Huckleberry blog keeps growing

I‘m going to be Huckleberrying more than ever next year. Recently, Editor Steve Smith changed my duties to provide me with more time for my Huckleberries Online blog and print column. In almost three years, the HBO blog has grown from an online novelty to a site that receives between 5,800 and 6,500 page views per weekday.

In line with The Spokesman-Review’s commitment to become a 24/7 information source, rather than simply a relic from the dead-tree media, Boss Smith said he wants me to devote 80 percent of my time to the blog and this interactive print columnet.

It was an early Christmas present. My online duties have expanded to the point that they’d sucked all the free time out of my workdays. Beginning today, I’ll be on vacation until Jan. 2. When I return, I’ll see how far I and the many HBO bloggers and commenters can take my evolving blog. During 2007, I plan to use the blog for online interviews with local politicians and other community movers and shakers – and make it a source for breaking news.

I also plan to keep having fun. Daily, Huckleberries Online stages a cutline contest for zany photos from the Associated Press. The blog provides a roundup of the region’s top news and commentary. It provides a discussion forum for local politics and controversial stories. It also has links to dozens of North Idaho and regional blogs that provide the best local online commentary that can be found in the Northwest. You’re welcome to join us when I return as Huckleberries Online embarks on its third year.