Let’s take a Bougie Timeout for a short OneChele rant, shall we?
In this episode of WBFDD (What Bougie Folks Don’t Do), I’m taking a couple of potshots at the blogosphere. You know what, it’s not even potshots… it’s simple observation and irritation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m immensely honored and flattered to be a finalist for the Black Weblog Awards but it’s never been my desire to be the hottest, most popular blog on the internet streets. It’s just not that crucial. I have a career, blogging isn’t it. So imagine my dismay when some folks (I shan’t name names) got all out of pocket on Twitter wondering why “some blogs” were nominated over others. In fact, it was suggested that I (yes me!) do not write about enough “hot topics” to warrant my little nomination. Other folks decided to declare their alliances to certain blogs (not mine); other folks were just flat out rude. Le Boo, Le Damn and Le Sigh.
People please! Might we be taking it all just a little too seriously? Contrary to how some folks act, this is not high school with paychecks. It’s not like running for Junior Class President and trying to get the jocks and cheerleaders on your side. Unlike High School, we’re supposed to be grown-ups? Immune to peer pressure? You can just do you and keep it pushing?
Most people start a blog because they have something to say. Sometimes just to themselves. People stumble across the blog, agree or disagree, and decide whether or not to visit again. One reader becomes two, two become four and next thing you know; you’ve built your own little community. Right about then a blogger has to figure out what being true to your original intent and that community means.
Most people start a blog because they have something to say. Sometimes just to themselves. People stumble across the blog, agree or disagree, and decide whether or not to visit again. One reader becomes two, two become four and next thing you know; you’ve built your own little community. Right about then a blogger has to figure out what being true to your original intent and that community means.
What some folks will do to make that community into an empire is quite something to see. Let me preface this next statement by saying I’m not throwing shade on any other blogger… ya’ll be all you can be. It’s one thing to blog about “what’s hot in the streetz” if that’s your niche. But I cannot, shall not, and refuse to write about hair, Chris Brown, Tyler Perry, sex acts and Kat Stacks every day of the week just to draw in readers. When you just chase the hot story for no other reason than its hotness? This, my Bougienistas, is called pimpin’ for pageviews and you won’t find it around here. For those not in the know, pageviews are (like they sound) the number of times your blog page is viewed. Those numbers drive blog rankings, advertising opportunities and of course, recognition and awards.
You can make your blog whatever you want, welcome to democracy on the Internet. So why so concerned with what I’m scribbling at midnight? J Peep the banner, it reads “BougieLand: Pop Culture, People, Politics & Personal Stuff... with a bougie twist”. Which basically says I can blog about whatever I so desire on any given day. Like it? There’s a button for that. Don’t like it? There’s a button for that too. I’m newish to the blogosphere, started a little over a year ago but I was unaware that blogging could be a full contact sport. I was under the assumption that there are enough readers (and therefore pageviews) to go around.
Sure I could blog controversy and tomfoolery all day every day but truthfully that’s not my thing. I don’t seek out conflict. And don’t you know that if I blogged about Tyler Perry or Barack Obama everyday there are twenty kinds of folks that would feel the need to drop into BougieLand challenging my blackness/patriotism/intelligence/femininity/whatever? Life is too short to invite drama to my doorstep.
Whew, I feel better now. And now back to our regularly scheduled Bouge… what should I blog about tomorrow? How Twitter tried to kill Bill Cosby and he tweeted a statement saying that he was “rebuttaling” that rumor? Or how Sarah Palin continues to prove her enormous ignorance by going live on TV with “Cliff Notes” written on her hand? Ha! Knowing me, I probably won’t write about either… unless I do.
What say you BougieLand? Shall I build a better blog by bantering about booties and Barack? Should I get into a full-scale Twitter beef with the folks who dared to call me unworthy? You do know those questions are rhetorical? You know how we do, just share your thoughts, comments and insights. The floor is yours…
50 comments:
A 100% heck no! As a part-time blogger I write when my conscience moves me, not when events dictate. If I want to read about the aforementioned topics I will go to one of those ridiculous gossip sites and reduce my IQ by 10-15 points. We need more blogs of substance, and this is one of them.
Chele - you should just stay who you are. I come to this blog specifically for the reasons you stated that make you stand out. The topics du jour on the other blog sites are sometimes vapid, idiotic, and quite frankly, retarded (no offense to the menatlly disabled community). Your topics are relevant, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, but always interesting.
In other words, keep doing what you do. I am on Team Bougie!
You know what i call them. I aint Gonna stop either.
more booties, less yapping! just playing, keep it bouge, keep it you. Who cares what they have to say? I stopped reading all of the blogs that simply were rehashing the.same.tired.topics. You have a refreshing space with wit, keep it up
http://socialitedreams.wordpress.com/
I've tweeted about my annoyance with adsense blogging. What some people won't do for a $10 adsense check. My personal blogging goal is to slowly build a cadre of QUALITY readers and commenters on both Happyaboutthis and MediaStrut. Recently, I took almost 2 weeks off from blogging and reading blogs and tweeting to reflect. I limited my commenting to the Atlantic magazine site where things are civil and the discourse is elevated. Now that I'm back in the swing of things, I am VERY selective about which blogs I read and whose links I click. I know there is a market for ratchetry and rehashing but I'm not interested in it. Part of the problem, too, is sometimes to keep relationships with other bloggers you end up light weight supporting their fuckery. That's a harder dilemma to reconcile for me.
Sensitive e-thugs, they all need hugs.
My mama used to say 'When they hate you, they want to be you' - Keep on Bouging!
Good for you for staying true to you! As a blogger, I struggle with discussing things that I feel will be of interest to other people, because let's face it, we get excited when we see people coming to read what we have to say and putting in their two cents! And as someone who enjoys reading about pop culture but not writing about it, I empathize with you and not writing about the tomfoolery that continues to plague our race and being predictable and only writing about sex. You keep things fresh and make us think, and for that, I applaud you!
LOL - you even rant Bougie. We like our topic choices... please and thank you.
How's New Dude?
*sniggling as I eat my molasses cookie*
*whispers* Name names so BougieNation can start TwitterBeef anyway.
During my second of studying for my art degree, a respected former teacher shared a phrase of advice that has become my life motto ~ "What you think of my art is none of my business." I've since added to that the following ~ "Unsolicited opinions are duly ignored." :-)
Continue writing to your own tune OneChele, that is what makes your blog so unique. :-)
Cue Anthony Hamilton "Ain't nobody worrying..."
Why ARE they worried about what you do? Haters gotta hate,that's their job. Let them do it.
Your job (for the purposes of this blog) is be true to you and keep it coming. I gotta have my mornin' bouge. And I don't care to read about Kat Stacks every morning.
You could mix in a few booty posts if you're so inclined.:-) BWAHAHA!
Chele you know I'm new to your site, but actually I'm new to the whole blogging thing period. I came to your site because of a few postings of your topics on a friend's facebook page. From your site, I have viewed a few others, but this is the one that I come to every morning. Like someone said below, I have to have my morning bouge! PLEASE keep doing what you're doing!!! (And I am loving the book! Will the next one be in hard cover? Just a thought.)
You have me interested in looking into this blogging world, just to air some thoughts. Hmm....
Allow me to be repetitive, as if I only have 3 or 4 good bits of wisdom...
Everything you needed to know about dealing with people, you learned in high school.
It's just that at every stage, people are either trying to re-do high school or re-live it. It's a daggone shame that the blogosphere can't be more supportive, but I've seen the cliques and they're ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
The fact that you're not writing about what's hot, Chele, is one of the many reasons I started coming to this blog and keep coming back. Why do I want to re-read the same story on 50-11 blogs? That's ridiculous -- especially since half of 'em just copy and paste ish and add 5 original words and hit post! No ma'am. There are lots of better things I could waste brain cells on.
I sure do wish it was different, though...
Keep doing what you are doing!!!! I have actually stopped reading all blogs except yours. The fact that you DO NOT blog about Chris Brown, hair, Tyler Perry and the very much over done and depressing topic of why black women cannot find a man, etc all day every day is why I keep coming back and getting my daily bouge!!!! Sane people love your blog!!!!
"Contrary to how some folks act, this is not high school with paychecks." Really? I am an internet OG. At the risk of dating myself, I have been on AOL, BlackPlanet, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and some I probably gladly forgot. From what I have observed in this whole internet playground high school may be giving it too much credit. More like Jr. High. So I am not surprised it rolled over to the awards. SMH
They like say "do you boo".....write about what you want and stay true to yourself....if somebody doesn't like it oh well...
Its funny your blog has become my latest addiction.(sad to say I have even started quoting you to friends) I have been on blogger for a while but never figured out how to search for other blogs to read, i had a few friends who had blogs that i read and my crochet blogs (this is how i stay out of any drama I'm not on twitter either = Drama free life), I got your blog from an essence article and just fell in love, if i wanted gossip and crap i would read the National Enquirer i love this blog and encourage you to keep doing you. Ps i voted for you cause its better to support the good stuff than have people think the crap stuff is whats hot because those are the higher numbers.
I guess I get the side-eye too, because your blog is what's hot in the streets (my street, anyways). The vast majority of your posts get a "Heck yes! I was just thinking about that trifling girl at work/my friends with their crazy man drama/how man-chasing is a no (in my book at least)." I should (and would like to) comment more, but if you don't say it all, your commenters do. :-)
Ignore the haters, Ms. Bouge. You do your thing here on a daily basis. Your posts are witty, informative, funny, and down-right real. Yours in one of only a few blogs that I read on a daily basis. The others are Ta'Neishi Coates of the Atlantic, The Black Snob, and Black Celebrity Kids (because I just adore the cute kiddies).
P.S. I must be really out of the loop, because I don't know who the hell is Kat Shacks?
i cannot believe that there was this type of nonsense going round!!! that's really saddening, how people want to piss on your good fortune. and honestly, do they not realise that the nominations happen coz your readers nominate you???? so regardless of what THEY happen to think, the fact is, you have readers who love your stuff and think you merit an award!!!
ignore them, love - congrats on your nomination, i voted for you coz i think your blog is fabulara!! hope you win!! *blows kisses*
Ok....I just voted for you (and the Black Snob, in a different category). I hope you win.
Frankly, I think, you should have been nominated for a few other categories -- like the "best blog" and the "best written" blog. I know you probably wouldn't want the extra controversey -- but I'm just saying.
Slick segue... :-) He is well, thank you for asking.
Or a foot in the ass, either/or.
I'll start working on a booty-shaking post ;-)
Ooo, TeamBougie! We need membership cards and secret handshakes ;-)
*curtsies*
Did you bring enough for everybody? :-)
Makes me wonder if some people ever get past that high school mentality?
That's high praise! Thank you!
Of the 116 blogs that I subscribe to, there are two blogs that are must reads for me, yours and some other dude who won't get free promo from me today. The rest could sit in my Google reader until hell freezes over and I'd be okay with that. While a lot of those blogs recycle the same topics predictably, you keep it fresh and that's just fine with me.
I'm happy you do you. Save the drama for someone else's mama, and all that.
I don't know who Kat Stacks is, either.
(waiting for the next MGrant special, because I've read "Heard it All Before" six times already)
WTH! Keep doing what you have. I love your blog! People will complain about any and everything! I have heard other bloggers complain about the cattiness. It's incomprehensible! In a sense we never leave high school. While not participants in the drama, it goes on around us! Le damn and le sigh!
How about t-shirts. A light gray with purple script that says "Black 'N' Bougie - What a Black Blog Should Be!"
Hmm "fabulara" - stealing it.
You said it yourself, "10. Bouge is old school people, we don't hate... we congratulate. " Some people hate to see others do well.... Your readers love you because you don't "sell out" and the fact that we can all identify with your topics on some level...... ENJOY YOUR NOMINATION! You deserve it. You provide sanity in a screwed up world. Keep up the good work.
Well OneChele, if I had your hand, I'd throw mine away. I mean, I don't write like you, nor do I discuss the topics that your readers love, but in regards to this post and this subject, I am shaking my head.... up & down, I agree.
Well, you covered several topics that find my disdain. You mentioned that you do not pander the hot topics like President Obama and the wars oversea. I cringe when I see those topics headline a post. For the most part, they are nothing more than regurgitated mess from the 10 o'clock news... most of it negative mess. I can stick my finger in my own mouth if I want to bring up last nights meal.
And votes? Please, we all know how that works in any arena. We've all seen American Idol and dancing with the old stars. It's generally not about talent. Hey, look at the stars of reality TV. They have a hellava viewing audience. They get A LOT of votes.
Again, I can't do it like you rock your thang. Besides, how would I look giving 5 Purple Pumps for a movie review? So, I believe it's important for a person to find their own purpose and direction. If they do that (imo) they will find their own rewards from this thang we do. However, it's surely a slippery slope. As you may know, sometimes we find ourselve being pimped. You know, running posts (themes/issues) that receive the most comments. or the most interest. So, I believe it comes down to the message, or the hits, or the blogs host's individual passion, or rewards (pats on back or self awareness), or, the need to share and receieve different concepts and ideas, or just a place where a few friends gather to start their day. Whatever the case may be, you said it, there is a place for everyone.
And I saw The Book Of Eli, one mo gin, and it still sucks.... 10 toes down.
Kat Stacks is a video vixen (HO) who was imbroiled in some ish with Bow Bow (the rapper) and his (motley) crew. Some poor young lady who thinks that notoriety is the way to get famous. It is very sad, really........YBF readers have been subjected to this hot messe's drama for the last few months...See 'Chele, this is only blog I have found recently that actually has something intelligent to say...... "sigh".......
Do your thang girl!! People can't get mad at you or others because their blogger didn't get the votes. I say to them (in the words of Jay-Z) "you need more people". LOL!
What happen to civility? I say if you do not have anything nice to say keep it moving. I LOVE your blog, keep doing what you do!
I am going to be unChristian right now...
Can you say HATERS!!!
Y-O-U are now truly a BOUGIE=NISTA!!!
You have one of the best blogs, and you weren't even try.
Oh no, this isn't your full time gig, Oooops! to those who blog for 8 hours.
You really hurt some ones feeling. So sad, too bad.
I was with you until the last line, but I'd hit "Like" by then, LOL
*Gentle whoosh* and *tap with B n B gloves* across the cheek of each hater. You keep blogging your way, and let them keep playing in traffic ---> over there! A blog is for you to say what you want to say about what you want to say, when you want to say it. Some *like you* are gifted enough to turn out posts with the quickness. Some *like moi* spend more time knawing over drafts and post infrequently. Whatever floats your boat is what is good for you. May the haters never run out of toilet paper!
See, I didn't know who Kat Stacks was either.
I was raised to be courteous and thank you for that information but I actually felt a few brain cells dying as I read your reply.
Do you girl. Do you. #thatisall
The whole web /blog awards gets under my skin. I admit I was sucked in the vortex at first. This year I saw the light.Unfortunatley most awards are not about merit , but how many times your friends and family can vote for you on various IP addreses. I too am becoming dismayed at the blog o sphere and the whole who is more popular. I blog for my personal satisfaction and growth. I dont try to lowbrow my readers with cheesy simplistic recipes, etc, nor would I expect you to. As if if you ever would!Stay Bougie True and dontlisten to the haters.I found in life if you do something for you, thats all that matters. The like minded souls will be attraceted. Chacon a sa gout, as they say. No blog award will validate my reason to blog and be.
Oh, and I will vote for you because I truely believe you have one the best blogs around. A kindered spirit.
"Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it."
~ Buddha
I don't visit as often as I used to but I still appreciate you doing you. Keep it classy.
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