Friday, May 10, 2013

It's Official

This shouldn’t come as any big surprise, since it’s been more than two months since we last posted on this site. (Life happens.) But given that tomorrow is the 7th Anniversary of the launch of the DCBasketCases, perhaps this is a fitting time to make it official: The BCs are now retired from the basketball blogosphere.

It’s been quite a ride! When we published our first post on May 11, 2006, we didn’t really introduce ourselves to our readers because, quite frankly, we weren’t sure we would ever have any. We certainly never anticipated that – in time – the two of us would come to be known collectively as “The BasketCases.” We never expected our blog would be mentioned in the Washington Post or on ESPN.com. And we certainly never anticipated that our blog would allow us to make the acquaintance of so many wonderful people . . . fans, coaches, GMs, journalists, readers near and far, and disembodied heads of former mascots. That was the best part.

The DC BasketCases blog originally grew out of our desire to share our enthusiasm, our humor, some information, as well as, on occasion, some serious opinions about something we both loved, women’s basketball. Before the blog, there were message boards, but not many other options for communicating with those who shared our interest. There was relatively little coverage of women’s basketball in the print or broadcast media, and that hasn't changed.  But in 2006, the social media that we now take for granted mostly didn’t exist. Facebook was literally in its infancy and Twitter was introduced to the cyber-world the same year as the BCs.

Early on in the evolution of our blog, we recognized that many readers were starved for information about their favorite teams. So even in some of our wackier posts, we always strived to pass along accurate reports of games, players, recruiting, human interest stories related to the sport – either things we found written or things that were shared with us by reliable sources – that we then shared with our readers. Now, however (thanks to the advent of social media), teams, coaches and players are able to post information or links about anything that’s happening. Fans no longer need to rely on the Washington Post, or WJLA, or even on the DC BasketCases for news of their teams or favorite players.

In the seven years of our blog’s life, we averaged one new post every other day! That’s a lot of writing, linking, arguing with each other, editing . . . that's a lot of work. Believe it! But sharing our mostly upbeat, usually (but not always) light-hearted take on our two favorite teams with others who cared about them as we did, that was truly enjoyable. And having readers tell us in comments or in person that they liked what we wrote . . . that was always appreciated. We loved that (and will miss it); it never got old.

But, unfortunately, we are getting old. And the cyber-world has changed so much since we launched in 2006 that now, we believe, is a good time to step away from our keyboards. So thank you readers! You’ve made this seven-year-stretch special in a way we never anticipated. And though we won’t be basketball bloggers, we still are, and expect we always will be, women’s basketball fans.

So Thank you, Terps. Thank you, WNBA. Thank you to all the wonderful people (especially our loyal readers) we’ve met along the way. And to quote a famous Looney Tunes character, That’s all Folks.

14 Comments:

At 11:00 PM, Anonymous Mystics Section 125 said...

BC's....THANK YOU for your dedication to building a community around women's basketball and creating the space to make it happen. I've appreciated your humor, analysis, background info, and overall sense of the game. We'll miss you!

 
At 12:28 PM, Blogger ljculler said...

I will miss your posts! Loved your humor and insight into the game. As a alumni terp, I appreciated being kept up on what was happening locally with the team! Thank you and have a blessed future!

 
At 2:44 PM, Blogger fr mike said...

PEACE! THANK YOU DCBC! Your blog will be missed by me and by the many other of your fans. You have done a lot for women's basketball. Now sit back and enjoy the games.

 
At 9:41 PM, Anonymous ichthusian said...

I for one will miss the creative freshness you brought to your reporting of the Terp Women. I'd have attended the game and couldn't wait to get home and see how you'd spin it--and love it.

You were instruments of great joy. Bask in the glow of our appreciation.

 
At 11:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, you will definitely be missed! Among other things you are great writers. I always looked forward to your summary of the Terp games. Hope you still come out to follow the Terp Women!

 
At 1:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for everything. I stumbled upon your blog by accident several years ago, from a link on WaPo, I think. I was so appreciative and struck by the writing of the current post that I went back and read everything from the beginning. I loved that you shared your feelings and insights about the Terps and the WNBA. Hope to see you at some games and have a great life!

 
At 10:09 PM, Anonymous GCM said...

Many thanks, Basketcases, for your enthusiasms, your thoughtfulness and your fairness. We'll miss you. All the best in whatever you do.

 
At 5:35 PM, Blogger vmaione said...

Thank you, Basketcases, for your great writing and insights into the game. I have enjoyed and learned from your posts. You are dedicated and talented! Best of success in the future.

 
At 1:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

DC Basketcases will definitely be missed. I always enjoyed hearing your perspective in various Ladies Basketball issues. You were almost always right. The trip you recently took to the South Pole was probably my favorite article. I've never been to the South Pole but I was there when I read your story about it. Best of luck in the future with whatever you decide to do. Section 110, Row B, Seat 19.

 
At 3:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will truly miss this blog. I hold your opinions in high regard. Hope to see you on Rebkell!

 
At 9:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for your blog---I've really enjoyed it over the years. I came here first before learning of Rebkell. I was so happy when I first stumbled upon your blog as I couldn't find anyone that was talking about women's basketball. This was a great outlet for me to discuss women's basketball with others who enjoy the game--and especially the Terps. Thank you again!

 
At 9:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just checked in and saw your farewell. A million thank yous would not cover all the fun you brought to sometimes sad basketball! (Mostly Mystics of course). Thank you and Petey. Happy travels.
Sandra Robinson

 
At 4:01 PM, Blogger sb32 said...

Always enjoyed your insight and enthusiasm, thanks for the love over the years. Hope to see you at a hoops game again soon!

Byron Kerr

 
At 12:14 PM, Blogger Women's Hoops Blog said...

Fine. Leave me. See if I care! SNIFFFF!

BUT, if you suddenly get inspired, you know who to call to post, 'kay?

Helen, WHB

 

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