I’ve long recognized that Blogging Blue is really only as good as its readers and commenters, and so I’d like to hear from you all.
What I’d like to know is how you think I/we can improve Blogging Blue.
You can comment here, or if you’d prefer you can leave a message using our contact page.
More Graeme Zielinski!
Agree with your suggestion DB, first time I could ever say that in any respect at all.
A few more commentators such as Mr Zielinski, willful enough to be more small “d,” democratic in their thinking and pronouncements would reflect more accurately the thinking of the true majority of all state voters, regardless of anyone’s past or current party affiliation and would certainly be a plus for the BB blog.
FYI, I have a standing offer for regular cash donations to WPR the minute they tell me that you are no longer going to be invited as an informed political commentator on Joy Cardin’s FOX
clownclone, fairly unbalanced, Friday morning show. I’ve written to several guest journalists or reporters expressing my sympathy for their having drawn the short straw to have been scheduled to appear, “opposite,” you.I think you already do a great job! Certainly on the blog end.
I read quite a bit of news online. I’m frankly interested in what a huge cross-section of perspectives (as found here) think about the big news stories of the day? An SSA blog is fine now and then. But what about this national conversation on race we all say needs to be had? What about American foreign policy? Are we obligated to protect civilians in foreign lands? How high can college tuition go before it equals “start-up” capital? What is “urbanism” giving back? Why isn’t there a “national project” under way? Something to employ people and spurn growth across multiple industries? (ie. Landing on the moon, Transcontinental railroad, etc.)
I interact on BloggingBlue because smart people can be found here. (and a few flies, naturally) Some other bloggers on other sites, drown out the facts with fist fulls of absurdity. They’re pushing a message and actually attack dissenters. I don’t seem much of that here.
This is a welcoming place in which I read the other convo’s. For a blog, that’s awful high praise. 😉
Ben, I agree Zach does a great job. So far, I’ve only sent him $50.
How much have you sent him?
John, I don’t do this for the money. I’d be happy if the site simply generated enough to pay its monthly bills.
People can send money if they see fit, but ultimately I’d do this if the site didn’t generate a cent, because it’s a labor of love. I truly love being able to share my thoughts with others, and I’m just grateful folks find what I have to say somewhat interesting.
Ben,
1. “I read quite a bit of news online.”
Don’t tell your employer.
2. “I’m frankly interested in what a huge cross-section of perspectives (as found here) think about the big news stories of the day?”
You need to get out more.
3. “An SSA blog is fine now and then.”
Social Security Administration?
This isn’t Twitter. It’s “ok” to write stuff out.
4. “But what about this national conversation on race we all say needs to be had?”
I agree that getting pulled over for driving-while-black violates your 4th Amendment protections. I agree it’s unfair that your employer wants you to drop the ebonics at work, but white supremacist attitudes abound. You’ll go a lot further in life when you stop blaming all your problems on your color.
5. “What about American foreign policy?”
Immediately withdrawal from all foreign occupations.
6. “Are we obligated to protect civilians in foreign lands?”
Thanks for supporting Chelsea Manning. It’s a principled position and you’re correct.
Unfortunately, your guy, President Obama, hasn’t learned that “what goes around, comes around.” We’re responsible for any damage/deaths caused by our troops, drones, weapons, and munitions. Drones exponentially increase the possibility of “false flag,” operations. The next waves of domestic terrorists will likely use drone technology or try to disguise their explosive as drone delivered.
7. “How high can college tuition go before it equals “start-up” capital?”
Completely agree on this. It’s a national disgrace.
8. What is “urbanism” giving back?
Electricity is most efficiently used in very close proximity to where it’s generated. The farther you have to transport it, the more expensive it gets and the more you lose.
9. “Why isn’t there a “national project” under way? Something to employ people and spurn growth across multiple industries? (ie. Landing on the moon, Transcontinental railroad, etc.)”
It’s called the military industrial complex and the global war on terror.
The airlines are already migrating to greener biofuels. The greater the distance, the greater their speed advantage. High speed rail makes the most sense on short-haul routes, such as everything within 500 miles of O’Hare. The $800 million in FEDERAL money that Scott Walker canceled was one of the biggest mistakes of his career.
10. “I interact on BloggingBlue because smart people can be found here.”
Please, list your top ten “smart people,” here
11. “(and a few flies, naturally)”
Please, list your top five “flies.”
12. “Some other bloggers on other sites, drown out the facts with fist fulls of absurdity.”
Please, name some.
13. “They’re pushing a message”
Like you did here: I noticed. And there’s no doubt that both parties have done/said sexist things. But I’m not sure where “trust” comes in to play with regard to abortion? “Many” conservatives oppose abortion due to spiritual beliefs. Can’t say I’ve ever met one who said, “I’m cool with the killing part…but sadly I just don’t trust the woman.”
Have you met folks like that?
And what about pro-life women? How does “trust” factor in to their positions?
http://bloggingblue.com/2013/08/22/mark-ruffalo-actually-trusts-the-women-he-knows/#comments
14. “and actually attack dissenters.”
Like you did last Thursday? There are so many things wrong with that blog, I’d need a Saturday and a pot of coffee.
Rather, I’ll simply write: This is the most unhinged I’ve seen you. Usually your tone is one of elevated indifference. Seems you’ve caught the fever.
http://bloggingblue.com/2013/08/22/chris-abele-its-time-to-start-acting-like-a-leader/
15. “I don’t seem much of that here.”
LOL
16. “This is a welcoming place”
Zach, pay the man.
17. “in which I read the other convo’s.”
Again, this isn’t Twitter. You can write stuff out. Please link to some really good “convo’s” you read at Blogging Blue?
18. “For a blog, that’s awful high praise. 😉 ”
Zach, can you disable emoticons?
Thank you Mr Casper.
Somebody besides me read Kathleen Vinehout’s website letters to discover solutions to Statewide obstacles keeping the Blue out of power in Wisconsin. If we could get the same amount of support behind her that we got behind Tammy Baldwin she would win and make the best governor this state ever had.
So I’d just say you’re stuck in a corner and move on.
Cat, I read Sen. Vinehout’s email newsletters every time I get one, and I’ve posted a number of them here; I just don’t feel it necessary to post them all.
Cat Kin, everyone here knows you love Vinehout. Every single post you make mentions her. She’s not going to be governor, maybe you should try posting about her somewhere else besides every single blog entry. Because of your constant posti about her, I will not vote for her. I’d rather vote for barrett!
Nice retort regarding Blaska.
Thanks….it seemed fitting, given that he only seems to visit when he wants to act like a jackass.
What do you mean “acts” like a jackass, Zach. That is who WHAAAA-ska is, he’s incapable of relating on anything past a HS level.
You wanna improve the place? Run misdirecting trolls who don’t have the guts to stay on topic.
Your business, for sure, but would you care to share site statistics? Just curious, not a demand or condition from me. Keep up the good work. Having comment access without having to join Tweets or Facebookings is a huge plus, all by itself.
According to Google Analytics, we’ve had just over 143,000 visits to Blogging Blue since January 1st from just over 71,000 unique visitors.
We’ve also had just over 217,000 page views during that time period.
Last year we had 583,318 visits and 933,421 page views from 340,066 unique visitors.
Thanks to those of you who’ve shared your thoughts.
It goes without saying that you’re always welcome to send me a message via email if you have specific suggestions/criticisms.