I recently caught up with Baseball Analysts writer Patrick Sullivan to find out how he got started with social media and to get some tips as a new blogger… (and get everyone excited for the 2009 baseball season)…
Q: What inspired you to start blogging?
A: Back in 2003, I used to contribute to a Boston Red Sox message board called Sons of Sam Horn. Another contributor there started a Red Sox blog called The House that Dewey Built (named after former Red Sox right fielder Dwight Evans). He asked me if I would help out, and in time, I became the site’s main contributor, posting near-daily updates.
As time went on, real-life/career demands made regular updating more of a challenge. Rich Lederer’s invitation in 2006 to become a regular contributor to Baseball Analysts could not have been more timely. I needed to be writing less but still wanted to stay involved in baseball writing/blogging. Joining Rich’s site as a weekly contributor for a much broader readership offered me a chance to focus more on quality versus quantity, write about the baseball topics beyond the Red Sox and also cut back on the total time I was devoting to blogging.
Q: How else do you participate in social media? Why do you feel that it’s important to participate?
A: I have a Facebook account and poke around various baseball and political sites, occasionally offering my two cents but mostly lurking.
I don’t know that social media participation is important per se, but I do enjoy it. The more interaction I have with friends, family and those with shared interests, the better.
Q: Any advice that you can share with those looking to start blogging?
A: Know why you want to do it because then you can tailor your work accordingly–and manage your expectations. If you are looking for as vast a readership as possible, make sure you are filling a niche and adding value. Be clear with your target readership on why you are writing.
If you just want space or a forum to get your thoughts on anything–and everything–out there, then don’t worry as much about whether or not your writing is as unique and differentiated.
Thanks, Patrick, for your thoughts!
