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The State Of The Blog Address

By Wyatt Earp | June 11, 2011

Hey guys, I wanted to take a few minutes and update things here at the home base. This blog just celebrated its sixth anniversary, and for some reason, people keep reading. For that, I thank you. The hits are still coming as well, and 2 million hits are not only a possibility, but an immediate possibility. That blows my mind, and again, I thank you.

While I had you here, I wanted to ‘splain a few other things that are going on.

First, the ban on political posts is still in effect – more or less. If something really big breaks – like Weinergate – then I’ll cover it. Otherwise, I’m pretty burned out on the subject. I trust that will change the closer we get to the 2012 election. You folks can comment about politics all you like – or post links in the overnight thread – but I’m still trying to stay away. For my sanity, if nothing else.

Second, I am doing my very best to respond to each and every comment here. Truth be told, that was much easier when a post received one or two comments, but the self-imposed policy is still active. You take the time to comment, so I should take the time to respond. If I miss a post, it’s because something – usually family – gets in the way. I apologize in advance.

Oh, (speaking of apologies) I want to apologize to my readers who have their own blogs. I haven’t been reading and/or commenting like I used to, and while that sucks, I don’t see that changing any time soon. This is not a reflection upon you or your blog. It’s a reflection upon me and my time-management skills.

It may not look like it – okay, I know it doesn’t look like it – but I put a lot of work into SYLG. I’m writing four posts a day, searching for story ideas, and responding to comments while juggling my work/family life. It’s difficult to keep everyone happy, but I am doing my best.

Finally, I wanted to give you the opportunity to send me feedback. Lately, a lot of the posts have been either celebrity-related, or tales of the bizarre. Are the posts working for you, or do you want to see something else? And forget praise; is there anything I can do to make the blog better? Tell me what I’m doing wrong, or tell me how I can improve the site. Thanks.

Topics: Site News | 34 Comments »

34 Responses to “The State Of The Blog Address”

  1. ed Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    More posts about law enforcement. I’m not sayin’ turn this into nothing but a law blog. That would suck. But your main area of expertise is law enforcement. Capitalize on it.

    Having said that… I don’t think we need any more posts about how the public can’t figure out how to slide open the glass window to speak to the officer on duty…

    Yeah, I know you can’t comment on specific current Philly cases. But other cases thu out the nation are fair game. As are law enforcement principals and proceedures. (as appropriate for public disemination)

    And since you are a HOMICIDE detective, you probably have LOTS of interesting stories/anecdotes.

    Lots of Beat Cop blogs out there.

    But I don’t know of any homicide blogs out there.

    Again, in moderation. Four posts a day about cop life will probably get boring for you and the viewers.

    But… homicide detective is a rare breed of cat. People find that stuff facinating. Hence the popularity of the Law n Order stuff on TV. (the detective stuff, not the political bent)

    Or you could just turn the entire blog over to Ms. Crankipants.

    She DOES have a better looking avatar… Just sayin’.

    Also, this is addressed to the viewers/commenters. Bantering back and forth amongst ourselves is just as rewarding as waiting for Wyatt to respond. And lets face it, when Wyatt takes my advice, his position in the blogosphere will of course skyrocket. Meaning he won’t have time to respond to your insipid drivel.

    Nothing better than good banter going back and forth amongst commenters.

    So… I’ll go first.

    .
    .
    .
    I got nothin’…

    ‘Cept for some cheap Happy Gilmore videos.

    You don’t like it?

  2. Wyatt Earp Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Ed – Thanks for the feedback. I know I can always get honesty from you. However, I’m actually not assigned to homicide. We handle everything except homicides and sex crimes. The infamous toilet story was related to me by my former partner.

  3. RogerDee Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    Keep up the Monday Christina blogs coming, I’ll try to keep my comments pithy. Other than that, keep typing, I’ll keep reading.

  4. Robert B. Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Wyatt, the things I like best on your blog is that you do (usually) reply to all comments. Your wit is as well-honed as a “skeeter peter.” The variety of topics you post, and the resultant comments from the deputies here, make this a spot I visit at least once a day. That, and I have no qualms about recommending this spot to all my friends… a family friendly spot.

    Not a thing I can complain about on the blog. If it were mine, I might “personalize” it, but I’m too darned lazy to start my own blog. Maybe in a few years when I retire, I might go for a “Support Your Local SCUBA Diver,” but I’m too busy working, travelling, and diving these days.

    So keep up the great work. May God Bless you and the family, as well as all the deputies here.

  5. Mark Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Christina Hendricks: She’s only one Big Mac away from fat. Look at her calves! Mooooooo!

    Now that I got that out of the way, I like this place the way it is.

    Also, you need never reply to my goofy-assed comments.

  6. Dannytheman Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    I love you just the way you are. I like that I never know what you might throw at us, I like that I can anger you occasionally and I generally stop in here everyday. Sometimes I am chatty, sometimes I am not!
    Generally I find you intelligent and caring.

    So keep up the good work, and know that someday I will buy you an iced tea!

  7. Kim Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    More posts about the rest of the family. You post quite a bit about your sons and their sports, but miss out on the other two children.

    More cop stories would be nice. Or anything from your off duty activities.

  8. Loaded Dice in Vegas Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    One of the best reasons to keep your blog the way it is, is that every post is a separate independent slice of life. The family, the job, babes, Philly, stupid people doing stupid things and most of all your comments. I can see the no political bull because all that does is raise the “collective” blood pressure. However the political landscape and the idiots who inhabit it are great fodder for you and your followers. All in all just be yourself.

  9. JT Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    I pretty much agree with what Dice said.

    Kinda miss the Humpday History Highlight, though.

    I think this is a fine blog with a buncha fine commenters and (I can’t stress this enough), no drama !

    Oh yeah, one last thing…..

    I believe ya when you say how much work goes into the blog.

    And it shows.

  10. Wyatt Earp Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    Roger – I post about Christina when she’s in the news. If I posted about her as much as I wanted to, she’d get another restraining order.

    Robert B. – Thanks. Responding to comments is a pet peeve of mine. No one wants to post a comment that is ignored, and no one wants to come back to a blog where they don’t appreciate the commenters.

    Mark – Goofy-assed is my middle name!

    Danny – Sweet! Long Island or Turkey Hill Diet; both are good.

    Kim – There’s Erik news coming tomorrow morning – and yes, it’s sports-related. The youngers are getting short-shrift because they have been out of control lately.

    LDIV – Can’t I be Jason Statham instead?

    JT – The missus has asked me to hang up the blog more than a few times after seeing me spend the late-night hours online. It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun. Some of the bigger sites have co-bloggers, but I am so riddled with OCD that I can’t see myself having others post here – at least on a permanent basis.

  11. Old NFO Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    Wyatt, do what YOU want, it’s YOUR blog… I enjoy what you post and enjoy the variety! I too try to answer all the comments, and yeah, that can get interesting… :-)

  12. Loaded Dice in Vegas Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Naw, more like Timothy Olyphant without the hat……..

  13. EasilyLost Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    Copper, I think you have a great blend of posts going. It never gets stale. Although, if you keep trying to do 4 a day, you may burn yourself out. Then we wouldn’t have any. (And I would be seriously disappointed if that happened.)
    As for replying to each comment, I am still not sure how you manage to work that in between all the daily posts, but it does make one feel more welcome here. Take it easy out there and Stay safe!

  14. GroovyVic Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Oh, I like you Mark. Come sit next to me!

  15. realwest Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Hey Wyatt – you have a really fine blog here- don’t change anything at all.
    Seriously.

  16. Mrs. Crankipants Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    You’re the hot sauce on my taco, don’t change a thing! I love you just the way you are. *bats eyelashes*

    On second thought, more pictures of you, and if you get a chance, throw in a couple of Jason Statham.

  17. proof Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    Wyatt: I basically have two rules of blogging: It’s got to interest me and be PG-13. Beyond that, pretty much anything goes. Make the blog one you would want to read and so will the kind of people you want reading your blog.

    The others? Screw ‘em.

  18. Watuschski Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    I love the blog just the way it is, but you might post a few more pictures of my sweetheart, Snooki!

  19. JT Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    Since the topic is the blog, I have a question:

    What’s up wit the quote at the top of the page ?

    I used to think it was things Wyatt Earp said.

    But it’s kinda hard picturing him getting worked up about ants.

  20. Wyatt Earp Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    Old NFO – Sweet, because I was gonna post about cats from now on . . .

    LDIV – He’s much more good looking than I am.

    E.L. – When I feel a burnout coming on, I don’t post an overnight thread. I worry about that, too, because if this becomes work, it’ll stop being fun. And that will make me want to stop.

    GroovyVic – Sounds like you’ve landed yourself a boyfriend! Enjoy!

    Real – Thanks.

    Mrs. Crankipants – Have to be careful with that, because you check for previously posted pics.

    Proof – Yeah, that’s a pretty good blogging philosophy.

    Watuschski – *retches*

  21. Wyatt Earp Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    JT – A lot of the time, they’re movie or TV quotes. That’s from my current favorite show: Archer.

  22. JT Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    Does that have any connection with the Ross Macdonald novels ?

  23. PhillyExpat Says:
    June 11th, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    More posts that draw more comments from Mrs Crankipants. Otherwise, I love the mix — never know what you will find but always something interesting. Thanks.

  24. Chris C Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 12:16 am

    You have a knack for finding things to blog about that are entertaining and provoke commenting. People want entertaining things to occupy their free time, or in some cases their work time. And competition is fierce for that time. To gain an audience in that environment is a testament to that knack.

    Plus, you’ve created and fostered a community here. This not so much a blog, but more like a water cooler of discussion and topical things. And newcomers are welcomed in as if they had been here for years.

  25. Skip Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 3:19 am

    Hey, by the time I get to check up on you here in California, I’m almost..sorta kinda..drunk.
    You sir, are a terrific writer, and a finger on the pulse of us nasty conservatives.
    You and SSC, Lawdog, Better&Better let us maintain some faith in LEO.
    You are a good man. We need more.

  26. TonyF Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Late to the party, but heck, I like reading your stuff. Mostly, I like the really bizarre stories from copdom. Seeing Darwin nominees before they are nominated is a riot. Life is the funniest of all stories.

  27. Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup » Pirate's Cove Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 9:48 am

    [...] Support Your Local Gunfighter is 6 years old! Congratulations! And breastaurants. [...]

  28. L Frame S&W Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Also late to the party, but, better late than pregnant.

    I’ll balance someone above, and suggest LESS stuff about your kids…

  29. Sully Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    A pre-emptive cheers to two million!!!!

  30. orbitup Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    I like your blog the way it is, and I don’t live anywhere near Philly.

    On the posts about your kids… I usually skip them but they don’t bother me in any way.

  31. hutch1200 Says:
    June 12th, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    How about adding a few tips for the “alleged” among us. Maybe stories on how people got off on technicalities. Advice on defense strategies. Oh, and interrogation suggestions for perps.
    Not for me of course. I’m an upstanding citizen, Sir. It’s, agh, for, uhm …a friend. Yeah, my buddy..You know the type. Totally innocent, just wrong place at the wrong time. And usually with the wrong DNA!

  32. cbullitt Says:
    June 13th, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    Tails of the Bizarre are always good, as is…well…tail, so yeah put up Christina whenever you want.
    And yeah, you haven’t been visiting. Even though it’s your fault, well you and McGoo, that I’m closing in on a million visits myself.
    Yeah, the Tried & True Science, Snark & Snooch Modus seems to be working.
    Keep giving them hell, Wyatt.

  33. Uncle Ray Says:
    June 13th, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Congratulations on your 6th anniversary! You’re doing a great job and I wouldn’t change a thing.
    But I agree with JT that the Humpday History is a post that you shouldn’t be overlooked. Too often we need to be reminded of both the mistakes and successes of those that have gone before us. Maybe we can learn something from them. Your doing fine young fella!

  34. Sally Anne Says:
    June 14th, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I just want to apologize for not popping by more often. Leave’s over now, I might actually comment on something more than once a month. I wouldn’t have kept reading for six years if I didn’t find you at least moderately entertaining. Keep up the good work!

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