Some More Feedback, Please
One more discussion topic before the year’s out: To date we’ve kept pretty tight reins on the editorial content on the main page of Brownstoner. As the site and community (hopefully) continue to grow, there are numerous initiatives we could be working on aside from just writing posts (events, new service features, etc.). Assuming that…
One more discussion topic before the year’s out: To date we’ve kept pretty tight reins on the editorial content on the main page of Brownstoner. As the site and community (hopefully) continue to grow, there are numerous initiatives we could be working on aside from just writing posts (events, new service features, etc.). Assuming that our voice remained the dominant one and we kept a careful eye on quality control, how would readers feel about some new perspectives on the main page of the site? For example, do you think the blog would benefit from having some neighborhood and topical specialists writing occasional posts, e.g. a weekly report from a deputized Victorian Flatbush reader? Or do you think such a move would risk diluting what has made the site successful to date? (Remember, there was some grumbling when we ran the Set Speed Condo Report for a few months last year.) Or as a middle ground, maybe there’s just a better way to formalize the process for receiving tips from readers. Either way, we’d like our neighborhood coverage on Brownstoner (and Brooklyn Record) to get broader and deeper, ideally with the help of readers. Very interested to hear everyone’s reaction and ideas.
I think the editorial voice will remain clear if you add other contributors — as long as you run the features *you* want to run and don’t worry too much about pleasing everyone. So what if someone “grumbles” about Set Speed, or any other feature? Asking for feedback is nice, but in the end blogs are best when they’re not run like focus groups. You’re doing fine so don’t worry too much about the peanut gallery, myself included.
I think it would be helpful to have guidance from YOU as to what you want this contraption to be… is it still about “An unhealthy obsession with historic Brooklyn brownstones and the neighborhoods and lifestyles they define.” ??? Or is it about something else? Something broader? Is it about architecture or social activision? Is it about preservation or maximizing return on investment? Should readers revel in exquisite period details or feel guilty that not everyone in Brooklyn can own a parlor floor duplex?
MY idea of what Brownstoner’s is about is to educate, enlighten, promote and discuss interior and exterior design and architecture, historical preservation, brooklyn history, real estate, planning and politics that impact Brownstone Brooklyn and, if you like, my world, Victorian Flatbush. (Geographical Definintion would be nice).
But that’s just me 🙂
I also think there should be some sort of FAQ, page to read before commenting, Position Paper or Manifesto… whatever you want to call it… that gives your point of view and guidance on what tone and content is apropos for which forums.
So Mr. B, what’s Brownstoner’s Raison d’etre for 2007?
Happy New Year.
Seamus
I agree with both Anon. 1:16 and 2:39. The “troll card,” whatever that is, should be reserved for those who show really outrageous behavior, such as posting links to disgusting web sites or commenting under multiple identities from the same IP address, arguing with themselves. The “T” word should not be used to stigmatize those with whom we merely disagree.
Likeminded people? This board is intolerant of un-PC opinions as it is. Do you wish to eradicate all disagreement from the one correct opinion on a topic? If someone disagrees, he or she is labeled: a) a troll (whatever that is), b) a realtor (worse than a troll?), or c) a developer (obviously evil)
Yes, “civility” as in “no more unsubstantiated accusations of trolling” and “no more using the troll card to silence those you disagree with”.
Anon.8:55–we need like-mindedness in only one area–basic CIVILITY.
I would really love to be able to log in again too. I think Brownstoner is wonderful but I have been stung by the lack of civility on this site at times; sometimes I am hesitant to contribute when the threads degenerate. Logging in would be helpful and reduce the gratutitous hostility I think.
Brenda, it’s not about my “comfort zones”. It’s about writers like Paul Auster living in Park Slope. I was just pointing out there are some renowned writers in that nabe and it’s a recognized, longtime demographic here. Don’t assume everybody in Park Slope is racist and elitist. Nor did I mean by my post that we should ONLY hear from professional writers, and not the working class people you are talking about. I was making one little suggestion. Everybody is so sensitive when talking about neighborhoods, race and income level, in Brooklyn! I have seriously never seen anything like it, and I’ve lived in every region of the country including the deep South. Maybe we need some valium in the water or something. Everybody relax.
No editorial commenting. Why mess with success! Keep up the good work.