meta matters: an invitation

By
I want to thank you for reading k/o.

I am happy with this blog, and grateful for every single one of you who read it, whether everyday, or on a more check in from time to time basis. We have a community, and that's something to be grateful for.

From the comments, the incoming and outgoing links and the way people use this site, I know that you are intelligent, savvy readers who are choosing to come here, in some cases going out of your way to find this place...ahem...and I feel privileged to know that hundreds of you read this page everyday. I am grateful for every last one of you and all of your comments, even the challenging ones.

Now, this is not an audience of tens of thousands like other sites, and it won't be...even as this site inevitably grows a bit. Writing as if I had that kind audience doesn't fit here. So, as you may or may not have noticed, when I feel the need to wonk out, I am still writing occasional pieces elsewhere: dKos, MyDD, BooMan, that don't appear here. I am still looking for a community blog that "feels just right"...I am sure when I find it, I will write there too.

Frankly, this is a small blog that, for now, runs within the limits of the blogspot template....it's not a scoop or soapblox community and it was never intended to be. What I'm doing here is smaller, more intimate, and hopefully more focused and richer because of that. That's what I set out to do, for political and creative reasons. You see, in my view, we ALL should be doing this...adding to the gumbo, and the richness of blogs..by letting a thousand voices bloom.

In my view, there are things I can do here that I can't do anywhere else:

  • provide links to what I'm reading or listening to online
  • write from a personal angle, and not worry about doing so
  • give a "heads up" to friends and readers about something political or cultural that I think you might want to know about
  • write pieces that are about thoughts that are more tentative, experimental, sketch-like, creative....ie. blog.
  • and someday, I hope, link this work more closely with everything I do creatively and intellectually...and have this be a kind of "open workshop"...a window on what I'm up to and thinking. If you've noticed, I try to link to folks who do this now...

    Admitting that I look forward to making alliance with many other small blogs like this...and do tell me if you have one or know of one I'd be interested in....I would like to invite you to use this blog as a place where you can freely comment and work in the above manner too. This is not a "formal place"...your comments, links, shout outs, and self-promotion are welcome here. If folks are interested, I'll post open threads...but as far as I'm concerned...use any thread as an open thread if you've got something to add.

    In a nutshell, while I admit the layout and design could use a boost, and, yes, I may migrate this place off the blogspot platform someday...this is a home base for me for the short and long term. Hopefully you feel comfortable touching base here from time to time, if not getting to know your neighbors. Know that you are all most welcome.

    • Comments

    Jay Bullock said…
    Okay, folkbum here. A reader, not a commenter much to date. But happy to be a reader. Thank you for the space.
    9:12 PM
    kid oakland said…
    Hey folkbum....welcome....welcome....just like you welcomed me to dKos, way back when, and for which...I'm still grateful.

    The New Orleans musician link above might interest you....the top link comes from friends who are physicians and worked at the clinic for musicians there....and WWOZ is just a national treasure. Good people.
    9:35 PM
    Anonymous said…
    K/O, could you please post a link here when you post a blog article or diary elsewhere? I'd appreciate it.
    9:35 PM
    kid oakland said…
    Sure, I think I'll do that up on the right under politics and culture...thanks for the tip.
    10:10 PM
    Unknown said…
    Just keep doing what you're doing, it's a good mix that lets your voice shine.
    9:21 AM
    Anonymous said…
    Hi. I'm a daily reader. After living for years in Oakland, I am for now, back in my hometown in Toronto, Canada. I really appreciate the Oakland perspective you offer and the thoughfulness that this type of blog promotes.

    I am finding my way with the blog format at Canadian Looking South. Hope you'll take a look when you can. I am counting the days until my son and I travel to O'town October 7. Not sure if I'll go to Arizmendi or Black Muslim Bakery first. And then it's bring ojn the soul food!

    Interested to talk with friends and comrades about how this current African American migration will play out over time, based on Okalnd's unique experience as a Great Migration destination in the past.

    Solidarity Kid O.
    11:52 AM
    NYBri said…
    This bolg is on my daily tour of the web. Top on my list of "required reading" links at my blog.

    I look forward to my time here for all the reasons you outlined.


    I really like the feel...the look and the intimate nature of it. It wears well, like a sunday pair of jeans.
    3:36 PM
    janinsanfran said…
    I too try to look in on you every day or so. I trust you to write with heart about race, class and culture, something I often need to read.
    8:02 PM
    Anonymous said…
    k/o - just a *wave* and thanks, for now.. been travelling for a few days..

    Concur with request that you post to links to your diaries/posts/articles elsewhere..

    Medley
    http://uncorked.org/medley/
    8:50 PM
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