Posts Tagged TBD Community Network
New additions to the TBD Community Network
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Partnerships on July 23, 2010
Another day, another batch of blogs and sites we want to share with you. Today’s additions to the TBD Community Network include a Smithsonian Institution blog, a yoga site, and a college newspaper. Check out the diversity here, and keep up with our other network blogs in our directory. Know a blog we should contact? Have a blog you want to see included? Give us a shout. And stay tuned for more!
Around the Mall 
They Say: Want the inside look at the new exhibit at your favorite museum? Or the latest Zoo baby news? Check us out for all things Smithsonian.
We Say: It’s hard to think of DC without the Smithsonian Institution. Around the Mall keeps you up to date on the exhibits, events, and announcements from the many Smithsonian museums and locations.
Capital Cooking Show 
They Say: Exploring the culinary and cultural riches of our nation’s capital.
We Say: Interested in the latest cooking trends or looking for exciting new dishes to try out? Check out Capital Cooking Show, hosted by Lauren DeSantis, as she takes you on a culinary journey through the city.
Clarendon Culture
They Say: A blog about my explorations through Clarendon: the dynamic D.C. suburb where I live, work, and play.
We Say: Amy Moore writes about the daily excitement of food, art, people, shopping, and other adventures in her blog, Clarendon Culture.
Get Healthy from the Inside, Out!
They Say: Get Healthy from the Inside, Out! is a blog about getting healthy both mentally and physically. Gain insight from a woman who has successfully lost 100 lbs by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. Learn how to set realistic health and fitness goals, eat better and start an exercise routine.
We Say: Vicki VanArsdale provides easy, healthy recipes along with tips and inspiration for changing your habits for a healthy lifestyle.
GW Hatchet 
They Say: The GW Hatchet is an editorially and financially independent student newspaper serving The George Washington University community in D.C.
We Say: The Hatchet’s hard-working students have embraced the web and cover every corner of campus. We’re glad to lead readers to the depth of coverage they’ve provided for many, many years.
Lunching in the DMV
They Say: A restaurant review blog to help those living in the DC Metro area find good places to eat.
We Say: Writer Marie shares her tips and experiences dining around the DC metro area. A few recipes here and there don’t hurt, either.
WelcomeOmDC
They Say: WelcomeOmDC is a hub, resource, and online fitness community dedicated to yogis, runners, athletes, and the wellness-minded of Washington, DC.
We Say: This site is worth a look for its yoga directory (including free and reduced-cost community classes) alone, but stick around for the Weekend Warrior roundup of fitness-minded events in the area.
TBD and GrowthSpur glad to work together with blog network
Posted by sbuttry in Partnerships on July 15, 2010
TBD is pleased to be working with GrowthSpur to help bloggers in the TBD Community Network develop a new model for local new and advertising.
Our friends at GrowthSpur announced their partnerships with TBD and Journal Register Co. on their blog today. The post describes well how we will be working:
GrowthSpur’s role will be to help the TBD network bloggers with ad sales, by providing them tools and training and assembling them into a local network in which they can sell each others’ ads. The first of the TBD bloggers are already on the GrowthSpur ad server and out selling ads to businesses in their communities. It’s been awesome meeting and working with dozens of cool, passionate bloggers in the D.C. area … We can’t wait to see it launch in the next few weeks. We think TBD is going to be a model for the future of modern metro news sites, and we’re honored to be able to help the bloggers make some money for their efforts.
We share the excitement. As we described in this blog earlier in the week, our relationship with GrowthSpur is a critical part of the TBD Community Network strategy.
GrowthSpur CEO Mark Potts has been a pioneer of digital journalism and a leading voice for innovation in the news business. We are pleased to be on the same team.
Have Camera, Will Report
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Partnerships on July 9, 2010
As you get to know our roster of bloggers, you’ll notice that quite a few of them are using video on their sites. Far from the home movies that make us cringe in retrospect, we’re seeing some well-edited pieces that range from informative to downright fun.
This week, DC StyleSpot editor Steve Fox (easily the Community Network’s best-dressed) checked out the Washington Kastles season debut. He got to ask Venus Williams a few questions about her fashion designs and her new book, and Fox has video up on the StyleSpot site. Sports and fashion in one place? Yes, that’s part of the fun of TBD: bringing everything together.
Blogs talk back: Community network members announce participation
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Partnerships on June 25, 2010
In case you haven’t already added all our network blogs to your reader of choice, here are some of their announcements about their participation in the TBD Community Network.
ARLNow partnering with TBD.com
“Teaming up with TBD will open up a larger, more regional audience for ARLnow.com’s timely original news and features, and will be an important component of our effort to make the site financially self-sustaining.”
“If you are a CityShopGirl email subscriber, you will see a few minor changes in the layout of the email and on our site in the coming weeks. The changes will include relevant and well-integrated advertising (we have to make money somehow!). We will still be providing information on great finds and cool events happening around the city.”
Dining in DC partners with TBD blog network
“Dining in DC will be part of TBD’s Dining section and will be providing original content with restaurant reviews, news, events, and chef interviews.”
DC Spy joins the TBD Community Network!
“What is TBD? Well it’s basically a new online newsroom that focuses on DC community news. However, in addition to original reporting, they are providing local bloggers with a platform for their own stories. It’s collaborative and local and experimental, so you should check it out.”
Rockville Central joins local news startup TBD.com
“TBD.com will run Rockville Central content on its site, and we may run their content here, too. But the primary relationship is that we are providing the view-from-Rockville.”
TBD Community Network will provide lots of news and variety
Posted by sbuttry in Partnerships on June 25, 2010
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.
TBD Community Network continues to grow
Posted by Daniel Victor in Partnerships on June 25, 2010
We’ve been rolling out our TBD Community Network this week – see our other batches of blogs – and we’re not slowing down. This next flock of eight puts us up to 32, and we have many more that we’re waiting to announce. Keep checking back, because they’re coming in like gangbusters.
Bitches Who Brunch
They Say: Becca and Cori Sue are brunching their way around Washington, D.C.
We Say: These lovely ladies do more than just brunch. They cook, shop and chat about the DC area food scene. Check them out for hottest food news and latest trends.
DC Like A Local
They Say: DC Like a Local gives you highly subjective, totally biased, and possibly useful tips for getting the most out of a visit to DC.
We Say: Tour guide and history buff Tim Krepp highlights museums, monuments, and events both off the beaten track and also in the thick of the tourist hordes. Check out his ranking of the top 10 museums for kids.
LoCo Market Stats
They Say: Info and stats on the Loudoun County real estate market.
We Say: If you’re buying, selling or living in a Loudoun County property, this is the place for hard data on local home sales and prices. Realtor Heather Elias posts charts and explanations that take you inside the latest real estate trends.
LoCo Musings
They Say: All about life and real estate in Loudoun County, Virginia.
We Say: Heather Elias, a web-savvy Realtor and resident in Loudoun County, shares news about what’s happening in the area, in addition to real estate trends. Heather has received several awards for her innovative use of blogging in real estate.
Metro Etiquette
They Say: The insider’s guide to riding the DC Metro with tips, tricks, and stories of how to ride metro without upsetting “the locals.”
We Say: Where’s the best place to wheel your luggage when you get on Metro? Is it appropriate to read over someone’s shoulder during your commute? Christine Brazill answers these questions and more in this blog designed with both tourists and seasoned Metro cynics in mind.
Nationals Daily News
They Say: Nationals Daily News has covered the Nats since ‘05, featuring news links, nine blogs, and original multimedia reporting from the ballpark.
We Say: Officially credentialed by the Nationals, they offer exhaustive game reports and photos aside professional-quality commentary. The variety of bloggers here make sure every base is covered, and every viewpoint heard.
Nats Insider
They Say: News, analysis and commentary from someone who has covered the Washington Nationals since Day 1.
We Say: Mark Zuckerman, who wrote for the Washington Times from 2001 to 2009 and the Nats beat reporter for five years, migrated his expertise from print to his own blog. Talk about fan support: When he needed to raise money to cover Spring Training, his readers chipped in over $10,000 in less than a month.
Staying Medium
They Say: Countering irrational euphoria or despair with a level-headed look at the Washington Redskins.
We Say: Dave O thinks before he types, offering intelligent discussion that seeks to rise above knee-jerk reactions. That doesn’t mean he’ll pull punches, though.
Bloggers Welcome Here
Posted by Lisa Rowan in Partnerships on June 22, 2010
The time has finally come to announce the first batch of blogs and sites galore that have signed up to be a part of the TBD Community Network. When we launch, you’ll see posts from the following blogs highlighted on TBD.com. We’re happy to have them and hope that you’ll become fans of these blogs just as we hope you’ll eventually make TBD your homepage. May we introduce, in alphabetical order:
All Our Noise
They Say: A curated showcase of the city’s music and music-related culture, presented through exclusive video sessions, interviews & live performances.
We Say: When we asked All Our Noise what type of music it focused on, the writers couldn’t give a straight answer. We can’t blame them; with a group of writers who hold diverse music collections, it’s impossible to pin down a favorite genre. Instead, All Our Noise embraces the many varieties of music you might be listening to right now.
And N
ow, Anacostia
They Say: A source of neighborhood promotion, education, and excitement about the beautiful and historic Anacostia neighborhood.
We Say: Led by David Garber, And Now, Anacostia is a fine example of how conscientious residents can cover their own neighborhoods by observing, sharing and discussing on a blog.
ARLNow
They Say: ARLnow.com is the up-to-the-minute source for breaking news, community happenings and local government updates in Arlington County, Virginia.
We Say: It’s no secret that Scott Brodbeck, 24/7 Arlington reporter, was first on board the TBD boat. When he’s not out gathering news, he’s working on his events calendar—or chowing down at TBD events.
Capitol Bites
They Say: A 20-something that is figuring out how to eat well (and often) on a budget.
We Say: Living and working in Washington, D.C. can definitely be a bit pricey. But dining out doesn’t always have a take a toll on your wallet. Elyse Greenberg shares the details of eating out and rubbing (greasy) elbows with high-powered politicians, lobbyists and lawyers on a budget.
Live in Red
They Say: A Washington Capitals Blog focusing on the non-traditional aspects of the Washington Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
We Say: Alex Ball was a track and field athlete during college, but he’s been a Caps fan since he got a Peter Bondra jersey for Christmas in 1998. Live in Red only launched during this season’s playoffs, but there are plenty of posts to keep you informed.
Rockville Central
They Say: News and views on Rockville, MD
We Say: Brad Rourke and Cindy Cotte Griffiths keep Rockville from getting lost among the other news in the region by highlighting news stories alongside opinion pieces and guest commentary. Rockville Central just celebrated its third birthday.
The Other 35 Percent
They Say: News and Notes on Life in D.C. With Occasional Random Musings
We Say: A blog by Cary Silverman that does an excellent job covering local politics in the District and other local policy issues that affect development and quality of life.
We Love DC
They Say: We Love DC is the largest locally-owned DC news and lifestyle blog, covering News, Sports, Food, Transit, Politics and Music for all of DC.
We Say: Remember when the best place to meet your neighbors was at a block party? Imagine having all those friendly neighbors giving you the scoop on one website. This collaborative effort has top news, neighborhood profiles, and, my personal favorite: DC Mythbusting. Check out the Q and A with the Metro dancer!
Look for your favorite local blogs when we launch later this summer. If you’re a blogger who wants to take part, let us know. Welcome, blogs and bloggers!