The man behind KC's top blog: Tony's KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Google "Kansas City blogs" and the first to pop up is Tony's KC . If you go to the site and you've never been before, at first glance you might think you’re on the wrong blog – one potentially restricted at most workplaces. You’re not mistaken; those are scantily-clad women you’re seeing. He said he posts pictures of ladies when he sees a slight lull in legitimate posts.

Provocative pictures or not, Tony’s KC has become a must read for thousands in Kansas City.

Tony Botello (pronounced Bo-tay’-oh, just in case you don’t know) has had a handful of days with 100,000 unique visitors.

He started off seven years ago listing links, but that didn’t really draw in the crowds. It was when he started adding his own comments the conversations started.

Botello was born in Kansas City to two news junkies. He remembers following Watergate and big international stories with his parents.

Botello grew up here - never left – and believes his roots are at the heart of the blog.

"I've found that you write best when you write what you know,” said Botello.

Botella has numerous tipsters – people who trust him to keep their identities secret. He said anonymity is a big bonus when it comes to tips.

When asked if he’s considered that someone politically-motivated might feed him false information about a candidate or issue on purpose, he said he has, and that he has people in this city he trusts who vet some of those stories for him.

He also said he doesn’t have to work within the same constraints as the mainstream media. For instance, he can post a retraction if needed. He can post a story as developing, knowing it might change. And his readers get that.

There are no advertisers on Tony’s KC and Botello said that’s by design. He is not hindered or influenced by ad dollars.

He did make money once on something related to the blog. He sold a short story once and made…are you ready for this…$17. In seven years of dedicated blogging, he’s made about enough to buy a pizza.

Botello spends most of his days trolling sites, reading updates, posting - both links and opinions - and rarely thinks twice about being so…direct. When asked if he thinks he’s a bully, he said he tries not to be. But he did not say the same thing about his commenters. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. He flat out, without a moment’s hesitation, said they ARE bullies. Few would argue.

The blog is Botello’s hobby. He does some freelance writing to make ends meet.

Botello has a girlfriend. She’s a former blogger, but since given it up - moved on Facebook, apparently.

Botello’s readers know he claims to live in his mom’s basement. When asked about that, Botello said, and I quote, “I can neither confirm nor deny.”

For what it’s worth, this journalist doesn’t think he lives in anyone’s basement.

Botello said there was a precise moment when his blog turned from a sporadically-read, normal blog, to a bombshell of a KC outlet.

Mark Funkhouser. From the mayoral campaign, to the election, to the many happenings while Funkhouser was in office, Botello’s readership grew drastically - most notably, during Mammygate . A couple of tipsters told Botello the mayor’s wife had called a black city employee mammy. Tony broke the story. And he knew it was huge.

He said that is one of a handful of times when he’s paused – even if briefly – before hitting “publish” on a story he’d written.

Botello is currently fighting a defamation lawsuit from Louie Wright – the former leader of Local 42. The lawsuit stems from Botello’s blog posts during the city’s takeover of the local ambulance story. Forced to ask for financial help to help with legal fees, Botello’s getting it. Not a lot, but enough to keep doing what he’s doing.

“It's enough to make me realize I need to fight to keep doing what I’m doing,” says Botello.

Botello blogs every day. He has no plans to settle down –on the blog or in his personal life. He tells me marriage is NOT in the picture; her choice.

He is one guy with a passion for all things Kansas City…and a computer.