Self Promotion

Michael Rundle, reporter for Metro, one of the city’s free daily newspapers, called me last week to talk subways. Specifically, we chatted about the recent proliferation of blogs talking about the MTA and the city’s subways.

It all started a few months ago with the F Express plan. During the major push for this plan — which is still gaining traction among politicians — Gary led the charge with some help from Kensington (Brooklyn) and The Gowanus Lounge. With a new group dedicted to saving the G train setting up shop online, Rundle and his article affirm what those of us writing have learned: The MTA is listening to the bloggers.

He writes:

The message seems to be getting through. Elliot Sander, executive director of the MTA, recognized that bloggers were calling for refunds after subway flooding during an Aug. 9 press conference. And with the introduction of “Rider Report Cards” on the L and 7 trains and new features on the MTA’s Web site, transit officials are increasingly recognizing the importance of customer opinions.

“Yes [we read them], and yes [they make an impact],” MTA spokesperson Jeremy Soffin said yesterday. “Reading blogs is a good way of keeping in touch with what our customers are thinking. Like anything online, the information varies from extremely well-informed people to those who aren’t well informed. But there certainly are a lot of real experts out there.”

Now, neighborhood blogs aren’t the only ones writing about the subway. Gothamist and City Room both cover the MTA religiously, and Streetsblog keeps its eye on public transportation as well. In another realm, the tireless contributors to the Subchat message board keep tabs on the city’s transit systems as well.

For our part, we bloggers have learned that for us to be heard, we have to stay on top of both the news and the facts. Here’s what yours truly had to say to Rundle: “I’ve been very outspoken at times. But at the same time I have to really be on my toes that I’m getting the story right. We have a lot of responsibility now. Things move slowly [at the MTA] but they are listening.”

As I today celebrate the nine-month anniversary of this blog’s first post, I am on the one hand surprised at the traction I and other subway writers have gotten. The MTA listens to us and uses our words as part of a barometer on customer service. It’s humbling. But at the same time, it’s hardly surprising that subway blogs and transit-oriented posts have gained in popularity. This city, after all, runs on its subways. We’re lost without them. And for that, I’ll keep on blogging.

Pardon me while I use my blog to air my petty grievances. I’ll be back with your regularly scheduled subway posting later today.

Dear Brooklyn Record:

Let’s start out on a good note: I like you! After living in Manhattan for much of my childhood, I’m now living in Brooklyn, and you have given me a good insight into this vibrant borough. You provide me with news about borough politics, tidbits about life in Brooklyn and info about restaurants that I as a foodie really appreciate.

At the end of each day, you post a so-called “Blog Wrap.” And this why we’re in a fight: Despite my best efforts at self-promotion — a must for any new blog still trying to find an audience on the Internets — you refuse to link to Second Ave. Sagas.

Now, I’m no newbie when it comes to blogging. I’ve been blogging on baseball for three years. I know the courtesies of the Internet, and I’ve helped new blogs get traffic. Now, it’s your turn, Brooklyn Record. Three times, I have sent you Brooklyn-related posts including one this week about the Myrtle Ave. station that was a follow-up to one of your posts. (Yeah, right. Like I’m going to link to it today.)

Instead, you continually post Blog Wrap links to Gothamist posts which often don’t relate to Brooklyn; you love Curbed; and you’re not afraid to give your sister site Brownstoner the occasional shout out. But today you crossed the line.

Oh, today, dear Brooklyn Record, as part of your so-called Blog Wrap, you linked to a post in your own forum that contained a one-line sentence about this upcoming weekend’s L train service and a link to last weekend’s MTA weekend service advisory. Not only is it a blog, but you didn’t even supply the person asking the question with the proper information. (Note: By Friday, the information in the link in question will be correct, but only by dint of the day of the week.)

So we’re in a fight, Brooklyn Record. We’re in a fight until I get my link. I will continue to write about Brooklyn subways and continue to send you my links. But share! Share your links. Be good to a fellow New York blogger. What did I ever do to you?

Love,

Second Ave. Sagas

While our e-mails crossed paths and I wasn’t able to be interviewed for this article, Second Ave. Sagas garnered a mention in Annie Karni’s excellent piece in today’s Sun about subway bloggers. Check it out:

Local blogs, such as secondavenuesagas.com, have launched in the past few months to track and comment on the progress of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s large-scale expansion plans, including the Second Avenue subway line and the extension of the no. 7 line.

I would have loved to opine on my love of all things subway and my feelings that subway expansion plans are integral to New York City’s success in coping with population growth and the demands of the 21st Century. But you, my loyal readers, know that already.