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Above is a meaningless stream of characters. Unless you’re a verification engine, searching for that exact stream, in which case I say “hi”.
The reason it’s there is because quite a few people have recommended “Empire Avenue” to me, which is an odd site, where you attempt to define the value of your social media efforts. Five people have endorsed my blog there, which means I can get official recognition from the site. On the site, you actually buy and sell shares in people using imaginary currency. Don’t ask me why.
It does question why I blog, tweet, post etc. What’s the point of that recognition, or any recognition? It doesn’t make my cup of tea taste any better.
I guess it’s the connecting of like minds; the robust debate and at several less happy times, some acknowledgement of existence. I went from senior management roles in smallish businesses to working for myself (with Lady Devotea) and at times you feel like no-one listens.
If you make a statement on line, people might object, argue or agree, but hardly anyone ever denies you have a right to say what you say. Other than being rejected by the Association of Tea Bloggers, I’ve rarely even had criticism, despite the amateur nature of my video and written work.
My incredibly small but incredibly engaged group of readers are really important to me, even if I’m not sure exactly what I plan to achieve.
Oh well, I’ll just return to my cup of Ceylon OP and ponder it further.
You got rejected by the ATB?? On what basis, one wonders??
Sorry to hear about your situation (ATB). Glad you have solace with a cup of tea.
Being one of your loyal readers, I assure you that this community means a great deal to us as well.
When it comes to what we’re all doing here specifically and online in general, I think it’s still being determined what the value of all this stuff really is.
I try to describe twitter, and those who aren’t already knee-deep in it look at me like I’m stark raving mad.
As long as you’re out there, Robert, I know I’m not the only stark raving mad one among us.
That…rather pisses me off. How could *YOU* of all people be rejected by the ATB? I mean, you blog far more than a lot of people I know/see/read, and you provide some very wonderful insights. *AND* – most importantly – you tie it back to tea. Last I checked, those factors should’ve more than met their criteria.
I had thought of applying for membership to the ATB since starting my Teatra.de blog. Now…I don’t think I will. Vive la France! I mean…SolidariTEA!
I’m sorry you were not approved for membership with ATB. I don’t know all the particulars of your request for membership by ATB, but I do know that they generally will not approve a blog that is less than 6 months old. When did you apply, and was it for this blog?
Just to provide some background, at the time I applied to the ATB I had been video blogging for about 9 months and writing the occasional written one for about 4 months.
I think they didn’t see the video blogging as valid. At the time, I felt like the suggestion was that video blogging was done by people who couldn’t or wouldn’t write.
I think any of us that write like to see some validation and you can be really knocked over by these things.
You brought up an important point: why and for whom do we post, tweet?
The answer is probably different for each one of us (from satisfying my own ego to enlightening the world).
Well, once this blog is more than 6 months old, I am sure you’d be approved, you have a great blog! I really enjoy reading it!
The thing is, your blog is great – you don’t need ATB approval. What matters is whether you enjoy writing and others enjoy reading. In your case it’s a clear yes on both counts.
It’s good that ATB has standards, they are necessary if the seal is supposed to have meaning.
The ATB started with a small group of people deciding they’d run a program like this. It’s a good idea. But no different than you deciding with @lahikmajoe to draw up your own set of strict standards, calling them anything you want.
Just give your group an official name; the “Association of Extreme Tea Writers” and Bob’s your uncle so to speak.
Once you’ve established your guidelines, design a fancy seal, and start rejecting applicants.
In no time, folks will be bribing you with gifts, or knighthoods or something just to be part of your elite team.
Either way, I don’t mind whether someone has the seal or not. If I like a blog, it gets my seal of approval and that’s a mighty fine thing 😉
I have received this comment from the ATB and whilst I am posting in in its entirety, I wanted to note here that it will be the subject of my next blog: (The Devotea)
I agree with you Jackie, that approval isn’t needed to deem this a good blog. I would read it whether or not it is part of ATB. Our blog is part of ATB – but that doesn’t make our blog any better or worse than anyone else’s tea blog. I read blogs for the content, not for the stamp of approval.
I was only trying to say that there was another reason for his rejection, not because his blog isn’t good, but because they have an “age requirement,” and like Cinnabar from ATB states, the rejection should not be considered a reflection of his quality of writing.
My throwaway line – which was really meant to illustrate a point – has really set the cat amongst the pigeons.
I respect the ATB’s right to set rules and also their right to apply then and way they see fit.
If I receive an invitation from them, I’d be happy to join.
But Jackie’s comments have also coalesced an idea I’ve been working on…
I want to know more 😀