The World Chess Championship match between Topalov and Kramnik will take place in just a few short days. I will be posting my analysis and opinion on each game right here. Please feel free to share or post them for others to enjoy.
I receive email from fans all over the world. Some just want to say hello and some have questions. Here are some of the questions:
– Why do I have this and other blogs?
I think I answered this question before but I will repeat it again. There are a number of reasons:
1. Because I want to share my chess enthusiasm with everyone. I have been in chess for around 33 years and this sport has given me so much. It is time for me to give back to my sport. I wish other all World Champions would do the same. Some do and some unfortunately do not.
2. This blog serves as my voice with the chess fans and enthusiasts. There are not enough World Champions interact with the chess fans.
3. Chess promotion. There are many people who do good things for chess by organizing wonderful events and activities. I want to help them get the words out for everyone’s benefits.
– Why don’t I have ad banners on my blogs?
I choose not to have ad banners is because I do not want this to be a commercial venture. My blogs are for the chess fans. They are not meant to be for commercial reason and I will try to keep things that way.
– How much time do I spend daily on my blogs?
It depends. Anywhere from 1-2 hours daily and sometimes even more. I usually update my blog between 5-6 times daily (and more if needed) and I try to bring out the chess news as soon as I have them. I do not discuss chess gossips and dirt. Mig has a blog for that. I also do not discuss chess politics unless there are issues that directly affect chess players such as the recent USCF election disaster.
– How do I choose what topic to blog?
Well, I blog what I find interesting. It would be mostly chess news, instructions, advices, tips and announcements. However, I will also blog about world news, science, sports, etc. There is no reason for chess players to be narrowed minded. I like to widen my horizon as they say 🙂
– How many people are involved with my blogs?
Two. My best friend is responsible for many of the pictures and he also helps me by gathering chess news worldwide and across this country. My job is to go through all the news and information that are sent to me as well as scanning Google and Yahoo chess news plus about half a dozen chess websites for interesting stuff. I also scan through chess games and do analysis. Then I blog what I find most interesting. It would also make my job a lot easier when I receive news and pictures from the fans. Now you know 🙂 I should also say that I have people like Mike Magnan, Justin Jenkins and my sister Sophia allowing me to use their beautiful artworks.
I am very happy to see so much enthusiasm and support for my blogs. As long as I have your support, I will continue to work hard to bring you the best stuff every day! Thanks 🙂
Susan,
I just love your artwork here on the blog. artwork really contributes so much to making it interesting.
I am very glad that you have these talented artists. and I want to say thank you to each of them. and let them know we all appreciate their artwork.
Susan, I want you to know that the work you do and accessibility are very welcome to those of us professionals in other fields who have an interest in chess. I have been helped by the advice you’ve given others on improving their games as I’m sure countless others have. I just wish I had more time … I’m sure a common complaint. One thing I believe would promote chess is to set up within the state organizations a City Championship or possibly County Championship so a Title could be given to the best players in those areas (residents only). Even within the University and Community College areas (I’m in a college town and sometimes still teach) we could have recognized champions. We all know that people like a title by their name… And High Schools should all have a team and team captain, right?
Best Regards, OldProf
Please keep on blogging. it is very interesting and current. The pictures and artwork are great too!
Susan, if there is one thing I notice in Chess and not present in any other sport, it is how modest the superstars are and how accessible they are.
GM Ftacnik was visiting us recently and I was surprised at how modest and how simple he was for all the talent he has.
I observe the same in Chess Servers as well. I can talk to Gata Kamsky and he talks back. No other sport has stars that are accessible and modest as chess. And you are an example. In that, through your blog, you teach us all a very valuable lesson in modesty and accessibility..!!
Thanks, Susan!
Your efforts are very much appreciated!
Thank you Susan for your entertaining, informative, and educational blog. It’s a daily stop for me. I particularly appreciate your open forum threads. Very few celebrity GMs would take the time that you do for chess fans. Thanks again.