Note to New Followers of this blog, I do NOT post on this blog. If you would like to see current blog posts from LoudPen, please check The Loudest Pen Ever. The URL is as follows: www.theloudestpenever.com. I am only keeping this blog active because I plan to publish some of the posts into a book. Thank you and have a good one.
So, after taking a look at some other blogs and reading the content, I am realizing...I'm not on their level. There are bloggers out there making money, and being interviewed because their blogs are popular and feature great content. Not only that, but, their blogs have great designs and each blogger has their own distinct style and voice.
I think that my blog has distinct content, posts that make you think in Say What?!, and laugh in Buzz-Kill. However, my design isn't what it could be. The design is awkward as I'm still using the Blogger.com platform and because of this I'm very limited in terms of design theme. I want a three column template, but, a couple of months ago, I tried downloading one and lost a lot of the blog's content. Then, I had to put everything together all over again. Then, I was going to get some grand blog designer, but, as my funds are tighter than fresh cornrows, that didn't happen. So here I am with a blog, with a black background, and pink, purple, and blue font. Go figure right?! I was in some type of weird girly mood when re-doing the fonts, yesterday.
But, no the point is that I need to get on their level. I want to be interviewed, and commented on (in posts), and become a respectable site. I want to make this blogging thing more of a reality than it already is. I've got big dreams and they go beyond my Blogger.com platform. I'm working my way up slowly, but, surely. For instance, since my month off from blogging this is the first time I have posted three days in a row. Not much to some (cause that's what my behind outta be doing), but to me it's a big accomplishment. It's easy to blog when you have 30+ comments, hundreds of followers, and your site is being recognized. But when, two weeks go by and no one visits but you and the comment box still says zero...motivation is far and few between.
But, I gotta take my own advice and find the motivation. The accolades will come later...I hope.
And there you have it. The Pen Has Spoken.
Oh and to all my followers on this blog, please check out my main blog and true passion, The Loudest Pen Ever at http://theloudestpenever.blogspot.com. This is the blog that I post on daily and content is always new and fresh. This blog is simply a supplement to that one, which why I double-posted this post on both blogs. So anyways, just wanted to make that note.
I think that my blog has distinct content, posts that make you think in Say What?!, and laugh in Buzz-Kill. However, my design isn't what it could be. The design is awkward as I'm still using the Blogger.com platform and because of this I'm very limited in terms of design theme. I want a three column template, but, a couple of months ago, I tried downloading one and lost a lot of the blog's content. Then, I had to put everything together all over again. Then, I was going to get some grand blog designer, but, as my funds are tighter than fresh cornrows, that didn't happen. So here I am with a blog, with a black background, and pink, purple, and blue font. Go figure right?! I was in some type of weird girly mood when re-doing the fonts, yesterday.
But, no the point is that I need to get on their level. I want to be interviewed, and commented on (in posts), and become a respectable site. I want to make this blogging thing more of a reality than it already is. I've got big dreams and they go beyond my Blogger.com platform. I'm working my way up slowly, but, surely. For instance, since my month off from blogging this is the first time I have posted three days in a row. Not much to some (cause that's what my behind outta be doing), but to me it's a big accomplishment. It's easy to blog when you have 30+ comments, hundreds of followers, and your site is being recognized. But when, two weeks go by and no one visits but you and the comment box still says zero...motivation is far and few between.
But, I gotta take my own advice and find the motivation. The accolades will come later...I hope.
And there you have it. The Pen Has Spoken.
Oh and to all my followers on this blog, please check out my main blog and true passion, The Loudest Pen Ever at http://theloudestpenever.blogspot.com. This is the blog that I post on daily and content is always new and fresh. This blog is simply a supplement to that one, which why I double-posted this post on both blogs. So anyways, just wanted to make that note.
As you guys can see, the posting on the blog has been very sporadic. To be honest this will probably continue. I'm going to try and post on the LPE on the regular but, I'll be posting on this blog no more than 3 times a week. This will continue until the blog gets redesigned and I merge the two. Okay, now that we have that out of the way, today's lesson is, How to Develop a Critical Eye.
Having a critical eye or the ability to critique is very important when writing, especially blogging. As Bloggers, we usually discuss pop culture, society, and the trials and tribulations of life. But, in order to engage an audience, you have to be able to state what you feel in a clear, concise manner, and also make sure that you don't offend anyone. Basically, you have to be able to state your opinion while simultaneously getting others to see your point even if they don't agree.
Personally, I am a overly opinionated person, who loves to volunteer my thoughts at any chance. Therefore, I usually have no trouble stating how I feel about a particular issue or topic. But, it's the way you analyze and critique that makes people listen. First, you have to state the item that you are critiquing and give reason as to why. Then, you observe the item from a neutral standpoint and make sure you weigh the good and the bad. If you feel that one outweighs the other, then state why and make sure you use valid reasons. Next, see how the item you are critiquing works within the broader sense.
For example, I have criticized the mainstream media's coverage of Michael Jackson's life and death, because, I feel that they focus more on the "scandal and drama" of Michael's life and not the good. Essentially, the media is doing what they have always done and that is giving people news, drama, gossip, and scandal. However, recently, the entire media industry has become based on its ability to make you feel angry about hungry children in third world countries, conflicted about the Iran/Iraq/Afghanistan/N. Korea wars, and judgemental of Michael Jackson. Silly me, I thought the news was supposed to OBJECTIVE. Meaning, if the news is truly be reported to you in a neutral manner, then, you would not have any feelings while watching the news. It would simply be like you were watching paint dry...it wouldn't affect you.
Veering back to my point, you can see that I have taken a topic (the media) discussed it for what it is and then, outlined why I feel the way I do. People don't have to agree with me, but, I hope that they would agree that I have at least stated my point in a way that's easy to comprehend. I hope that this post and subsequent example have helped you to become a better critical thinker and writer/blogger.
Remember when the page comes to life...so do you.
Having a critical eye or the ability to critique is very important when writing, especially blogging. As Bloggers, we usually discuss pop culture, society, and the trials and tribulations of life. But, in order to engage an audience, you have to be able to state what you feel in a clear, concise manner, and also make sure that you don't offend anyone. Basically, you have to be able to state your opinion while simultaneously getting others to see your point even if they don't agree.
Personally, I am a overly opinionated person, who loves to volunteer my thoughts at any chance. Therefore, I usually have no trouble stating how I feel about a particular issue or topic. But, it's the way you analyze and critique that makes people listen. First, you have to state the item that you are critiquing and give reason as to why. Then, you observe the item from a neutral standpoint and make sure you weigh the good and the bad. If you feel that one outweighs the other, then state why and make sure you use valid reasons. Next, see how the item you are critiquing works within the broader sense.
For example, I have criticized the mainstream media's coverage of Michael Jackson's life and death, because, I feel that they focus more on the "scandal and drama" of Michael's life and not the good. Essentially, the media is doing what they have always done and that is giving people news, drama, gossip, and scandal. However, recently, the entire media industry has become based on its ability to make you feel angry about hungry children in third world countries, conflicted about the Iran/Iraq/Afghanistan/N. Korea wars, and judgemental of Michael Jackson. Silly me, I thought the news was supposed to OBJECTIVE. Meaning, if the news is truly be reported to you in a neutral manner, then, you would not have any feelings while watching the news. It would simply be like you were watching paint dry...it wouldn't affect you.
Veering back to my point, you can see that I have taken a topic (the media) discussed it for what it is and then, outlined why I feel the way I do. People don't have to agree with me, but, I hope that they would agree that I have at least stated my point in a way that's easy to comprehend. I hope that this post and subsequent example have helped you to become a better critical thinker and writer/blogger.
Remember when the page comes to life...so do you.
Okay, so the Pen Has Spoken post is always my chance to vent about my adventures in this world of blogging. As you all have seen and observed, my blogging has been very sporadic over the past month and a half. I took a break from blogging and it ended up lasting longer than it was supposed to. Oopps, my bad, mumsy made chilli for lunch. Sorry had to say that...quote from an episode of Martin.
But, really I was starting to get frustrated with lack of traffic, no ideas for new posts (at least on When the Page Comes to Life), and very little time. Between working two jobs, trying to freelance on the side, and write two posts a day, I was getting ready to fall out. So, when enough became enough, I decided I needed to get back up in it. Now, I'm almost ready to get back and be better than ever.
I'm going to come up with a plan to combine the LPE and WTP into one full blown blog, and the How to posts on WTP will simply be a weekly feature. Meaning, the blog is going to be redesigned (funds are becoming available), and I will implement all the changes into the one blog. Hopefully, this will drive some traffic my way. If not, then I'm going on vacay again. And for real...I might not come back.
The Pen Has Spoken.
But, really I was starting to get frustrated with lack of traffic, no ideas for new posts (at least on When the Page Comes to Life), and very little time. Between working two jobs, trying to freelance on the side, and write two posts a day, I was getting ready to fall out. So, when enough became enough, I decided I needed to get back up in it. Now, I'm almost ready to get back and be better than ever.
I'm going to come up with a plan to combine the LPE and WTP into one full blown blog, and the How to posts on WTP will simply be a weekly feature. Meaning, the blog is going to be redesigned (funds are becoming available), and I will implement all the changes into the one blog. Hopefully, this will drive some traffic my way. If not, then I'm going on vacay again. And for real...I might not come back.
The Pen Has Spoken.
So since last Thursday, the blogosphere and the media have been influxed with the news of Michael Jackson's death. I'll admit that I was in denial at first. When my co-worker texted me announcing it, I didn't believe her. I texted her back and said that Mike was just being dramatic and would be okay. Sadly, this was not true. After gulping down a couple Heinkens and watching CNN, I realized it was true. However, it wasn't until I got home and put on the HIStory DVD, that I was able to fully come to terms with the fact that my hero was no more.
After reading tweets, blog posts, and the articles of the mainstream media, I finally feel that I am ready to write my Michael Jackson tribute post. However, because on this blog is usually the how to blog that teaches writers and bloggers to become better writers, today I am going to teach you how to write a Michael Jackson tribute post.
First of all, you must start with a basic description of Michael's early life the fact that he was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, the seventh child of nine. Then give a brief description of his years with the Jackson Five; maybe even add in tidbits about how cute Michael was and a comment about how Michael was the star of the group. Move onto to talk about how Michael goes solo and begins coming into his own with the classic album, Off the Wall. Fast forward to an anaylsis of Thriller and make sure you say that it was the best video, choregraphy, make-up, and acting ever to be produced in a music video (because it was).
Go on to talk about how Michael continues to bring out great music with the Bad album, even though he continued to get lighter and weirder with each song and video. Throw in more tidbits about how Michael starts to experience scandal and how he must confront the pressures of fame. Allude to the fact that Michael's legal troubles, "financial woes", and drug addiction lead to his downfall. To end your tribute post, write all your favorite MJ songs and videos and show cute pictures of yourself as a kid with all your MJ memorabilia still in tact. Then ask others to comment on the tragedy of the life that was Michael Joesph Jackson.
But, it doesn't end there. Because that's just how they wrote their Michael Jackson tribute post. This is how I'll write mine, I'll say Michael, I never understood you, met you, or saw you in concert. But, your music, the only part of you that I was ever truly supposed to know, touched me. And because, I knew your music. I think I know you. You were the cute boy who sang his ABCs, the boy who grew up and felt the force, then became Badder than Wesley Snipes (who keep in mind was Nino Brown), you remembered the time with Iman, made me feel butterflies...you just made me feel and love. And dance. And that's the Michael I know.
I don't know the Michael who was scared or insecure cause I never had personal interactions with that Michael. I don't know the Michael that fell in love and got married to Lisa Marie and those other chicks (whose names I don't feel like googling); I wasn't at those weddings nor was I there for the courtships so how do I know that love was real? I wasn't there when your "children" were born so, I definitely don't know Michael the father. I don't know the Michael that "molested" those boys, because, again, I was not there.
And in the last years of your life, I didn't know that you were sick or that you were on presciptioned narcotics. How was I supposed to help you or love you? All I know, all we know...is the music. Your music. And that's all we were ever supposed to know. So people, do like me...when writing your Michael Jackson tribute post. Write about his music and his music only. Leave all that other ish out cause the truth of the matter is...no matter who reports it, CNN, NBC, FOX, your favorite blogger...it ain't true. WHY? Cause they weren't there. No one is EVER really going to know. That's between Michael and God. And only God can judge me so either love me or leave me alone. (Jay-Z)
That's my tribute to Michael Joesph Jackson.
After reading tweets, blog posts, and the articles of the mainstream media, I finally feel that I am ready to write my Michael Jackson tribute post. However, because on this blog is usually the how to blog that teaches writers and bloggers to become better writers, today I am going to teach you how to write a Michael Jackson tribute post.
First of all, you must start with a basic description of Michael's early life the fact that he was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, the seventh child of nine. Then give a brief description of his years with the Jackson Five; maybe even add in tidbits about how cute Michael was and a comment about how Michael was the star of the group. Move onto to talk about how Michael goes solo and begins coming into his own with the classic album, Off the Wall. Fast forward to an anaylsis of Thriller and make sure you say that it was the best video, choregraphy, make-up, and acting ever to be produced in a music video (because it was).
Go on to talk about how Michael continues to bring out great music with the Bad album, even though he continued to get lighter and weirder with each song and video. Throw in more tidbits about how Michael starts to experience scandal and how he must confront the pressures of fame. Allude to the fact that Michael's legal troubles, "financial woes", and drug addiction lead to his downfall. To end your tribute post, write all your favorite MJ songs and videos and show cute pictures of yourself as a kid with all your MJ memorabilia still in tact. Then ask others to comment on the tragedy of the life that was Michael Joesph Jackson.
But, it doesn't end there. Because that's just how they wrote their Michael Jackson tribute post. This is how I'll write mine, I'll say Michael, I never understood you, met you, or saw you in concert. But, your music, the only part of you that I was ever truly supposed to know, touched me. And because, I knew your music. I think I know you. You were the cute boy who sang his ABCs, the boy who grew up and felt the force, then became Badder than Wesley Snipes (who keep in mind was Nino Brown), you remembered the time with Iman, made me feel butterflies...you just made me feel and love. And dance. And that's the Michael I know.
I don't know the Michael who was scared or insecure cause I never had personal interactions with that Michael. I don't know the Michael that fell in love and got married to Lisa Marie and those other chicks (whose names I don't feel like googling); I wasn't at those weddings nor was I there for the courtships so how do I know that love was real? I wasn't there when your "children" were born so, I definitely don't know Michael the father. I don't know the Michael that "molested" those boys, because, again, I was not there.
And in the last years of your life, I didn't know that you were sick or that you were on presciptioned narcotics. How was I supposed to help you or love you? All I know, all we know...is the music. Your music. And that's all we were ever supposed to know. So people, do like me...when writing your Michael Jackson tribute post. Write about his music and his music only. Leave all that other ish out cause the truth of the matter is...no matter who reports it, CNN, NBC, FOX, your favorite blogger...it ain't true. WHY? Cause they weren't there. No one is EVER really going to know. That's between Michael and God. And only God can judge me so either love me or leave me alone. (Jay-Z)
That's my tribute to Michael Joesph Jackson.
Sorry, paper chasers but, your gurl is taking a break from Blogging. I definitely will continue this blog, but, right now I just can't. I've lost a little bit of my fire and I don't how to regain it. So, for a little while (time TBA) I will not be posting on this blog.
I know that this is coming during the middle of my Aaliyah series, which I will definitely continue and finish, but, I need to take time to think and meditate in order to come back stronger than ever. Also, I am in the works of meeting with a blog designer to revamp the design and layout of the blog.
Once this happens, I plan to combine the LPE and WTP into one full blown blog. Okay, so that's enough of that. Be on the lookout for a brand new blog and a brand new pen.
I know that this is coming during the middle of my Aaliyah series, which I will definitely continue and finish, but, I need to take time to think and meditate in order to come back stronger than ever. Also, I am in the works of meeting with a blog designer to revamp the design and layout of the blog.
Once this happens, I plan to combine the LPE and WTP into one full blown blog. Okay, so that's enough of that. Be on the lookout for a brand new blog and a brand new pen.
Today, I'm going to switch things up a bit and do a narrative non-fiction piece about my life as a writer: Where I've been and Where I'm Going.
Today's date is a special day for me because it marks the one year anniversary of my college graduation. Scary, right? As I woke up this morning, I began to reflect on the past year of my life and I realized that...it's been a crazy one. My last year of college was my hardest, because, English majors at Hampton University (the REAL HU) are required to take a year long Senior Seminar course where you must write a twenty to twenty-five page thesis paper, and at the end of the Spring semester you present your paper and defend it in front of a panel of professors. Scary, right?
But, I managed to pass this class with flying colors and go onto march in that Mother's Day commencement. After graduation, I was beyond flustered and confused about what the heck I was going to do next. I returned to my parents house in Cincinnati, where I proceeded to be absolutely miserable. I was on a job search grind, but, with a bad economy the job search was bleak. So, somehow I end up getting an interview with a huge company in NY and when I came up here for it, I basically never left. I crashed on my friend's couch for a few days, then I started renting a room and once I got my first job, I got my own place. Scary, right?
So there I was, in NYC a place I had only been to once before moving to, all alone in an unfurnished apartment. Things were very strange in those days. I kept to myself and didn't say much to anyone. I watched the same movies over and over again and basically ignored everyone except, extremely close friends and family. And the fact that I was/am working two jobs didn't help matters. I was on constant overload and the worst part was that I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life.
Then one day, something in me snapped. It was just like, ok, no more feeling sorry for yourself, get up and stop stressing everything and just be happy. And since that day, that's what I've been doing. I try let things roll off my back and not get stressed about little things. Plus, I know what I want to do now. I want to be a famous Blogger with a blog that's equally as famous, I want to create an event/organization that will serve as a community for Bloggers of color, then I want to start my own production company, and lastly, I want to become a millionaire. Scary, right? I mean, it's like I want to take over the world. Oh wells, it's the ambitious Virgo in me.
But, for real, I just wanted to share with you, Where I've Been and Where I'm Going. Hope you had fun reading my tale. Writing a personal story helps you to reflect and think about things you would or wouldn't do differently. That's why I wanted to share my story with you.
Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.
Today's date is a special day for me because it marks the one year anniversary of my college graduation. Scary, right? As I woke up this morning, I began to reflect on the past year of my life and I realized that...it's been a crazy one. My last year of college was my hardest, because, English majors at Hampton University (the REAL HU) are required to take a year long Senior Seminar course where you must write a twenty to twenty-five page thesis paper, and at the end of the Spring semester you present your paper and defend it in front of a panel of professors. Scary, right?
But, I managed to pass this class with flying colors and go onto march in that Mother's Day commencement. After graduation, I was beyond flustered and confused about what the heck I was going to do next. I returned to my parents house in Cincinnati, where I proceeded to be absolutely miserable. I was on a job search grind, but, with a bad economy the job search was bleak. So, somehow I end up getting an interview with a huge company in NY and when I came up here for it, I basically never left. I crashed on my friend's couch for a few days, then I started renting a room and once I got my first job, I got my own place. Scary, right?
So there I was, in NYC a place I had only been to once before moving to, all alone in an unfurnished apartment. Things were very strange in those days. I kept to myself and didn't say much to anyone. I watched the same movies over and over again and basically ignored everyone except, extremely close friends and family. And the fact that I was/am working two jobs didn't help matters. I was on constant overload and the worst part was that I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life.
Then one day, something in me snapped. It was just like, ok, no more feeling sorry for yourself, get up and stop stressing everything and just be happy. And since that day, that's what I've been doing. I try let things roll off my back and not get stressed about little things. Plus, I know what I want to do now. I want to be a famous Blogger with a blog that's equally as famous, I want to create an event/organization that will serve as a community for Bloggers of color, then I want to start my own production company, and lastly, I want to become a millionaire. Scary, right? I mean, it's like I want to take over the world. Oh wells, it's the ambitious Virgo in me.
But, for real, I just wanted to share with you, Where I've Been and Where I'm Going. Hope you had fun reading my tale. Writing a personal story helps you to reflect and think about things you would or wouldn't do differently. That's why I wanted to share my story with you.
Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.
