7 Things I Learned While Voting in the BWAs
I just voted for my favorite blogs in the 2010 Black Weblog Awards. I need to add an addendum to my previous post as it took me about an hour to go through the unfamiliar blogs and give proper consideration within each category. Here are seven (7) realizations I had while strolling through the internet and voting for my favorite black bloggers:
01 Flair Over Feelings
In the midst of auditing blogs within a certain category, I discovered a site filled with a creative energy that couldn't be denied. The blog is dope on all levels and exponentially greater than its competing finalists. I promptly cast my vote for this blog, despite the fact that I'm not a huge fan of the creator (and vice versa). I know the BWAs is a popularity contest and we gravitate towards things/people that we like -- but I couldn't, in good conscience, vote for any other site in that category but theirs. The tremendous flair of the site transcended my feelings towards its creator. It was THAT dope.
02 Health is the New Black
Among the cooking blogs, the focus was on healthy eating (i.e., vegan lifestyle), which was refreshing. I wasn't expecting to see Neckbones.com or ICantBelieveItsNotLard.net -- but I was very impressed that these blogs demonstrated that there are black folks who are taking control of their health through great nutrition. And I'm glad they are getting the BWA shine 
03 Very Smart Brothas GO HARD
I thought I wasn't scrolling down far enough because I kept seeing them in multiple categories. I've been fans of the VSB crew for a while and their multiple nominations are very well deserved (IMO).
04 Because They're Black
I visited 10-12 blogs for the first time today. I looked at their content, design, layout and social media integrations. The BWAs celebrates black bloggers -- but some of these blogs are just dope on GP. I can see them contending in ANY weblog award competition. It made me realize that these finalists are not finalist JUST because they're black; it's because they are producing a quality blog that is exemplary against any standards. . . and they just happen to be black.
05 It Doesn't Take Much
While there were some dazzling blog designs, there were also a few sites that were just redirects to a BlogTalkRadio page or YouTube channel. You can have all the bells and whistles on your blog, but in the end CONTENT is KING. I think these blogs are digital testimonies to the reality that it doesn't take a graphic design degree or high-end HTML5/CSS skills to put out something wonderful.
06 There's a Black Comics World
My introduction to the (web)comics world did not include a lot of creators who look like me. However, through the BWAs Gaming and Comic category, I've been exposed to a world of black comic artists and portals. They've been around for years and now I can incorporate more comic creators of color into my inner circle.
07 I Need to Campaign
The clock is ticking on the deadline to vote. I initially said I wasn't going to campaign my podcast in the BWAs -- because this should be a fun time. But there's nothing wrong with a little promotion; after all, it's what I've been doing my entire adult life. More importantly, the Friday Favecast is something I am very passionate about and have been for nearly four years. So I've decided to give the FFC a little nudge in order to increase voter participation.
That was my experience this time around. Now I just need to get as many family, friends, enemies and anyone else with an IP address -- to vote for the Friday Favecast as "Best Podcast" in the BWAs.
Starting with you 
The Fab Foodie says:
I had the same experience with voting this year - I was introduced to the Black Weblog Awards only recently, and didn't have enough time to campaign for votes. I can say that it took me about 3 hours to get through the finalist's blogs before I made my decisions. I felt like I was seeing life with new eyes! I started blogging in April of this year, so I consider myself a newbie to the blogging world. Seeing the content and layouts have inspired me to want to go bigger and better with my site. This is my first time visiting your blog - but it definitely won't be my last. If you have any wisdom you can share with a "young blogger", I am all ears and ready to take notes!