A Couple of Things
Live and learn. We launched Brooklyn Record almost exactly a year ago with the idea that there was a whole lot of stuff going on in Brooklyn that had little to do with real estate and that wasn’t being adequately covered in any one blog. We still think it’s a valid concept but we’ve decided…
Live and learn. We launched Brooklyn Record almost exactly a year ago with the idea that there was a whole lot of stuff going on in Brooklyn that had little to do with real estate and that wasn’t being adequately covered in any one blog. We still think it’s a valid concept but we’ve decided to leave it to someone with deeper pockets to try and to stick to our knitting here at Brownstoner. It’s been hard trying to support two brands and creating artificial boundaries editorially; frankly, it’s also proven a lot harder to support a general interest blog with advertising. Going forward, some of the things we’ve been putting in the Brooklyn Record basket in recent months—like storefront openings and closings and the more human-interest side of real estate, for example—will find a home under the Brownstoner umbrella. Other topics, like kick-boxing classes and indie rock concerts aren’t going to make the cut.
In other news, we’re in the process of upgrading the site to a new system that will dramatically improve the user experience and strengthen the sense of community. Within the next few weeks, readers will be able to have their own profile pages which they can use to track comment threads, upload photos of their house or apartment and connect directly with other readers. The new system will also make the Forum much more flexible and user-friendly. We can’t wait.
Onward and upward.
Mr. B
What I like about Brownstoner is that it’s this bridge between something really personal (homes) and something really public (community/real estate etc). The tension between these two extremes makes for a lot of interesting chemistry — and natural chemistry.
Brooklyn Record, however, felt artificial. It felt like y’all were promoting the hipness and vitality of brooklyn — which, honestly, is the most unhip and unvital thing to do, because it feels contrived and phoney. Who gives a poop what concert is going on this weekend or what new restaurant just opened up? Time Out does that job fine, in a very bland listings kind of way. Why would anyone even WANT to comment on stuff that’s impersonal, insignificant or simply trendy? It’s all just trivial leisure time stuff, and we can find that stuff and enjoy that stuff on our own. I certainly don’t need a blog to hold my hand through every new cafe discovery.
I welcome your new approach, which hopefully can bring a side-arm to Brownstoner that does contain some of the content that Brooklyn Record had. But jesus, don’t bring us any of that Willyburg.com crap. It’s just not inspiring, not authentic, and quite frankly, not worth a second thought.
I mean — the dandies at the Montauk Club? Come on!!!!
That’s a shame. But hey, as long as all the anti-stroller-mom tirades migrate back over to Brownstoner too, I’ll be happy. 🙂 And I really like the idea of movable type on steroids. Onwards and upwards indeed.
As the person who wrote the majority of the Brooklyn Record posts in the past year, I just wanted to extend my gratitude to all of those who helped make it happen. Many thanks to the writers who shared their stories, Katy, Lisa, Clay, Jonny Leather, and Chris, and to Christy Harrison, who took the reigns when other commitments made it difficult for me to handle the daily workload. And thanks to all the Brooklynites who supported the Brooklyn Record by letting us interview them, by sending us news tips, and just for reading. Writing a blog is a low-pay and often thankless job, but I’m glad that I got to do it with all of these people – in between writing or editing 7 or 8 posts every morning, I made some lifelong friends. I’ll miss you, Brooklyn Record crew!
It’s unfortunate for the recent businesses and events that were recently featured on Brooklyn Record ….
I thought that my computer was malfuntioning when it kept going to Brownstoner.
I will miss Brooklyn Record, which I only recently discovered, and which I liked for its Brooklyn-wide focus. I hope this doesn’t become just another Seventh Avenue/Smith St/Bedford Avenue oriented site. There’s a whole lot more to Brooklyn than that.
I’m a little sad, but Good luck with this.
Thanks, renogirl. In the end probably our biggest disappointment with it was that there was never the same sense of community on BR that there is on Brownstoner. Without all the comments, a blog is much less interesting and vital, we think.
I really enjoyed Brooklyn Record. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the new format as well. Thanks for so much great BK coverage, Brownstoner.
It’s still going to be Movable Type. Just Movable Type on steroids.
Ill be happy to see this blog expand its topics. Real estate valuation is cool and all but I think we could all use a little variety. Cheers.
Personal motivation question: What platform are you switching to? Im hoping it won’t be blocked by my office b/c Im a b’stoner addict!