Project Blogger - Withdrawal of Judgment
I took on the role of Project Blogger judge at Caleb's request because I felt a bit guilty about my lack of participation in the contest thus far. I hadn't participated in any voting and kind of assumed we were out of the loop. Controversy ensued...
Anyway, I'd like to withdraw Week 13's vote... apologies Caleb and the rest of the Project Bloggers... and do a reset for the final judge. Here are some final perspectives on some of the individual blogs:
The Brick Ranch
Not eye candy compared to the others... what is the Brick Ranch's charm?
OK, I'll disclose a personal quirk that sometimes confounds those around me - I am genetically predisposed to vote for change... I intuitively gravitate towards people, ideas and memes that represent constructive revolution. I vote for symbols.
Yesterday, I discussed how subjective judging is... I realize I broke the rules by judging the blogs in aggregate... I did yesterday's writing at 3:00am, far past my usual bedtime but a time when I'm most creative and the "Carl Jung/symbolism" thought process took over my brain. Teri's Brick House simply passed the criteria I had just written about at 2:00am - she does a fine job writing about various topics that I found enjoyable reading, she linked and networked with the blogosphere, and the feel was right. My judgment was based on the premise that Brick House differentiated itself among all the hyperlocal blogs. It all went downhill after 3:00am when I instinctively picked the remaining four... I couldn't even explain my decision yesterday and told you all to come back the next day...
In exasperation, I realize I shouldn't be judging stuff any more - breaking rules and relying on flash judgment at 2:00am is perhaps too erratic.
Well, to finish off, I told Caleb last week I would try to find the one article that encapsulated the spirit of the Project Blog... here's my humble take...
Live in Los Gatos
I've always thought Mary's linkbait was her haunted house series, a real estate feature many new age Californians may be interested in. This Sunday, I note from my Google Reader that Mary understands the appeal of her haunted house stories and has just launched a blog on the topic.
South Beach Condo Blog
At first, I was just awestruck by the pictures. And I applaud Kevin's latest post on fabulous Miami - particularly the beautiful Warholish snapshot of the 1992 Kevin and his girl... it's the mesmerizing skin tone. You know, I know Kevin now and where he came from. It's bold because this picture is polarizing - you either relate or you don't.
Kevin's writing educates - topical advice to buyers of pre-construction Miami condos who want to rescind their contracts, good interviews - all with a full set of attractive marketing grade photos. Kevin's articles are more about real estate a la Socketsite and less hyperlocal (no library hours, community events, good takeout) than the other bloggers.
Pardons, I didn't notice Kevin hadn't written an article last week. I admit I was out of the loop... here's how much... I finally got the chance this evening to read about Ardell's experience as Project Blogger coach.
Here's a second personal disclosure - I don't post often on Active Rain because I only write after 9:00pm and can't manage the potential pressure of responding to boatloads of comments. It's the reason I posted the reviews on Transparent first, I'll repost them on AR soon. I give Ardell and the articulate crowd high praise for maintaining online conversations.
Miamism
Ines' explanation of Miami's Mediterranean Revival architecture was fascinating, an insightful view based on her experience from a board seat on the Miami Shores Historic Preservation Board. Her followup article on Cuban barrel roof tiles is a fascinating topic that anyone interested in real estate and architecture can appreciate.
| Real Estate Sizzle |
Jackie provides a unique take on local politics and tax reminiscent of Matt Lanning, a San Francisco Realtor who covers the city's weird politics. I was impressed with Jackie's commentary on architecture and neighborhoods... on another night at 3:00am, Sizzle may have looked like #1.
OK, I know I haven't covered all the blogs... but I'm not making the same sleepless mistake again tonight and it's lights out for me...
UPDATE (7/17 10:00PDT):
I should have been more clear about my decision for withdrawing ...
1) as one of the
last judges, the vote was critical to win place and show, so there should be no
hint of controversy
2) Mary emailed
Caleb and me and thought that clinching the win under these circumstances was
not right. She posted her explanation on Tisza's AR post.
In any case, I am neutral to any decision with regards to the "vote"... I think it's up to the community to decide. Here's a nice quote I received about the fracas:
Really, it's all about fun. Blogging is fascinating because the real estate blogosphere has become such a microcosm... be proud to be a part of it. Despite the controversies, we'll head into Inman's Blogger Connect knowing one other at a real personal level. Cheers...
In any case, I am neutral to any decision with regards to the "vote"... I think it's up to the community to decide. Here's a nice quote I received about the fracas:
Can't wait to see how this unfolds....as they say on AR...I'm going to get some
popcorn...
Really, it's all about fun. Blogging is fascinating because the real estate blogosphere has become such a microcosm... be proud to be a part of it. Despite the controversies, we'll head into Inman's Blogger Connect knowing one other at a real personal level. Cheers...
Technorati Tags: project blogger, active rain, Brick Ranch, Miamism, Real Estate Sizzle, Route 66 Living, Living in Plainfield, Rancho Santa Margarita Lifestyles, South Beach Condo Blog, Live in Los Gatos, Future of Commercial, Beachamptons, blogging, real estate blogging
Hi Pat,
Well when I read this post is was sickened and saddened. I have seen a lot of things occur during this competition that were less than stellar, and I have seen almost every judge get raked over the coals whenever they dared to express thier opinions, especially if they did not agree with certain perspectives.
But, to see a judge actually be bullied into withdrawing their opinion is perhaps the saddest thing of all.
Speaking as a contestant, I had no problem with the fact that you had been a coach early on to another contender who had to bow out.
Who better than someone who actually had stood beside us could truly evaluate what whe have done?
As for your judging choices, I saw no problem with your choice to look at the blogs in their entirety and not simply rely upon what was created in that week alone.
Originally, we were all told that growth was going to be a component of the judging. It was refreshing to finally see that someone else besides those being judged had actually taken that to heart.
Without recognizing the amount of work that goes into the backend of the creation of a successful blog site, how can anyone ever hope to replicate it's success?
Please reconsider your decision to withdraw your judgment.
Your critique was insightful, useful and the most valuable to not just those in the competition but to those outside of it as well.
And, unless I missed something, I saw only one lone voice that expressed a dissenting vote to your judging. Allowing one person to undo something that would have benefited many is unfortunate and unfair.
And, it also devalues not just your opinion, which I again say was valid, if for no other reason than that it was yours, but it also devalues all of the efforts those of us have gone to for low these many weeks.
I again thank you sincerely for your willingness to undertake what is truly not just a thankless job, but one that seems to do more harm to those who agree to judge than it ever should.
I still think you did a wonderful job and I would love to see what you would suggest to improve my sites performance.
Take care, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!
Tisza
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I just woke up and read you newest post. I agree 100% with Tisza. How dare she do this. I am sickened. I wrote an email to all involved (including you Pat). I'm very sorry that the VENOM of one apprentice has stung you.
You did a fair job. All the judges had carte blanche to judge how they felt like judging. You be extended the same luxury. Please read my email.
Thanks for all, Pat!
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Tisza,
I don't want that T-Shirt that says "I survived Project Blogger".
I want one that says "Muck the Farlins"...Dusty Baker style.
Kev,
Don't let it bring you down...it's only castles burning...
Ciao
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I have to disagree with both Tisza and Kevin. You are an excellent blogger and bring a great deal to the table. This latest post is a sterling example of integrity and sportsmanship following a hasty decision to accept a role as a judge in a contest where you were still "officially" a contestant.
I am extremely impressed with your speedy dispatch following a very wise decision. Blogger Apprentices and Veteran Bloggers alike have an opportunity to learn a valuable lesson here. Well done!!
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Pat you show a lot of integrity and I really appreciate that. No one for a moment thinks you weren't trying to do a good thing.
AR is going to let it stand, and I'm going to let it rest - I hope everyone else will too. Time to move ahead!
Again, thanks for your hard work on the review, and on trying to do the right thing while in an uncomfortable spotlight.
You have a lot of class.
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Thanks Pat. Appreciate it.
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