The 4 E’s of Voting in the 2010 Black Weblog Awards
The 2010 Black Weblog Awards Finalists were announced today and the Friday Favecast was nominated for "Best Podcast." While I'm happy that my podcast was nominated, I'm equally elated that a number of my online colleagues were nominated in their respective categories as well.
Voting begins today and goes through August 31. I strongly encourage you to go to the site and vote but PLEASE DON'T GET IT TWISTED. . . this is not your ordinary voting procedure. You can't just go clicking away all willy-nilly like it's a random "Do you like Obama? YES or NO" ad. As a veteran BWA voter, allow me to share the "Four E's" on how to successfully complete the voting process:
#1 VOTING IS AN EXPERIENCE - Here's the math:
(>) 30 categories x (5) finalists = 150+ blogs in which YOU must vote on.
While most online votes / polls require only a few moments, the BWA voting process is not something you can knock out in between reading emails. In order to thoroughly show your love for these black bloggers, it's important to understand that love is going to take a bit of time. Should you take off work to vote for the BWAs? Nah. But please allocate between 20-40 minutes of your day, depending on how knowledgeable you are of the blogs listed. Grab a beverage, take off your shoes and get into it because, once you start voting, the party doesn't end until you're finished.
#2 VOTING SHOULD BE AN EXPLORATION - Chances are:
You're not familiar with every blog listed on the ballot.
These black bloggers have spent years and months pouring their passion into these digital displays of expression. Your vote matters so much that it would be perverse to just blindly pick a blog because "the name is cute." Take time to visit the blogs and get a feel for their design, content, authors, etc. You don't have to read every entry, but spending a minute or two on an unfamiliar blog can make a world of difference on your perspective.
#3 VOTING IS ENVANGELISM - The mere fact that you're voting means:
You have a strong affinity for black bloggers and their blogs.
Voting in the BWAs demonstrates your affinity for black bloggers -- whether they're your friends, co-workers, significant other or a total stranger you simply admire online (no stalking, though 
). The voting process doesn't stop when you click the final ballot; this is your opportunity to engage your friends / family who may not be up on these fantastic blogs. Once your done voting, go ahead and tweet, "I just finished voting in the BWAs" and add a link. Spread the word to your Facebook friends and foes. You don't have to be black to love a good, black blog so tell everyone and anyone to get involved with this process. The more the merrier.
#4 VOTING INSPIRES ENGAGEMENT - Completing the BWA voting process is a 2-way street:
Increasing your knowledge of black bloggers through voting invites you into a broad community of creative thinkers.
It's important to do the homework before voting. It's diplomatic to share the good news of your voting activity through social media. But don't stop there. While you're on these blog sites, it wouldn't hurt to comment on a blog. Share your opinion on a particular topic. DISAGREE if you disagree. Exposing yourself to various outlooks within this voting process will do nothing but enhance your sense of community amongst creative thinkers who transmit their thoughts, hopes and dreams online. There's no pressure as you can plug and / or unplug from the blogging community at your leisure.
Embracing these three E's will undoubtedly enhance your BWA voting experience and take you beyond simple mouse clicks on a site. Whether you vote for my site or not, my focus on this post is that VOTING IS IMPORTANT. Have fun with it, but understand that this is a celebration of black culture, technology and the arts. . . all rolled up into a six-page voting ballot that can impact the course of a black blogger and his/her world in a mighty way.
Now go vote.
