Pegasus News content partner interview: Dallas Progress

by Alex Bentley

This week, I'm starting a new column designed to help you, our cherished readers, get to know our multitude of content partners (now at 80 and counting!). We're kicking things off with Michael Davis of Dallas Progress, one of our longest-tenured content partners, his first story being posted way back in December 2006. Davis is not afraid to say what's on his mind, as you can plainly see in his latest piece.

Pegasus News: When did you start Dallas Progress and what were your reasons for starting it?

Davis: I started Dallas Progress in June 2006, although I had been writing for other sites for years before my blog’s start date.

I started Dallas Progress for three reasons:

· The younger African-American voter and voice was ignored in Texas and specifically in Dallas.

· Many publications ignored the stories of citizens who are making a difference. In an effort to stay friends with everyone, they did not do enough to tell the stories that affect Dallas’ minority communities.

· Many neighborhood papers were more focused on social events than things that can be problems and negatively affect our neighborhoods. This is not to attack the papers, but I wanted to provide an information source that is uncensored and gets to the point of the issue.

Pegasus News: What is the main focus of your blog?

Davis: The main focus of Dallas Progress is politics, development, and social issues in Dallas.

Pegasus News: What would you like your readers to get out of your blog?

Davis: In addition to writing about what goes on in southern Dallas, and Dallas in general for that matter, I have been active in addressing the same issues that I write about on my blog.

Pegasus News: What role, if any, do your readers play in how you approach your blog?

Davis: The readers and their experiences helped to shape what I write. Their concerns and the city in which they live remind me why I started Dallas Progress.

Pegasus News: Has writing the blog influenced you to become more involved in politics or has that always been a passion of yours?

Davis: Politics has always been a passion of mine. I have gotten more involved with crime victims since I started Dallas Progress. Some stories touch me profoundly, and if I can get someone help that otherwise would not receive it, it’s a bonus.

Pegasus News: Do you have any favorite posts that you've done? Any posts you wish you wouldn't have done?

Davis: I can’t say that I have a favorite post. I never regretted writing a post, because that’s what I felt at the time.

Pegasus News: Why did you decide to start a content partnership with Pegasus News?

Davis: Mike Orren, Alan Cohen, and others were truly interested in providing an outlet for people of all backgrounds and mindsets with no filters.

Pegasus News: What do you see as the future of your blog?

Davis: I hope to affect people with the posts I write, as I remain inspired by the trials and tribulations of the working-class citizens of Dallas. As Allen Gwinn of Dallas.org has told me on more than one occasion, all blogs have a shelf life. Adam McGill of D magazine also told me a few years back that blogging becomes more difficult the longer you do it. I doubt that I will write forever.