Connie Kim- LA KINGS

Hi Jim,
Thank you for including me in this group of bloggers you've chosen to do a piece on. Here are my answers with the exception of #3 since I couldn't think of a real response to give you. No reason to try and make something up.

1) Talk about your blog, how it started, what was your inspiration to blog?
I began blogging in 2007 as a way to voice my thoughts about the Los Angeles Kings. I couldn't just go to a local bar and chat up someone about how the Kings were going to pick in the top five at next year's draft. That doesn't mean anything to non-hockey die-hards. Since there was no one to really converse with verbally, I had to seek out that specific community through the web, which I found was present and thriving for the NHL in general. The Kings had a pretty small web presence so with the help from another blogger, I started my own blog called A Queen Among Kings during the summer before the 2007-08 NHL season. Since my start I have been writing and building my name among the Kings community, and back in December 2009 I was asked to be the Kings blogger for SB Nation. I accepted the offer and moved to join the SB Nation community where I am now operating under the blog name Jewels From The Crown.

2) Talk about the misconceptions people have about blogs/bloggers.
Some misconceptions people have are that bloggers live in a basement and they don't get out into social settings, which is why they try and find those circles online. Another one is that they only spread unsubstantiated rumors. This last one is problematic because bloggers are not sports reporters nor journalists (and they should not claim to be), but some bloggers don't bother to cite sources, which results in shoddy writing among other sticky issues. For the most part, everyone is aware that a blogger is first, and foremost, a fan.




4) What advice would you give to someone starting thier own blog?
Commit to what you write and make sure you're having fun. There are a lot of mean-spirited people out there who use the internet's anonymity capabilities to say the nastiest things without fear of accountability.

5) Why do you blog? Is it therapy? A release?
I blog because I love creating dialogue with people who share the same interest with equal amounts of passion. Trying to explain what a hand pass is is not what I want to be discussing. I want to talk about what this player brings to the team or why that player needs to be moved to a different line. It is more of a release of thoughts with the hope that I will get a real response. Being a part of the community that exists for my interest is a great thing and I enjoy every moment of it.

6) Do you have a day job? What are your hobbies outiside of your blog?
Yes, I have a full time job outside of blogging. Some things I enjoy are being active outdoors, finding great restaurants, and watching/playing hockey.
I hope this helps you along your way. As requested, I've also attached the image that I use on my blog. Please don't hesitate to reach out for anything else.
Thanks,
Connie Kim
Jewels From The Crown - Managing Editor