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June 29, 2007
Another Blogger Becomes International Sensation!
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| I was interviewed yesterday by Jon Weinbach of the Wall
Street Journal for an article in their Weekend Journal. Weinbach was writing
about parks and how they are being designed by public forums. He wanted
to clarify that the disc golf issue in Chico is contentious because of
contrasting desires by two user groups. Personally I think it's a contrast between a user group and a "do not use"er group. He also asked if it was correct to describe it as "conservationists vs. frisbee golfers", to which I said "no, it would be correct to describe it as preservationists vs. conservationists, with most disc golfers supporting conservation". I also let him know that the city was close to spending $500,000 on the park Master Management Plan without making any park improvements. To which he said "oh your kidding?". I'm not. Weinbach's overall response was along the lines of "I really find all of this interesting, but I just need clarification for a single line in my story". Unfortunately, due to the evils of capitalism I can't view the article online to find out if my comments were included. I would have to pay for an online subscription. That would eat into my Slurpy Fund, and a man without a Slurpy is hardly a man at all. On a more positive note, because of Anthony Watts' new found celebrity I'm expecting the WSJ Weekend Journal report to cause me to be swept up in a flurry of international press coverage. I foresee hard hitting coverage like that by CNN's Nancy Grace , perhaps a spread in Mother Jones , or maybe the pinnacle of international news, a live interview with Action News 24 star reporter Nicole Shanafelt. Who'd have thought that Norcal blogging was the ticket to the big time. I promise to remember all of my readers (3) when I'm looking down on you from the heights of the international blogosphere. It's funny, you all look like ants from up here. |
Posted by Lon at June 29, 2007 07:37 AM
Comments
Congratulations on your WSJ interview Lon, you've certainly earned it. You have worked tirelessly on this issue for years.
And I'd also like to offer my kudos on your had work (actual physical hard work, not just blogging) on the Nico project.
Our community is better in many ways thanks to your involvement.
I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that read "Disc Golf changed my life" and I realized how true that is for many, including yourself.
Blog on, brother!
Posted by: Anthony Watts at June 29, 2007 09:41 AM
Thanks Anthony,
I'm one of a large number of people that contributed to making the Nico Project happen. The catalyst for the project is not something that can be undone or compensated for, but creating this gift to the community has provided a positive outlet for a lot of communal grief.
I really have no idea if I was quoted in the WSJ article, or even if it was published today. I just thought it would be funny to compare my conversation with that reporter to the ever-widening reports on your efforts.
Disc golf did change my life. Mostly in the fact that I now pay close attention to local government. I hope this blog helps others to do the same.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at June 29, 2007 09:53 AM
From the article, here's the portion that mentions Chico:
"...But in most cases, the arguments revolve around one issue: the purpose of a park. In Chico, Calif., work on the city's new master plan for Bidwell Park has been hamstrung by a fight between preservationists and disc golfers who have been using a remote part of the park to play the Frisbee-inspired sport. Environmental advocates say the golfers are damaging trees and compacting the soil. At a meeting earlier this month, two golfers said their course should not be treated any differently than bike or hiking trails..."
Posted by: Mark Sorensen at June 29, 2007 01:54 PM
You complete me!
Posted by: Jason Bougie at June 29, 2007 02:06 PM
Mark,
Thanks for posting the article text as well as a link to it. I owe you a Slurpy!
Lon
Posted by: Lon at June 30, 2007 08:39 AM
Jason,
You had me at hello.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at June 30, 2007 08:41 AM