Meta: Me, Our Community, and the Job that is Bleacher Nation

This post is pure, unadulterated meta (i.e., it has to do with Bleacher Nation, itself, and has nothing to do with Cubs news, rumors or commentary). You’ve been warned; but if you’re a fan of BN (or want to know who the “Brett” is that’s writing this piece), you’ll probably want to read on.

I’ve always believed – my own anonymous handle, “Ace,” notwithstanding – that you can build real, meaningful and long-lasting relationships in online communities. Usually it’s a shared belief or fandom that brings and keeps you together, but undoubtedly, it helps to share a little of yourself. Your real self.

So, for those who are inclined to know a little bit more about me, read on. For those who aren’t, that’s fine with me. I do hope you’ll continue to read Bleacher Nation, though.

My name is Brett Taylor, and, for the last four years, I was an attorney at a large, corporate law firm.

I was one of those college kids who was adequately-good-at/moderately-interested-in a variety of things, and so, when it came time to graduate, I took the path of least resistance: more school. Law school, to be precise. I enjoyed writing, as well as the construction and meaning of language, so joining a profession whose frequent purpose is to debate the meaning of the word “the” made some sense to me. And, whatever your idealistic notions when entering law school, if you do well enough to join a large law firm at the end of your three years, you do. So I did.

While there were many things I enjoyed about the practice of law, in time I learned it wasn’t for me. The hours were miserable, the stress was constant, and planning for the future was nearly impossible. Worse, I didn’t like the effect it was having on me as a person. I sometimes joked that I was paid to be a professional asshole, and, too often, the joke proved more accurate than I cared to admit.

So, when my family circumstances changed earlier this year (including the addition of the world’s newest and most ardent Cubs fan (she has no choice in the matter)), it was time to move on. It was time to be more present at home – not just in time spent, but in actual, engaged presence. It was time to get my life back in order.

And along with becoming a full-time dad, I decided to give writing a more concerted go. Bleacher Nation has always been a hobby of mine – something I did in my spare time for fun. But now I’d like to make it something more. I’d like to make it a job.

So, this is what I do now. My name is Brett Taylor, and I write about the Chicago Cubs. It’s a dream job if I’ve ever heard of one, and I consider myself very fortunate to have this opportunity. It doesn’t pay much, but I’m hoping that with a rededicated effort, I might be able to squeak out a living. So please don’t crucify me about the ads – I’ve tried to make them as innocuous as possible.

Why the name dropping?

I suppose I just figured that, if I’m going to make this my job, I should be myself. Until today, I wrote from the comfort of an anonymous handle not because I intended to use it as a shield (for which “anonymous” Internet types are too frequently criticized), but instead because I always assumed no one would care who I am. The who doesn’t matter. The writing matters.

But I think I was wrong, at least in part. It’s not that I think I’m so important as to matter, but I do now think that the who affects the writing. It gives it context. Color. Personality. So you may see a little bit more of me in my writing around here (not so much as to be obnoxious), including my real name. And you can still call me Ace if it really bothers you.

Thanks, as always, for reading. I look forward to continuing to bring you the latest Cubs rumors, news and analysis. I also look forward to implementing “community” features that will improve the experience around here. But, please don’t be impatient – I’m going to take my time and make sure I do it right. You’d be surprised at how few good integrated blog/commenting/user profile/message board software packages there are out there.

So, with that all said, I look forward to continuing to build real, meaningful and long-lasting relationships in our corner of the Cublogoverse.

At least until the Cubs finally win it all, and the Earth collapses in on itself like a dying star.