News Flash: Join the AfroSphere Facebook Group. Membership is momentarily open!
Revised: From the comments made in this entry, there seems to be problems with working and circulating definitions of “AfroSphere” and “AfroSpear.” Within that definitional problem, there are the six bloggers within this think tank, who identify as the “AfroSpear Circle,” and there are supporters of the efforts to have an action and collaboration component in general who also contribute to discussing issues of the African Diaspora, known as the “AfroSpear Nation.” All of these participants are included within the greater and larger “AfroSphere,” the general assemblage of bloggers of African descent. To make this simpler and more accessible, those of us in the Circle will work on creating a “Frequently Asked Questions” page that will include information about what these different groups are and what they mean, and how to join the AfroSphere along with all the codes/links/networks associated with membership. When the page is created, we will accept any and all criticism for how to rework definitions, updates, and anything related to its creation and upkeep on there.
Also, from the discussions prior to the creation of this think tank, as well as some of the viewpoints articulated after its creation in multiple forms over the past couple of weeks, there is a need for a connecting hub that integrates pockets of already existing frameworks and hubs of bloggers of African descent into one location. This hub would combine the functions of a discussion space/forum, a feed aggregator, a commentary base, and an activity monitor. We need to discuss how best to implement a project of this caliber because I think it represents the project a lot of people have been seeking, and it will serve to integrate many of the older and newer resources already available. Please share your opinions on this idea; all contributions, opinions, and ideas would be greatly appreciated. The sooner we can get a basic blueprint for something like this hub running, the better.
I don’t think it’s any longer a problem that we don’t know what each other does — everyone seems to have said much about how different things are working and why they’re working that way. The problem seems to be that we don’t understand why others do it that way and how these efforts can (and often do) cooperate with one another.
I will crosspost this to the AfroSpear forum and the Google group as well because it is a discussion we all need to see and to have. Speak wherever suits you. (On the forum, check the “Main Page” for this topic.)
So first, I’ll share what I said in a comment on thefreeslave’s post in response to mark bey on “Organization Presupposes Unity”:
I don’t think this is limited to personality clashes. I think it’s related more to misunderstandings and expectations, which I’ve tried to address in my comment. And the more people respond and say things like this–
I read most of the articles here I just dont comment on all of them so I am very familiar with what is going on. The problem I see going on is 70% personality clashes, 20% miscommunication and ten percent idealogical differences.
–the more I’m convinced that it’s not because people don’t have sunny dispositions. I think I’m getting an overall vibe that this project is new, and it’s not moving fast enough for people who want to take direct action now. But let’s not disguise that as people throwing hissy fits on the situation.
The main problem I’ve recognized — expectation and speed on working on different problems — it seems like a lot of people have written positions on it here and elsewhere. […] But yet the effects of this problem still seem to be hindering all of our efforts — so can we take this on already and stop trying to transform it into a petty squabble? Please? Can we decide how we can reconcile many direct action efforts with many independent brainstorming/discussion efforts? (Though I don’t think they’re independent; the two have been doing work relating to each other — forum and independent bloggers/think tank — for a very short bit of time.)
So first I’ll ask this: does anyone see evidence of what I’m saying, or do you think I’m being full of shit? Do the conversations that take place here seem unwelcoming or out of touch? If so, why? What topics would you like to see take the forefront of discussion in general, and why do you give it such high priority? Do you think the discussion would derive a greater benefit being shared in a particular way? (Meaning, do you think it will generate the most access on one of these new platforms or on your own site or through a different mechanism?)
Secondly, I’ve noticed that a lot of people dislike the readiness with which some members of the AfroSphere have taken positions and/or moved forward with projects related to political positions under the banner of the entire group — the AfroSphere/AfroSpear name. The examples that come immediately to my mind are the health care position statement and the Obama endorsement. That’s where I see them; if there are others, please bring them up. I think we do need to set the building blocks early for taking unified positions and creating a quick process encouraging discussion that does not slight or marginalize members who do not agree with the logistics or the political influences on a position. We need to decide where discussions of that caliber will take place and how to go about coordinating them so something is resolved. If you think this approach misses something or is wildly off the mark, please say so.
Thirdly, we need to figure out whether we want to use this collaboration to mimic other, similar collaborations or create something new by fusing together old and new ideas. There are approaches that will take more time but can incorporate more of everyone’s views, but they require full participation. Since a lot of us are unpaid bloggers with full-time jobs and lives going on offlie, it may be an effort we’re not willing to fully invest right now. But how do we harness the efforts we can invest now to institute changes? Should we work on building a base online, building bases offline, or find connections between them? How do you think we should go about these connections? There have already been suggestions and efforts in the works to do MySpace and Facebook pages for the AfroSphere/AfroSpear, as well as membership drives and initiatives. I think perhaps all the ways of communicating that we have should include a permanent fixture about joining the AfroSphere/AfroSpear, with locations and code readily accessible. If you have any ideas about what you think is simplest or think this is way off base, please share it here.
I don’t want to swamp people with too much shit to think about, so I’ll stop at this point. But if you want to go further, take it further. No one is anyone else’s leader here; no one should be coddling anyone here. So let’s actually talk instead of building fortresses and postponing it to some indefinite date. Everything we bring up may not be solved right away, but that doesn’t mean we should table it until it’s forgotten and it causes new problems. So please, let’s start talking.
afrospear.wordpress.com 
Every time I see “AfroSphere/AfroSpear” I want to tell you to stop doing that. It creates something of a marketing problem.
Check your sidebar…I see Afrospear Circle (i.e., y’all), Nation (those that liked the idea but ain’t y’all) and Afrosphere (a bag of Black blogs). I thought that a good breakdown, especially after reading some of the discussion about being a loose confederacy instead of militaristically regimented (paraphrases, of course).
Point being, AfroSpear does not equal AfroSphere. “AfroSphere/AfroSpear” implies it does, and that’s part of why some folks don’t like you assuming positions so quickly. Even “AfroSpear Circle” implies you speak for “AfroSpear Nation.” I will tell you that is a group named “X Circle” asked me to join “X Nation” I’m not likely to do it unless some +90% of our view overlap.
Now, you guys aren’t “X Circle” because I watched you start all this and am watching it develop so I got no beef with the section of the sidebar I’m listed in. I just want to let you know a little more clarity might reduce some of the friction.
When I was introduced to this project, I didn’t think there would be much of a difference between the Circle and the Nation. (Only because we were going to do a guest blogger-type idea incorporating people from the “Nation” and the “Sphere” — an idea that needs to be kicked off at some point.) So that actually clears up a lot for me personally, and where people think this leadership/cadre thing is coming from. Thanks, P6.
As for the part about taking positions, people here on the think tank have been careful about that before starting discussions here. I’m hoping there’s more dialogue about that because if there are people in the AfroSphere who wants us to be a position-oriented group, we have to work that out. Because yes, this Circle can’t adopt a position for everybody.
As for why I do that Spear/Sphere thing: I thought the “Spear” is action-oriented — brainstorming discussions, initiatives, projects, and figuring out implementation — a place where everyone in the “Sphere” collaborates and has the space where they do their own thing. I’ve never viewed Afro”Spear” as just us, but I do see why people can look at it that way — both newcomers and people who are already involved. I’ll cut that out.
Storme’s comments on “Organization Presupposes Unity” in a nutshell, best captures my position on all this.
I don’t understand why 1 person’s issue with this page and the “Circle” has caused such a stir? Why is 1 person’s dissatisfaction with the dynamics of this page causing “us” to question our motives, intentions and presentation? We have done a number of posts, clarifying who and what we are about. At the end of the day, this is just a blog page where whoever wants to, can discuss issues with each other. I just see that this 1 person has made this a personal issue, which has now taken on this life of it’s own, and they have now co-opted the whole agenda and focus.
How do we get beyond this? I don’t know anymore. Like you Sylvia, I try my best not to make enemies. My first instinct is just to re-iterate that we welcome all those who want to participate here. Those who want to form their own collective to meet their particular needs, we support you. However, this hasn’t worked for the 1 person who keeps creating issues. There are some people who you can never satisfy. However now it seems that we are being forced to utilize time and energy to stroke this person’s ego.
I really have no other answers at this point. BUT I will not question our motives and intentions because of the dissatisfaction of 1 person. I will not lose faith in this whole project because of this 1 person. I will not allow myself to regret being a part of this collective, because of 1 person. I will not waste anymore energy trying to placate this 1 person, who cannot be satisfied.
I am however willing to listen. Maybe I’m wrong about how I see all this.
Sylvia, P6,
I’m guilty of using AfroSpear/AfroSphere because there is so much interchange.
I see the AfroSpear, AfroSphere Nation and AfroSphere as a organism: a living complex adaptive system of organs that influence each other in such a way that they function in some way as a stable whole.
Maybe it would be wise to place on the side bar defintions to the three organs, breaking it down in some ways, like P6 was able to do.
I’ve noticed a lot of efforts from others — ideas and what have you — being created and introduced under AfroSphere and AfroSpear, and I think that we need to figure out ways that this page can help with straightening out squabbles that affect how this project gos forward. Ways that are accessible and transparent — I think P6 is right about a marketing problem existing. I don’t think it’s as simple as one person causing discord. I don’t think this discussion will undermine anything that happens after.
We need to be careful about viewing people’s dissent as ego flaunting and stroking because I feel like that’s just an easy dismissal of something that may reveal a deeper problem. Like the whole thing with the health care position statement — that wasn’t an ego thing. It related more to priority on issues and how exactly we want to integrate individual efforts with a growing group. I want to flesh this all out. I wrote something a while back in a comment because of the name problem, asking what people thought the differences were so it could help with recruitment, and no one’s really stepped up.
Asa, I feel you totally. I came into this concept of the AfroSpear knowing I would not agree with everything. But, I never thought all agreeing was the goal of the AfroSpear. I believed it was an “organism” as AAPP put it, that I could jump in or remain quiet depending on whether this was an issue I wanted to address or not. However, I believe in the over all mission of the AfroSpear. For me I don’t need any definitions, I know who I am, and I know what I represent, I know who I represent. I have read many of the bloggers in the Circle and the Nation of the Sphere and I was convinced to become part of the AfroSpear nation because we all have the UPLIFT Black people world wide as a goal, one way or another, that’s the bottom line. We MUST keep in mind that UNITY does NOT mean UNIFORM.
Ensayn, Great observations,
I do appreciate that you may not need definition, yet my thought is; just like high defintion electronics, definition within social, political and economic organisms can provide clarity of purpose for all parties. P6 provided great defintions that should be shared so everyone is on the same page regarding the purpose of each (for the lack of better word) cell or organism. But, I could be wrong. Am I off base?
I’m glad you posted this, Sylvia, as it does clarify a few things, (especially after P6’s comment). I’ve been a little unclear myself as to what all the spears and spheres and so on were all about, as well as what the ultimate goals of this site were. I’ve mostly been in a “just wait and see” mode ;). Actually, I’m still there.
I think part of my (and possibly other’s) confusion is a result of initial misconceptions of what this site was all going to be about. It was formed partly as a result of the Shaquanda (I forget the last name and probably misspelled the first name) unjust incarceration in Texas and the subsequent (Black and other) blogger action that helped change her outcome, yes? So I think I had more of the idea that the “Afrospear” would be more of a connecting hub as opposed to mostly a group blog.
That it is not is okay, that just means that we still need one, and maybe someone will build one. My further comments should not be taken as speaking about this site in particular, but just general…. um… think tanking ;).
It’s my belief that the lack of connectivity, of collective forces is a huge problem and an impediment to getting our (U.S. centered) issues on anyone’s table outside of election time, and also of being movers and shakers in (non U.S. centered) issues that affect the diaspora or any country in Africa, such as the treatment of Haitian refugees vs Cuban ones, or the dumping of toxic substances in Black neighborhoods in various countries, including the US, and so on. In the potential for access, collaboration and outlook, we’ve pretty much moved beyond the scope of the familiar national and/or international Black organizations online and off, I think, although collaboration of some sort, eventually, would no doubt be welcome.
I’m finishing this comment I started earlier only I’ve pretty much lost my train of thought. But anyway, the type of hub I am thinking of would be something that could – in addition to being a place of discussion itself – bring together the works, words, policy suggestions of people in the various spheres, highlight ongoing conversations on the forum (I think it is a mistake that that is a closed forum, by the way, but then I have no idea why it is so I may be wrong), hold votes on issues, blast information on urgent matters, be a central place of contact for politicians, policy people, or organizations that want to reach a large number of Black bloggers, activists, intellectuals, wonks, organizers and just regular folk at one time.
As far as I know, we don’t have anyplace like this. I see the various black blogger rss feed things springing up but, while those are effective in collecting the posts of various people and letting others know they are there, they are passive.
No need to speak with one voice on a hub, by the way, but there is a definite need to enlarge our voices and start leveraging our power, especially online, in order to be more effective in anything.
I agree that differentiating between the AfroSphere and AfroSpear can be confusing. I have given my opinion on what I see the difference between them are… but I see that it can still be confusing.
Apart from being more clear about the “Spear” and “Shere” issue, I don’t see the “deeper problem”…. other than 1 person attempting to cause discord due to their ego flaunting. In no way did I think that the whole health care statement issue was a matter of ego with Francis. I agree wholeheartedly that “it related more to priority on issues and how exactly we want to integrate individual efforts with a growing group”…. and I don’t even see this as a “deep problem” that we cannot work through. So I too see it as a totally different issue. I believe Francis is sincere and passionate in his views and he wasn’t in any way trying to cause any sort of dissent or discord among us. He has always been supportive and has worked diligently to make this a positive movement. More importantly, he has never attacked or made comments to undermine our efforts here…. no matter how frustrated he may have been. That’s the main difference I see.
Ensayn…. I feel you too.
AAPP… you are not off base at all. More clarity of definitions and purpose is always good.
Please don’t interpret that part of my comment as an insult to Francis; I apologize if it reads that way. However, I think that “one person’s ego” is tied up in a lot of serious organizational problems.
BronzeTrinity has undeniably started a great effort in trying to bolster networking resources for the AfroSphere. There are different tensions playing out here because of some of the organizational frameworks clashing with one another, and because the framework Nanette has described — one that I would really like to see taken to fruition — hasn’t emerged yet. So I don’t think it’s an issue of ego, though it’s a very distracting factor; the underlying problem is we need to figure out how to make this collaboration between bloggers of African descent active. We have to take into consideration our medium, what mechanisms we have available, our time constraints, and how we can be integrated with the issues going on across the Diaspora and exchange information easily. And I’m not in any way saying we need to cultivate a hive-mind — far from it.
Terrence at The Republic of T came up with similar ideas to the hub which Nanette talks about:
Also Eddie Griffin said something along these lines in his comment on the “Action” entry:
There are key differences in the network we’re trying to create and the idea of catching a movement in process — what happened with ShaQuanda Cotton in many ways. The hub would facilitate more of that kind of initiative if it gets off the ground.
Well, it’s fairly simple to set up that framework… it’s just that someone – or, rather, a bunch of someones – needs to do it. After first agreeing that it needs to be done, of course.
I know little about wordpress so I don’t know if it could effectively be done with that software… I’m thinking it’ll actually need some sort of cms thingy.
I sort of remember that thread of Terrance’s, long ago – I think I was saying some of the same things on it (or a similar one on his site). Me, I think we should just do it (if not here, then somewhere). Then again, I’m an impatient big picture/end result thinker/idea person/planner and tend to sail right over all those pesky details things, so there is that.
Still, I’m willing to get the ball rolling and help kick it along – should I post something to that list, maybe?
AAPP, As I thought about it you are correct on providing definitions.
As for the strategy of catching a moving wave, please do not confuse this with “riding the bandwagon”. I am accustomed to breaking the inertia on social change and not seeing progress until 20 years later. There is a causal chain-reaction that allows me to understand that once the ball gets rolling, it make takes years before anything is accomplished. Rather than wasting a disproportionate amount of time and energy for minimal gain, I believe in giving the process a big push and moving on to another target. Many times that initial push takes on momentum and a life of its own. The problem with most social change advocates is that they cannot recognize their initial contribution when the wave comes back around. I can, because there were things I pushed for 20, 30, 40 years ago that are just now coming back around or reaching a new level of maturity. Does that say I abandoned the movement? By no means, I am always there to keep rolling the ball, as I am here.
EG: I was interpreting it more as creating an organizational framework (specifically online) that has the capabilities of tracing the direction of movements while still remaining flexible enough for people to navigate and use. It would be slow building because of the many waves that could form from it and flow through it, but overall the resource would draw a lot of different resources, issues, and opportunities into one spot. So yeah, not bandwagon jumping.
Ensayn: I’ll talk to the fellow bloggers so we can put together a basic page — like a FAQ — that includes definitions, how to join the AfroSphere, etc. And then, perhaps if others in the Sphere like the model, they can take it to their sites and tweak it as they see fit to help with recruiting more people.
Nanette: I’m not sure what CMS is, but I don’t think the blog framework is compatible with the type of hub we’re talking about. But I think that a lot of people may have approached this think tank with the belief it would be that hub, and that’s why I wanted to spark this conversation. I need to perhaps amend the intro to this post so that the interpersonal drama doesn’t get weaved into logistics talk, but I think we’re getting somewhere now.
Sylvia, Ensayn, The FAQ idea is great! As you indicated Francis has put together a great base line document he used to respond to Terry Howcott’s request for informaton. Let me know how you will proceed I’d like to help out.
Ensayn, good looking out on the definition issue. It’s a learning curve for all of us. It’s truly a learning curve for me.
I truly respect you all.
AAPP
@ sylvia
Sylvia: “I’ve watched others suffer because one person carries something — a misconception, a grievance, or something very simple that can be easily clarified if less time was invested in finding strife”
mark bey: I agree with this but a member of your afrosphere circle accused people of flashing their resumes, when all folks were doing was sharing ideas on how to move forward which I found to be offensive and annoying. I think statements like “ we don’t feel the need to flash our resumes” which implies that others are flashing their resumes will always increase whatever tensions or grievances that might be buildinging up because of legitimate missunderstandings and differences of oppinions. Statements like that only make it harder for us to work together, especially considering the fact that black folks have a difficult time working toghether in the first place. Also I don’t think anybody is investing time trying to find strife I just think people are bumping heads
Sylvia: “I don’t think this is limited to personality clashes. I think it’s related more to misunderstandings and expectations,”
Mark bey: Im not saying conficts are limitted to clashes but I do believe they are not only a huge factor but they are a huge aggravating factor. If someone is angry or annoyed at another (inspite of the reason) that can always get in the way of the greater good.
Sylvia: “The problem seems to be that we don’t understand why others do it that way and how these efforts can (and often do) cooperate with one another.”
Mark bey: I agree but the fact is all of those things are made worse when people cannot get along and work together.
Sylvia: “So first I’ll ask this: does anyone see evidence of what I’m saying, or do you think I’m being full of shit? Do the conversations that take place here seem unwelcoming or out of touch?”
mark bey: No the conversations here are not unwelcoming. They are actually quite stimulating.
Sylvia: “Since a lot of us are unpaid bloggers with full-time jobs and lives going on offlie, it may be an effort we’re not willing to fully invest right now. But how do we harness the efforts we can invest now to institute changes?”
mark bey: I agree with this statement, everyone here has a life that pulls and drags and gets real on them and which takes priority over all other things. Family and rent must always come first. I think we should keep doing what were doing to build to forum. But also based on your last statement since folks do have other priorities I think its of crucial importance to support folks who are cappable and willing to work by their lonesome because I assure there are always more talkers than doers and when you do come across a doer that energy and innitiative should be supported and enhanced in whatever way folks can help to enhance it in my oppionion. If folks who are ready and willing to work arent supported then the risk can be ran of burning them out.
Having said that I do take issue with Bronze aking in a public format If others in this afrospear circle were going to join and contribute ideas. I have an issue because as you have stated folks have priorities that come before this and no one here has a right to tell or suggest to anyone else how they should practice their activism. No one has a right to tell another person what issues they should display passion, energy and innitiative towards.
Lastly the folks in this Afrospear circle have been clear about the fact that others should form and orginize their own cells around issues they are passionate about to work with people they feel comfortable working with. Also I feel like this beef between you and Bronze if shameful 2 powerful, dedicated and committed queens such as you and bronze should be working together for the greater good of the black diaspora. Not this petty back and forth.
This is the last thing I’ll say on the matter of “back and forth”: I apologized to Bronze Trinity personally and asked her if we could work together on what’s written in this entry and what’s talked about by me and many others in the comments. I and others have brought up organizational problems and are working on solutions. Whether anyone takes them in and tries to help or ignores them is that person’s option.
” Whether anyone takes them in and tries to help or ignores them is that person’s option.”
mark bey: I agree and I will do my best to move things forward away from confusion and misunderstandings.
Good job on the revision, Sylvia. It’s the weekend now but I hope more add their voices to the discussion as the new week begins.
CMS is Content Management System. You’ve seen them all around of course, it’s just that they are usually called by their brand names, probably. Scoop (or Soapblox) that kos, mydd and myleftwing and so on use. Those are fee based, though. Others, like Drupal (culturekitchen.com – terribly designed site, but I don’t know how much that is personal preference and how much Drupal drawbacks) and Joombla (I think the name is) are free, but I believe they need to be hosted on a server. Either one with it’s own domain name (www.afrospear.org or whatever) or a subdomain on someone else’s server (afrospear.maindomain.com). Beyond that I know little about any of that software (if I even know what I think I know, that is). P6 or some of the other techie types probably could give a good overview.
There are lots of different ones, though, and I’m sure we can find one to fit the needs. Some even come with integrated forums.
I don’t know the backstory on whatever conflicts have been going on, but from the little I’ve gathered it seems to me that (should people be willing and all that) much of it could be alleviated with the hub type idea. More connection as well as more outlets for individual and group participation in afrospear.
Areas for activists to really go at it, separately and collectively, setting up and highlighting events, fundraisers for projects, campaigns, so on. Same with philosopher types, politicos and all the rest. And, of course, people will all (that want them/have them already) have their own personal spheres on their own sites, and what they are up to or writing can be highlighted on the hub. Or something like that.
Nothing to do with Drupal, I assure you. I remember when Liza ran on Movable Type and it looked the same.
Visuals aside, what you’re talking about isn’t going to look much like a blog. I don’t even think you can attach a blog that discusses anything not site specific to it.
Well, yeah — in my opinion it would be something to connect blogs together without necessarily being a blog itself. If it did have a blog component, it’d probably be something similar to BlogHer, where there are feature articles and commentaries from different perspectives, but it would be more on a rotation so that everyone in the AfroSphere over time could feature their work.
True, although I think it could be both, for sure. In fact, should, as the blog portion could serve to not only draw people in but to keep them informed of happenings around the spheres and so on, as well as the articles and commentaries and such, as Sylvia says. It would just be one part of the site, instead of the main attraction – which, ideally, would be the hub aspect.
I am not sure how Drupal, etc, work (I use Expression Engine), but I believe it also has modules and such that can be moved around and set up for different things? Also, the ability to have more than one blog? I may be thinking of Civic Space or something similar that had the other interactive parts, I am not sure.
Also:
I don’t even think you can attach a blog that discusses anything not site specific to it.
I am not sure what you mean by this.
Oh, and Sylvia, it would not at all need to lose any of the ‘think tank’ aspect, unless that was wanted. I believe it would be more beneficial to keep that and maybe just expand it a bit, especially as you increase participation.
I have ideas on that but will hold off while others weigh in.
Let me back up and give you some perspective. (later: as I wrote I realized how specific this is to me, so have a grain of salt and press onward).
I think people can lie too freely about what Black folks think and say and do. I want enough Black folks to be heard that what we really think becomes common knowledge and therefore lies become obvious. I would envision a connector/hub that, beyond being pro-Black, is as values-neutral as possible.
Say I built one and moved all my posting there. Signing up would look like co-signing to way too many folks, so I couldn’t use it as my primary venue for any topic, other than how to connect, maybe.
This is one of the differences between an aggregator (which amplify voices) and a connector.
And for the record, because I want more Black folks heard I am willing to help and advise the hell out of you, right off the top. But you see my personal issue and unless the ongoing effort addresses that I probably won’t join.
Now. Drupal. Out of the box you can give every member a blog or run a forum in addition to what I guess you could call the overall site blog. You can create “books” by tying posts into a hierarchical outline structure; here’s an example.
http://www.niggerati.net/node/160
You can have hardcoded categories or “free tagging”, with RSS feeds for the site, blog or category. Also reads and aggregates syndication feeds.
It’s not perfect, but nothing is. It’s exactly what I needed though, which was a sane, basically complete with a clean way to extend and customize the system. And that’s without taking the modules into account.
For instance, they really didn’t understand blogs when they created the blog module. Each blog, one author, each author one blog. But you can find a LOT of the functionality you want in the Organic Groups subsystem.
Nanette, I don’t think that hub will necessitate the shut down of this think tank; the two are very much mutually exclusive. I think that once the hub is created, people will see a key difference between the think tank here and the collective hub there and realize that what’s going on here was not meant to be that hub.
A lot of what’s gone on has made me realize that people have perceived us saying that since we are the six people who manage this think tank, we are also the six people who run the larger AfroSphere, and we’ve denied this from jump. We do support the creation and development of the AfroSphere, but the same people who recognize our claims that we are not the leaders of that effort treat us as if we are leading, and then criticize us for trying to lead or not leading well. And I don’t think that we can make it clear enough that we are one think tank out of many blogs, discussion spaces, and collaborative areas between different members of the Diaspora that can be formed. So our role on this hub will be as one of many contributing blogs in the general AfroSphere.
P6:
You and I are totally on the same page with this. This connecting hub would bring out as many voices of people of African descent possible, but it would remain very content-neutral as far as publicity and contributions/spotlights. When I said a rotation, I meant a rotation — perhaps there would be a need to write a disclaimer saying that the all of the voices speak for themselves. I’m also envisioning an activism publication component of this hub, so people can contribute activism initiatives in one place to advertise to other members of the African Diaspora about what’s going on change wise.
See, in some ways it would function as an aggregator, but in others — like through spotlighting, sharing action campaigns, networking encouragement — it would take an active role in connecting these blogs as they are gathered. There would be spaces for people to meet on the hub and discuss issues with each other; there would be spaces for brainstorming and using the hub to get feedback; there would be templates for people to learn how to do press releases, action alerts, position papers — it’d be connecting and growing the entire AfroSphere scene. (But I think REALLY big; so if this is too big, feel free to slap me down to earth. lol)
Drupal might be a great starting platform — I’m not we need the blogging component as much if the focus of AfroSphere as a huge blogging community for people of African descent. It really just depends on how people want to use the resource. But it must be very, very accessible to everyone.
One temporary slapdown.
You can bolt CiviCRM onto the thing, which will give you all that functionality. But I never did that because I just don’t need all that information about people.
(I must put on my know-it-all hat, sorry)
Human networks like the one we’re discussing are grown, not built. It makes no sense to plot out huge missions yet. No one knows what you’d be by the time you’re big enough to pull one off. And truthfully, if it came to pass that lies about Black folk were no longer possible, great hordes of problems would drop off and whole new challenges would develop.
Once a network is grown then you can build things on it. And you can grow it with that in mind so it’s good to know if folks are thinking that grandly. Just one step at a time…I would strongly advise against trying to build the whole thing in one shot.
I know they have to grow and it would take a lot of time to create something that way, but the thing I gathered from the discussions before we began this think tank is that a lot of people seemed ready for that structure or something like it. Probably not exactly what I’m imagining, but…growing our net capabilities to a large degree with a very substantial impact.
I think that if there’s been any inertia on my part to start small, it’s because I keep imagining that awesome structure. But I know better. Way better. Seeds always come first. So I’m going to start slowing down a little. All these old people tell me that’s called being “practical,” but I don’t think I like it very much yet. :-p
Sylvia, thanks for clarifying! I wasn’t sure if you were thinking of the hub being part of the think tank or if it would be one of the spheres or what. Knowing which helps a lot with the planning. Also with concerns about stepping on toes and such, :D.
Mind you, leaders or no, I again think there will need to be contact persons (or person) for media and other contact. Someone to serve as a press agent or something… which reminds me, once things get going a bit, sending out sort of press releases about the site or votes taken (oh, is there a voting module?) or ongoing discussions wouldn’t be a bad idea.
P6, I definitely take what you mean about trying to do it all at once – which actually is how I work if not brought down to earth from time to time, same as Sylvia. I looked at the Civ thing and I also don’t see any use for it at the moment.
Realize that I am nothing in all this, I just have some experience with online communities/sites and so I figured I’d help out with getting this part going, but the real ideas of what is needed/wanted will necessarily come from those most involved.
I think, at a minimum, there should be a blog that is set up similar to BlogHer… only I would limit the number of posts per day, otherwise it just becomes like background noise or something. At least, that’s how it seems to me… little time for discussion before the next set rolls off the line. So, I would say maybe 5 full posts (different people) a day, maybe on a rotating schedule, and also at least one post that maybe rounds up what was posted during the previous day, and also points to some stuff going on on other sites.
I think there should be someone, or a set of someones, that do this or are present fairly often in some way on the blog/site so that there are people for visitors to connect with. Otherwise, again you have a passive, impersonal site.
Also, the forums and some sort of action/activist area, as well as a sort of library type thing. Bronze Trinity has a gotten a great start on that with a forum and stuff, but I think it would work better from within the hub itself (drawing people in and also keeping them there, giving them various options for activism and participation and stuff) so hopefully she’ll chime in on that aspect. Or someone.
If there is the possibility for more than one blog, maybe there can be one that is just focused on activism and events and so on, should there be people willing to post on it and such.
Oh, and I’d really like to see a weekly (or maybe every couple of days) topic… think tank-y or cultural or something, which is put forth by one blogger who is the one highlighted for that period of time and which stays up all week (or a couple of days). For discussion purposes as well as introductions and a greater way of getting individual voices out there. And personalizing things as well.
Technically, most of that sounds like it can be handled by a blog with a set editorial policy and a front page where you can choose which posts appear…say your last five posts, plus ‘boxes’ that spotlight the latest poll, the latest brainstorm topic, like that. Sound right folks?
Okay, this is what I’ve been thinking. A hub would provide publicity and networking. I figure the publicity aspect would attract folks for the networking aspect so I want to start with two functionalities: a directory of black blog/sites and a custom Google search that focused on the listed sites.
Folks would have to enter their own site info, which will allow for a full, searchable description of the site, and I would pick up on the new entries and update the Google search manually (ugh).
I’d like to say what I think about the AfroSpear/AfroSpear/AfroSphere/Blackosphere nomenclature and organizational issues. Sometime ago at MyDD, I posted a Whitosphere vs. Blackosphere graphic and article that, I believe, got many of us thinking about the need to do our own thing in a self-determinant and independent way. Blackosphere & Whitosphere: Silence is Never Golden
This article was picked up and discused by Field Negro and his readers and other Black bloggers.
Then, while Googling the word “Blackosphere,” (or my own name, I can’t remembers which), I realized that my conception of a “Blackosphere” was not merely theoretical but there was actually a vibrant community of Black bloggers that I could join, as an alternative to continuing to waste my time trying to educate people in the whitosphere. White News vs. the Blackosphere (March 28, 2007)
Is the term “Whitosphere” a Fair Descriptor for the White Blogosphere?
As Field Negro, Asabagna, Exodus Mentality, TheFreeSlave, I and many others began thinking out loud and writing about how to formalize and concretize the nascent organization of our Black self-determination bloggers movement, I began to hear from Asabagna, Field Negro and Exodus Mentality that we needed ONE NAME going forward, instead of using the names Blackosphere and AfroSpear and AfroSphere going forward.
Is Your Blog Part of the Afrosphere/Blackosphere Movement?
In order to facilitate the coalescing of the movement, by whatever name, I agreed to stop using the Blackosphere name name for Black bloggers and instead use the AfroSpear name. Thereafter, I helped to design the logo that we use and began assiduously recruting new members for our group, as has everyone else, and quite successfully, I think.
I knew that the AfroSpear Think Tank would be one cell within the AfroSpear and I feared that I would not be invited to join its inner circle, since its inner circle is composed of bloggers with a history of common action and a comfort level with each other, and since individual cells cannot be composed of everyone in the movement. That’s just reality.
However, in my mind the AfroSpear Think Tank was to be, and is, but one cell among the many that will develop as we jjoin together with individuals who share our passions to work upon our particular areas of interest under the general umbrella of the AfroSpear.
So, here is how I would define the terms “Blackosphere,” “Afrosphere,” “AfroSpear,” “AfroSpear Nation,” AfroSpear Think Tank and “AfroSpear Circle”:
(1) The Blackosphere can be defined as is “those regions on the Internet that are primarily composed of Black people – just like Black neighborhoods are neighborhoods composed of Black people,” including Democrats, Republicans, leftists rightists, religous people, atheists, agnostics, gays and straights, women and men, many of whom couldn’t care less about politics. If we are Black and in the Black area of the Internet, then we are in the “Blackosphere.” If we are Black and in a white area of the Internet, then we are in the “whitosphere.”
It takes no particular political commitment to be in the Blackosphere, because we are relegated to the Blackosphere by the imposition by whites of “blog-apartheid,” wherein we are not allowed to participate fully if at all in white blogs. Whites redlining and creates the Blackosphere. Because the Blackosphere includes people who exult in being Black and people who are ashamed and apologetica about being Black, there is no consistent culture of the Blackosphere any more than there is one culture shared by Blacks in the Democratic and Republican parties. Being in the Blackosphere is the result not of choice, in many cases, but of whites steadfast and meticulous segregration.
(2) The “AfroSphere” on the other hand, is the term that we have developed over the last few months to mean “Blacks on the internet, at Black blogs and websites, working for Black cultural, political and social self-determination, renewal and advancement and sharing generally similar goals, even if they do NOT know one another and and have NOT become part of an organization to pursue these goals in unity and collaboration. Being part of the Afrosphere reflects a choice to pursue the goals of Black self-deterimination, but without necessarily have joined any particular group to do so as part of a collaborative.
(3) The “AfroSpear” is our international, consciously and purposefully organized collaborative of Black bloggers and websites who develop online and offline organizations, forums, newspapers, messaging groups, chat rooms and other media to organize and mobilize the international Black Diaspora to pursue goals that will enhance and further our well-being, in all of the cities, towns, countries and continents where we live, throughout the world. Being part of the “AfroSpear” requires that one have both adopted the goal of Black self-determination AND have decided to participate actively in this particular group to pursue these goals. Becuase the term AfroSpear has a very precise meaning, it necessarily includes substantive criteria for membership and its definition also requires that some people can only be non-members, because their views, advocacy and/or societal and cultural position simply have nothing to do with or are clearly adverse and contrary to the goals of Black poltiical, cultural and economic self-determination.
By now, for example, it should be clear that it is not possible to be part of the Afrosphere and AfroSpear unless one is a Black person. You cannot choose to be “Black,” having Black ancestors. Either you do or you don’t. But you can choose to have a Black self-determination identity and you MUST do so, whatever that means, to be definitionally part of the AfroSphere and to be able to apply for membership in the AfroSpear.
What at the AfroSpear Think Tank is called the “AfroSpear Nation” is really the whole AfroSpear – the entire group of Blogs who have applied and been accepted to work together under the AfroSpear banner – the logo and AfroSpear name – for the shared purposes of the AfroSpear.
And so, I conclude that the term “AfroSpear Nation” is really synonymous with the term “the AfroSpear.” The term “AfroSpear” should be used instead of the term “AfroSpear Nation” in that context and useage, to avoid unnecessary duplication of terms and the resulting definitional confusion. In practice, all blogs that are admitted to the AfroSpear will be listed under the heading “AfroSpear Nation” at the AfroSpear Think Tank blog, and so these terms are really synonymous.
To avoid confusion, one of these synonymous terms should be dispensed with. The longer and less-known of these terms is the one that should be dispensed with and we should instead use the term “AfroSpear” instead of “AfroSpear Nation” to refer to the AfroSpear, including all collectively all of its member blogs and websites, organizations, organs and groups.
The role of the AfroSpear Think Tank really is central to our definitional discussions. The entire AfroSpear has to decide what its organizations, rules and governance structures are, and this is not a role that any cell within the AfroSpear can delegate to itself. I trust Asabagna, Field Negro and Sylvia explicitly and have great confidence in them. I have the greatest considence and trust based on the knowledge that neither they nor any other cell within the AfroSpear has endeavored to arrogate unto itself the leadership of the AfroSpear in a formal or structural sense.
We all lead to the degree that we inspire and offer direction to others, but it is the others’ free choice to follow us that makes us leaders and not any names that we choose for ourselves or unelected positions. In fact, it is Field Negro and Asabagna and Sylvia’s vision, dilligence and insightt that makes them leaders within the AfroSpear – not their positions within the AfroSpear organogram.
The AfroSpear Think Tank makes decisions for itself, the AfroSpear Think Tank, and then leads, with knowledge and inspiration, the rest of the AfroSpear in the same way that the rest of us do at particular moments and on particular issues — not because of our organizational position, but because of the quality of our leadership.
The AfroSpear Movement has people serving very effectively and laudably in a variety of functions, thank goodness, but we have not formally elected or selected leaders for the movement overall and it is possible that we will never do so, lest our Movement become centralized and, therefor, easily decapitated.
We are a group that is governed democratically, I believe, and this means that all of our members everywhere are be involved in determining our governing structures, policies and procedures as we progress and grow. And at the same time we necessarily assume responsibilty for particular functions before any formal appointments can occur, and it is our ability to organize, coalesce, unify and lead others in the context of our assumed responsibilities that determines whether we are leaders or not. When we are leaders, we are leaders by acclamation.
If our movement grows successfully then, with time, the AfroSpear Think Tank led by Asabagna, Field Negro and Syvia will become of many, many generalized and specialized AfroSpear think tanks specializing in particular issues like voting rights, women’s rights, reproductive decisions, spirituality, etc.
I confess that I am a little bit flattered to learn that anything that I have said has been a topic of discussion, but I’m also mortified and horrified by the prospect that anything I have said might have sown discord, anger or hostility. If that has happened, and it may well have on many occasions, then I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all of you.
When considering my role, you have to understand that Sometimes, I Wish I Were Dead. This influences my sense of urgency, the substance of my writing (psychiatry and health care), and my need to create a clear sense of relevance and purpose in the face of feelings of despondency and pointlessness.
To the degree that I am able to offer ideas and perspectives that are useful, I hope my ideas will continue to be discussed. But, if others find my challenges to be distracting, I am sure that they will continue their individual work in their own ways, because no one of us is so powerful that he or she can or should be able to stop or stymie any other individual or the work and growth of the international AfroSpear Movement.
Thanks for hearing me out and, if I’ve really angered or annoyed you, I’m sure you’ll tell me. Better that than to abandon a movement for Black self-determination over over a personality or substance conflict with one AfroSpear blogger. We must always remember that our goal is to elevate “principles, not personalities.”
I think that sounds about right, for the beginning. Only it would also need the forums, which are included in the Drupal software, no? At least as some sort of plugin thing.
I think the directory sounds like a good idea, although I am not all that clear on the Google search thing, but that’s okay. I’d like to also include featured sites in there (maybe not blogs, exactly or organizations, but stuff like Afrigadget.com and so on).
Sylvia is on meditation break, but I think we have the basics of what she was thinking about here on this thread… I was going to go through and see if anyone had any other suggestions that needed to be incorporated in in the initial thing, just to make sure, but I think the basics are all there. We just need to nail everything down, I guess.
Probably a “wish list/suggestion box” somewhere on the site would be a good idea, too.
Now we need to know the name of it, where it’s going to be hosted, who to put as a contact person and all that stuff.
I want to try the search thing. I think it will be a big draw for membership…a Google search that emphasizes Black sites.
Forums and a site-wide contact form that can be used for the wish list are in the core distribution. No problem. Technically this is a lot simpler than some other possibilities I’ve been thinking about.
What with all the Drupal talk I’m obviously stuck with the technical duties…:-) I can host it too. I don’t think it will exceed my financial resources for a while.
Name: I will offer intrapolitics.org if no other name comes up.
As for contact info, I think that can wait. I don’t think a single person can/should do it given what’s been lined up in this discussion.
Heh. I would never presume – but since you’ve offered, thanks! I gave up on trying to be the techie sort long ago. I do think the hosting thing brings up another issue tho, which is how the site will eventually pay for itself, for the server fees and all that. Hopefully, one day, it’ll be humming along with lots of conversation and people and so on, so that’s something to think about.
The Black site specific Google search thing sounds interesting, I’d like to see how you do that. It would be a great resource, for sure, for users and visitors and to point to to answer that quarterly question… “where are all the Black people online?”
It’s technically simple now (I’ll take your word for that), but luckily with that software there can be growth and branching out as things pick up, as you said before. On the blog portion, can it be set so that any registered user can post, or maybe just certain registered users? I think it would work better if people posted their own stuff, that way showing commitment to the post as opposed to it being like a sort of rss type thing (which the site can also have, of course).
I think the name should probably be closer related to the spears/spheres tho, although we’d want it to have as wide a reach as possible… maybe something like Afrospear Network? Or Afrosphere Network, depending. Or hmmm, maybe a related, but not exact, term or something.
The contact name can wait, yes, but eventually someone (or a group of someones) should probably be chosen or something, so that the site is not faceless. So to speak. Depending, of course, on how it grows and how everyone decides it should grow… me, I’d like to see it be not only a major online resource for finding and reading various Black people, but also -because of it being a collective, have more of a say in various areas… politics, media, so on.
But that’s down the road… once the basics are there, we can see what happens next.
For the name, my real favorite is the Niggerati Network (I own niggerati.net too)…I’d have to rearrange some stuff
As for the other stuff, I ran through the comments so far. What I see in a hub site so far is the searchable directory that lets folks describe their site, the Google custom search page and a ‘blog’ that lets authorized members create the following types of posts:
Blog Spotlight posts, Tutorials: regular entries posted on some agreed-upon schedule
Events, Polls : specific entry types
Wish list: via an email form
Forum: For brainstorming/topics introduced by any member. Can also be promoted to front page to be featured.
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I’m going to fool around with the Google custom search this weekend, and I’m in Washington DC early next week. Thursday I’ll start putting this together. You got corrections, hit me before then.
You might want to think about your editorial policy for the writing part, i.e, who want to do this. Like maybe you want the blog spotlight posts to rotate through the general membership, to help keep the overall spin to a minimum.
If all this works out, I think activist tools are next (I did not forget that both you and Sylvia have world conquest listed as a goal on your resumes).
Okay, I think that’s probably it, for the beginning. On the spotlight posts, I was thinking of that rotating through everyone – or at least those who wish to participate, as they would have to write a post specifically for spotlighting, maybe telling a bit about their blogs, themselves, if they wish, and having a spotlight question/discussion topic for the site.
I don’t think that name will work either, though… at least not for this as, for one thing, should they ever take notice, most media would be uncomfortable with saying niggerati, even if they did know about Ms. Hurston, which is not a guarantee. Also some posters might be uncomfortable, so I think something more neutral would be better. Anyone is welcome to disagree, though!
Here is how I would set things up, had I the ability (and names), in the interest of world domination 😉
1) The as yet unnamed site as the main “face” of things, with all that is listed above and the eventual adding on of other areas, as needed – the goal being to increase the reach of international voices of Black people online through the “strength in numbers” bit. Open to all in all the spears, spheres and nations, but with some control over who posts when and all that.
2) Niggerati Network – a repository of Black knowledge. There are tons of Black intellectuals, with varying levels of formal education (from very little to lots) – writers, historians, activists, lawyers, moms, dads, young people so on, who have and have had things to say. Big thoughts, “Our History” type stuff, scholarly writings and all that stuff (even though all of us apparently stopped reading in the 4th grade).
I can see that site being something for that – a repository for and a showcasing of Black knowledge, artists, book discussions, theater stuff, cultural things, stuff people write on their blogs, think tank stuff and everything. And tie it in to the unnamed site, somehow.
3) intrapolitics – just that. A discussion site for talking about the politics and ins and outs of Black life, communities, politicians, issues with education, “leadership” groups and so on. National or international.
One thing with the places like the NAACP and so forth, while I think big their time has probably come and gone, giving huge, vocal online support (or dissent) to campaigns or initiatives that the attention getting names put forth could be beneficial in actually getting some things done. As it stands now, such and such a group makes a statement or goes to bat on some issue dealing with Black folks and that mostly silent, media stereotyped groups of Black folks are standing behind them is mostly assumed but rarely shown or talked about – the assumption being that we need “leaders” because the vast majority of us cannot speak for ourselves (that 4th grade thing again, ya know).
Blogswarms, of sorts, could nip that right in the bud. I remember that Chicago Tribune reporter was simply *amazed* that there were so many engaged and vocal Black folks online during the Shaquanda Cotton thing.
Anyway, I’ve forgotten where I was going with all that, but the moral of the story is… bigger is better!
Oh, also there are already Black business connection networks online, I don’t know much about them, but either hooking up with one of them or creating something within this network would be good.
Ahem… but we can start with the basics of the as yet unnamed site.
I know this to be true…it was, in fact, a consideration when I created the name. Other than delivering a shiver of unspecifiable fear with its name, P6 has very much become what I wanted the n-net to be.
Tell you what: work out a name…but I’m gonna be shitty and refuse to pay the $12 registration fee for it. 🙂
Meanwhile, here’s the search engine test…do NOT bookmark it because it wil go away by this time next week. It’s set up to search every web site currently linked by this site.
Okay! I can take care of the name (for cheaper!), once we figure out one. We’ll see if anyone else will chime in with ideas on that, I’m pretty much out of them. By the time you get back into town we’ll probably have come up with something or other, though.
I get an ‘access denied’ on the search engine test, even when signed in.
Well, everyone, this proposed site needs a name, so that I can get the domain name. Does anyone have any suggestions, preferences, hates, so on?
Are you back, Sylvia? Do you (or anyone else) see anything we are missing for the basic beginnings, or how things are planned for the initial setup? I think P6 said he would be back Thursday or so and would start putting things together at that time, so hopefully we can take care of any of the details stuff before then.