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What You Don't Know
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am very happy about the response I have received since starting this blog in December 2005. It's fun, and reading some of the comments makes it even more fun. I have been amazed about how far-reaching this blog has become in what is now called "the blogosphere."
Through the past year, however, I have met people who had questions about the blog, or people who wanted to write in a comment, but they weren't sure how this blog operates. So, today's blog is about this blog. It answers questions that I have been asked, and there may be some notes that might surprise you.
First of all, I write the blog right at my house. I do not have to go to the Press-Republican office to write. That gives me great flexibility to write when I have time or when I feel like it. Sometimes I've written blogs at noontime and sometimes at one o'clock in the morning.
I have a user name and password for the program that allows me to publish "On the Sly." Of course, that prevents anyone from jumping in and changing my words, or writing an "illegal blog."
After I write my blog, I simply hit a button to publish it on the pressrepublican.com website. I then go to the website to read my published blog. Often I have to return to the publishing area to make a correction or clarify a statement. When I am satisfied with the published blog, I sit back and wait for comments.
When a reader decides to comment on my blog, they simply write their statement, and choose a name, nickname, username, whatever. Anyone commenting must also add their e-mail address, but that does not get published to the website. I am the only one who sees the reader's e-mail address. The blog asks for a URL, but that can just be left blank.
My friend John, a regular "On the Sly" reader, recently clarified some terminology for me. He says that we are not all bloggers. I am the blogger for "On the Sly" and if you want to be a blogger you have to write your own blog. Readers who comment on a blog are not called bloggers. I asked John what they are called, but he says that there is no term for one who comments.
Maybe we should come up with a word! I have referred to the Carver and Bullet and miss d and the other regulars as bloggers, but I guess I have been wrong to do that. What word fits that all-important role that readers play in the life of a blog?
Before a blog comment is published it comes to me. I have the right to approve or reject, and I also have the ability to correct spelling, change wording, etc. It gives me a chance to keep my English teacher skills sharp. As long as the comment is appropriate, I am happy to publish it, whether or not I agree with what is being said.
Roger Black of the Press-Republican is the blog's webmaster. You might remember him from his radio days at WKDR. What a radio voice he has! He is now the silent man behind the "On the Sly" blog. When he tutored me on blog writing, he mentioned that in the future I could post pictures when I write a blog. I think I am ready for that! I think it would add a nice touch to what readers find when they visit "On the Sly." I'll contact Roger about this!
Shortly after the blog's inception I started getting "junk mail" or "spam" comments. Some were from people operating websites, who figured that I would just approve the blog and they would have free advertising for their website. It's not that easy to slip something like that over on a guy named Foxy. I carefully note each comment and I delete, rather than publish, comments from sources such as "viagra-online" and "ringtones" and "small" this and "big" that. I figure it's nothing that you or I would be interested in!
I do get paid for writing the blog for the Press-Republican. I hope editor Bob Grady doesn't read this, but I think I am overpaid. But, for one who loves to enjoy his retirement, I am glad that I am overpaid for writing "On the Sly." I hope they overpay me for years to come!
And have there been any bloopers? Yes, one bad one, which escaped me for days until a careful reader wondered about the contributions being made to our local "food panties." I really meant "pantries" and, even though I had read that blog about ten times, I never caught my blooper.
If there were some items here that you didn't know about blog writing, maybe now you do. If you have any questions about how all this works, feel free to ask. In the meantime, I hope you'll keep reading and, by all means, please keep contributing to "On the Sly."
Comments
Nope. The hall of fame commercial wasn't me, I don't think? I did one involving some kind of foot fungus I think think. Oh well! Maybe my brother Matt did that one? Hope all is well, and I'll continue to keep reading the blog!
Jared Wurster
(Foxy's note: Yup, you are right, Jared ... your brother Matt did that one! Great to hear from former students here at the blog!)
Posted by: Jared W. | February 23, 2007 12:09 PM
Foxy,
Just thought I'd send a comment about your blog. I've been a passive reader for about the past 6 months off and on. Your blog caught my eye one day, and I've been a reader ever since. I don't know if you remember, but you were my 8th grade middle school English teacher. I'm all the way down here in Washington DC, but like to read what you have to say about the North Country. I do miss home and this is a good way to keep up with local news! Take care.
Jared W.
(Foxy's note: Welcome to the blog, Jared, and, yes, I remember you! Did you do a Hall of Fame commercial in 8th grade?)
Posted by: Jared W. | February 22, 2007 2:55 PM
Since most of the comments are from former Fox HIllers how about calling the readers "HIll-billies"
(Foxy's note: Shelly -- good one! It's a wonder that no one has ever called us that before!)
Posted by: shelly | February 20, 2007 4:06 PM
I think the term is "reader", as in definition 1 from http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/reader.
Of course, you could spice it up and combine Blog with reader and get Breader. Or maybe bloG reader, Greader? The last one also could be thought of as the combination of Gagnon and reader.
Ok, nuff said. Stay warm.
Posted by: Bill W | February 20, 2007 12:13 AM
How about Slyders? We're always "slydin' in our thoughts and opinions and you are gracious enough to let us play.
(Foxy's note: Pretty clever, miss d!)
Posted by: miss d | February 19, 2007 7:33 PM
Foxy, after passively reading your blogs for the past several months, I felt it was time to jump in and get my feet wet. Needless to say, as one of the few original fox hill boys reading your column, I have thorougly enjoyed being reminded of the good ole days growing up in the 'hood surrounding OLVA. Several of your contributors (have you decided on a name yet for these bloggers) sound awfully familiar and have related stories that I am also very familiar with. Keep up the good work and I hope to start contributing tidbits of feedback when I can. Speedy
(Foxy's note: Welcome aboard, Speedy! Looking forward to your memories and comments.)
Posted by: speedy | February 19, 2007 4:06 PM
Foxy,
By exactly how much do you think you're overpaid?
(Foxy' note: Gulp! You weren't supposed to read that blog!)
Posted by: Bob Grady | February 19, 2007 11:51 AM
I'm the Johnson Avenue Don. I was a student of yours in the eighties. We had alot of fun in your class. You always made the learning fun. Don
(Foxy's note: Ah, a Fox Hill boy! And the son of a Johnson Avenue boy as well! Great to hear from you!)
Posted by: Don LaPoint | February 19, 2007 11:20 AM
Hello Foxy, How about "Followers of Foxy". I think you're doing a great thing. I have been reading ever since I found the blog. I am now living in Palm Bay, Florida and this kind of helps me keep in touch with home. Keep up the great work, Don
(Foxy's note: Hey, Don ... are you the Johnson Avenue Don or the telephone company Don?)
Posted by: Don LaPoint | February 19, 2007 7:05 AM
crusher... foxy will send you my email... or give me a call 572 7479... I can drop them off to you... any other "foxsters" (those who reply to foxy's blog) out there who have any baseball equipment they want to donate???
if so send it to "Crusher" as he is getting ready to head out on his "mission of Hope"journey .... Heard he might also do alittle scouting for the Legion Post 20 team while he's down there! Good Luck on your journey Crusher, it's a great cause!
Posted by: the carver | February 19, 2007 5:52 AM
Great job Foxy. Saw your show from Bobby's Lounge. You had some great guests. Janet used to be my neighbor. We miss her alot. As to Carver's remarks. Thanks loads. I will take anything you have but need your e mail address.
"Fox on the Run" is lots of FUN!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: crusher | February 18, 2007 11:30 PM
Foxy,
Once again, thanks for your blog. It's now my first stop of internet surfing. Also, great shows on Channel 15. What a great idea, talking to people Friday nights at various locations.
A nice bonus was your interview of my old friend Albert Brinson. Ask him about his old WDF days and some New Years Eve parties. It's a good thing the North Stars never played on New Years Day because Albert would have messed up a snap count or two.
Craig Mathews
Posted by: Craig Mathews | February 18, 2007 5:01 PM
How about Carvsters, Carrsters, Skipsters, Kernsters, Goosters??? I like Slysters so far...
Posted by: The Donald | February 18, 2007 2:05 PM
good morning fox, ... hey I was reading the paper and saw that one of our fellow bloggers (well I guess not officially a blogger, according to John) is headed down to Nicaragua with the mission.. just wanted to let him know what a great thing he's doing! also wanted him to know, although they're not new, I have a couple of baseball gloves that are in good shape, that I'd be willing to give him ... one righty and one rare lefty. If interested please let me know!
Posted by: the carver | February 18, 2007 9:49 AM
Well, freerepublic.com has similar nomenclature. People who read and then post comments to the articles are called 'freepers'. People who only read but never post are called 'lurkers'. So, let's see ... posters to your blog could be called 'foxsters' or 'foxypeople' and mere readers could be called 'slysters'. Anyone have any better ideas?
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | February 18, 2007 9:24 AM
Foxy, Your blog is just fine with me, and if you make a blooper or two, it just means you're human, like the rest of us. Does this blog have the means to send appropriate picture back to you? Have you ever written back to the people who comment on this blog, on a regular e-mail? Keep up the good work you're doing, and I hope you are getting overpaid twice again!
(Foxy's note: Thanks for your comments and, if I do get the picture post set up, I should be able to post pictures that go along with comments. I do communicate with readers at my own regular e-mail, which is foxman@westelcom.com. There are a few readers who prefer not to post comments, but instead e-mail their thoughts to me at my personal address.)
Posted by: sparcat | February 18, 2007 7:47 AM
Foxy Blogger, May I suggest a couple of tags for those who comment on blogs?
One is "globber" a spin on the original blogger and a reversal of sorts. Or, perhaps, "gobbler" in reference to some of the turkeys who respond to the blogs.. My personal apology to those birds.
Skip
Posted by: skip zatonski | February 18, 2007 7:07 AM
Great explanation, Foxy! Must be fun to be able to work at home. Because you are "The Blogger" maybe we all should be called "Foxers" as your specific blog responders....
Posted by: The Donald | February 18, 2007 6:49 AM