Friday, January 30, 2009

Write on! Respect the blog.

Let me be straight about a few things right off the top.

I know that what the Times On-Line did is not illegal and I never thought that it was illegal.

And I know that this space and what I write in this space, however personal it often feels to me, is most certainly public.

I get that.

But here's the thing.

I have a university degree in journalism. An honours journalism degree that I busted my ass to earn at a school widely considered to be the most rigorous in Canada for that discipline.

At this school a typo or spelling error resulted in an automatic zero. Not a failing grade; a zero. You had to be neutral. If you wrote "he insisted" as opposed to "he said" in a news story you were called on the carpet for editorializing. If you wrote "The meeting will be held on Friday" you were knocked down a grade: the meeting was merely scheduled for Friday and you had no business asserting with certainty what would happen two days hence.

Sources and source material, we were taught, were to be attributed with scrupulous care.

I don't claim that my journalism degree necessarily bestows upon me the ability to routinely craft perfect prose or anything close to it, but I do know that my years of striving to better my craft have made writing well, honestly and as accurately as possible a point of fierce pride.

I am proud of this blog and I am proud of the writing I have done here.

And I am especially proud to be a member of the blogging community despite the fact that the phrase "Blogs Ruin Journalism" brings up 3,900,000 hits on Google.

That's right folks: that's what a lot of people think.

Or at least that's what a lot of journalists think.

I got a reply from one of the reporters who wrote the Times On-Line story and she had a lot of perfectly wonderful things to say about my writing and my insights. She apologized for catching me off guard, but pointed out that she did mention my blog, that my blog was by its nature public and that she never actually said she had interviewed me for the article. (emphasis mine)

And she is right of course: technically, she is right.

ButI still feel that my content was expropriated in a cavalier fashion. And I told her that. I also asked her to try and understand how disrespected I feel: how intensely frustrating it is for journalists-cum-bloggers like me who are struggling to establish their on-line space as a legitimate means of publication to be denied a link (after asking twice) or proper and accurate attribution from a member of the mainstream media - the very establishment which has written endlessly (nearly four million hits!) about how unprofessional bloggers are.

She hasn't responded.

But I think you should.

I think everyone out there who blogs with passion and with creativity and with skill should speak up and declare themselves a Writer with a capital W. I think it's time that all bloggers, especially daddy and mommy bloggers (no, I don't resent that term - I embrace it) should demand the respect that their traffic, their influence and their talent commands.

I want you to speak up and tell the world that you and your writing and your blog deserve respect; from the Times On-Line, from the mainstream media and from every one of the millions of so-called "professional" journalists out there who have mused about whether blogs ruin journalism.

Here's the button and the code:




Throw it in your sidebar and then write a post. Write from your heart about what makes you and your writing and your blog worthy of respect. Send me the url and I'll link every single one of you at the end of this post.

We will create, right here, a gathering place where people can read about the revolution that is happening in writing and in publishing and in journalism.

You better believe mommy blogging is a facking radical act.

Write on! Respect the blog.

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126 comments:

April said...

I love this movement. I'm so in shock at how unethical this journalist was (is!).

Heather said...

She sounds rather defensive. She knows she was wrong.

I am also schooled in journalism and also attended a school that handed you a 0 for any spelling errors. (I finished the top in my class in journalistic skills so GO ME!)

I'll be adding the button and a post!

JCK said...

Absolutely we are writers. Damn skippy. I admire your declaration and the start of a movement.

And I agree with Heather, she sounded defensive.

Amy said...

If I'm not a writer, I am a damn fine imitation of one.

AND a former journalist with a similar educational background.

A to the MEN!

Sass said...

I've written. I like the cause and suspect this is going to spread beyond the mummy bloggers.

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

I'm right with you!! I have a print journalism degree (which sounds archaic these days...cough) and, like you, can't believe she can justify her professional actions. I would assume that anyone "quoted" (more like "quote lifted" in your case) in a newspaper article had actually been interviewed. If that line is going to begin to blur with the prevalence of blogs, then there needed to be an editor's note or something at the beginning or end of the piece noting that was the case since the article was about blogging.

Shauna said...

I think this is great. And it might keep my mind off things for a bit while I attempt a sensible post. :)Will let you know if I manage it.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Awesome idea.

Really, does it take more than a moment to link? No. It does not. If anything, it makes more traffic for both sites and everybody is happy.

Write On, girl. I'll let you know if I post on this. Marking my little pad by the computer...

Tara R. said...

I cannot tell you how angry I am right now. Coming from a journalist background, having worked in the news media for years, one of the first rules we learned was to give proper attribution. Omission is as good as a lie. I'm not so sure what the writer did was legal. Surely you would be covered by copyright infringement laws.

Also having had to deal with a plagiarist myself recently, that scab is fresh too. I cannot believe the gaul of some people.

I would also contact the publisher and let that editor know that portions of the book were taken without permission or attribution.

Anonymous said...

I found you via Tara's blog-- someone left a comment with your link, so I clicked.

I'm honestly appalled that someone would be that presumptuous, and take words like that. Classless, really, it is.

I think I might join in on this. I'm not a mommy blogger, but I've been plagiarized before and it hurts.

On the positive side, I like what you have in here. I'm glad that I'm off so I can dive in and read more!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I concur with everyone, but Cheri's comment is especially spot on.

Brittany said...

You rock, girl. You ROCK.

Michelle said...

I'm with you 100%
Mine is up.

Woman in a Window said...

What is a writer, if not someone who writes? Writers do not need to ask permission to be called writers, they do not need to wait to be given the verification like a cheap diploma, balloon bedeckled and laminated.

Sounds like perhaps the old establishment feels a little threatened. As they should. Not necesarily by me or by you, but by this democratizing change that is afoot.

Woman in a Window said...

What is a writer, if not someone who writes? Writers do not need to ask permission to be called writers, they do not need to wait to be given the verification like a cheap diploma, balloon bedeckled and laminated.

Sounds like perhaps the old establishment feels a little threatened. As they should. Not necesarily by me or by you, but by this democratizing change that is afoot.

Mr Lady said...

I'v spent the last few days trying to compose this entry. I'm glad to see it's about to become a movement. Me? ON BOARD.

Anonymous said...

I do agree to a certain extent.
However, there are a lot of really crappy blogs who are selling themselves and the places to visit for certain types of information..they tend to run roughshod over ethics, copyright, grammar and everything else that a writer or journalist struggles for.

What needs to be done is for THOSE types of sites to dealt with..

Separate the wheat from the chaff.

Otherwise all the good blogs out there get drowned out by the crappy one's who are just better at social networking and digging and stumbling and 'optimization' etc.

There are way too many content poor blogs out there.

And while we are not all out there for bloggy/writer fame...we do need to respect the format and those that are carving a niche on the net for themselves..a legitimate one.

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Power to the Bloggy People!

Will put up the button and attempt to get a post up this week.

Unknown said...

This is my first time here -- thanks to Mr. Lady -- and what a fantastic introduction. I'm behind you. I've always had the view that we, as bloggers, are writers.

Now if I could convince my wife...

Melanie Sheridan said...

This is my first time here and what a great introduction! Like many here I went to school in a journalism program.

I was interviewd for an article in the LA Times that was picked up by several other papers. The fact that I blog wasn't mentioned in the article and I didn't get a hyperlink in the credits. I wasn't really upset about it but didn't think of it in this context. How hard is to put in a hyperlink with my name?

I agree that newspapers are feeling threatened as well they should be. Giving the proper attribtion would not be hard and you should feel slighted in this instance. Good for you for starting this, I hope it takes off! If I come up with a post worthy of displaying the badge, I most certainly will!

Anonymous said...

Just had to say, right here, right now,that you & blogs like this one make me want to jump around my kitchen playing my keyboard like an air guitar and sing Pink's I'm A Rock Star at the top of my lungs. Only substitute WR-I-TER for rock star. (Even though the English Lit major in me gets embarrassed). So,
I'm bookmarking this & getting on it. promise.
~ Mommy blogger & EarnestGirl http://twitter.com/home but still anonymous (but not for long) here

Kellan said...

I have no formal training - journalism or otherwise, but I most definitely consider myself to be a writer.

I have to say - I love that people try very hard to discredit our worth as I totally believe that it only means that we are a threat. Finally - every writer that wishes to be heard/read has the ability and means by which to do so - without approval/intervention/connection to anyone! We - bloggers - are a force to be reckoned with and it IS our writing - our words - that will eventually earn us the respect we are due. I'm with you and I will definitely put this button in my sidebar and post on this subject soon.

Thanks, Kelly - you ROCK and this is a fabulous and fantastically important movement!

Kellan

Ellyn said...

I will proudly wear this button. And am putting the finishing touches on the post to go with it.

Your writing is fantastic. I never miss your posts. Love it.

Clair said...

I got out of journalism because I saw too many cases of questionable ethics, and nobody standing up for what was right. I blog now for me, personally, and not with the intent that anything I say is actually sourced, newsworthy content. However, the sourced-content journalism blogs should only make mainstream reporters work harder, write better, and embrace ethics. Yes, the medium is evolving, but the standards should not be plummeting. I'm thrilled to wear this button. You rock.

Anonymous said...

i just sent you the email, but just in case, my post is finally up.

thank you for doing this! i am proud to be apart of it!

http://www.singingwithmyheart.com/?p=608

Parent Club said...

I'm in.

Post is up at;
http://www.parentclub.ca

loribeth said...

Another J-school grad who remembers getting an automatic zero on an assignment for misspelling a proper name. You learn pretty quickly after something like that happens. ; ) Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I'm not a journalist but I support all the same. I think you're absolutely spot on about this.

Tabitha said...

Well said ~ when I work out how to get the thing on my sidebar ~ I will put it there ha ha !!
Take care ~ love and hugs Tabitha XXX

Sally said...

I'm not a professional writer although published. I've put the button on my blog, and wish you the best! Keep on writing; you do it well!

Unknown said...

Hey I agree with you 100%! Tho I dont' think of my blog as writing per say i see it as a outlet for expression! :) I will put this button on my blog!

Laski said...

My degrees in English and education are writhing away in a corner . . . and not because of what this "journalist" said or by what her actions imply, but by the simple fact that the bloggers I visit amaze me on a daily basis. And guess what? Many don't have English degrees, journalism degrees or even college degrees. But, they write circles around nearly every pro I know. They write their life, they write their heart, they write their experiences . . . they are writers in every single sense of the word.

Jealousy. Jealousy that sometimes it doesn't take some fancy college degree to do something glorious. The fact is a mommy sitting on her couch and watching her children play before her can compose a piece that is honest and heartfelt. A dad can write about the struggles of fatherhood with humor and wit. A young woman, newly single, can write about independence and strength.

Yeah. Damn right we're writers . . . damn right.

Marty, a.k.a. canape said...

Posted, added the button, and will Tweet tomorrow when the Superbowl isn't on and more people are reading.

This made me want to whoop and holler just like my FIL and husband when the Cardinals just scored.

Damselfly said...

I can't wait to do this!

Even though things may have been technically correct or true, it gives the reader a different impression -- that you cooperated with the reporter and had knowledge of the article. And writing is all about conveying the right impression to your readers, so there is a bit of half-truth there.

Ellyn said...

I wrote a little something for you over on my site yesterday. I would love it if you came and took a look if you have a moment.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

I just wrote a post with LINKS to you. Can you imagine that?

Here it is:

http://tracey-justanothermommyblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-really-dont-mind-sharing-all-you-have.html

Tara R. said...

My post is up and linked to yours. I hope you will finally get your just due. This is appalling.

http://ifmomsaysok.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/respect-the-blog/

Thank you for getting this going.

Tara R. said...

My post is up and linked to yours. I hope you will finally get your just due. This is appalling.

http://ifmomsaysok.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/respect-the-blog/

Thank you for getting this going.

L~ said...

I am a mommy blogger, and getting proud about it! Here's my link -
http://missingwomaninmommaland.blogspot.com

I have linked to your post and I hope others join in too!

Anonymous said...

Way to take back your own words. I think your journalist owes you a serious apology.

caramama said...

You go, DMD! I have a Master of Journalism and Mass Communication from one of universities considered in the top 10 in the US. And I agree that what the authors did, though technically legal, was disrespectful and unprofessional.

I will try to pull together a post on this topic sometime this week. I, also, embrace the term mommyblogging and love that I can use my talents as a writer in that form!

Karen MEG said...

You are fabulous; this is such an important post and movement. She doesn't get it; this is not a form of flattery.

While not a professional writer by any means, I write from my heart, and I would be so crushed (and angry) if any of my words were taken without attribution or even outright copied. A link takes 30 seconds.

I'll post the button; when I manage to get my head out of the frazzled mess it's in and put out a coherent post on this subject, I will be sure to link it back here.

Anonymous said...

I'm in!

I have so much to say about this very issue, yet I need to sort out my thoughts so my words don't jumble together like my thoughts!

Button is going up on the sidebar in a matter of moments!

kyooty said...

What a great post!
I'm bummed you were "stolen"

moosh in indy. said...

I read it and all I could think was "BALL-LESS" and "TACKY."
Kharma's a wench, take comfort in that.

Saz said...

I'll join the crusade and add to my blog...over from Sass' blog...more power to ya!!

BTW top journo David McMahon obviously doesn't concur....with the times online..l shall tell him to come here!!

david mcmahon said...

I was sent here by FF&F. On my way to check out the original article.

As a professional journalist, I think bloggers add great value to the traditional definition of journalism, per se.

MARY G said...

I've just put up a fist and a post. http://themsmysentiments.blogspot.com/2009/02/clenching-our-fists.html

Good for you!

Saz said...

I have written a post and will be adding it shorty.

write on!!!

Amy said...

http://www.mychickencheese.com/2009/02/04/oh-look-its-square-one/

It's ON, baby.

Saz said...

my post is bringing in some great followers already...

http://fatfrumpyandfifty.blogspot.com/2009/02/have-your-say.html

Daryl said...

Over from FF&F's and now to the NY Times .. and my own blog to rant a bit too

Akelamalu said...

Damn cheek! Good for you, count me in!

Katney said...

My journalism career was part time, small town, and of short duration a long time ago, but I know for a fact that my editor would have sent an article like that back to me for the attributions to be fixed. Good grief!

A blog is just a tool. Sometimes a journalistic tool, sometimes a photographic tool, sometimes a networking tool, sometimes a tool for a vent or to proacticw your writing technique out on others, and for some even a moneymaking tool.

A newspaper is a tool, too. The hardcopy version makes a great firestarter when you are camping.

aims said...

I'm with you and I've got something to say about it too.

http://bigbluebarnwest.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-blog-therefore-i-am.html

carrie said...

Thank you for standing up to this. From one 2 credit shy of an English major with a Journalism minor mom to you, one Writer to another, THANK YOU. And...rock on.

Flea said...

You totally rock. I'll come back and let you know when I have it posted.

Unknown said...

I read all the links and totally agree with and applaud you for calling The Times out. Let us know if you ever get a further response.

I have published my post about all this and the button that links to you is in my right sidebar.

Mmm said...

Good for you!!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I wrote on.
http://jugglinglife.typepad.com/juggling_life/2009/02/respect-the-blog.html

Laski said...

It's up: http://laskigal.blogspot.com/2009/02/just-little.html

Thanks for doing this, K!

stephanie said...

Brilliantly said. I've written journalistically but went the route of English/Ed degree instead of your professional way, but I tell all of my students we are Writers with that capital W when we know we're being sincere.

I will come back & grab the badge tomorrow after school :D

Thank you for speaking up & standing your ground.

dkuroiwa said...

I'm not a journalist, just a woman who likes to share her life in another country...and like KarenMEG, I write from the heart.

This whole affair is just wrong.
Reading the article, knowing that the authors "borrowed" your words, I began to doubt all the other "interviews" and quotes.

Yeah, it might not be exactly illegal, but...isn't it much like the student who copies the answers to homework from someone's notebook that was left in the library. Morally....it's wrong.
Good for you...and everyone else for standing up for bloggers, big and small, everywhere.

MIT Mommy said...

I wrote my post before reading this (Flea's World sent me here today). Leaving much unsaid, I will simply send you my link and go find my children.

www.mitmommy.blogspot.com

Oh, and I'll get the button up too. Thanks for that!

Carma Sez said...

the buttons is up and here's my link:

http://carmasez.blogspot.com/2009/02/we-dont-get-no.html

hope you can hook me up!
thanks.
carma

A Woman Of No Importance said...

I am taking that banner, girl, and will wear it with pride on my blog - Thank you for offering it up!

I shall blog about this on Friday - Thank you once again! x

Tim Atkinson said...

Mine too - up the bloggers!

http://bringingupcharlie.blogspot.com/

BIBI said...

I am totally with you on this one. I am a new blogger, and I am proud of my original writings even though I have no journalism degree. I write, I blog therefore I am.
I'll wear this badge with honor on my blog and persuade others to join in.
I am at http://unnrestedsoul.blogspot.com

Suzy said...

I didn't see a copyright on your blog. The creatve commons one is what a lot of Bloggers have, including me. I don't know if it does any good but if someone like Times Online stole your story, you could have sued tham, just for the publicity and to bring light to the cause.

Baby on Bored had an entire post lifted by another blogger and we all went to stealer blogger to yell at her and tell her to link, but she never did, just claimed it as her own.

As a standup comic, we are told to succeed you must have a persona because then stealing is harder. I write as if I'm doing my act so that the copied work would be (hopefully) easier to prove.

Journalists and the print media is in the toilet, because of the internet and ad dollars. Companies are throwing their ad bucks online. One day all writers will end up blogging and see how much work goes into it to get an audience. And most journalists don't even know how to set up a blog. They're way behind the curve.

Flea said...

Mine's up. Boo hoo for the print journalists who editorialize instead of print the facts. They should learn good story telling from the people who are taking their business. Maybe go write a novel with all the time they now have on their hands. Or get with the wave of the future already. And BUY ME A PONY.

imbeingheldhostage said...

I definitely want you in my corner!

My side bar is up, but haven't posted yet.

Krista said...

Maybe the true problem is that blogs are more fun to read than newspaper or magazine articles. I think of blogging as a creative outlet and just as some people don't like Picasso, it doesn't mean he's not an artist. You don't buy his prints and no one is forcing you to read blogs that are too revealing. Blogging is like a friend who is there at your convenience. What's so bad about pretending that people are interested in my life? Actually, they're not. I like to think I could make some friends in the blog world. But at the least it's a good journal.

Daisy said...

My post will be up Saturday on Compost Happens. How sad that this so-called journalist wouldn't give proper credit to her source, wouldn't even offer the courtesy of a link. In this changing world of journalism, she'd better shape up or she won't be working.

Bella Foxx said...

If people don't like a blog, don't read it. That is why your browser has a bookmark function. That is why I have a follow me on my blog, people who like it, can follow and read, people who don't can go someplace else.

Here is my post.
http://bellafoxx.blogspot.com/2009/02/write-on-respect-blog.html

KG said...

Good for you!

And who knows? Maybe one day there will be some law protecting blogger posts from being ripped off. The more people who demand one, the better!

Jaina said...

Heh, you should email her mother.

Farmer*swife a/k/a Glass_Half_Full said...

I'm a newbie here and I didn't take time to read your other commenters comments.

But, I will say, that the moment a word is written, typed, or otherwise put in a written implementation it is considered by law -- copywrited.

And, writers can and may need to on occasion, and do, have their written works officially copywrited and legally secured.

But, under the law. Lifting information from a blog us just as much plagerism as any other form. It's also theft. And, could be retaliated by law.

Shame for shame on a 'reporter' who has to steal and not credit the source. Seriously? How hard is it to credit a source.

Go You!

Scriptor Senex said...

With you all the way!

Mr Lady said...

That took me forever. But it's done!

Anonymous said...

Mine is up... such as it is!

Weird in edgewise said...

I'm in, Don Mills Diva.

Write on!

cheshire wife said...

I write for fun and to please myself. No editor tells me what to do.

www.cheshire-wife.blogspot.com

Ms. Maxwell said...

I'm in. Post is up. Your thought leadership in what makes a writer is exquisite.

bernthis said...

I have never heard of you before but better late than never, as they say. Good for you. I am in. I'm sucky at trying to put anything on my blog but the ex has the kid this week and I will do my damndest (sp?)

Thanks for this

Anonymous said...

Brilliant and inspiring. Thank you for starting a movement to ensure bloggers with integrity get the respect so long overdue, and for standing up for yourself. Nice bit of courage!

Briar said...

Just discovered your blog - thanks. I posted.
-Bri
www.unwellness.com

Anonymous said...

I wrote on!

Check it out...

http://pleasurenotes.com/write-on/

Anonymous said...

I wrote on!

Check it out...

http://pleasurenotes.com/write-on/

Lucy said...

I found your blog from another blogger who wrote about this and had the button.
You wrote beautifully on how us blogger's feel and with all your credentials it is no wonder you are upset.

Journalist have way more to worry about their profession than blogger's. They need to look within before blaming the general public.

I will be posting and putting the button on my blog.
http://lucyslifeinsuburbworld.blogspot.com

Keri said...

Is it because old-fashioned, print journalism is dying that old-fartshioned reporters are becoming hungry, hurt dogs, nipping and fighting anyone within striking distance? And bloggers are just the easiest targets?

Is it because the articles that most newspapers and magazines publish are at a 9th-grade level? And we can out-write them, out-punctuate, out-class them every day of the week and in the middle of a sleep-deprived night, while nursing a baby at the same time.

I think these are just two reasons that you were treated so unprofessionally and without respect. You deserve better.

We deserve better. And when no one else will give what we rightfully deserve, we will take ownership of our title and be proud of it anyway.

I'm a Mommy Blogger, and I rock!

(btw, the graphic is already up at my blog.)

You rock too!

Anonymous said...

Stumbled on this post from another blog I frequent. This is a topic that's been coming up a lot lately locally (Pittsburgh) with some local journalists bashing local bloggers and it's just sad and pathetic, to be honest. I totally added the graphic and link to my site :)

Karen MEG said...

Okay, DONE FINALLY!!!

http://gliks.blogspot.com/2009/02/r-e-s-p-e-c-t.html

Love ya!

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you Kelly. I've added the logo to my blog and you can link to me if you'd like.

http://themadwhitewoman.blogspot.com/2009/02/write-on-respect-blog.html

Christine said...

Journalists like this ruin journalism. Simple as that!

I am going to link. I feel a rant coming on over at: Chris's Coop.
http://mrsbeasely.blogspot.com/

Ash said...

I discovered your story and link from Christine (above commenter).

I now have a topic for my Friday's Food for Thought. (2/13)

Thanks for this!! Love your blog - I will be back!

Em

Momisodes said...

I also found you via Christine. What a brilliant post and movement for bloggers. I love the way you wrote this. I just read the Times On-Line article, and I'm speechless.

I will certainly place this button on my blog.

KJ said...

I'm all posted and buttoned up.

Horrifying what that journalist did, but not shocking.

Young Momma said...

I found you through Kat (just kat stuff)

I'd love to grab your button and post about it. I'll let you know when it's done. :)

Anonymous said...

Count me in!

Anonymous said...

Oh hell yeah!

*cough* sorry.

Blogs ruin journalism? Really? I guess they're scared of us. And they should be.

I'll happily grab your button and sidebar it and write a post (I'm late as usual, but better late than never). I have a touch of blogger inferiority complex, but I'm definitely on board.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for starting this, and thank you for blogging. I just started blogging, but it has been a life saver for me. I'm proud to call myself a Mommy Blogger! I put the button up on my site too.

http://geminigoddess.wordpress.com/

Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I wrote today about how I consider myself a writer. Please stop by - if you think my humble little post qualifies, feel free to link.

http://hotfessional.com/2009/02/21/sharing-saturday-returns/

Ash said...

I finally got my post up and running!!

http://eminpursuit.blogspot.com/2009/02/ffft-channeling-aretha-without-that-god.html

Write On, Indeed!! Em

Tony@ That One Paticular Harbor said...

I came across your story via Life liberty and the pursuit. I am with you on this one. Very unprofessional. Blog on !!!

Amber said...

I support what you are doing. I wrote my post and linked to you. Write on!!!!!!!

Amber said...

Sorry I forgot to give you my link: My blog is Care and Feeding of Wild Things and my post is: http://www.careandfeedingofwildthings.com/2009/03/is-all-about-respect.html

Daniel - Greenhouse Glimpses said...

I support you and posted last night. I am at: http://greenhouseglimpses.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Is it too late to join?

My post is

http://blog.mommywizdom.com/2009/03/19/famous-diaries.aspx

Thanks for standing up for the blog/ger!

MommyWizdom

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Tricia said...

Fantastic post. I've added the banner to my sidebar as well. Thanks!

Reviewer11 said...

If you write a story, or in this case, a blog, YOU ARE a writer. I think the journalists to say otherwise are prejudice for some reason. That's how I see it but no clue if this is true. Journalists are writers, blog writers ARE writers, novelists, are writers... those who do not want to acknowledge this is in denial.

Carrie Ella said...

I have posted this button on my sidebar and will display it proudly.

I am so tired of individuals who cannot comprehend what blogging and writing is, pointing their fingers, and telling us to get a life.

I have one, thank you very much, and it must be pretty damn interesting if you read my blog everyday.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Andrea said...

Write on!

Magaly Guerrero said...

Hi,

I'm proud of my writing, so I've blogged about it. Please add me to the list ;)

http://pagan-culture.blogspot.com/2009/06/presents-awards-insults-disguised-as.html

Lauralee said...

Hello. I just wanted to say I enjoyed reading this post and all the comments and I liked the button, so I put it up on my blog. Props to you for what you want to do.

MissKris said...

Better late than never, I say. Please add my blog to your list. In the early days of my blogging I had someone comment about my 'boring and paltry life. How can you expect anyone to come read this?' I must say that at first it crushed me...then my fierce sense of competition kicked in and away I went, keyboard at the ready! Something like 1600 posts and over 400,000 visitors later, I have this to say: "Pbbbbbbbbb!" to that nasty commenter! HA!

strokeofliving said...

I'm not a mommy or a wifey blogger but I too have a story or two to tell and the fact that I've discovered blogging as an outlet to share those stories is a wonderful thing. Screw the journalists [who are hating on the creative and factual writings of brilliant bloggers] and the horses they road in on. LOL.

Leah Jewel Alexander said...

I read this last night and it took me a long time to write this post because it's just so absurd! I love this movement you've begun!

What I love about it is that you have turned a negative into a positive. You were wronged individually, but you turned it around and are using the terrible experience to show support for all bloggers as a whole.

I support you whole-heartedly. They could have at least cited you as a reference, asked your permission, or conducted a real interview with you if you agreed to it. I encourage you to keep doing what you're doing!

I too would like to post links to everyone who blogs about this. We can turn this thing around, thanks to your leadership and have one billion search results showing up for the search term "Blogs Do NOT Ruin Journalism!" I'm linking to every blog who writes a post about what happened to you on my blog.

If we all link to each other, what great power, we will have! I'm not suggesting this just to get links back to my blog. I believe in this.
What happened to you, could potentially happen to any of us if we don't ban together with you, take a stand, and get active.

MissKris said...

I've had this button on my site for quite a while with a link here. But now I've finally written a post about it:

http://missykrissy2005.blogspot.com/2009/09/all-im-askin-for-is-little-respect.html

FreeSpiritChick said...

Hi I've added your button to my website

http://airgchatinfo.blogspot.com/

Keep Fighting double talking reporters like her hun :-)

It pisses me off to see people take someone else's work and rewrite it just a little bit and claim it to be their own!!

I've had this happen to me on Ehow.com and that's taking $ out of MY Pocket.

Thanks From Jamie aka FreeSpiritChick

Coppertop said...

http://crazycoppertop.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-my-navel-gazing-drivel-matters.html

Rock on!

Enri Zoltz said...

I also added your button to my blog and appreciate your efforts to make blogging a legitimate identity. Please check out my blog (with your button!) here - RAILROAD POETRY and my own comment (in poetry form) about my feelings on the subject here.

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