WebProNews

BusinessWeek's Stephen Baker is turning to the b'sphere for advice.

He got a contract to write a book unrelated to his blog (congrats!) and has asked for a one-year unpaid leave from BusinessWeek, starting next month. I suggested Steve start a new book blog and also continue lightly on Blogspotting - plan A. No go. Then I offered a plan B where Steve could recruit guest bloggers to join Heather Greeen on Blogspotting. He's doubtful.

Blogspotting has been one of my favorite blogs since it launched a year ago. Part of the reason I like it is that Steve and Heather are so different and the blog really brings out their personalities. (I got to know both of them as last year's BusinessWeek cover story on blogs was being written.) Unfortunately, no matter who joins, the blog's voice is going to change with Steve on leave. Blogspotting will continue to be a force to be reckoned with if they just add another strong co-writer to actively join Heather.

This seems like a terrific opportunity for someone to jump from journalism's "minor leagues" - the b'sphere - to the majors. Steve, I bet there is a really strong writer out there who would die to give up his/her blog for a year to join Blogspotting. In other words, you need your own version of a Kelly Ripa to replace you!

Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.