'Persister': Finding the New Blog Flume Writer

It's the new online reality show where several contestants vie to become the next author of the BLOG FLUME on Theme Park Insider.

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Published: September 20, 2004 at 11:39 AM

Okay, okay, but I couldn't call it "Survivor" without getting a nasty cease-and-desist from CBS.

So we're calling it "Persister" -- the online reality show where several contestants vie to become the next author of the BLOG FLUME on Theme Park Insider. Invitations have been extended, and we're awaiting a few last-minute confirmations before announcing who will be competing on these Web pages for your allegiance and support.

What's the game? Twice each week, you'll see a new Blog Flume appear on ThemeParkInsider.com. Our guest writers will rotate at the helm, penning one Flume article each. Once everyone's had a shot, I'll throw the names in a hat, scramble the order and have each writer write once more. That way, each writer gets two shots to find his/her voice and a second chance should their first article reflect some slooooooow news days. (Hey, it happens.)

Then, it's decision time. Theme Park Insider readers will be welcomed to comment on this thread about the job the various writers are doing. Tell us who's your favorite as the "game" goes on. But do keep it kind and civil. After all, no one here is playing for anything close to a million bucks. And, God willing, none of these contestants will be getting naked for chocolate and peanut butter.

To win, the writer will have to "persist" through this convoluted process, charming and informing Theme Park Insider readers with their wit, knowledge and Yahoo! News searching capabilities along the way.

Ultimately, I'll pick the "winner" and offer them the Blog Flume-endowed Professorship of Snarkiness here at Theme Park Insider. And all the glory and financial compensation (not much) that goes with that honor. But I will rely upon the feedback from Theme Park Insider readers to help me make that choice. After all, I want to tap someone who will make you want to keep coming back to Theme Park Insider to read what he or she has to say. So I'm relying on you -- the reader -- to tell me which writer will do that.

So keep checking back on ThemeParkInsider.com throughout the next few weeks for new Blog Flume columns and writers, then post back here what you think. (You can continue to comment on the individual Flumes about the news stories linked within them.) And unlike on a certain reality show, you can eat all you want, change your clothes daily and even bathe regularly while deciding whom to vote for and vote off here.

Let the audience speak!

Readers' Opinions

From Adrian Walker on September 20, 2004 at 12:09 PM
Thats a great idea! The thing I'am looking for in a writer for this is they have to be comedic.
From David Klawe on September 20, 2004 at 9:44 PM
Good luck to all, one of the things I am looking for is a good balance of comedic wit, and the coverage of the news...

And don't just rely on one news search engine, some stories you can't find in them.

I would have links to the LA Times, Orange County Register and the Orlando Sentinel as part of my arsenal...

From Kevin Baxter on September 21, 2004 at 1:30 AM
They all suck! Don't hire any of them! No one will ever compare to the last guy!

Oh...

From mark walker on September 21, 2004 at 12:18 PM
Robert, why should you pick the winner? Kevin owned the Blog Flume so why can't he pick the winner?
From J. Dana on September 21, 2004 at 3:07 PM
Mark, read Kevin's posting (just before yours) for the answer.
From TH Creative on September 21, 2004 at 5:07 PM
Now will the new writer actually cover theme parks or will he/she turn into a film critic like "the last guy?"
From J. Dana on September 21, 2004 at 6:46 PM
Hopefully, he/she will cover whatever news affects theme parks. For instance, Disney's films and Pixars films are critical to Disney's parks right now. Same with Universal, and to a lesser extent, Paramount on Six Flags. I don't mind some film talk when it comes to theme parks.
From Russell Meyer on September 22, 2004 at 7:25 AM
Watching success or failure of motion pictures is essential...Let's not forget that three of the major theme park chains are owned by movie companies. Movie success mean possible attraction ideas, and failed movies that spawn ride concepts provide for great fodder (Van Helsing).
From Kevin Baxter on September 22, 2004 at 8:41 PM
I totally agree! I lobbied hard to start covering movies from the companies that own theme parks. I practically had to BEG... Okay, I told Robert I wanted to do it and he said fine. Hee.

Anyhow, I see someone couldn't understand my sarcasm up there. Hopefully Robert will place some weight on my opinion - say about 99.999% of the vote - since I did work hard trying to make that damn column readable AND enjoyable.

As for the contestants... Snark, sarcasm, humor is a MUST. But not too much. You turn the thing into a Robin Williams routine and it will turn people off. A little controversy here and there helps too, not that I ever stooped that low...

From Robert Niles on September 22, 2004 at 9:28 PM
Well, I'd say people have to be who they are, first. If you try to write with an attitude you don't naturally have, your writing will seem forced and uncomfortable.

But, that said, I hope writers won't be timid about showing the attitude they *do* have. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

From J. Dana on September 22, 2004 at 11:33 PM
Kevin, if the person you're referring to (above) who didn't get your humor is me, I assure you I did. I always get a kick out of your rants, raves and reviews. You'll be sorely missed in that capacity. And I thought your comment above was great. I was just trying to play on your joke. Nuff said.

Anyways, I can't wait to read tomorrow's Blog Flume....I hear the guy they got is a real lame ass; a total dunderhead....

From Kevin Baxter on September 23, 2004 at 10:51 AM
I got that you were kidding, J. But yours would have come off a little snotty to people who didn't realize it, so I thought I would let people know. But then I realized mine might come off snotty to people who didn't realize I was being funny. Oh, what a tangled web we weave....
From Robert Niles on September 23, 2004 at 1:38 PM
The aforementioned J. Dana publishes his first Blog Flume today, A Bad Day on the Mummy.
From Ben Mills on September 24, 2004 at 1:32 PM
Me! Me! Me!

Oh wait, maybe not.

Seriously tho, someone should encourage Fear to go for this. He'd totally rock the competition.

From Kenny Hitt on September 27, 2004 at 8:19 AM
Yo Robert, think you could publish a draw order so we know who's articles will be published when?

Or at least let me know when my turn comes around?

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