tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post7672746481662619984..comments2023-09-29T06:00:09.242-05:00Comments on Julie Pippert: Using My Words: When the blogosphere turns exclusionary and elitist, will you have a place?Julie Pipperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-59728819010473890962007-06-26T14:50:00.000-05:002007-06-26T14:50:00.000-05:00hmmm. lots to think about here. (as one unpaid blo...hmmm. lots to think about here. (as one unpaid blogger to another).<BR/><BR/>my initial thoughts. first, i am not entirely sure that readership for a blog grows "naturally." there are actually some formal conventions and rules we seem to follow in order to aquire readership and commenters (our personal form of "capital"?)<BR/>With or without ads, this takes place and what we/you might perceive as community, another might perceive as a "place where I don't belong." <BR/><BR/>Also--are all commercial blogging ventures created equal? Is it fair to compare Cool Mom Picks or Parents Bloggers Network (for instance) to Good Housekeeping?<BR/><BR/>The answer is probably not clear, but I am seriously on the fence on this one. Excellent post!gingajoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01356643079413822527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-15253036739723087862007-03-28T22:14:00.000-05:002007-03-28T22:14:00.000-05:00and yes, you sound just like the fringe theater fe...and yes, you sound just like the fringe theater festivals perfect customerSparky Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10599649584020982942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-37821093764148040722007-03-28T22:13:00.000-05:002007-03-28T22:13:00.000-05:00I am glad that not everyone mommy blogs or makes m...I am glad that not everyone mommy blogs or makes mommy blogs pay per read, since I am not a mommy.<BR/><BR/>and I hear you on the need to make sure our arts, whatever some people think they are, are still free.Sparky Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10599649584020982942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-52943870145787932432007-03-28T20:23:00.000-05:002007-03-28T20:23:00.000-05:00Wow - this is one well thought out and researched ...Wow - this is one well thought out and researched post! I so felt what you said at the beginning where you were being sent back to the Tech ($) world instead of the art world. My husband is a social worker, kind of, and makes Very Little Money and we live in a Very Expensive Area. Which means that I work in a profession that, while good at it, I care about not at all. Meanwhile wondering if I could leave it behind and follow the (much less paying) field of my actual passions and interests. <BR/><BR/>But then I see the movie "Pursuit of Happiness" and see the mother who supports her family by working double shifts as a clothes washer and I just feel grateful for the opportunity to earn money so easily, and to be with my baby 80% of the time, which is what I care most about anyway. <BR/><BR/>But maybe someday...Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07316677018586769316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-38645515461978457582007-03-28T08:28:00.000-05:002007-03-28T08:28:00.000-05:00Your mind is impressive, Julie. Wow. Excellent poi...Your mind is impressive, Julie. Wow. Excellent points.Kylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03311014761113076785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-2846979405324902912007-03-27T13:55:00.000-05:002007-03-27T13:55:00.000-05:00Alice, thanks! I can't agree more about the distin...Alice, thanks! I can't agree more about the distinction between what is valued and what is valuable. This is a concept that keeps coming back to me in many ways. As I mentioned to mayberry, at class today we discussed compensation (financial and other) as a feminist issue. One thing that has been on my mind since reading another blog yesterday is the concept of SAHM time being a "work gap" and somehow setting you back salary-wise. I sense a new blog post...<BR/><BR/>LOL<BR/><BR/>John, come sit by me a sec. :)<BR/><BR/>Rants and raves are welcome here, esepcially informative, intelligent, and insightful ones like yours.<BR/><BR/>In fact they are so welcome, I incorporated them into the name of my blog. So never apologize about that.<BR/><BR/>Also, there are NO limits on length. :)<BR/><BR/>You make an excellent point,a nd illuminate a real concern I have: wondering how long the freedom and the free will remain on the Internet. I will check out that link.<BR/><BR/>As for my local politicians...you mistake me for someone who lives in a place that has politicians who give a rat's ass about anything important to me. LOL :) It doesn't mean I leave them alone, of course, LOL.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-91727949268958589672007-03-27T13:45:00.000-05:002007-03-27T13:45:00.000-05:00Mayberry, You bet the "giving away the milk for fr...Mayberry, You bet the "giving away the milk for free" discussion has come up more than once between me and my husband, LOL. He knows what I can earn. But I also am more aware than he is of the difference between what and how I write now versus when I do it for someone else. (Besides which I've been more frequently paid as an editor.) That's a big reason I have the perspective on this that I do.<BR/><BR/>It is hard at times, you know, when I see other bloggers getting paid---something, anything---and think how a little extra could really benefit the family.<BR/><BR/>But I weigh monetary compensation against the intagible benefit compensation I have now and then consider the cost of each. I do think the intagibles are incredibly valuable, and as Alice said, it's frustrating to me how devalued anything besides money is.<BR/><BR/>In fact, at our class this morning we discussed financial compensation as a feminist issue. It was fascinating.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-58008502377736191052007-03-27T10:26:00.000-05:002007-03-27T10:26:00.000-05:00Julie,Your thoughts are well written and paint a p...Julie,<BR/><BR/>Your thoughts are well written and paint a picture that lends nuance and subtle shading to a concern I've been lingering on. That of internet ownership, or more importantly, control of the internet.<BR/><BR/>The freedom of the internet that you and I now know is being assailed by mainstream media and dominant telecommunications companies. <BR/><BR/>If they are to have their way there will be a two-tiered system, again with the "haves and have-nots". <BR/><BR/>You can be sure that if a large media company like NBC or Viacom controls internet flow, your video and audio download capabilities will be of an inconvenient nature in the absence of premium service subscription.<BR/><BR/>I can only imagine the bandwidth that will be allotted to the everday user, and in Mad Hatter's dystopian bloggy world there will be the unavoidable monitoring of thought!<BR/><BR/>Remember that radio was once free and today that is hardly the case. The airwaves have been more or less monetized. If you want radio without commercial interruption (including NPR) you have to subscribe to Sirius or XM.<BR/><BR/>As bones points out "Web 2.0 is a great equalizer", but if we let commercial interests rule the internet the way they've come to rule the airwaves, we are sure to be on the losing side of yet another equation that just doesn't add up.<BR/><BR/>If you're interested, read more at <A HREF="http://www.savetheinternet.com" REL="nofollow">Save The Internet</A>, and make sure your political representatives know how you feel.<BR/><BR/>Sorry about the rant.<BR/><BR/>Best regards,<BR/><BR/>JohnOccasionalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00174841382722307035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-85175161468115648162007-03-27T10:18:00.000-05:002007-03-27T10:18:00.000-05:00You amaze me with your ability to tie in so many c...You amaze me with your ability to tie in so many complex ideas. btw, I like sitting on the edge of the trough, too. Might not be a better view but it is far more interesting. And our society has always devalued that which cannot be monetized. I have become immensely wealthy through my blogging...I just can't put a dollar figure to it.Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10866244966623589346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-91099904850247713532007-03-27T10:08:00.000-05:002007-03-27T10:08:00.000-05:00It was fascinating reading your take on this becau...It was fascinating reading your take on this because as someone who also writes professionally, I do sometimes struggle with "Hey, why I am I giving this away for free [on my blog]." And my husband struggles with it more than I do, if you know what I mean, and it's clear you do! So I'm glad to think about it your way, now, in terms of more intangible costs and benefits.Mayberryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14342826784650208124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-83277168072222229462007-03-26T22:50:00.000-05:002007-03-26T22:50:00.000-05:00Mary-LUE, define your terms, of course! You know, ...Mary-LUE, define your terms, of course! You know, that occured to me (I might have said semantic debate) on HBM's blog when the privilege issue first came up. Great point!<BR/><BR/>Kim, ack! You are a great writer, can't imagine it being pedestrian. You have a unique style just as I do. I can't wait to read what you come up with.<BR/><BR/>Jen, honest question: do believe all people have the desire to analyze, to deconstruct? I don't. I think we all have different gifts, and for some of us who are into the probing (childbirth and sci fi channel has SO ruined me...that is simply not a dirty word, and yet...) we can point out, "Hey, look, an opportunity to question!"<BR/><BR/>But as Julie at mothergoosemouse recently brought up, and from the many replies, I wonder if people really want to hear that point about questioning, sometimes.<BR/><BR/>Still, I DO agree with you. I DO think that mindful living, conscious living, will perhaps be what saves us.<BR/><BR/>Now we just have to get Some People who get to make decisions on our behalf to follow suit. ;)Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-18208740164382311572007-03-26T22:45:00.000-05:002007-03-26T22:45:00.000-05:00Bones, interesting. That really solidifies the ide...Bones, interesting. That really solidifies the idea that blogging can affect a course, or effect change. And yes, absolutely it is one of the most egalitarian avenues available.<BR/><BR/>As for the mommy blogger thing, I don't think I actually, at the end of the day, qualify as a mommy blogger. <BR/><BR/>It's not through failed intention or by design. I just had no idea about mommybloggers or knew anything about the blogging world at all. I didn't even know what a blog was. <BR/><BR/>My husband did. He set this up for me and made me do it LOL. In fact he did the very first post for me.<BR/><BR/>The original intent of this blog (by him) was to put out my art, and talk a little about that. The art has fallen to the wayside. <BR/><BR/>For one, it's very expensive for me to make (and time-consuming) and I do actually work to sell it. Too often my images were being co-opted, without my permission even. So now I don't post my work. I haven't taken any of it down, but I quit posting it. <BR/><BR/>For two, my web designer stole my money and ran to another state. Bastard. Left my bank account pretty empty and my web site a shambles.<BR/><BR/>As I reconsidered the purpose of the blog and started to find it a good avenue to release the unceasing thoughts plaguing my head. So, although initially I thought of myself as an art blogger, I morphed into a multi-topic blogger.<BR/><BR/>Katrina and Rita really lit a fire under me, social justice wise, after my experience with those storms and the after-effects.<BR/><BR/>My fifteen seconds of fame was my rear end being filmed for---literally---fifteen seconds as some newscaster droned melodramatically about area residents rushing to the "rescue" of Katrina "victims." <BR/><BR/>(She'll never say...but I have to toot Josette at Halushki's horn here. That woman single-handedly coordinated her state to send several tons, and I mean that, of needed supplies. I'd call her with wish lists and she'd have it to me within a week. She even rallied the media and got word out that way. She's talented and hilarious on her blog, but that woman has a heart bigger than Alaska, and an intelligence, nerve and motivation to match it.)<BR/><BR/>Anyway, the relief work was...well, a life changing event.<BR/><BR/>Additionally the original group of people I blogged with were all political oriented people, and we discussed political issues frequently amongst ourselves.<BR/><BR/>I go through diferent phases and focuses of topics---here a child-centric spurt, there a social justice one, politics here, humor there, etc. It's all about the pressing thing on my mind, I guess.<BR/><BR/>There's been a lot of conversation between me and my husband (and he is, FWIW, reading this, LOL) about blogging for fun versus for profit.<BR/><BR/>He once (yes! he actually commented on a post once!) talked a little about it. In fact, our entire exchange is available on the popularity post I linked to above for Chani. That should illustrate the point better than a recap by me.<BR/><BR/>At the end of the day, I don't center my blog around my life as a mom. That's not any sort of statement other than simply what it seems. If you view the content, the title, etc. of my blog, it's pretty all over the map, as someone I know and love is fond of saying LOL.<BR/><BR/>And yes, I often find the comments the most interesting bits. The dialogue and exchnges, feedback, etc. is a big reason I like this. <BR/><BR/>As for your last paragraph, I refer you to the church sign just a little below this post. ;)<BR/><BR/>Many thanks.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-91914782030028564872007-03-26T16:51:00.000-05:002007-03-26T16:51:00.000-05:00It's the desire to analyze, to continue to create ...It's the desire to analyze, to continue to create and push and probe that perhaps will save us.<BR/><BR/>brillant discourse.Girlplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07056576921114387218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-40732649279385956542007-03-26T14:40:00.000-05:002007-03-26T14:40:00.000-05:00I've been pondering all the talk about privilege i...I've been pondering all the talk about privilege in so many posts the last couple of weeks. I will say that I haven't read them all. If one came up on one of my regular reads, I read it, but I haven't clicked on all the links to get a broad picture of what was being said.<BR/><BR/>It did bring to mind, however, some of the best advice I ever received in a college class: define your terms. I think a lot of the back and forth has stemmed from a reader's perception of that word evoking a response when the writer had a different definition in mind. This principle had never failed me, in life or in education.<BR/><BR/>I think this is a great post, Julie. First, I love the long, complex sentences. I feel brainy when I read them! ;) But let's not ignore the content. I think what you say has much merit and that it is said well. I agree that internet access alone does not constitute what I consider privilege and your ideas on the nature of blogging where compensation is involved, etc., resonate greatly with me.<BR/><BR/>As much as I support any blogger's decision to pursue a financial recompense for their writing, I am so happy in my little troupe of "common" artists, each with their own talents and skills. This is home to me and I have no interest in heading out to the big city to find my fortune.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10270726693980247861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-27990446149658407222007-03-26T12:31:00.000-05:002007-03-26T12:31:00.000-05:00Chani, I believe this is th eone we both mean:http...Chani, I believe this is th eone we both mean:<BR/><BR/>http://theartfulflower.blogspot.com/2007/02/friendly-competition-voting-friendship.htmlJulie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-56092748431452627142007-03-26T12:00:00.000-05:002007-03-26T12:00:00.000-05:00Julie, can you direct me to your "popularity" post...Julie, can you direct me to your "popularity" post? I recall you mentioning it a few times and have wanted to read it but keep forgetting to ask. :)<BR/><BR/><BR/>Peace, <BR/><BR/>~Chanithailandchanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10171731740204067889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-8943962363788201792007-03-26T10:57:00.000-05:002007-03-26T10:57:00.000-05:00One more point I felt didn't have space in the pos...One more point I felt didn't have space in the post:<BR/><BR/>Originals are original. Even some secondary imitations are still original and worthy.<BR/><BR/>But the formula does take over, and eventually the idea is exhausted and canned (and frequently decreasing in quality) although still being generated and plied to a market as long as it can.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-15360233348326363412007-03-26T10:54:00.000-05:002007-03-26T10:54:00.000-05:00Mad, omgosh THANK YOU! I was worried I'd have to b...Mad, omgosh THANK YOU! I was worried I'd have to bring it up myself or miss this altogether. I had an entire section I cut (due to length and side point relevance) about the gains made to the arts during the Renaissance and beyond.<BR/><BR/>yes yes yes! Many wonderful things came to theaters and the arts due to wealthy patrons. First, truly talented people were able to learn, hone, and perfect their craft, and second, the artist were then able to create and share.<BR/><BR/>Not to mention the talent was preserved, versus most being lost in prior times.<BR/><BR/>The music we still listen to, the plays we still read, the art we still travel to see...I absolutely believe the arts hit some high points during the revival.<BR/><BR/>The point I meant to hit was not that quality suffers but that free access and everyman voice representation suffers...that open innovation is stifled.<BR/><BR/>What we have right now in the blogosphere is an amazing spanning of the everyman element of medieval times and the quality element of the revival.<BR/><BR/>Bring me Shakespeare, Moliere and more. I'll cut myself off before I get long-winded about artists and musicians. And don't even get me anywhere near dance. ;)<BR/><BR/>Another "flaw" to my theater discussion is the British/Western Europe-centric focus. In fact, as time evolved and republican ideas began germinating, theater did begin to throw in sly mockeries, even of its own patrons. Not quit biting the hand that feeds it per se, but often showing some humor to it.<BR/><BR/>I can go on and on. I concede the argument isn't perfect but hopefully it illustrates my point.<BR/><BR/>I saw a long comment from you on your site, maybe just above my notice about this post, but I didn't have time to read. It was next on my list. I'll pop over.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-15436445027517359342007-03-26T10:45:00.000-05:002007-03-26T10:45:00.000-05:00Bones, I will get back to you shortly! Lots to say...Bones, I will get back to you shortly! Lots to say!<BR/><BR/>Jenny, LOL...I'm not very good at implementing brevity as the soul of wit. But thanks for hanging in! (And I might have to check to see if I have longer posts...seems like. LOL)Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-18295108007590208402007-03-26T10:44:00.000-05:002007-03-26T10:44:00.000-05:00Eek.My comment got too long so I posted it as an e...Eek.My comment got too long so I posted it as an entry on my site. <BR/><BR/>Wanted to comment on this directly: <BR/><BR/><I>It cements us into groups, divvies us up into categories, panders to a hierarchy and competition.</I><BR/><BR/>Exactly. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Peace, <BR/><BR/><BR/>~Chanithailandchanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10171731740204067889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-34256647448911559052007-03-26T10:40:00.000-05:002007-03-26T10:40:00.000-05:00Julie,I think you should go to a Fringe Theatre Fe...Julie,<BR/>I think you should go to a Fringe Theatre Festival someday. They really are like the blogosphere of contemporary theatre. <BR/><BR/>Your history of theatre is interesting although I might argue that theatre hit one of its highest moments at the time of cross-over. Shakespeare and the like, I believe, are still great precisely because they had to please the aristocracy and the penny ticket holders who stood for three hours straight to see a play--and who could bring whatever they wanted into the theatre to pelt at the actors. You've got to be good to please that crowd. <BR/><BR/>There has always been theatre for commoners--although notions of high and pop culture have come into play over the centuries. To me, what has all but killed theatre--except for mega-musical spectacle theatre--is film and the notion of mass distribution. Sure, great theatre still exists in major urban centres where there is a population density to provide an audience (if perhaps not pay the bills). Here in the boonies, theatre is all but dead...and this kills regional culture right along with it.<BR/><BR/>As for the bloggy bit of this post. Did you see my second to last comment over at my place where I describe a future bloggy dystopia. I think it fits well with what you've said here.Madhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13416585771017767796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-41529380121266450782007-03-26T10:15:00.000-05:002007-03-26T10:15:00.000-05:00Wow. That was the longest post ever...but totally...Wow. That was the longest post ever...but totally worth it. Well said, my friend.Jenny, the Bloggesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13718481135182612620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-68653462494918742982007-03-26T08:43:00.000-05:002007-03-26T08:43:00.000-05:00Several ago, a creative group that I work with bro...Several ago, a creative group that I work with brought a team of Hollywood types to Washington, DC for some political cross-pollination. The Hollywood folks were mostly actors and writers; most notably the lead writer for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and That 70’s Show and a husband and wife team that wrote the scripts for all the Batman films.<BR/><BR/>This was in the early days of web 2.0. Blogging was not yet mainstream, but every one of these actors, writers and editors blogged, and relied heavily on their blog for feedback. The writer for Buffy admitted that reader comments on his blog absolutely affected the course of the show. They were just like we are- getting up early to rush to the computer and read the comments and get the feedback that all bloggers crave.<BR/><BR/>Web 2.0 is a great equalizer, and anyone from successful script writers to unemployed bricklayers can write a great blog. <BR/><BR/>As one of the few non-mommy bloggers that reads your site (or, frankly, that reads my site) I’m happy to say that I don’t find it stale. Not one bit. I regularly find good discourse and thought-provoking ideas, both from the author and the readers. Many of the perspectives may be the same (lots of moms) but the points of view are varied and diverse. The only difference between you and Dooce is she got lucky (or unlucky?) enough to get paid for it. If there is any difference between calibers of content, yours is, well, better.Boneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16504810076352510226noreply@blogger.com