We Want Media

As the editor of Idol Chatter, a blog about American Idol published on USAToday.com, one of the most significant things Ken Barnes has learned about blogging is how serious his audience takes the subject matter.

The blog started out as what Barnes described as a “wisecrack factory.” While it still exhibits some of those tendencies today, the tone switched after Barnes realized how dedicated his audience was to the performers and the show. Barnes said he started being more “even-handed in [his] assessments and avoiding the easy, snappy putdown, and respecting the phenomenon and what it means to people.”

Idol Chatter has been the origin for several stories in the Life section of USA Today, including this story that ran today.

“It's a good gauge of what's being buzzed about regarding the show,” said Barnes. Idol Chatter is also currently planning to allow one of their blog's commenters to talk regularly about Idol in the paper.

So start commenting. Maybe it could be you.