Burst Blog

We spoke to blogger and BlogBurst network member Peter Bean about his blog Burnt Orange Nation, his love of the University of Texas Longhorns and his thoughts on BlogBurst. We hold a virtual index finger, pinky and thumb in the air (Longhorn symbol) to Peter and his blog. Here’s what he has to say:

Q: What urged you to start Burnt Orange Nation, the sports blog on the University of Texas Longhorns football team?

A: Andrew Wiggins and I have long loved two things more than anything else - sports and writing. We were both born and raised in Austin, so we grew up huge Longhorn fans. As happens in life, we eventually wound up in different cities, and missed our long sessions talking about the University of Texas athletics. The solution was obvious: start a blog. That was almost two years ago; we haven’t looked back since.

Q: When and how did Burnt Orange Nation become a part of the SBNation (Sports Blogs Nation) network of blogs?

A: After our first year over on Google’s Blogger, we’d built a steady and increasingly growing readership. We wanted to do something more with the site to take it up another level. I knew from reading Athletics Nation and McCovey Chronicles every day that SBNation was a perfect fit for us. They welcomed us with open arms and it’s been a terrific partnership. They provide tremendous support, and my colleagues are among the best in the blogosphere. SBNation is terrific about only signing up the best writers out there; we’re honored to be working alongside them.

Q: Why did you join BlogBurst?

A: SBNation’s founders proposed the idea of joining BlogBurst to the group, but allowed each blog the autonomy to decide whether they wanted to join. After researching Pluck and BlogBurst, I knew immediately that Burnt Orange Nation would benefit tremendously from a partnership. Not only is it based out of Austin, to which we’re eternally biased, but they have a great working relationship with several Central Texas newspapers. It was a no-brainer.

Q: How has your traffic been since joining the BlogBurst network? Have you seen pick-up?

A: At first, there were a few sporadic hits trickling in, and I wondered whether we’d see much of a bump in traffic. But since the Austin American Statesman picked up our stories, we’re seeing more and more traffic every day coming directly through BlogBurst. The bump in traffic is noticeable, significant and absolutely welcomed! There’s no doubt that this has been a boost for us, and we think this is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

Q: Are you a fan of other sports teams?

A: NFL - Steelers; MLB - Giants; NBA - Pacers. Good luck finding the pattern in there.

Q: What are your predictions for the Longhorns this year?

A: Well, we’re in the midst of a 20 game winning streak, so it’s tough to predict any losses these days. I’ll say this: if we handle Ohio State in Austin on September 9th, look out. We very well might run the table. This is a deep, talented and experienced team. And we’re the defending champs. I couldn’t be more excited.

Q: What other benefits have you seen from starting this blog?

A: Along with the tremendous enjoyment I get out of writing and talking sports with my friends all over the country, the biggest benefit has been the many talented and delightful people I’ve gotten to know through the blog. On Burnt Orange Nation itself, I’ve made dozens of new friends that read and contribute regularly, which is what makes our blog so great. Without the readers, and their terrific commentary, we would never be where we are today. And outside of our blog, I’ve gotten to know so man talented and interesting writers across the country that are doing the same thing that we are. Iv’e made friends in Georgia, California, Florida and New York, just to name a few. Starting the blog and working hard to develop it has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. And we’ve only just begun…

(cue Karen Carpenter - ed. note)