story there. Could not be more excited for you — you’re sort-of living my dream — one of ‘em. Keep on keepin’ on. I like it.
Fred
Comment by Fred Strauss — 12.20.04 @ 9:42 am
La Shawn Barber In NRO
Check out La Shawn Barber’s article in The National Review! You may recognize a few familiar names. Thanks La Shawn, and congratulations! Something tells me this lady is destined for great things :)…
Trackback by Villainous Company — 12.20.04 @ 9:46 am
Yay! Congrats, LaShawn! You’re a great representative of our collective voices.
Comment by FL Mom — 12.20.04 @ 9:54 am
La Shawn Barber in National Review Online
Kudos to La Shawn for her excellent piece on NRO on the influence of bloggers, including the “smaller” ones, on Rathergate. Also check out her blog post about it….
Trackback by David Limbaugh — 12.20.04 @ 9:55 am
Congrats! I think the NRO site may be temporarily down so I haven’t read the article yet. I actually linked to it from Glenn’s mention on Instapundit. So double congrats!
Comment by Reporterette — 12.20.04 @ 10:03 am
Journalist Barber
La Shawn Barber (who it looks like I’ll get to meet later this month! Jealous? Hmmm?) has an excellent article on some of the unsung bloggers involved in the Rathergate story. Go over and check them out.
Then again, you’ll find pretty much all o…
Trackback by The Sundries Shack — 12.20.04 @ 10:24 am
The Latest On Rathergate
There are still plenty of bloggers tracking the Rathergate story. LaShawn Barber has a column at National Review Online about the work of some of the “smaller” blogs that advanced the initial story. Scylla & Charybdis thinks that the Thornburgh…
Trackback by Wizbang — 12.20.04 @ 10:28 am
Congratulations… and well deserved.
Comment by DANEgerus — 12.20.04 @ 10:30 am
Good article (column?), La Shawn.
Comment by LawWife — 12.20.04 @ 10:36 am
Imagine my surprise when I find my favorite blogger on my favorite webpage! Congrats La Shawn, I wish I could be there to see you at the conference. God bless and keep making us proud!
Comment by Greg — 12.20.04 @ 10:36 am
What’s funny is that I read the article this morning and didn’t even notice who wrote it. (Got there from a sidebar at the Corner, and all it says is the title of the piece, and then your last name.) Then I went to the Kerry Spot, who linked to it, using your full name to reference the piece.
Anyway, nice article.
Comment by meep — 12.20.04 @ 11:02 am
An excellent column, La Shawn. A lot of readers unfamiliar with the blogosphere think that a handful of bloggers raised a few objections. In fact, it was an army of fact-checkers who tore the Rathergate fraud to shreds from dozens of different angles.
As you noted, it was a key event in the development of the New Media. Old Media keeps trying to force it into their Woodward-and-Bernstein template, but this is something entirely new. You have helped restore some perspective - and truth - to the popular understanding of a historic event.
Also, sincere congratulations.
Comment by lyle — 12.20.04 @ 11:07 am
Go LaShawn, go!
Hard work and perseverance pay off.
I’d love to see the after action report when you get back and have time to digest/record your impressions.
Comment by SCSIwuzzy — 12.20.04 @ 11:37 am
The power of the internet is starting to become ‘realized.’ As we continue down our path into the information age, a more rational society acting on information and analysis becomes possible. We can only hope that we continue to move away from the intellectual shortcuts which rhetoric provide.
Long live information technology!
Enrico Schaefer, Traverse City Attorney
Comment by Enrico Schaefer — 12.20.04 @ 11:57 am
I don’t know if you realized it or not, but your subject “Rusty Shackleford” in your article about bloggers shares the “name” of the identity that a character from the cartoon King of The Hill assumed whenever he was questioned by the authorities. The conspiratorialist character dale gribble used to call himself “Rusty Shackleford” whenever one of his schemes blew up in his face and he was contacted by police, fire, etc. Was using that name intentional on your part, to hide the bloggers true identity?
Comment by Tim — 12.20.04 @ 12:05 pm
Way to go, LaShawn! You managed to cover a lot of territory in one article. It’s good to see you on NRO and your many links to other bloggers is extremely generous.
Comment by Ruth H — 12.20.04 @ 12:22 pm
I just found your site, and I love it! I am off to read some more, just wanted to say hello!
Comment by Janice — 12.20.04 @ 12:39 pm
Your excellent NRO editorial reminds us that the principal reason for the power of the blogosphere is the brotherhood that so obviously exists among site owners both large and small. A powerful allegiance of very talented people who go out of their way to share information and to credit its sources. A refreshing world of mutual respect and shared glory. In many ways, it’s a lot like the country music industry where even the super-stars show up for every event even when they’re not up for an award to cheer on those who are. And so NOT like the dog-eat-dog, phony movie industry.
Comment by wilmo — 12.20.04 @ 12:57 pm
Must Credit INDC!
La Shawn Barber has a piece up at National Review Online about the blogosphere’s role in Rathergate… curiously, INDC Journal is not mentioned. What a travesty!…
Trackback by Watcher of Weasels — 12.20.04 @ 12:57 pm
I found your article via a link on Lucianne.com.
The last time NRO had a poll and asked for recommendations, I put your name down. I hope that they post more of your stuff.
Good luck!
Comment by Steven J. Kelso Sr. — 12.20.04 @ 1:21 pm
Hi! Just read your NRO article via link at wizbangblog.com. Very nice! Loved the part where you quoted Cassandra saying: “…bloggers had essentially resurrected the front-porch aspect of civil life where folks used to gather to discuss the issues of the day.” … Blogging is ‘revitalizing democracy.’”
My earliest readings on Rathergate were at Ace of Spades HQ (ace.mu.nu), then wizbangblog, and since also at Rathergate.com, Ratherbiased.com and at scyllacharybdis.blogspot.com. Great work was done there (and still going on). There are so many wonderful sites.
Comment by BR — 12.20.04 @ 1:26 pm
The beauty of the blogosphere is it welcomes all comers, ideas and comments. That is what makes it great. It turns the one-way media of old into a two-way new media. The true collaborative vision that drove the original invention of the Internet are coming of age. Nice to see more reconize the contributions of many to the good of all.
I just hope the comment spam doesn’t stop bloggers from accepting comments, That would be a real downer.
BTW, did I say nice article?
Comment by tarpon — 12.20.04 @ 1:52 pm
Those Smaller Blogs
Blogger La Shawn Barber calls attention to the smaller blogs that don’t get as much traffic or attention as blogs like Powerline or Little Green Footballs in her very first column for National Review Online….
Trackback by Blogs for Bush — 12.20.04 @ 2:51 pm
One of the few things I don’t like about the news coverage Power Line has gotten for the Dan Rather affair is that the stories often make it seem that we are claiming credit for the fake document expose. Actually, we are always careful to say that many blogs participated, and we generally mention INDC and Little Green Footballs in particular. Understandably, I suppose, those disclaimers tend to wind up on the cutting room floor. So, LaShawn, thanks for giving credit to those who haven’t gotten enough!
John H.
Comment by John Hinderaker — 12.20.04 @ 3:11 pm
Everybody - John Hinderaker is one of the Power Line guys, the blog that prompted me (indirectly) to write the article!
John - Welcome to the blog! Thanks for visiting. I figured that you guys mentioned other blogs, but you’re right. That stuff ends up on the cutting room floor. Congratulations on the TIME Magazine honor.
Comment by La Shawn — 12.20.04 @ 3:21 pm
Nice NRO article you journalist you.
Comment by Rancher — 12.20.04 @ 3:53 pm
La Shawn,
I’m brand new to your Blog, just came over from LGF where Charles put up a thread on your article. What I see so far I like and will certainly be back.
Comment by Rancher — 12.20.04 @ 4:04 pm
I hope those following the Rathergate incident don’t get the impression that typography was the only problem with the forged memos. Anyone familiar with military correspondence(formal orders, etc.) will also see major problems with the actual formatting of these fakes. For instance, the 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was not based at P. O. Box 34567, Houston, TX; it was based at Ellington AFB, Texas.
Comment by Mescalero — 12.20.04 @ 4:07 pm
Congratulations on the invite and the increasing visibility coming about through your blog, NRO, etc. As a fellow believer and a journalist/blogger, it’s good to see you re-embracing a profession that, despite its present ills, is constitutionally mandated and should come as a natural desire to those who understand why the darkness hates the light!
Comment by Mark Tapscott — 12.20.04 @ 4:09 pm
Ooh, a visit from Hindrocket! Cool!
Comment by LawWife — 12.20.04 @ 4:16 pm
Wow, La Shawn, congratulations on a very well done piece on NRO! (And a visit from Rocketman–COOL!) It is truly a pleasure to be on your blogroll!
Steve Bragg
DOUBLE TOOTHPICKS
Comment by Steve Bragg — 12.20.04 @ 4:58 pm
Great Article at the NRO it is about time that some of us small guys get some publicity … LOL!! Check out our site at http://www.GOPInsight.com sometime!
Comment by Nathan FIetzer — 12.20.04 @ 7:36 pm
I just stumbled across your blog via Power Line and NRO. Looks very intriguing. And I notice some links on /Reform theology…interesting. More in the Lutheran mould myself, but I did listen to most of a commentary by a reformed professor on the Westminster Confession (believe he said he was in the Sprowel mould) for a Luther/Calvin course I took two years ago. Confessional theology, conservative politics, can life get better?
Comment by A. J. Nolte — 12.20.04 @ 8:05 pm
La Shawn, I am sooooo Happy for you in having that article published in NRO!! WOW…..great article from a wonderful Sister in Christ!! We really are making a difference!!
Bless you and all the other wonderful bloggers out there!!
Devon in Calgary
Comment by Albertadude — 12.20.04 @ 8:07 pm
Excellent article, very well done. Congratulations!
We’re glad to have you as our chosen ambassador to the MSM. You represent us all well.
Comment by Janette — 12.20.04 @ 8:18 pm
congrats!
Comment by DarkStar — 12.20.04 @ 8:25 pm
Add my congratulations to the rest. I would call you a Journalist. Remember it’s what you do, not who your are. A lot of others are called Journalists but they do it very badly.
Comment by Ramrod — 12.21.04 @ 1:18 am
…blogs to link to me back when Commonwealth Conservative was first getting off the ground. Here’s a link to her post at her own blog about the NRO piece.
Pingback by Commonwealth Conservative: LaShawn at NRO — 12.21.04 @ 2:17 am
Congrats, La Shawn! LGF has you up on their website as well.
Comment by RepJ — 12.21.04 @ 10:34 am
Bravo!!
Comment by Andy — 12.21.04 @ 11:07 pm
La Shawn Barber on Blogs, Rathergate and the Future of Reporting
La Shawn Barber has just had her first piece published on National Review Online. It is a great piece and fills a void in
Trackback by Amy Ridenour's National Center Blog — 12.21.04 @ 11:28 pm
i want to associate christian demoracratic jornalists
we the christian democratic jornalists want to associate with your organisation.
Comment by adeboye — 12.23.04 @ 11:02 am
Recognizing the Small Bloggers
La Shawn Barber provides some background on the smaller blogs which helped to break and spread the Rathergate story. La Shawn on her blog also shares her motivation for writing the story. These are the kinds of contributions I had in mind when I wrote …
Trackback by Abstract Musings — 12.23.04 @ 2:25 pm
Her Too?
Man, now I have hate LaShawn Barber too.
Heh. Merry Christmas,
Trackback by Dean's World — 12.24.04 @ 9:41 am
Her Too?
Man, now I have hate LaShawn Barber too.
Heh. Merry Christmas,
Trackback by Dean's World — 12.24.04 @ 9:41 am
LASHAWN, I STUMBLED ON YOUR SITE FROM DAVID LIMBAUGH’S SIGHT. I LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I’M GLAD THERE IS SOMEONE WHO CAN WRITE BESIDES THESE LIBERAL REPORTERS WHO WRITE STUFF SO FAR OUT IN LEFT FIELD IF IT WASN’T FOR GRAVITY, THEY WOULD FALL OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP WRITING.
Comment by Holice Pender — 12.27.04 @ 8:35 pm