This Week's Hacks

Word to the wise: the teachers are going to know if your son does the work on your arts and crafts project, so be sure that you do just enough so that it seems feasible that it's your own work. http://paullebowitz.mlblogs.com/

You are wasting your time complaining about Alyssa Milano; they are asleep at the switch. Mark and Jake know less--and care less--about MLBlogs than we do.

Remember when Alyssa Milano was going to bring all that traffic to MLBlogs?

Instead, as you note, we are subsidizing her apparel enterprise. Like you, I joined MLBlogs instead of a free blogging host under the impression--supplied by MLBlogs--that I was paying for some sort of promotion I could not obtain on one f the free hosts. Instead I've watched as Mark and Jake did favors for personal favorites (Red Sox Chick, Red Sox Hen, et. al.) and now for Alyssa Milano.

Complain about it and you'll find your emails ignored. Ask for their supervisor, they have none. Resort to the only recourse left, public satire, they will threaten to censor your blog.

Of course word gets around, which explains MLBlogs anemic growth rate. They lie about that, too, of course. But you might say I've got photos, which I'll share once the season starts ;-)

Overall, I'm thinking about heading over to Fan Nation myself.

Michael Norton - Some Clubhouse

http://mlblog.someclubhouse.com

re Michael's comment about being "asleep at the switch"-Paul (or the artist formerly known as Prince of New York) wrote an entry in the off season arguing that his blog deserved more prominence (given that he was writing everyday whilst the rest of us had our feet up). The reply from MLBlogs was along the lines of "you'd be surprised how little thought goes into who we promote and who we don't" personally I wasn't surprised, and it's good to see that they have returned to their default position of promoting Alyssa.

http://arizonaviaslough.mlblogs.com/

I'm trying to formulate a symbol to represent myself rather than the long-winded Prince of New York.
I have to say that the front page has featured by blog prominently over the past couple of months. I was moved to the top of the roll for an extended period and my blog was in the rectangle (now occupied by Alyssa) quite regularly.

Russell,
I noticed that too, and in one sense I obviously agree. On the other hand, they certainly have no shortage of attention for their pets (e.g., Red Sox Hen and her daughter, Red Sox Chick, before her), so obviously there is some consciousness of the process, and in that sense Mark's plea of ignorance (which I've heard before, BTW) is at best disingenuous.

What troubles me is they don't seem to undestand they are defrauding paying customers. They obviously believe the "value added" of their service is promotion. They advertise it. They sell it. But when it comes time to deliver, they promote a selected few, mostly their favorites and, of course, Milano.

I was glad to see Paul finally got heard and got some much deserved promotion this winter. Too bad it took a year of complaining. As you might have noticed, Some Ballyard has been blacklisted by these creeps, and they've threatened to pull my blog, which is the risk you run for complaining.

My great hope is someday their superiors are going to happen across the complaints and ask what the **** is going on. They have to already be curious seeing the traffic numbers for MLBlogs, which are remarkably flat according to independent web site monitors.

Michael Norton - Some Clubhouse

http://mlblog.someclubhouse.com

Michael-I'm sure you're right. I just found the "we don't even think about what we are doing" defence somewhat astonishing.
Matt-I've just heard your interview on Kelia's site (do you send out signed photos?). From what I remember you predict that Micah Owing's will be the new Babe Ruth.A brave prediction.

Russell,

No glossy 8x10's yet, but thx for tuning in the podcast :-) For the record, I said Micah was on his way to being the best hitting pitcher SINCE Ruth, not that he would be the NEW (ie equivalent) Babe.

*

To the Artist Formerly Known as Prince of NY,

It's a diorama, if you can believe it. I couldnt make a decent one forty years ago. Nothing's changed.

As for your new symbol, I nominate "@", cuz you're where it's at.

*

We're dwelling on Alyssa when SHAQ ALMOST HIT ME WITH HIS TRUCK?!?! Who's gotta run me over, to get youze guys attention, Michael Jordan ?!?! :-)

Nowadays, Mark's Touch em All only creeps into my posts for comic relief. I've long since given up on any kind of editorial awakening at mlblogs.

Matt-Maybe I misremembered. I meant to add this link which is also about the Rockies becoming an all white team (maybe it's an NL West thing?)

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/batting-for-jesus-396128.html

Thx for the link. For all the well documented grief Colorado has taken over this, the Dbacks currently list fewer non-whites (Hispanic, Black, Asian) on their 25 man than do the Rockies. People can make of that what they will, but it's a fact.

Quoth Ralph Wiggum: What's a diorama?

Matt,

Definitely want to hear what you thought of "Moneyball". I look forward to your review.

Cheers,

Jeff

http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/red_state_blue_state/