Did you see my AfroSpear colleagues Eddie Griffin and Field Negro interview in Chicago Tribune article on 'Black Bloggers'?
Also, the San Francisco Chronicle wrote article, 'Black Bloggers Fight to Make Voices Heard' that included insights from Gina McCauley and yours truly.
The reality is that the AfroSpear is being tapped more and more by the mainstream media as documented on the AfroSpear in the News blog.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of Black folks in the blogosphere? What say u?
12 comments:
The Afrosphere represents a deep collection of the AA community voice so it is a good sign when the MSM taps member blogs for input. These blogs have a variety of focuses beyond progressive politics, therefore they're more representative of a community than say, MyDD.
As long as we're posting well heeled posts, they'll keep coming.
AgentX - The key to our success is content. As long as we provide excellence and consistency with our content then we will continue to grow. Excellent point...
I agree that as long as we keep honing our writing skills and our ability to be rationally persuasive, the audience and the referalls to what we say will grow.
I know, I have been inspired to be hone my blogging skills by a number of very talented bloggers in the sphere and in the mainstream.
But, I will say, that it would be nice to see more blogs in the Afrosphere that do not focus on politics or celebrity gossip. For example, I started a blog on community development and housing (a field dominated by the majority in communities that largely home to us)and have been hard pressed to find other black bloggers who focus on these kinds of things.
Perhaps I am looking in the wrong places.
This is great and wonderful news! In reading the Trib article, I must admit that I chuckled at JJ's farming and cooking analogy. Seems to me that JJ - like so many of the Old School Civil Rights Leaders - would like to minimize our impact. But the fact that he commented on the AfroSpear proves that he knows differently.
It is clear, that the AfroSpear has an undeniable impact that is shaping a myriad of conversations that are not only being listened to but also being acted upon. Cause when the Chicago Tribune does a piece on you - you know that you are a voice that demands to be heard!
SjP
Nice articles. It's good to see that the diversity of blogger backgrounds is being recognized. I do agree with Jonzee about wanting to see more black bloggers writing about something other than politics or gossip. And, it reminded me that I need to officially join the AfroSpear.
Good to finally see some consistent big time press. Way to go us! Especially those of you hi-lited in particular.
Glad that the voices from both ends - traditional and new media - are commenting on the differences and complimentary characteristics of both approaches to make things happen. Really happy to see the old guard finally catching up on the technical side.
Village, I got a "hit" from China from someone who googled "Afrospear". Interesting that China has so much more internet freedom than I thought.
Jonzee - Did you major in urban development in college? I took some classes and have always been interested in the concept. There is a computer game called,'Civilization' that I used to play often as it gave me chance to create an entire empire from a single hut in the jungle. Great game if you ever have chance to play it. Anyhow, I'll check out your blog shortly...
Sojourner - It should be interesting to see the continued evolution of the AfroSpear as we learn to work together with one another...
LosAngelista - What are other non-politics or non-gossip themes that you would like to see covered by Black bloggers?
Martin - You serve as a role model for me and others with your continued willingness to push the envelope on MartyBlogs! Should be interesting to see where we are 3-months, 6-months and 1-year from now...
Eddie - Brotha, I'm always impressed with bloggers that check their stats to see where their traffic is coming from...
Villager,
Urban studies is so interesting--and it intersects with every issue facing black and brown folks in cities today.
I majored in Metro. Studies in undergrad, was a certified Urban planner--until I let the designation expire, and went on to study urban policy and management in grad school.
Someone told me I was a "wonk" the other day. I guess I am with a need to see the policy to action.
Congrats to you all! You are an asset not just to the African American community but to the Human race as a whole!
"With Great Power There Must Also Come Great Responsibility"!
Blessings!
I am all for it! We have a voice too and we like to be heard! Some of us just like to blog because we want to express ourselves to others, but there are a lot of black bloggers that present very good material for the media and that's what's up!
:::Marcus LANGFORD:::
Jonzee - Are you using your urban planning degree as part of your career? Do you have a chance to use it in your blogging? Anyhow, one of my favorite classes in college was a urban planning class that included an exercise in which we took roles as politicians, utility owners and such ... made decisions for the city ... and saw the consequences when our decisions were put into a computer and result provided to us at the next class.
Regina and Marcus - Asante sana for sharing your village voice on this issue. It should be interesting to see how the role of Black bloggers continues to evolve over the coming weeks and months...
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