Photoentropy.com

Real name: John Schroeder

Start date: 3 May 2005

Your life story in a URL: HowManyCamerasDoYouHaveWithYouToday.com because I typically bring multiple cameras with me wherever I go.

Why do you blog? The photoblog started out as a place to put my photos online. I take a few hundred photos per month and when I first started the upswing in photography in 2005 I didn't really have any other way to display them. Photoblogging seemed to be the way to do it then. Now Flickr has become the medium of choice for most people for uploading photos. I still like to keep my photoblog going because maintaining it has become almost as much of a hobby for me as photography; and of course to continue to display my photos.

What topic gets people going on your blog? I'm not sure if there are any topics that people are excited about on my photoblog, but something unique about it is that it features mostly film photography, which some people seem to like.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? I don't really take the time to read actual blogs, I mainly just look at photoblogs. I have a lot of photoblogger friends in the area, and it's hard to choose just one, so here are 3 people that I shoot with on a semi-regular basis: W of WVallen.com, Mike of MikesRightBrain.com and Archie of WhateverLand.com. All three of them are great people and great photographers.

What have you learned from blogging? I've learned that it can be hard. It's not easy to be creative everyday and to maintain a daily posting schedule, and there have been times where I wanted to stop because of the time commitment it takes. There is a great community of people out there that make everything well worth it though.

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DailyCandy Chicago

Name of blog: DailyCandy.com/Chicago

Real name: Emily

Start date: DailyCandy: 2000; Emily: 2006

Your life story in a URL: www.GoodThingsCome.com

Why do you blog? I write because I want to help raise people's awareness about the amazingness that is Chicago. There's so much going on in this city that people don't know about. Every DailyCandy article is an opportunity for someone to explore and to discover. People should take advantage of what the city has to offer, and as someone who dedicates her life to exploring, I want to help spread the news.

What topic gets people going on your blog? It varies. I think reader feedback is dependent on people's belief systems. Some people get offended or heated by a political remark; others respond angrily to a foie gras reference. Positive or negative, I love getting feedback. It lets me know that readers are really paying attention.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? The Drive-Thru section of Gapers Block.

What have you learned from blogging? I never stop learning. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of knowing who my readers are. The more I learn about them, the more apt I am to give them what they want. When people get what they want, they're happy. I've also learned that people truly listen to what DailyCandy has to say. It pushes me to find the best of the best.

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TheChicagoTraveler.com

Real name: Matt Bartosik

Start date: April 29, 2007

Your life story in a URL: ImNotLostIMeantToTakeTheLongWay.com

Why do you blog? I've enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. Stories, plays, personal journals, I've always been fascinated by the power and possibility of the written word. I get a nerdy thrill from finding the right combination of words to express an idea or feeling.

I'm not afraid to admit it; I'm also addicted to the Internet. That sounds sad, I know. But I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and the 'Net always provides something new to discover or a new person to meet. I am glad to say that I have several dozen friends, scattered throughout the country and beyond, thanks to the Web.

Blogging combines my two addictions. It satiates both my desire to write and my craving for information. I was born and raised here in Chicago, but the more I write about this city, the more I learn.

What topic gets people going on your blog? My blog is geared toward tourists and adventurous locals, so blog entries concerning current events and entertainment venues often attract a lot of attention. However, there are occasionally articles which, for a reason completely unknown to me, are picked up and swept off their feet.

For example, last year, my posts about Beatnix, the Chicago River and the Abegweit (home of the Columbia Yacht Club) were among the most popular. This year, the Chicago firefighter calendar seems to be a popular topic, but the reason for its fame probably isn't much of a mystery.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? This is so difficult because I'm usually the last one to find out about great blogs. I've recently befriended (or 'Net-friended) Mike Doyle, a former New Yorker and the writer of Chicago Carless. I don’t have a car either, so that's what initially drew me to the blog, but it's so much more than that. Mike can get quite personal at times, and I enjoy that because I feel like I really know him and therefore value his opinions.

What have you learned from blogging? Despite having grown up here, I get lost ALL the time. I have as much sense of direction as a plastic bag in the wind. However, writing about Chicago every day has forced me to learn the street grid and the neighborhoods. I have also acquired a great deal of information about my sweet home Chicago via the surprisingly large community of Chicago bloggers.

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

CTATattler.com

Name of blog: CTA Tattler

Real name: Kevin O’Neil

Start date: June 2004

Your life story in a URL: CTATattler.com says it all!

Why do you blog? Blogging is a creative outlet for me. It allows me to use my reportorial and writing skills to tell stories. Plus I feel I’ve created a community for thousands and thousands of CTA riders.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Lately the hot topic has been bus bunching. Generally, people rant about what the CTA is doing -- or not doing -- to improve their commute.

What’s your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? I love R.O.C.K. on the CTA-- the guy takes cell phone photos of riders and makes up stories about them.

What have you learned from blogging? I’ve learned that loyal blog readers will have no problem telling you exactly how much they disagree with something you wrote. I’ve also learned that when you get a good loyal following, they expect the best from you, and that helps me do my best.

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LiteralDan.Blogspot.com

Name of blog: LiteralDan

Real name: Dan

Start date: January 2008

Your life story in a URL: WaitWhatWasTheQuestion.com

Why do you blog? Blogging gives me a nice outlet for describing the crazy things that happen around here on a regular basis, and having a regular audience from all over the world really keeps me honest in my effort to sit down at the computer each day and write out at least one little thing.

Writing every day helps me straighten out my thoughts and opinions, and cementing this habit is hopefully training me for bigger and better projects later on. Plus, I figure that if nothing else comes of it, all the entries about my kids will serve as a nice baby book of sorts some day.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Everyone's seems to be pretty easy-going so far, because I don't think I've really started stirring any pots yet. People mostly come to vent and to laugh about their children and their amusing/frustrating habits. I get pretty positive feedback on most of my general life observations and other bits as well.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? I stumbled upon a very new blog, Righteously Indignated, recently and I've enjoyed it a lot. Short, sweet, and to the point each day.

What have you learned from blogging? I've learned how hard it can be to discipline yourself to write something every day when so many other things require your attention; how much fun it is to get to know people around the world who have only a few common interests with you; and I've also learned a lot more about social networks than I ever thought I would. It's been a great experience so far and I plan to keep this up for a long time.

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

ProudItalianCook.Blogspot.com

Name of blog: Proud Italian Cook

Real name: Marie Renello

Start date: August 2007

Your life story in a URL: FeedYourPassion.com

Why do you blog? My passion has always been cooking and the world of blogging has been my creative outlet for this little hobby turned obsession!

What topic gets people going on your blog? I can’t say there’s one specific topic, because the subject of food in general is a very personal thing and stirs up many emotions along with fond memories that people have of special traditions and events in their lives.

It could be a post about something as time consuming as making 300 homemade raviolis that will stir up conversations, or something as simple as a dessert/drink I recently posted about called “Affogato,” which simply is hot espresso poured over cold gelato. I was amazed at all the comments that came from that post, from people literally all over the world.

Sometimes it might even be a photo, or a certain ingredient that I used, or even a special pot or pan, that revs up a topic for conversation.

What’s your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? Coco Cooks -- A ChiTown food blogger who’s a creative cook, baker, cake decorator and, an all around interesting person.

What have you learned from blogging? Besides a whole lot of tech-y stuff, I’ve learned how blogging connects you with so many wonderful and interesting people with various nationalities, customs and backgrounds. On any given day I could be talking to people in several different countries. I can truly say I have made friends all over the world and I’m always learning new things from them, which in turn has truly fed my passion for cooking and blogging. And as an unexpected bonus, I’ve come to know the “people behind the blogs.”

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

BarkingDogShoes.com

Name of blog: BarkingDogShoes.com

Real name: Kirsten Borrink

Start date: August 2007

Your life story in a URL: SomethingGoodComesFromChronicPain.com

Why do you blog? Eleven years ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my mid 20's. This disease was not kind to my feet and quickly destroyed bone and cartilage requiring surgery. At the time I was a middle school Spanish teacher--there was no sitting down on that job! All my shoes felt too tight and pinched my toes. I had to find some new shoes but had no clue where to start.

I remember walking into a Joyce Selby store at Oakbrook Center in 1997. I found a display for Dansko clogs. I had never heard of them before so I tried on a pair of darling Mary Janes. I could not believe how much relief they brought. I floated around the store with tears in my eyes. I had found THE shoes that would allow me to teach relatively pain-free. I'll never forget flipping them over to check the price and seeing the model name--Kirsten. My name.

Fast forward 11 years. Shoe manufacturers have come a long way at designing shoes that are fashion forward AND comfortable. My goal with BarkingDogShoes.com is to help women find a shoe that not only looks good but feels good.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Bunions. No, seriously. It's footwear, not politics.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? PuglyFeet.com--although it's not local. You would never guess a photo blog featuring the author's flat feet in cute shoes could be so artistic and entertaining.

What have you learned from blogging? For a person that falls headlong into a new hobby only to abandon it in two months (think rubber stamps), I'm surprised at how motivated I am to stay the course with BarkingDogShoes.com. I'm still learning how to balance blog time with family time. I have two small children that need my attention more than the Barking Dog!

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 8:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (2)

SecondCityStyle.com

Name of Blog: SecondCityStyle.com

Real Name: Lauren Dimet Waters & Carol Calacci

Start Date: July 2006

Your Life Story in a URL: WhichOneOfUsIsToBlameForThisCrazyIdea.com

Carol and I met and became friends through a business networking group we both belonged to. We bonded over our love of fashion and cars (in that order). We also agreed (three years ago) that Chicago women did not know where to find fashion. That confused us. There were, and still are great stores and boutiques all over the city, not to mention Chicago is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the country. There was really no excuse. So one night (after some wine... OK lots of wine) we came up with this crazy idea to challenge women to step-it up a notch. You know, by NOT wearing Uggs and Crocs in public, burning Mom jeans forever and such. What better way than with an online magazine?

So in September of 2005 we launched SecondCityStyle.com and it was slow going at first, but we gained traction. However, we only publish the e-zine once a week which is written by a staff of contributing writers and we had a lot more to say. Thus the creation of the blog. And the rest as they say is history. Now we have readers contact us from Malaysia, Northwest Canada, Europe and everywhere else. It's amazing.

Our basic mantra is that women after the age of 25 should not care so much about trends and develop their own sense of style. Know what looks good on each of us and run with it. Sure, buy some trends, but in moderation and for the love of all that's fashionable NOT spend all your clothing budget on trends. Save it for designer shoes and bags...our true loves.

Why do you blog? We started the blog as a way to communicate with our magazine readers on a daily basis. Since we update it 5-8 times a day, it has become a bear. A lovable bear.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Celebrity fashion posts. Especially when we do our weekly "WTF She Thinking?" which is a recap of the week of bad celebrity fashion. Other hot topics include our fashion exposes. Like the one we did last summer on a firm in China called Kontera that was ripping-off designer wedding dresses and selling them for under $200. The worst part is that they used the designers' photos on their site. The response was crazy!

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? I really don't read many other blogs. I don't want anyone to think we copy them so we steer clear except for the ones that our in our collection of fellow Blog Snobbers. However, I am addicted to PerezHilton. Sadly.

What have you learned from blogging? To really create a following it takes a lot of work! Blogging is not for those with no follow-through. We had no idea exactly how much work it was until it was too late. However, we love it as the response from our readers makes it totally worth it!

Posted by Amanda Maurer at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (8)

Whet Moser

Name of Blog: Chicagoland

Real Name: Whet Moser

Start Date: March 2007

Your Life Story in a URL: I spend my days and nights in front of a computer, so my life story isn't especially interesting. So... OnlineExclusive.net?

Why do you blog? I try to follow the cabinet of curiosities model--assembling a collection of stuff that hopefully reflects some vital balance between importance, humor, obscurity, vitriol, and beauty. When that doesn't work, jokes and vanity will usually get me through the day.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Not much, actually, which means I'm either very convincing or very boring.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? People should check out Robot Wisdom, which is pretty much defunct, for its historical importance to the form. City of Destiny is like what Richard Nickel might have done if he'd had Flickr. LeeSandlin.com isn't a blog, but there's lots of amazing writing there.

What have you learned from blogging? The good: concision. Most stuff I read and write is longer than it needs to be. The bad: Dilettantism is seductive, and thoughtful, long-form essays and reportage are good antidotes. I'm still learning how to balance the two.

Posted by Daniel Honigman at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Andrew Reilly of SouthSideBaseball.com

Name of Blog: South Side Baseball

Real Name: Andrew Reilly

Start Date: June 2007

Your Life Story in a URL:
OnSecondThoughtGoAheadAndQuitYourDayJob.org.

I earned my bachelor's in information systems and built a nice career as a software engineer before realizing I in fact hated information systems and software engineering. By some twist of luck, skill or low admissions standards, I was accepted into the graduate journalism program at Columbia College Chicago and ran with it from there.

Since then I've been afforded the opportunity to learn up-close -- and rattle incessantly -- about some of my favorite things while interacting with some wild and interesting people. It's not always fun, but even at its worst it's a better time than systems design ever was - although admittedly less profitable, hence the ".org."

Why do you blog? There are elements of sports beyond wins and losses that are more significant than a lot of people either acknowledge or understand, and for whatever reason I just can't shut up about them. There's a lot involved in being a fan, especially a Sox fan, and in some ways the actual games have become secondary to the idea of the games to the point where it's hard to understand what we're clinging to anymore. Memories? Possibilities? Civic pride and the projected economic benefits of creating an arena-related TIF district?

I don't claim to have the answers, but it's nice to at least explore the questions. And, you know, it's also pretty awesome when Paulie goes 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI.

What topic gets people going on your blog? For some reason a live blog I did last season for a Sox-Athletics game has proven to be wildly popular; your guess is as good as mine on that one. Beyond that, the emails I get are usually about trade rumors, potential lineup moves, or why I'm an idiot for not acknowledging the numerous World Series titles the Good Guys are so obviously poised to bring home.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? The ones I read are all pretty well-known, but Tim Bogue's photoblog tebogue shows off some excellent Chicago pictures every now and then.

What have you learned from blogging? Like any other writing endeavor, you have to develop your own voice and bring something unique to the larger conversation to be worth reading. Enough people are already out there rehashing box scores and headlines or writing love notes to their favorite teams and players, and if that makes them happy that's great, but I don't see much of a point in trying to scream over the crowd. In the scheme of things, the only two differences between reading my site and talking to some dude at a bar are that you don't have to wait until 11 for South Side Baseball to open its doors, and that I have better taste in music than most jukebox owners.

Posted by Daniel Honigman at 7:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Todd Andrlik, left, with Ernie Banks

Name of Blog: Todd And = Marketing + Media

Real Name: Todd Andrlik

Start Date: July 2006

Your Life Story in a URL: YesAnd.com.I performed improvisational comedy for 14 years and "Yes, and..." is the foundational philosophy for all scene building. Essentially, it's a collaborative effort by all performers on stage to support anything that happens and move the scene forward.

Aside from its improv applications, I firmly believe that "Yes and" is practical for business and life in general.

Why do you blog? I’m passionate about marketing and media. The blog is my canvas for sharing and archiving personal thoughts and discoveries about what I call the “very serious but often comical crossroads of marketing and media.”

What topic gets people going on your blog? My topics cover practically everything marketing and media, including advertising, public relations, design, technology, web, traditional vs. new media, etc. I also cover a few personal interests like history, music, newspaper collecting, personal finance and politics.

In terms of what gets people going, I’m trying to capture the eye-candy market with lots of marketing-related videos, images, charts, etc. As the creator of the Power 150, a ranking of the world’s top marketing and media blogs, which is now hosted by Advertising Age, I also get a lot of traffic from anything related to the list. So, I’ve got that going for me, which is nice.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? I’m a big fan of the blog exitcreative by Clay Parker Jones, a Chicago advertising/branding guy. I like the way he thinks.

What have you learned from blogging? By blogging about marketing and media, I’m forced to stay hip with industry trends and issues. I fully understand and appreciate the new rules of marketing and PR. As a result, I’m able to successfully implement exciting new strategies and tactics, and keep my company at the forefront of the marketing revolution. Like the title of Seth Godin’s new book, I’m making a “Meatball Sundae,” by mixing common products and services (meatballs) with cool new tactics and tools (sundae toppings).

I also read a lot of blogs by other agency executives, corporate marketers and consultants who are surprisingly generous with their respective expertise. With the amounts of professional education I’m gaining from the blogosphere, I prescribe blog reading to all who will listen – especially high school and college students – as a great way to immediately put your finger on the pulse of an industry.

Posted by Daniel Honigman at 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Blogger of the Week: Reckless Chef Jenny Aprahamian with her flour

Name of Blog: The Reckless Chef

Real Name: Jenny Aprahamian

Start Date: January 2008

Your Life Story in a URL: I tried incorporating cupcakes, argyle, video games, marathons, bacon, Ohio sports teams, and rockets all into a URL, and it didn't work so well, so I'll opt for GoesBetterWithBacon.com. Because what doesn't go better with bacon? (The answer: vanilla cupcakes)

My roommate would argue that I'd be better suited to ICatchFireOften.com, but I'm going to stick with the bacon thing.

Why do you blog? I've wanted my own cookbook since I was a small child, but alas, I'm no Martha Stewart or Nigella Lawson. I'm not nearly as precise or polished, and I've almost burned down my kitchen about five times. The great thing about blogging is that you can do whatever you want with it; I can post about my unorthodox techniques and kitchen misadventures, but still put the recipes (and pictures) out there for people to see.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Cupcakes and alcohol are really popular, especially together. I found out that people actually read my blog when I posted a recipe for Irish Cupcake Bombs.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? Bake & Destroy is one of my favorite Chicago food blogs, but Natalie isn't exactly unknown – she's just awesome.

A lesser-known local blog of choice? Cap's On Tap, which is not really about food at all, but is pretty fantastic anyways.

What have you learned from blogging? It's definitely brought out my creative side. I pay more attention to how my food looks, and I'm working on becoming a better photographer. I'm also trying out more inventive recipes and learning more about cooking in general. At some point, I hope to learn about fire safety.

Posted by Daniel Honigman at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Name of Blog: Goat Riders of the Apocalypse

Real Names: Kurtis Evans (pictured), Byron Clarke, Jason Rieger, Rob Letterly and Kevin Golding

Start Date: November 2004

Your Life Story in a URL: We are a group of hardened Cub fans of a wide variety of ages and nationalities. Some of us live in Chicago, one of us is in the process of becoming a Canadian and another was born and raised in the United Kingdom. We have all swilled the kool-aid, and we now reject it. That said, we remain optimistic that better days are ahead.

Our URL would be CausticCubFansWhoHope.com.

Why do you blog? We blog because it's an excellent way to communicate while still avoiding that nasty social interaction. Plus, it's the only way we can get our ideas out to Jim Hendry. Craig Monroe? Totally our idea. Um...sorry about that.

What topic gets people going on your blog? Can you believe a defense of Dusty Baker once drove traffic towards us? Of course, it was at the expense of the Stephen A. Smith, so that probably had something to do with it.

Generally speaking, the biggest heat-getters are if you criticize a Cubs legend, or a Cubs institution. Sure, we can justly rip Mark Prior a new one on a daily basis, but if you suggest changing Wrigley Field's name into something sensible like Trojan Condoms Field -- bought at a hefty, payroll-driven price, of course -- then you'd think you just killed somebody's favorite aunt.

What's your favorite local blog that nobody has heard of? We would heartily recommend jasonleahrun.blogspot.com, as it is not only a local blog but, consequently, nobody has heard of it either.

What have you learned from blogging? The ladies love the bloggers. You just keep them locked up in your basement long enough and Stockhom Syndrome kicks in. Also, I've learned that it's way more fun writing the equivalent of a daily opinion article than being a real journalist.

Posted by Daniel Honigman at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)