Chris Ballard is a Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated, covering the NBA and writing features. He has written for the New York Times Magazine and is the author of Hoops Nation, which was named one of Booklist’s Top Ten Sports Books of 1998. Ballard’s 2006 SI article, "Writing Up a Storm”, drew widespread attention as he provided a candid glimpse of how the Internet is changing sports journalism. Come hear what he has to say nearly two years later, as sports blogging has gained momentum, size and credibility.

Tyler Bleszinski runs the most heavily-trafficked team specific blog on the Internet. He's been writing the blog, Athletics Nation about the Oakland Athletics, since November 2003 and has interviewed A's General Manager Billy Beane, A's owner Lewis Wolff and A's manager Bob Geren as well as many players. Bleszinski, known as Blez on AN, has also written columns for the Oakland Tribune and regularly provides a column for FSNBayArea.com. He was also featured in Sports Illustrated and the New York Times and was named as one of the top two most influential people in sports blogging.

Will Leitch is the editor of Deadspin.com, a contributor to The New York Times and and Slate Magazine. He has published two books, "Catch", a novel, and "Life as a Loser", a memoir. His third book, "God Save The Fan", will be published by HarperCollins in spring 2008, and his fourth book, "Come As You Are" will be published by Penguin Group in fall 2008.