Marshall and the Movies

Today’s edition of “The Origins Project” covers THE man, Dylan Fields of “Blog Cabins.” He runs an incredibly awesome blog of his own, and that alone is something we are all envious of.  Yet on top of that, he runs the Large Association of Movie Blogs (LAMB), keeping us all connected.  So give your thanks to the top dog by giving his answers your time.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

I’m afraid my memory’s not that good – movies have just always been there. I can recall watching Star Wars or Benji or The Black Stallion or The Rats of Nimh many a time as a sick child home from school (or just for fun).

When did you start blogging?

December 2006.

Why did you start blogging?

Mostly, I just wanted a place to keep track of which movies I’d seen theatrically. That, combined with an inkling of a desire to become a certified film critic, were the impetus.

What has kept you going?

An endless quest for fame, fortune and glory. Though hits and comments have had to suffice, along with the pennies that Google AdSense owes me…

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

There have been many. Early on, I gained inspiration from Rob Kroese of Mattress Police and NFL Adam of The Hater Nation (neither of which are movie blogs). They ran sites and had communities that I would have liked to have had.

Since then, my inspiration has come from many – if not all – of the 600+ LAMBs out there. Without them, I don’t know if I’d still be doing this.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

The drugs are really outstanding, and the sex never-ending. No, I’m sure it’s something that’s quite common for those of us doing this: the interaction, the debates, the camaraderie that comes with this territory.

The worst? That it’s never enough. No post good enough, not enough comments, hits, friends, recognition. We are always striving for the next two bits, and to improve ourselves and our writing. And it can have a toll on your personal life if you’re not careful.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Increased, I’m sure, though there are times when I’m writing a review in my head as I’m watching a movie that doing this really bothers me. It’s more fun to just enjoy a movie for what it is and not just see it as x number of words to be written.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Winning the Best Blog award at the LAMMYs one year was pretty sweet, but making the IMDb Hit List was pretty awesome, too.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

First, write god content and do it often, but that should go without saying. Once that’s done, get out there and read and comment and link to not just a ton of sites (though that wouldn’t hurt), but especially on a few sites that you really like that are much bigger than yours. Make friends with “higher-tier” (more accomplished) bloggers and not only hope to get some link love back, but to learn something from them – what’d they do when they were starting out, what widgets work best, etc. There’s a never-ending desert of helpful people and information out there.