Depth
Yes, I’ve gone a few days without posting. But it’s not because I’ve not been focused on the blog. Instead, I’m struggling with how to proceed on the next Downtown OKC 2020 guest post.
I need your help.
I’ve been told over and over again these past few years that you don’t want to read 2,700-word posts, especially when it lacks the sizzle of controversy and instead asks us to ponder matters that require thinking and introspection.
God forbid we have some of that, right?
But I think better of those of you who visit this site everyday. And the guest blogger in question is someone who I consider to be a brilliant, young up-and-comer in this community. I’ve gone through this pending post over and over, trying to find things to cut. The cuts don’t come easily. Our guest blogger goes through each step very deliberately, first giving an honest admission that in many ways his formative years provide him no greater advantage than any of us when it comes to breaking down the challenges ahead for Oklahoma City. His next step is to provide a valuable history lesson, and it is here that he shows us the benefit of having attending one of the finest schools in the country.
And then comes the real guts of it all – looking at our own history, at our own mistakes, and how we might best learn from all this and create a better city for the next generation.
Are you willing to invest the time to hear what this person has to say? Or should we just hope for another Jessica Alba vandalism spree to hit downtown? If you’ve ever commented on this blog at all, and even if you haven’t, please provide me some feedback. Because it’s your blog too.
Sincerely, Steven Lackmeyer
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Comments
Let’s hear from Blair.
I think I might have been one of the guys who have complained about long posts, but I really don’t have a complaint about long posts. I was just joking when I mentioned it. Some long posts are very much worth reading, some aren’t. Something from Blair Humphreys is going to be worth reading.
FYI – Nick, your post is set to hit this site on Friday. There’s a flow to all this, I’ve saved you and Blair for the final stretch.
I say post it. You’ve now given the “long-post” disclaimer. If the person was good enough to take the time to send in a well-written and thought-provoking entry when requested, it seems a shame to try to substantially cut it down or eliminate it entirely. Those who want to take the time to read it will do so and those who don’t…won’t.
Steve, I believe it is in the best interest of the community that all voices are heard, even the long-winded ones. Please, run with it.
Please post it. I agree that the more perspectives people are able to gain from reading about this topic the better able we will be at forming an opinion on what is best for the city.
Better a long post then several days with no post…..If nothing else like the poster said above (only I’ll add), break it up into two or three parts over 2 or 3 days and at least you have fresh content on your blog for several days instead of nothing.
Free Blair!!
I will read the post regardless of length. If someone doesn’t want to read it you certainly aren’t forcing them to. If it bothers you that much, split it up into 2-4 posts over a day or two.
I would definitely read it. I love reading what Blair has to say and feel fortunate we have progressive young people like him that have such pride in our city. It gives me hope that my children may live their lives here.
I’ve been working on it with the guest writer and based on the suggestions voiced here, I think we’re going to turn it into a three-day series. As soon as he is ready to pull the trigger, the posts will begin.
Just noticed it’s not being teased in the sidebar here or at NewsOK. I’ll check with the webmaster. Meanwhile, here’s the address at NewsOK: http://www.newsok.com/article/3401033
Steve you have been very good at bring different view points to this blog. Please post. Even if someone doesn’t read the whole article, I’m sure there will be something that will be “targeted” for further comment. Keep up the fine work or bringing the different thoughts of many to this forum.
Steve,
Run it, please. I think I know who the author is, and I bet we will all appreciate what he has to say. And if anyone gives you heck about long posts, please pay them no attention. You’ve often pondered what exactly it is that you’re doing here with this blog, but one thing you’ve never done is pander to people. Post the most thought-provoking, interesting piece you can, every single chance you get, and you will maintain and attract your readership. If you’re really concerned about a long post, then serialize it! Post it in three parts! Or just lay it on us, and see if we rise to the challenge. We will. Thanks again for your excellent work in creating and facilitating the best conversation in Oklahoma.
Chad