It's really easy. Even a monkey can do it.But is it for you? A brief rundown of the basic requirements will tell you.
1. A deep and abiding love of the Seattle Seahawks. I know what you're thinking -- "DUH! You mean I have to actually care about the team I'm writing about?"
In short, YES. For a couple of reasons, this is by far the most important aspect of becoming a 12 Seahawks Street Contributor.
This blog's primary role is not to provide breaking news (although it can), or to provide statistical or historical analysis (although it can), but to be a place where a free exchange of opinions and points of view can be expressed, coupled with either the loser's lament or the winner's joy. There is no better person to do that than you, the person who cares so much to follow the team closely over a long period of time. You have automatic credibility and connection with the reader, because you know what you're talking about, and you care about the outcome.
The local fish wrap doesn't have that. They're supposed to be unbiased, unfeeling "journalists". Big-time sports blogs don't have it either, they cover a multitude of teams and sports, with the hopes that the widest scope will give them the most sensational stories, at the sacrifice of intimate knowledge and loyalty to your team. But here, It's all about the Seahawks, from the fan's point of view.
Which is why we call it 12 Seahawks Street. It's an address. This is our place.
2. You've got to give a reasonably good effort. Not everyone here is a gifted writer, although we have some damn good ones. But remember: Spirit prevails over substance. A fire and brimstone rant is twice as entertaining as an expert analysis. A two-sentence dagger can kill just as readily as a thousand-word flamethrower.
So in your writing, it's good enough to just give it your best shot. We all have typos, we all err in punctuation, but we try to keep them to a minimum. After all, we are representing the 12th man, and you'd be surprised who reads these things. Some of us have been noticed, and are now writing about the Seahawks professionally for multi-billion dollar companies. Really.
3. Have fun. Without it, this is pointless. If you end up spending too much time here, take a break for a while. We'll miss you, but you'll be back. Sometimes the last thing we want to do it come here after a disappointing loss. Sometimes it's the best thing for us.
Either way, make it a point to enjoy yourself. If you do, others will enjoy you.
Are you still interested? Drop me an email.
-Bloof (a.k.a. Bluefoot)
Bloofinator@gmail.com
