Citizen.com

The local mediascape is changing as blogs by “regular people” and mainstream media gain ground.

How many local bloggers really have something interesting to say? You might be surprised. At the very least, start reading these five (as well as our own blogs at SpringfieldGO.com). We chose them because we believe their material is interesting, their writing is good and their information is often useful.

1. RANDY TURNER

Blog name: The Turner Report
Bookmark: rturner229.blogspot.com
What’s his story? Old-school ex-newspaperman morphed into 21st-century citizen journalist and government watchdog, all while teaching communication arts in Joplin public schools. He has a crackerjack ability to sift through public records to expose fetid connections between special-interest money and Missouri politicians. Also skewers the mainstream media.
Updates per day: 2 or more
Blogging since: October 2003
Usefulness factor: Helps you be an informed citizen at the ballot box.
Rating: 4/4

2. DAVID CATANESE

Blog name: KY3 Political Notebook
Bookmark: ky3.blogspot.com
What’s the story? Look here for the insider view on politics; Catanese has few rivals reporting this beat in southwest Missouri. He’s almost the only one writing about Matt Blunt’s possible national political aspirations. Readers can also learn about the 2008 presidential race and the latest doings of local and statewide elected officials. Rumor is, Claire McCaskill reads it every day. KSPR News Director Brad Belote sometimes posts.
Updates per day: 2 or more
Blogging since: May 2006
Usefulness factor: Helps you be an informed, somewhat gossipy voter at the ballot box.
Rating: 3.5/4

3. AMY MCMASTERS

Blog name: The Snarling Marmot
Bookmark: snarlingmarmot.com
What’s the story? Longing for the peace and quiet of the Midwest, thirtysomething Springfield native moves back to hometown from the D.C. ’burbs and chronicles life experiences such as a heartwarming conversation with a 6-year-old during a rough plane ride. Find amusing tales of culture shock as this liberal encounters only-in-the-Ozarks gems such as inflatable lawn-ornament Nativity scenes. Read witty reviews of books and food and even interviews with other local bloggers.
Updates per day: 1 or fewer
Blogging since: 1997
Usefulness factor: Good writing clears the mind and delights the soul.
Rating: 3/4

4. DAN & NICOLE CHILTON

Blog name: Moxie Blog
Bookmark: blog.moxiecinema.com
What’s the story? Learn how these young marrieds own and operate Springfield’s first/only indie cinema. Blog’s a humor-laden, cheeky form of online business promotion. Multimedia such as MoxieTV—the first streaming infomercial to ever make us actually laugh—make this a destination, not a sales pitch. Is blogging the future of business? Perhaps, if you do it this way.
Updates per day: Varies
Blogging since: May 2004
Usefulness factor: An amusing online amen corner for movie buffs.
Rating: 2.5/4

5. DARIN CODON

Blog name: Branson Missouri
Bookmark: bransonmissouri.blogspot.com
What’s the story? A web software developer and Branson resident provides a don’t-miss view of the life of Branson. Why did Gallagher’s shows get cancelled? What’s up with the rift between Branson’s social and economic conservatives? Where can you find pretty photos of Branson New Year’s Eve celebrations? Codon’s not terribly journalistic about it, but he delivers scratchy scoops and calls ’em like he sees ’em.
Updates per day: 1 or fewer
Blogging since: c. 1998
Usefulness factor: Get as close as you can to Branson’s pulse without living there.
Rating: 2/4