We have some good suggestions here. At some point we just need to wade in. Waiting on the word, sir!

I think you have a lot of good suggestions to work with here already. I like Jason's idea about particular people focusing on a section/theme of the blog. That would serve to improve content and to allow them to be the editors of that area as well. Of course, I would not want to see them "limited" to that area—people should feel free to post in another area if they so desire.

And I agree that big names are not the key. If there is good content for men that they can use in their lives to become better Catholic Dads, they will come and read. I also think the idea of having original content—i.e., not cross-posted on our blogs—on CD is an important part of the equation. If the purpose is to drive traffic here, then we should work on that. Making it the only place to get certain content is an easy way to bring the readers to the site.

Finally, one thing I do like about F&FL is the different themed days they have. I know that my wife makes sure to check what is being written on particular days and not so much on other days. That allows people to use the site as is best for them and to get the content they want or need. Perhaps in dividing up our writing assignments, we could designate days for topics (and we could still have overarching themes for each week/liturgical season/etc.).

And I'll throw my hat in as a regular writer as well—after the Bar exam at the end of the month. Starting in August, I'd have more time. Let me know if you want me to participate.

Also, if we had other contributors who wanted to add something or write on that theme, that would be a great way to fill the gap.

If we had a few writers that wrote regularly (4-8) and people were expecting a weekly post or two from them, it would bring in traffic. Also, since many of us have blogs we could TEASE our posts here on our own blog, and agree that we wont cross-post our entire CDO article on our blog. We could do what Natl Catholic REGISTER does, and print a teaser paragraph that links them here.

As far as max flow issues, I figure we can worry about that when we get it – it hasn't happened so far. If we could get regular authors to publish 4 or 5 articles combined per week, and then fill in additional open submission (we would space to not be more than one or two, and perhaps change to format of the site to highlight the featured articles), then I think we are golden. If we suffer from too much success, then we can deal with that happy problem then.

I like the themes too. I think regular contributors would enhance our ability to do that.

I'm here and I've been just sort of monitoring the discussion, to see where it would go.

1. I'm on the current CDO Board; I wouldn't mind volunteering to be a regular writer.

2. A little more editorial oversight is a good idea and will improve the overall quality of the posts.

3. I haven't seen a consensus on how to throttle the rate of submission, unless it's Rob's suggestion of adding regular writers "to that the open submission policy". That ensures a minimum flow, but not a maximum. Of course if Rob and Jason are the editors, then I guess that's the gateway control.

4. I still like the idea of periodic themes for the writing or "highlighting" of the season or event, although we've had mixed success so far (perhaps due to low submissions).

The idea of regular authors is excellent. If we had 3 to 5 people contributing once a week, we would be doing well. We would add to that the open submission policy, and we have sufficient content for the site to take off again. What we need is a few dedicated people to commit to posting once a week. Are you gentlemen willing (Joe, Jason, Tim – any others reading)? We don't need a big name – consistent content will drive interest (and make the big name).

As far as multiple editors, I am open, but not don't see an urgent need. Right now all that is needed is a second pair of eyes to make sure it is consistent with the CD mission. Right now there are two of us with approval authority (Jason Ward). I have no problems adding others as needed.

1. A "board" of CDO Editors. A group to make some of the day to day "Decisions" of what goes on around here.

2. Pick some regular writers. #1 could help in this… or we could just take some volunteers/vote etc..

3. Have some game-plan of model to follow. Whether we follow another sites model or create our own, this will help #1 & 2.

4. Rob… this is your baby… you need to be willing to make the "hard" decisions early… I think getting some more creative bloggers on board, and a bigger name or two would help.

5. A "re-launch" would help. maybe a little site "re-design" and start teasing the "re-launch" then make the changes on that day…. get a little excitement back in CDO

Also, I would be willing to write… or do whatever. I think it would be nice to have a second place to write some more "dad" based posts. I think some decisions need to be made before we decided what and who we need.

I fancy Joe's idea of site sections (Fatherhood, Politics, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Culture Wars, etc… – as mentioned) and would combine it with his idea of regular bloggers.

In this set-up, one or two bloggers would be responsible for a section. They would write the majority of that section's articles (on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule) AND they would edit posts related to the section. That way, the regular bloggers would build up the section as they gain/share knowledge related to their subject. By editing for their section, they would relieve some of the burden of reviewing posts.

As someone who occasionally posts here, I would welcome the chance to become a regular blogger for a specific section.