One Million Reads on Bleacher Report: A Writer's Dream Realized

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.) When I started placing articles on Bleacher Report, it was simply to see if anyone would read them.

I can remember actually being excited that 100 people would read my articles.

Since then, Bleacher Report and their wonderful staff got me placed in different publications and websites. Soon, it was not uncommon for me to Google one of my headlines and see it appear on 24 other sites around the 'net.

Stephen Charleston, an old buddy of mine who does research, says Bleacher Report may just represent less than 10 percent of my total "hits." Since he's the Internet guru, I'll take his word for it—especially because it sounds so good.

It did get me noticed and got my paid gigs, press credentials, and much more.

Touchdown Alabama Magazine and the staff there gave me a chance to write for a weekly magazine (during football season), and the contacts I made through them led me to many other paid gigs.

I have literally gone from a board poster to a professional writer. My work is appearing in magazines and books. I am requested for radio shows both local and syndicated; I get other requests for speaking engagements as well.

I was able to cover my team, the University of Alabama, from the press box, and I got to ask Nick Saban questions after each game, as well as interview players and really get to know them.

It was certainly the right season for all these things to come together.

I have made some friends on Bleacher Report who inspired me, who pushed me to become better, and some who I've yet to meet in person that I consider dear friends.

To each of you who read this and have yet to write an article, have yet to encourage another writer by posting some positive comments to them, or have yet to be and become fans of other Bleacher Report members, I urge you to jump in.

To all of you who have: Thank you.

You have helped me realize a goal, to become a professional writer and earn credentials. With today breaking the one-million mark, I just wanted to take the time to say thanks to each and every one of you, and to urge you to get busy and start writing.