QnA with Mike of Down the Byline

As you've seen, Mike over at Down the Byline has been recognized by The Pitch as the Best Sports Blog in Kansas City. We've always known he was the best, but it's nice to see someone else taking note as well. Hillcrest Road was able to get this exclusive interview with Mike about the past, present and future of Down the Byline and Wizards soccer. Enjoy!

Why did you originally start Down the Byline?
Originally I'd started the blog as something fun to do to write about the Wizards. I'd post a couple times a month and just state my feelings on what had happened. It wasn't anywhere close to as in depth as the site is now.

What were your objectives back then?
Back then it was really just something to do in my free time, I didn't expect it to be read by that many people.

How have your goals and objectives changed since then?
Since then my goals and objectives have changed greatly. I feel like my blog has become a bit of a catch-all location for different types of information about the Wizards. It's almost like I feel I have an obligation to get information to fans, as there aren't many places that will get that same information to people. I want to give Wizards fans a place to find everything from the latest on the stadium situation, to obscure stats on former Wizards and such.

What kind of feedback have you received from other fans about the site?
I get all kinds of feedback on the blog. I have people that thank me for bringing things to their attention or for getting a link to a story that they find interesting. I also have people tell me that my opinions are messed up and they don't agree with the way that I see things done.

What other soccer bloggers do you read frequently and/or aspire to equal?
The blogs I read the most are usually Soccer by Ives, Soccer Insider, 3rd Degree and Hillcrest Road. I don't know if I really aspire to equal either Ives or Steven Goff and their writing, because it's what they do for a living, and while it'd be cool to reach their level, realistically I don't think I can. I'd love to aspire to reach the level of 3rd Degree, though. The information and insight that Buzz provides on that site is amazing and something that would be hard for anyone to duplicate.

What did this award from The Pitch mean to you?
It meant more to me than I thought it would. It's one thing to be recognized by friends and people you know that are Wizards fans or are soccer fans in general, but to have a publication that isn't devoted to the sport recognize the work that you're doing is a great thing. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

Are you going to let it go to your head? Will you slip up and let Hillcrest Road win the award next year? ;)
I've let it go to my head, but not in the way you might think. It's raised my own expectations for the blog. I feel like in addition to what I'm currently doing, I need to see what else I can do to add to the content to make sure that the blog lives up to it's title as the "Best Sports Blog". I certainly won't be slipping up to allow you guys to just waltz in and win the award next year. :)

What is your favorite thing about being a Wizards fan?
My favorite thing is actually having the Wizards in KC. I lived through the "for sale" years and worried about losing the team. So having committed local owners willing to work to make soccer work in KC is my favorite thing. With all the expansion talk in MLS lately and knowing that there are only a limited number of spaces in the league, having a team already and being able to go to games every week or so is the big thing.

Where do you see this organization in 5 years? In 10 years?
In 5 years I see the organization strong, one of the envies of the league, with ownership that understands and caters to the hardcore supporters, in a SSS hosting MLS Cup and World Cup Qualifiers. In 10 years I see the organization continuing to grow, developing the youth system into more of a European style, having teams all the way down (hey my son will need a team to play on), and of course more trophies in the trophy case.