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 When Legends first approached Rod McCullom, about being the subject of an interview he joked with a friend that someone was interested in him because until that point it seemed that everyone wanted to be interviewed on his blog, Rod 2.0: beta, but no one ever asked him for an interview. Rod 2.0 covers the full spectrum of issues, many of which are ripped from the headlines. With over 1.3 million visitors to date Rod 2.0 has enjoyed tremendous success, a commendable feat considering the fact that it launched in May 2005. Mr. McCullom, 34, attributes the success of his online journal to many things including his dedication, follow-thru skills and other factors.
LEGENDS: How would you describe your blog's target audience?
ROD: The target audience is sophisticated, well-read, and intelligent. More likely than not it's a black gay man or those who are interested in black gay men. The age is skewed mid to late 20s, 30s, and 40s. There's not substantial content directed toward the 18-24 demos, although many readers are younger. There are many women, unfortunately, I cannot give you percentages, but we are very supportive and friendly toward women, gay or straight.
LEGENDS: What is the number of visitors per month?
ROD: The weekly traffic varies between 60,000 and 70,000. In an average month, eh, let's say there are approx 250,000 visits. Rod 2.0 is updated throughout the day--assuming there is time--so many people "return" later that day. In an average week, about one-third of the visitors return within a 24 hour period. That means that people are looking for additional content have become accustomed to updates.
LEGENDS: Do have any influences/mentors?
ROD: Sure, many. First and foremost my mother, who did her best to raise About Rod | Name: Rod McCullom Blog: http://rodonline.typepad.com Zodiac: Cancer Age: 34 Residence: New York Marital Status: Single Food: Lasagna Color: Red In My CD Player: Dream Girls original Broadway cast recording;Nuyorican Soul, the Brand New Heavies, and some Ibiza chill-out music. I don't listen to the radio much, lol Comic book character: Batman (but I don't read comics) If I could travel back in time I'd love to meet: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boxers or briefs: Boxer briefs, especially the 2xist or D&G. Love them! In my spare time I like to: Read |
me as a single parent with little money. She is wonderful. There are many creative types that I admire - ESSAYISTS SUCH AS; Susan Sontag, Joan Didion, Pauline Kael, Scott Poulson-Bryant or Danyel Smith. NOVELIST SUCH AS: Benilde Little, Colin Channer, Yolanda Joe. GAY NOVELIST SUCH AS: Robert Rodi, Jon Jeffrey, and James Earl Hardy. AUTHORS SUCH AS: Keith Boykin, John Ridley, E. Lynn Harris and Bob Woodward. ON SCREEN: I'm a huge admirer of David Mamet's sparse dialogue, and shows like the Law & Order franchise. Also, Paris Barclay, the black gay television director from NYPD Blue and Law & Order is quite fabulous. I'd love to do something similar. LEGENDS: Name some of your favorite websites or blogs.
ROD: There are so many. On the black LGBT side there is WEBSITES SUCH AS;keithboykin.com; bejata.com; jasmynecannick.com; mandrakesociety.com; BLOGS SUCH AS; simplyfredsmith.blogspot.com; Jstheatre.blogspot.com, written by a brilliant Northwestern professor; professorkims.blogspot.com, written by the fabulous Kim Pearson; let’s not forget clubsrimhot.com On the general cultural/industry side, there are the usual suspects: gawker.com and its sister site defamer.com, which I have freelanced for; mediabistro.com, and many of the larger gay white blogs are very supportive of my site so I return the love to: oh la la paris – steph & alek (http://paris.typepad.com), towleroad.typepad.com, and perezhilton.typepad.com.
LEGENDS: I've noticed that your blog includes items ripped from the current event headlines; does your background include any journalist or communications experience? If so where did you receive your formal training?
ROD: Yes, the goal of Rod 2.0 is to be fresh, current and newsy. I like to have things first or a completely different take. I look for stories and investigate. I don't write or report what everyone does. If you look at the About Page at Rod 2.0, it outlines my background. For the past 12 or so years, I've worked professionally in television as a writer, producer, segment producer and field producer. Most recently, I was at ABC News for about 3 or 4 years, working at several shows. I've also worked at NBC, Fox, talk shows, as well as entertainment shows like Extra. So you've definitely seen or "heard" my work, you just didn't know that it was me. As far as school is concerned, that was at the University of Chicago where I studied philosophy. I didn't study journalism or media, but gradually segued into the industry.
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