An important feature of the site we are planning will be our TBD Community Network: local blogs and sites whose work we will highlight.
We are pleased that in our first week of recruiting, nearly 40 Washington area blogs and sites have decided to become part of our network. While that number will grow in the weeks ahead, it already provides a glimpse of the lively, diverse community news you will be able to find when you visit TBD. Members of our network have posted more than 300 blog entries this week, providing original news stories, videos, reviews and commentary that will become a TBD staple.
Our bloggers feature community reporting at the neighborhood level from Maryland, Virginia and Washington and reporting on interests such as sports, dining and entertainment. The network features veteran bloggers as well as newcomers. Dining in DC celebrated its third anniversary Tuesday, the same day that Hold the Chicken launched. Network members engage effectively with their communities. A simple story and photo of a traffic accident involving an “adorable” car drew 19 comments (when I looked; it may be more now) on The Georgetown Metropolitan. When you read our network blogs, be sure to check the lively discussion in their comments.
More than two dozen of our bloggers provided fresh content this week and 10 of them posted more than 10 times. This sampling showcases the quantity, quality and variety of information and insight the network will share with TBD users:
Local news
We Love DC called on the Metro dancer featured on a viral YouTube video (more than 157,000 views Friday morning) to identify himself, then published a Q&A with Bob Grannan, the dancer.
Speaking of the Metro, Unsuck DC Metro observed the anniversary of last year’s fatal crash with a simple post listing the names and ages of the victims.
ARLnow covered life in Arlington, ranging from a comparison of welfare spending to neighboring communities to voting for the cutest dog.
The Anti DC blogged about bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Annandale VA provided an examination of the challenge pedestrians face in the Tysons Corner area.
Frozen Tropics reported on several developments in the wake of a Sunday fire at the Argonaut, an H Street bar.
I Spy Things DC reported on C-SPAN’s plans for a partnership with Foursquare to provide educational tips about places in the Washington area.
Life in the Village reported on a meeting that examined traffic, lighting and other issues relating to the Fairfax Village neighborhood of Washington.
LoCo Musings reported on the opening of King Pinz bowling alley in Leesburg.
The Georgetown Metropolitan reported on new liquor licenses being issued in the neighborhood.
And Now, Anacostia featured photos of four homes in a single block being renovated.
Rockville Central reported on downed power lines that held up traffic on Interstate 270.
Metro Etiquette gave advice on spotting and avoiding Metro cars with faulty air conditioning.
The Other 35 Percent profiled Zoning Commission nominee Stan Wall.
Borderstan previewed this weekend’s Safeway’s National Capital BBQ Battle.
State news
Maryland Reporter covered an audit that found serious problems at the State Board of Elections.
Old Dominion Watchdog questions Governor McDonnell’s government reform commission.
Dining
Eat More Drink More was one of several of out network members to blog on President Obama’s summit with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at Ray’s Hell Burger. DC Loves Food took a different approach, reviewing other burger joints, for diners who don’t want to brave the crowds at Ray’s.
Robyn Webb’s Fabulous Food Finds celebrated Italian foods, sharing a recipe for fennel, orange and black olive salad, noting that you can get Italian ingredients locally at the Italian Store.
Bitches Who Brunch reviewed J&G Steakhouse (a restaurant that “oozes DC power”).
Arts and entertainment
All Our Noise previewed a mixtape release performance of Tabi Bonney’s “A Place Called Stardom.”
ReadysetDC covered the opening of “The Urban Romantic” exhibit at Irvine Contemporary.
DC Style Spot reported the cancellation of the Go-Gos’ concert at Wolf Trap.
Sports
Nats Insider Mark Zuckerman, former Washington Nationals beat writer for the Washington Times, addressed the pressing question of whether Stephen Strasburg might and should make the National League All-Star team. That post prompted lively discussion with 23 comments when I checked.
Nationals Daily News presented dueling posts saying why Strasburg should and shouldn’t be an All-Star.
Nationals Fangirls provided some encouragement for a struggling pitcher, Jon Lannan.
Live in Red analyzed the just-released schedule for the Washington Capitals’ 2010-11 season, already predicting which games the Caps would win in their first 10 (forecasting an 8-1-1 start).
DC Landing Strip also looked ahead to the Caps’ season, speculating on the odds of various players winning awards next season, predicting that Alex Ovechkin would finish a close second to Henrik Sedin for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
Lifestyle
Quarter Life reviewed the consignment shopping offerings of Current Boutique in Arlington.
You could be next
If your blog or site covers local news and issues in the Washington metro area, we would like to talk with you about possibly joining the TBD Community Network. Email me at sbuttry (at) tbd.com, and we’ll tell you more about the network.