I have personally never enjoyed Seth's site (not blog). I think it is a great big advert. If Seth is as uninterested in the awards as he says then why bother? Why force your readers to vote? Why threaten them by saying he wont blog if they don't vote? Shame, if the awards mean so much to Seth he should start his own and leave Jon Cherry alone.
Nic
· 2 years ago
I have personally never enjoyed Seth's site (not blog). I think it is a great big advert. If Seth is as uninterested in the awards as he says then why bother? Why force your readers to vote? Why threaten them by saying he wont blog if they don't vote? Shame, if the awards mean so much to Seth he should start his own and leave Jon Cherry alone.
Paul
· 2 years ago
Thanks for your thoughts Nic!
In my humble opinion, the way we as the local blogger community deal with this issue will determine whether we are going to be taken seriously in the coming months (to say the least) or even the next year or so.
Let's get with the program and if the 2007 Blog Awards methodology doesn't meet the grade then let's practice what we preach and have a meaningful contribution about how to do it better in 2008. In fairness to Jon Cherry, he has invited this feedback. Let's come up with something.
In case anyone thinks I am being a Cherry fanboy, let me point out that I do see both sides of the argument and there is merit in both. Neither argument is going to win without being at the expense of the other and what the Awards have accomplished - greater public awareness of what we have been doing the last few years in this corner of the Web. That is the point of it all, isn't it?
Paul
· 2 years ago
Thanks for your thoughts Nic!
In my humble opinion, the way we as the local blogger community deal with this issue will determine whether we are going to be taken seriously in the coming months (to say the least) or even the next year or so.
Let's get with the program and if the 2007 Blog Awards methodology doesn't meet the grade then let's practice what we preach and have a meaningful contribution about how to do it better in 2008. In fairness to Jon Cherry, he has invited this feedback. Let's come up with something.
In case anyone thinks I am being a Cherry fanboy, let me point out that I do see both sides of the argument and there is merit in both. Neither argument is going to win without being at the expense of the other and what the Awards have accomplished - greater public awareness of what we have been doing the last few years in this corner of the Web. That is the point of it all, isn't it?
Paul
· 2 years ago
Jeez, I feel like a politician ... I think I'll go take a long hot shower!
Paul
· 2 years ago
Jeez, I feel like a politician ... I think I'll go take a long hot shower!
Rouvanne
· 2 years ago
This all feels a little like an avalanche; gathering speed and slowly threatening to cover us all with sh1t.
This is my first blog awards, and after feeling very chuffed to not only have been nominated, but to make it as a finalist, I am started to feel like people are going to start spitting at my feet as I walk by!
It's crazy how a good idea, put into action by those willing to give freely of their time, is being used as target practise by so many people. Yes, in an ideal world, if you can do it better, then do it yourself, but this isn't an ideal world, and we're not competing in a 'you win you live, you lose you die' situation - we are going to carry on having our say regardless of any awards.
I am having a new site designed, and if I get to put a little badge on it displaying that I was just nominated - that’s cool - not winning is definitely not going to make me take up knitting or some other easier past-time!
I wonder, at the end of all of this, whether the people who are making the most noise now will help create the ideal awards system that has been seen grazing on the other side of the fence, or if it will just be left to those already sticking their necks on the line to carry on doing what they are doing?
Rouvanne
· 2 years ago
This all feels a little like an avalanche; gathering speed and slowly threatening to cover us all with sh1t.
This is my first blog awards, and after feeling very chuffed to not only have been nominated, but to make it as a finalist, I am started to feel like people are going to start spitting at my feet as I walk by!
It's crazy how a good idea, put into action by those willing to give freely of their time, is being used as target practise by so many people. Yes, in an ideal world, if you can do it better, then do it yourself, but this isn't an ideal world, and we're not competing in a 'you win you live, you lose you die' situation - we are going to carry on having our say regardless of any awards.
I am having a new site designed, and if I get to put a little badge on it displaying that I was just nominated - that’s cool - not winning is definitely not going to make me take up knitting or some other easier past-time!
I wonder, at the end of all of this, whether the people who are making the most noise now will help create the ideal awards system that has been seen grazing on the other side of the fence, or if it will just be left to those already sticking their necks on the line to carry on doing what they are doing?
Karen Lotter
· 2 years ago
That's exactly what the awards should be there for - greater public awareness, because here in SA we are a million miles beind. For any of us who make any money out of the web or even those who only use it for fun, it is a case of the more the merrier.
SA bloggers need to smarten up - it is not about awards - that should be a little bonus that strokes the ego - it is about networking and creating a community and getting the word out and encouraging more people to join in... or have I got it all wrong?
And everybody must now get over themselves, in the cat fancy or dog world or horses and I guess most other "hobbies" the enthusiasts themselves are judges and officials.
If the bloggers want a professional competition, then they must pay an entry fee for each category and hire an events organiser to hire impartial judges from overseas and organise the competition.
Karen Lotter
· 2 years ago
That's exactly what the awards should be there for - greater public awareness, because here in SA we are a million miles beind. For any of us who make any money out of the web or even those who only use it for fun, it is a case of the more the merrier.
SA bloggers need to smarten up - it is not about awards - that should be a little bonus that strokes the ego - it is about networking and creating a community and getting the word out and encouraging more people to join in... or have I got it all wrong?
And everybody must now get over themselves, in the cat fancy or dog world or horses and I guess most other "hobbies" the enthusiasts themselves are judges and officials.
If the bloggers want a professional competition, then they must pay an entry fee for each category and hire an events organiser to hire impartial judges from overseas and organise the competition.
Paul
· 2 years ago
Hi Karen and Rouvane
You both have going points. chilibean and Legally Content (a blog and podcast I am involved in) were both listed as finalists and if either (or both) of them win I'd like to have that success mean something.
Heck, the fact that both were shortlisted is something I am proud of because I have put a lot of time and passion into not just those two items but all the other projects I am working on and being a finalist in the Blog Awards is a great validation that what I am doing is working and people enjoy my content.
This flamewar over the awards detracts from the nominations, shortlistings and ultimately from the winners and not all of those people are judges. They are blogging/pocasting away, sharing their content and helping to build an even more vibrant blogging community and user-created content industry in South Africa. The ultimate winners are all of us, judges and non-judges, detractors and supporters.
Paul
· 2 years ago
Hi Karen and Rouvane
You both have going points. chilibean and Legally Content (a blog and podcast I am involved in) were both listed as finalists and if either (or both) of them win I'd like to have that success mean something.
Heck, the fact that both were shortlisted is something I am proud of because I have put a lot of time and passion into not just those two items but all the other projects I am working on and being a finalist in the Blog Awards is a great validation that what I am doing is working and people enjoy my content.
This flamewar over the awards detracts from the nominations, shortlistings and ultimately from the winners and not all of those people are judges. They are blogging/pocasting away, sharing their content and helping to build an even more vibrant blogging community and user-created content industry in South Africa. The ultimate winners are all of us, judges and non-judges, detractors and supporters.
Stii
· 2 years ago
Yaaaaaawn... Sorry, I did put my hand in front of my mouth. As dave said somewhere after the 27dinner flamewar, "If you want a crowd, start a fight." This topic is getting rather old and tired. To quote from the Command & Conquer - Generals game: "Can not we live in peace?". Really, now!
Stii
· 2 years ago
Yaaaaaawn... Sorry, I did put my hand in front of my mouth. As dave said somewhere after the 27dinner flamewar, "If you want a crowd, start a fight." This topic is getting rather old and tired. To quote from the Command & Conquer - Generals game: "Can not we live in peace?". Really, now!
Daedalus
· 2 years ago
A sad read (Seth) - a bit emotional, if not childish. Ak. ;)
Daedalus
· 2 years ago
A sad read (Seth) - a bit emotional, if not childish. Ak. ;)
starstyle
· 2 years ago
This topic is getting borrrring, but let's move onto that little arrogant prick - Seth - BIG SOUR GRAPES is all I can actually say to you. Just because you won two years in a row, does not mean that you are still the most or even popluar SA blogger - BIG NEWSFALSH to you Seth, there are a lot more blogs around which means a lot more competition and if you choose to bast*rdise your blog (?) into one big advertising site for all and sundry, then suffer the consequences. Deflate that arrogant little head of yours.
starstyle
· 2 years ago
This topic is getting borrrring, but let's move onto that little arrogant prick - Seth - BIG SOUR GRAPES is all I can actually say to you. Just because you won two years in a row, does not mean that you are still the most or even popluar SA blogger - BIG NEWSFALSH to you Seth, there are a lot more blogs around which means a lot more competition and if you choose to bast*rdise your blog (?) into one big advertising site for all and sundry, then suffer the consequences. Deflate that arrogant little head of yours.
Wezzo
· 2 years ago
This all just proves how serious blogging in SA has become in one year - we would never have had to this extent if this had happened last year.
Oh, and have you seen Seth's latest post? He has pulled out of the competition completely. It's sad that it had to come to this.
Wezzo
· 2 years ago
This all just proves how serious blogging in SA has become in one year - we would never have had to this extent if this had happened last year.
Oh, and have you seen Seth's latest post? He has pulled out of the competition completely. It's sad that it had to come to this.
Dave
· 2 years ago
2oceansvibe is a funny blog, that is why it has a huge following, of course he won't stop blogging, its meant to be a joke.
I don't think he should have pulled out and he should have been a little more circumspect about his criticism but if what he says is true then surely he has a right to complain.
Don't read too much into the exact nature of what he writes, its meant to be funny and inflammatory. Certainly don't take the site literally guys, his name isn't even Seth!
Dave
· 2 years ago
2oceansvibe is a funny blog, that is why it has a huge following, of course he won't stop blogging, its meant to be a joke.
I don't think he should have pulled out and he should have been a little more circumspect about his criticism but if what he says is true then surely he has a right to complain.
Don't read too much into the exact nature of what he writes, its meant to be funny and inflammatory. Certainly don't take the site literally guys, his name isn't even Seth!
Paul
· 2 years ago
I feel like I shout have a box of popcorn the more this debate develops ...
Paul
· 2 years ago
I feel like I shout have a box of popcorn the more this debate develops ...
6000
· 2 years ago
I don't always (often?) agree with Seth Rotherham, but in this case, I think he's right. Although he puts it in a typically dramatic fashion, that's what his readers like and that's what has made his blog (and it IS a blog!) so popular. Don't knock him for having an opinion and a way of putting across. People would do well to remember: "His blog gets more hits than yours"
The 2007 SA Blog Awards have, perhaps noticeably this year, got some pretty awesome prizes. No-one's going to turn their nose up at a MacBook Pro or some of the other valuable prizes. But with those bigger prizes and the growth of blogging and interest in blogging, the SA Blog Awards this year had to be more transparent than ever before. And completely the opposite has happened.
Everyone in SA knows how much nepotism and cronyism in the Government and big business is hated by the honest hardworking folk of the country. Why take the blog awards down that same route? And, even if everything is crystal clear and above board, why put yourself in the position where it doesn't appear to be?
End of the SA Blog Awards? Who knows? Hopefully in this format, yes.
And maybe it's time that someone else stepped in - I think JC has lost credibility now.
6000
· 2 years ago
I don't always (often?) agree with Seth Rotherham, but in this case, I think he's right. Although he puts it in a typically dramatic fashion, that's what his readers like and that's what has made his blog (and it IS a blog!) so popular. Don't knock him for having an opinion and a way of putting across. People would do well to remember: "His blog gets more hits than yours"
The 2007 SA Blog Awards have, perhaps noticeably this year, got some pretty awesome prizes. No-one's going to turn their nose up at a MacBook Pro or some of the other valuable prizes. But with those bigger prizes and the growth of blogging and interest in blogging, the SA Blog Awards this year had to be more transparent than ever before. And completely the opposite has happened.
Everyone in SA knows how much nepotism and cronyism in the Government and big business is hated by the honest hardworking folk of the country. Why take the blog awards down that same route? And, even if everything is crystal clear and above board, why put yourself in the position where it doesn't appear to be?
End of the SA Blog Awards? Who knows? Hopefully in this format, yes.
And maybe it's time that someone else stepped in - I think JC has lost credibility now.
flightless
· 2 years ago
Ack. Some of the older bloggers couldn't give a toss about all of this.
All Comments
In my humble opinion, the way we as the local blogger community deal with this issue will determine whether we are going to be taken seriously in the coming months (to say the least) or even the next year or so.
Let's get with the program and if the 2007 Blog Awards methodology doesn't meet the grade then let's practice what we preach and have a meaningful contribution about how to do it better in 2008. In fairness to Jon Cherry, he has invited this feedback. Let's come up with something.
In case anyone thinks I am being a Cherry fanboy, let me point out that I do see both sides of the argument and there is merit in both. Neither argument is going to win without being at the expense of the other and what the Awards have accomplished - greater public awareness of what we have been doing the last few years in this corner of the Web. That is the point of it all, isn't it?
In my humble opinion, the way we as the local blogger community deal with this issue will determine whether we are going to be taken seriously in the coming months (to say the least) or even the next year or so.
Let's get with the program and if the 2007 Blog Awards methodology doesn't meet the grade then let's practice what we preach and have a meaningful contribution about how to do it better in 2008. In fairness to Jon Cherry, he has invited this feedback. Let's come up with something.
In case anyone thinks I am being a Cherry fanboy, let me point out that I do see both sides of the argument and there is merit in both. Neither argument is going to win without being at the expense of the other and what the Awards have accomplished - greater public awareness of what we have been doing the last few years in this corner of the Web. That is the point of it all, isn't it?
This is my first blog awards, and after feeling very chuffed to not only have been nominated, but to make it as a finalist, I am started to feel like people are going to start spitting at my feet as I walk by!
It's crazy how a good idea, put into action by those willing to give freely of their time, is being used as target practise by so many people. Yes, in an ideal world, if you can do it better, then do it yourself, but this isn't an ideal world, and we're not competing in a 'you win you live, you lose you die' situation - we are going to carry on having our say regardless of any awards.
I am having a new site designed, and if I get to put a little badge on it displaying that I was just nominated - that’s cool - not winning is definitely not going to make me take up knitting or some other easier past-time!
I wonder, at the end of all of this, whether the people who are making the most noise now will help create the ideal awards system that has been seen grazing on the other side of the fence, or if it will just be left to those already sticking their necks on the line to carry on doing what they are doing?
This is my first blog awards, and after feeling very chuffed to not only have been nominated, but to make it as a finalist, I am started to feel like people are going to start spitting at my feet as I walk by!
It's crazy how a good idea, put into action by those willing to give freely of their time, is being used as target practise by so many people. Yes, in an ideal world, if you can do it better, then do it yourself, but this isn't an ideal world, and we're not competing in a 'you win you live, you lose you die' situation - we are going to carry on having our say regardless of any awards.
I am having a new site designed, and if I get to put a little badge on it displaying that I was just nominated - that’s cool - not winning is definitely not going to make me take up knitting or some other easier past-time!
I wonder, at the end of all of this, whether the people who are making the most noise now will help create the ideal awards system that has been seen grazing on the other side of the fence, or if it will just be left to those already sticking their necks on the line to carry on doing what they are doing?
SA bloggers need to smarten up - it is not about awards - that should be a little bonus that strokes the ego - it is about networking and creating a community and getting the word out and encouraging more people to join in... or have I got it all wrong?
And everybody must now get over themselves, in the cat fancy or dog world or horses and I guess most other "hobbies" the enthusiasts themselves are judges and officials.
If the bloggers want a professional competition, then they must pay an entry fee for each category and hire an events organiser to hire impartial judges from overseas and organise the competition.
SA bloggers need to smarten up - it is not about awards - that should be a little bonus that strokes the ego - it is about networking and creating a community and getting the word out and encouraging more people to join in... or have I got it all wrong?
And everybody must now get over themselves, in the cat fancy or dog world or horses and I guess most other "hobbies" the enthusiasts themselves are judges and officials.
If the bloggers want a professional competition, then they must pay an entry fee for each category and hire an events organiser to hire impartial judges from overseas and organise the competition.
You both have going points. chilibean and Legally Content (a blog and podcast I am involved in) were both listed as finalists and if either (or both) of them win I'd like to have that success mean something.
Heck, the fact that both were shortlisted is something I am proud of because I have put a lot of time and passion into not just those two items but all the other projects I am working on and being a finalist in the Blog Awards is a great validation that what I am doing is working and people enjoy my content.
This flamewar over the awards detracts from the nominations, shortlistings and ultimately from the winners and not all of those people are judges. They are blogging/pocasting away, sharing their content and helping to build an even more vibrant blogging community and user-created content industry in South Africa. The ultimate winners are all of us, judges and non-judges, detractors and supporters.
You both have going points. chilibean and Legally Content (a blog and podcast I am involved in) were both listed as finalists and if either (or both) of them win I'd like to have that success mean something.
Heck, the fact that both were shortlisted is something I am proud of because I have put a lot of time and passion into not just those two items but all the other projects I am working on and being a finalist in the Blog Awards is a great validation that what I am doing is working and people enjoy my content.
This flamewar over the awards detracts from the nominations, shortlistings and ultimately from the winners and not all of those people are judges. They are blogging/pocasting away, sharing their content and helping to build an even more vibrant blogging community and user-created content industry in South Africa. The ultimate winners are all of us, judges and non-judges, detractors and supporters.
Oh, and have you seen Seth's latest post? He has pulled out of the competition completely. It's sad that it had to come to this.
Oh, and have you seen Seth's latest post? He has pulled out of the competition completely. It's sad that it had to come to this.
I don't think he should have pulled out and he should have been a little more circumspect about his criticism but if what he says is true then surely he has a right to complain.
Don't read too much into the exact nature of what he writes, its meant to be funny and inflammatory. Certainly don't take the site literally guys, his name isn't even Seth!
I don't think he should have pulled out and he should have been a little more circumspect about his criticism but if what he says is true then surely he has a right to complain.
Don't read too much into the exact nature of what he writes, its meant to be funny and inflammatory. Certainly don't take the site literally guys, his name isn't even Seth!
The 2007 SA Blog Awards have, perhaps noticeably this year, got some pretty awesome prizes. No-one's going to turn their nose up at a MacBook Pro or some of the other valuable prizes. But with those bigger prizes and the growth of blogging and interest in blogging, the SA Blog Awards this year had to be more transparent than ever before. And completely the opposite has happened.
Everyone in SA knows how much nepotism and cronyism in the Government and big business is hated by the honest hardworking folk of the country. Why take the blog awards down that same route? And, even if everything is crystal clear and above board, why put yourself in the position where it doesn't appear to be?
End of the SA Blog Awards? Who knows? Hopefully in this format, yes.
And maybe it's time that someone else stepped in - I think JC has lost credibility now.
The 2007 SA Blog Awards have, perhaps noticeably this year, got some pretty awesome prizes. No-one's going to turn their nose up at a MacBook Pro or some of the other valuable prizes. But with those bigger prizes and the growth of blogging and interest in blogging, the SA Blog Awards this year had to be more transparent than ever before. And completely the opposite has happened.
Everyone in SA knows how much nepotism and cronyism in the Government and big business is hated by the honest hardworking folk of the country. Why take the blog awards down that same route? And, even if everything is crystal clear and above board, why put yourself in the position where it doesn't appear to be?
End of the SA Blog Awards? Who knows? Hopefully in this format, yes.
And maybe it's time that someone else stepped in - I think JC has lost credibility now.
http://blog.jacobson.co.za/2007/03/the-end-of-t...
Mike Golby, keep your head down, these kids will eventually go to sleep, then the grown-ups can play again.
Sheeesh, this is pathetic.
http://blog.jacobson.co.za/2007/03/the-end-of-t...
Mike Golby, keep your head down, these kids will eventually go to sleep, then the grown-ups can play again.
Sheeesh, this is pathetic.