Top legal blog holds a contest to find next star blogger...
Above the Law (a funny, informative and very widely read blog about legal gossip) announced it was looking for a new blogger, found six finalists, and then pitted the finalists in a competition called ATL Idol. Three top legal bloggers agreed to act as judges. Just one problem. After several posts, it's become crystal clear that all of the finalists are terrible. (Actually, it was clear to me after their first posts.)
Judge Tom Goldstein sums it up:
Here's my sense in the end. The competitors have a long way to go before they meet the high standards set by David, who's both a natural and works very hard at the blog. I can't tell if the skill set just isn't there, or it's a question of developing experience. To me, the first season of West Wing stunk, but it eventually hit its stride and became great. The same could happen here, but unfortunately an advertising-supported blog doesn't have a year to find its voice. It risks losing a generation of readership in the blink of an eye.
He's being charitable - - the finalists are horrendous bloggers. Should be interesting to see if ATL gives up and sends all the contestants away with nice parting gifts.
That would be the second time in three months I've seen a blog host a contest with a fairly significant prize only to decide none of the entries deserved to win
