Who Will Be First Streetsblog SF Editor?
Streetsblog went looking for an Editor for their new SF ‘franchise’ - that was back in October. Interviews happened near the end of October. [I actually threw my hat in the ring - at least for a bit. Doh!] I know it’s not me. Is it you?
I actually know, know of, or met several people who applied for the coveted position. It started to seem like you could walk down the street and bump into another applicant. I actually had one conversation that went like this with someone I’d just met:
Biker: Sup.
Me: Sup.
Biker: You into bikes?
Me: Yeah. You?
Biker: Yeah, yeah. You heard of Streetsblog?
Me: Yeah.
Biker: I just applied for an Editor position they have here [in SF.]
Me: Cool. Yeah - I thought about it.
Absolutely true story. Kinda weird. But funny. 
I figure it’s about that time when we should be hearing an announcement of the new site (which is still, obviously, under wraps). Maybe at Winterfest this Sunday night?
My guess is going to ‘Eric’ at Transbayblog. Doesn’t ride a bike, loves BRT, but seems to know a lot about transit. The reasoning behind my guess:
- Proven track record of transit blogging. This is a big deal in and of itself - blogging can suck, in my opinion, and often you just have to mash through it.
- Proven deep knowledge of transit, including subtleties of the domain.
- He’s a local, and knows the history of SF transit.
- Already seems to have an audience - the biggest of anyone in the Bay Area that I can tell - that implies real talent, with a track record.
- There’s been some talk on his blog of a ‘vacation’ or ‘hiatus’ from blogging for a little while. There’s no particular reason why this would seem necessary in transitioning to a Streetsblog position, but the timing is spot-on.
- LA Streetsblog started out as a separate, independent blog called Street Heat LA (and, I guess, Street Heat LA lives on in some form). This model would fit the idea that a local blog - like Transbayblog - would be ’swallowed’, as opposed to creating a new blog from scratch.
It’s not a big deal - whoever jumps on board will be excellent. I just wanted to make sure we had someone who was appropriately ‘bikey,’ and didn’t love BRT too much. 
[p.s. The Forums are open for participation.]
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Hi Peter, just noticed the link. I’m flattered that you thought of me, but, as much fun as Streetsblog would be, I actually didn’t apply for the position.
As for BRT: I thought I should mention that ‘loving BRT’ might be a bit strong.
BRT can be a useful tool in some situations, but not everywhere, all the time. Sometimes looking at things on a case-by-case basis isn’t such a bad thing.
Anyway, back to waiting in suspense to find out who will do our Streetsblog!
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Thanks Eric - yeah, the ‘loving BRT’ thing was a bit tongue-in-cheek.
We have a new POTUS - who will occupy the second most powerful position in the world??