Phoebe Flowers is the first blogger for the Sun Sentinel of South Florida. Her forte? Movies and Pop Culture. Her reason? She wants a more interactive way to describe the ins and outs and caviar spreads of events like the Toronto film festival. From there she can instantaneously compile the latest film reviews -- every critic’s dream: to be the first and to write it better.
Flowers can arguably write it better, with a sassy style and uniquely personal prose. When reflecting on becoming a blogger, Flowers says it gives her a way to become personally involved with readers by responding to posted comments, a format differing from her traditional paper columns and reviews. “This was initially vaguely flattering,” says Flowers, “but quickly grew ... creepy.” Flowers says that not all comments are of this “creepy” nature, but it is enough to make her post less often on her blog.
It seems that people, particularly new bloggers like myself, only think of one side of the story -- the fun side, where you post witty posts and try to be clever (key word: try). But there is arguably a downside -- the interactive nature of blogging makes comments more personal. There is no longer the barrier of a printed paper.
From day to day, Flowers does not see her blog as benefiting the Sun Sentinel. “However, I think it is useful, and entertaining,” says Flowers, “… when I am at the Toronto film festival.” Or any film festival for that matter, I assume. The ability to have up-to-the-minute information is key in this age instantaneous information. Whether or not Movies and Pop Culture “benefits” its host, the Sun Sentinel, it is hard to deny that the girl has sass.
Katy Donoghue @ Sat, 03/17/2007 - 10:44pm
With anything, I think you have to expect some "creepies" coming out of the woodwork. But at the same time, the benefits of comments and a direct conversation with your readership can only help. As a blogger, you just can't rely on 100% constructive comments.