As you can see, I've added some links to my site - finally. They're in alphabetical order at this time, but I may, in the future, begin to group them by category.
When I first started blogging, I received some good advice from History Mike, whom I "met" through Toledo Talk. (www.historymike.blogspot.com) He encouraged me to do a blog, but also cautioned me about links, saying that links were great ways to generate traffic, but you need to be careful about where you link to. Some bloggers, he warned, were not as careful (in terms of language, facts vs. opinions, etc...) about their posts as others.
So, for the last several months, I've been visiting many sites and looking for the ones I like AND the ones I think those of you who read my site will find interesting.
Obviously, History Mike's Musings is one of them. His approach to his blog is thoughtful, he's a very good writer and he covers a variety of topics. He's also got several other sites that represent his interests in history and journalism.
The next site is Glass City Jungle (www.glasscityjungle.blogspot.com). Lisa Renee, who publishes this look at the 'jungle' of Toledo and Lucas County politics, was also the blogger selected to do the live blogging during the 5-way county commissioner debate. Lisa has stated her liberal perspective, but does an excellent job of trying to present both sides of an issue. Her writing is clear, concise, reflective and I enjoy reading her posts, even when I may disagree with her opinion.
I've not met Mike nor Lisa in person, but I can't help but think this would be a better place if there were more people like them here.
I've also included a link to Hooda_Thunkit's site (www.hooda-thunkit.blogspot.com), primarily because I love the name. Actually, Hooda posts to numerous blogs and always has a perspective I appreciate. His blog is more of a reflection on every-day issues and annoyances. As his intro says, "I can ask rhetorical questions, rant, vent, and ask and answer my own questions. The best part is that my family no longer asks me who I am talking to..." I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.
There are some traditional links found on most Toledo area blogs: Toledo Bloggers (a listing of blog sites), Toledo Talk, Toledo Free Press, and Townhall.com (which I read for access to some of my favorite columnists). I've also included a link to the new Fallen Timbers Republican Club message board. I believe this is the first Republican Club that's put out such a message board - and this one includes polls (so if you have an opinion on the new license plate fee increase, go vote).
If you've not seen Snopes.com, you should. This is a fun site that researches urban legends and reports the facts. Our most recent use of this was to debunk the myth of a penny dissolving in a glass of Coke in 24 hours (not true).
So those are my links. I must be honest and say that I read other blogs on a regular basis, but haven't yet decided whether or not to provide a link.
The "newest" one I'm familiar with is Progressive Toledo. It's primarily a liberal perspective and is currently more of an "I love Ben Konop" site than anything else. I don't know what it will evolve into, but since they've publicly stated that conservative opinions are not wanted, I probably will not link to them. Two others I read are Toledo Speaks Out and Politics in Mudville, so if you're interested, you can check them out, too.
So those are the links - for now. Thanks, again, History Mike for the good advice!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
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12 comments:
Toledo++,
The comment I referred to was the first post on the website. I've checked the archives as a result of your question, and found that the original post has been changed. It now says, "Here in Toledo, conservative bloggers have taken complete control. It's time that the progressives get out there, unify, and start promoting our own ideas.
The original introductory post mentioned that other blogs were primarily conservative, hence the desire to start a "progressive" blog. It referred conservative posters to the other blogs and did made it very clear that conservatives were not wanted. Even with the change in wording, as a person who considers herself conservative, I still get the impression that my comments are not what the site is looking for.
That's why I made the comment - AND, stated that I do not know what it will evolve into. And it's okay with me if that's what Kurt wants - it's his site. So I mention the site as one that I read on a regular basis, but have decided not to link to at this time.
As for your other questions, I think you're doing the right thing in reading and posting to various sites - not just one. As a current office holder (I won't be a former one until the end of the year), I read multiple sites which have various perspectives. I try to learn from all of them, even when I disagree with the opinion that's being stated or find that the "facts" are not presented accurately. And these two things occur in both liberal/Democrat AND conservative/Republican sites.
Currently, more people are starting to chose NO party affiliation, so you're not alone in being an independent voter.
As you get more involved in politics, I will share advice that my parents gave me. Choose the CANDIDATE you want to support. The party affiliation is usually an indication of core philosophy, but every person is different and it's important to find the INDIVIDUAL that shares your perspective and is deserving of your support. Obviously, you won't agree with everything - so figure out what are the most important issues to YOU and then support (work for, donate to, campaign for, promote) those individuals who share those core values. You may find that they're a Republican or a Democrat or some other party.
Also, as you change and your life becomes different, you may find that your top priorities change as well. As a 21-year-old student, your priorities are quite likely to be very different from your priorities when you become a business owner, for instance. Additionally, individuals you've decided to support also change and may no longer share your priorities, either. Don't be afraid of that - it's okay to change your mind.
Thanks for such a thoughtful question!
Steve - I have taken your good advice and decided to start posting on Progressive Toledo.
I appreciate the goals of the site and also the clarification of the rules (recent post by Kurt). As you say - people trying to come together to advance the region? what a concept!
And while I'm optimistic like you, I don't know what the site will evolve into - so I may still wait a bit longer to provide it as a link on my website.
And I did not in any way think that you were being rude - rather, you posed very thoughtful, well-worded questions and gave me something to think about, as well.
Sometimes, the most difficult part of any "movement" is to agree on the goal - in this case, moving Toledo forward. There will be many different ways to do that - and many disagreements on the BEST way, but having the conversation is the first step.
Thanks, Steve!
Thanks for your kind words Maggie, hopefully someday we will meet in person. I'm optimistic Progressive Toledo will be a good place for discussion. There is bound to be some "growing pains" because team blogs are a bit more difficult especially initially but I think it will end up being a good place for discussion. I share some of Steve's hopes in that regard.
:-)
You're welcome, Lisa.
I believe you're very correct about the growing pains for progressivetoledo - that's a good way to describe what it's going though in its early days.
Like most of us who are new to this blogging thing, we learn as we go along.
Shucks, Maggie, I am honored by your kind words. I only hope that I always live up the way in which I have been described.
As far as the county commissioner's seat, my gut reaction is that I hope Sarantou wins; while my personal politics are sometimes at odds with the GOP, I am more apprehensive of one-party rule.
While Maggie should be proud of the policy initiatives she brought forth, perhaps her most important role was as a check against unbridled power by one faction.
Ben Konop is intriguing for his energy and enthusiasm, but he is untested. Phil Copeland is just trying to be a Bill Copeland clone, and Tim Wagener just doesn't get me fired up.
Pam Haynam has yet to make much of a dent in the awareness department, although with Doug Haynam advising her she might pull off an upset.
I, too, think Progressive Toledo has great potential. That being said, I have to get busy and start composing some essays for the site.
Hi Maggie!
I too was shocked and quite humbled by your choosing to list my lil 'ole blog with that of Mike & Lisa, both of whom I hold in very high esteem.
Your flattery, by doing so, has my head inflating like a cheap balloon :-)
Now I have even more reason to get out of this contemplative mood (funk) and get back to therapy!
BTW, we've met, but that was before I became Hooda and took my phobias, quirks and peccadilloes public on my blog.
Thanks again, I am truly humbled.
(Imagine, right up there with my mentors..., COOL!)
And, Welcome to Progressive Toledo, I was feeling kinda lonely over there :-)
Mike and Hooda - you're welcome...but remember that you've earned the link because of the way you blog - either informative (mike) or entertaining (hooda).
I hope that "progressive toledo" will continue to grow into a truly inspiring sight and with both of you (along with Lisa Renee) posting there, I have high hopes.
It's a baby, it'll get there. As to your comment about it being a Ben Konop love fest, fair enough, but part of what I want to do over there is promote candidates who most want to move Toledo forward by throwing ideas out there. That's why I like Ben so much. You'll find, Maggie, that even I will endorse republican candidates for the general election.
Kurt - I did notice your support for certain Republicans even in the primary. And I know that you're sincere in your positions.
And I, along with others, want you to be successful in your goals for ProgressiveToledo. I think that will help benefit Lucas County and the surrounding area.
Are you, by way of this post, asking me to link to your site?
No, that's up to you (couldn't hurt our traffic though). But I am linking your site on mine.
Maggie,
I'll put a link to your blog on my blog too. It is really a work in progress, isn't it? I find myself getting in fits where I get obsessed and spend hours perfecting my sites, and then other times I don't feel like messing around with them at all.
I emailed you at maggie@maggiethurber.com to be a contributor to moderatetoledo. Let me know if you don't get the email.
It seems like you agreed with me about Ben lovers on progressivetoledo. That is why I was hesitant to join.
One day I hope to be counted worthy of an officially sanctioned link to my blog Smoke If You Got 'Em. But until then, I will have to shamelessly plug myself wherever I get the chance.
Luke
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