Well, I'm really not (thank the lord, I don't know how I'd live with my hacktastic self). But I will play the role of Daily Kos ombudsman today.
DaveV this morning mentioned that the front page needs a slight makeover, in the sense that we should be putting more text below the fold.
Skimming over my posts, sadly, my friends, I admit I have a previously undiagnosed case of joe bidenitis. Sure, sure, I can blame my long-windedness on the whole "lawyer" thing. But me and editing are about to become the bestest of friends as I focus on shortening my posts for maximum impact (not too much! Just a smidgen! I'll only cut out TWO words. Ok. Maybe five....Five is as high as I'll go. Maybe 10. Don't worry, I'm still Greek and therefore have an innate tendency to talk nonstop). Most importantly, I won't bury the lead. As for length, it's Markos's policy not to use the "extended entry" feature frequently. His policy is based on the fact he knows this site better than anyone else, including its usage statistics. But I think I've taken that policy to the extreme and as a result, have cost the FP to stylistically lose some focus. I apologize. (Yo! Ben! See? That's how you admit to a mistake.) From now on, anything I write above 650 words or so (?) gets tossed below the fold. I'll strive to put the lead right in the beginning. In the title! Links and blurbs for the masses! And if you elect me, I pledge to....er...um...sorry. Ahem, back to business.
As midterms approach, it will be critical to keep this site functioning at full-speed, and we want to know how to maximize the impact of this site. In that spirit, please use this diary to address any concerns/comments you have about the front page. This isn't just about post length. That debate is being analyzed to death in DaveV's diary. Some other possible areas of discussion:
- Do you need more open threads? Do you like the linky threads?
- Do you want more action items on the front page? In what form? Talking points and contact info for Congress? Contribute/volunteer links? Petitions?
- What do you think of the pace of posting on the FP? Too fast? Too slow?
- Are there any particular issues you want to see covered more on the FP? The standard rule is if you want it covered, write a diary yourself. But I'd love to hear your suggestions on topics you'd like covered in more depth out in front. I'll be focusing on the Democratic agenda in the next few weeks, just to preempt those who will say we need more coverage of that ;)
- Any suggestions for a FP series? Highlighting Rubber-Stamp Republicans? Profiles in Cowardice? Today's Republican Rip-Off? Any ideas?
- Would anyone be open to a bullet-point post on Mondays detailing the week's upcoming committee meetings/important votes/etc.? Pointless? Good idea?
The strength of this community is it's ability to come together and come up with some amazing and effective ideas. The floor is yours, Kossacks. In the words of the most popular front page poster, Mr. Open Thread, "get it off your chest."
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