About Blogs

What's a blog?
Blog, which is short for web log, is a user-generated journal or commentary that's typically updated frequently and intended for general public consumption. This is where you, the user, get the chance to voice your opinion on any and everything sports related. As a blogger, you will get to share your views on all CBSSports.com news stories, features and columns that has the "Blog This" button next to it. Bloggers will also be able to blog threads created by other Community members.

How do I create a blog?
To create a blog, first you must be at either an All-Star or Superstar level. Members at these levels will now be able to see a blog section on their profile and a 'Create a Blog' link. Clicking on this link will take you to the blog creation page where you'll be able to set up your own blog page by going through a few simple steps.

How do I get to be a blogger?
In order to become a blogger, you MUST be an active registered member of the CBSSports.com online Community and reach the level of All-Star (see Community Reputation on how you can get to that level). Only All-Stars and Superstars will be able to blog. However, every member of the CBSSports.com Community will be able to view ALL blogs, rate them and post comments.

How can I find my blog?
You can access your blog page and blog entries from the blogs section of your Community profile page. Your blog page is also accessible from the 'My Blog' link on the navigation bars of the Community home page and on your profile page. From the blogs section located on your profile page, you can view your "Recent Blog Entries", "Post A Blog Entry" or update your blog page by going to "My Blog Settings". The "All Blog Entries" link takes you to your blog home page where you can view all of your entries.

How do I find other users' blogs?
There are a number of ways in which you can access other users' blog page/entries. Use our Blog Search Tool for the newest and easiest way to find a blog. Also, the top blogs of the day will be featured in the "Hottest Blogs" on our Community index page. From this feature, you can view all blog entries by clicking on "All Blog Entries". Note: The "All Blog Entries" link on your profile page will take you to only your blog entries. Also from the profile page, members can access blogs of other users that are on their favorites list. Blogs will also be populated throughout the rest of CBSSports.com, including a prominent spot on CBSSports.com's home page.

Who else is blogging on CBSSports.com?
A select team of CBSSports.com writers and producers, to go along with the All-Star and Superstar members of our CBSSports.com Community -- all of whom are avid sports fans that know their stuff and want everyone else to know about it too.

Why is my URL been selected for me?
Your blog URL is automatically generated and is based on your profile name for easy referencing. For instance, if your profile name is John Doe, then your blog URL will be: http://john-doe.blogs.sportsline.com. Note that a dash (-) will replace any space that is in your profile name. However, if your profile name has special characters in it, then you will be prompted with options that closely match your username to choose from.

Can I change my URL?
No. Once a URL has been generated, it will become a permanent part of your member profile.

Can I change my blog name?
Yes. You can rename your blog by going to "My Blog Settings" and make the change in the "Name Your Blog" field. You can change your blog name as many times as you wish.

Can I create a secondary blog?
No. Each member is allowed only one blog page. However, you can make as many blog entries to this blog page as well as change your blog name as you see fit.

How do I report a blogger?
A "Warn Author" link is located in the right column of the blogger's blog page. A "Warn" link can also be found at the bottom of a member's blog entry for you to warn the user.

What happens if I lose my status and fall below the All-Star level?
All-Star and Superstar members who drop back to the Pro level and lower will lose their blogging privileges. Their blog pages will remain visible to all members. However, they won't be able to post blog entries until they are reinstated back to All-Star status.

How does blogging affect my reputation?
Just like posting on message boards, posting blog entries will have also an impact your reputation in the Community. Every member of the CBSSports.com Community will be able to view your blogs, rate them and post comments, as well as hand out warnings -- all of which can have a negative or positive impact on your reputation.

Will blogs be moderated?
Blogs will be moderated for illegal content and violations only. If you think a blog/blogger is in violation, you will have the ability to 'warn' the particular blog entry and we will investigate and take action as needed.

What are tags?
Tags are labels that owners can use to help them organize their blogs and to find blog entries easily. Clicking on one of these tags will direct you to all your blog entries that are tagged with that specific label.

What are categories?
Categories are labels that owners can use to help them organize their blogs and to find blog entries easily. Categories will also be expanded to include teams and players. Clicking on one of these categories will direct you to all of your blog entries that have that specific label.

What is a permalink?
A permalink, or permanent link, is a URL that points directly to your blog posting in order for other users to gain direct access to or for referencing.