Mel Hopkins

Thanks! I'm not skilled in those arts so I can't take the credit for "Bitmoji" ☺️

@Troy Nike sells sports paraphernalia; so of course they're going to focus on... wait for it, Wait for it; SPORTS. Still, I suggest you listen and look again. The message is STOP sitting on the sidelines despite your handicap. By the way Serena or Lebron weren't the greatest either. So unless you're the almighty, all-seeing predictor of what comes next - You don't have a clue who will be the next greatest ... anything. And that's Kaep's message. Kaep is not telling people to buy NIKE products - The NIKE commercial is just his platform. Kaep is telling folks to IGNORE what people like you say and "Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything."

@Cynique 🎤 -drop This is a powerful statement! The truth of it hit me unexpectedly -I got tears. Damn!!! This right here is the truth of all of us ....and the truth is in its simplicity.

@Pioneer1 the initial conversation was referring to sexual assault and rape of minors. Child beauty pageants aren't indicative of that type of criminal activity. If it were , or even if making that leap wasn't nonsensical, child beauty pageants would be illegal. Further you stated that "caucasians" were proned to sexual assault and rape minors. Child beauty pageants, children wearing makeup and dressing in party dresses and gowns is NOT sexual assault and rape. Further, although they may get more publicity, children's beauty pageants are not limited to "caucasians"... Seriously, look outside of the world you've created for yourself. I can't tell you how many black church beauty pageants, fashion shows, debuntante balls and cotillions I've seen or was in while growing up. Hal Jackson's International talented teen pageant was a huge event for years... I was a contestant when I was 14 years old... The fashion industry used to use models who were young as 12 years old. Most designers use children because they don't have curves or muscles. Therefore, you could see the haute couture designs without focusing on the body wearing it. Unfortunately for the young models, some grotesque individuals pursued the children for sex i.e., The perverts sexualized the children; not the clothing. Now most of the fashion industry is closed to young models who could earn good money for college etc. But that didn't stop the perverse from trafficking children for their perverted pleasure. Once again human trafficking for sex isn't specific to one culture, ethnicity etc but rather those who have the most power. Further, the concept of sexualizing girls or boys is in the mind of the beholder. I don't look at children and think "sex"... I don't care what they are wearing. Babies are babies period. Those who see children as sex objects are mentally deficient and color has nothing to do with it. This perverse activity springs up in all cultures - as you can see a with the bishop feeling on Ariana Grande in front of the world. And like Chevdove mentioned a black man doing it - is the worst in my book. Especially since most black women are more inclined to date and marry a black man before considering anyone else. Therefore black women hold black men to a higher standard full stop. If however you still want to limit pedophilia to an ethnic group think about many African tribes and those who practice islam who still take young girls for "wives"... There are many ethnic groups practicing their so-called religion who make it "legal" to molest, sexually assault and rape children.

@Cynique I didn't think this was unfortunate when I read it... maybe because I also believe men and women should look elegant on occasions such as funerals, weddings, you know any event that require formal attire. But it's a matter of taste (and confession) that's when my matriarchal "victorian" upbringing rears its ugly head. Another reason why this didn't trigger a rebuttal is because I find when you discuss a topic, I don't think I've ever read you attribute the offending behavior to the collective. Correct me, but I've never read you write something like, "black women wear these type of outfits to a funeral to seduce males mourners"... or "black women wear short skirts and dresses because they are trying to be "white" 😨 @Pioneer1 You clearly didn't notice her initial reaction... It doesn't surprise me that you're tone deaf on this subject though. I don't see ANY parents and children participating in any criminal activity -if I did I'd report them to the authorities. I have written and broadcast news reports on sexual assaults against minors when I was Television News Reporter / Anchor. As I've written, even with a small percentage of black people in the Ohio valley - color doesn't matter. Sexual assault is an equal opportunity crime. BY THE WAY, HOW MANY WHITE PARENTS HAVE YOU SEEN participating in these sick and freakish events? As for the rest of your commentary, it's hyperbole. You can have your own opinions but you can't have your own facts. I will agree with you on this point. Because every woman is different. Finally!

By @Chevdove I read on from an instagram comment his wife was sitting right behind him. A young woman who said she was a parishioner in his church - said, "I know his heart. He didn't do anything wrong." Needless to say the other instagram posters took her to task for being "blind"... I'm sorry that you had to experience that from someone you should have been able to trust. I'm glad you made it through without him physically harming you. I do know those mental scars are hard to carry though.

Then by this logic, if it is normal behavior for men, specifically clergy to sexually assault women then the catholic priests are normal.Maybe in an effort to keep their vows they turn their natural inclination on unsuspecting boys. No need for a coverup. Media is just pointing out the widespread activity that also occurs in the black church. Now it makes perfect sense why so many heterosexual men are terrified of homosexual men... If it's natural for men to advance on and assault women when they choose; then it's perfect;y natural for a gay man to feel up on any man he chooses. Got to appreciate the balance in the universe.

If someone collects the data and then reaches a conclusion and neglects to get input from decision-makers that's propaganda and not journalism, if published. The GOAL of the proposed article, however, is to inform the reader/Booksellers. They are the one who ultimately decides the fate book sales. As I mentioned (or thought I did) they are the consumers of the information because they are the ones charged with making an informed decision. Therefore, these readers/booksellers deserve an unbiased and balanced news report. In Journalism, specifically enterprising journalism that process begins by noticing a change in a procedure, process, activity, etc. Since actual numbers are available that data is included in the story but it is not the story. By the way, it doesn't matter which organization gives up the data- whether it be AALBC, Ingram et al as long as the organizations are reputable they may be used as a source. Journalism, which is unbiased, allows the people who are in control of those numbers to tell the story behind the trends. They are making the decisions on what they choose to publish and by whom. To leave the big 5 publishers out of the story means it's not a story. All there is a set of numbers that indicate there's a change in the # of black American authors. If no one contacts the big 5 publishers for input- then the story becomes one-sided. Reputable publications won't use big 5 publishers in the story if they can't get an answer. They will change the story angle because all the journalist is left with is there might be less black American authors publishing books. And that might not even be true- because black Americans are publishing independently, even if those numbers are small. Removing big 5 from the equation changes the story's angle. Now all we have is the focus on black American authors who many be publishing books. So the journalist changes the story to how many books they're publishing. Once talking to the authors-who may have become independent publishers the journalist may find a new story angle. For example, when I did a story on Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel defined-benefit pension option I had only spoken with steelworkers and union reps. I used their CBA (collective bargaining agreement) as a source for to determine their current pension plan. They were fighting a proposed change. If I stopped there - that would be propaganda. Therefore, I contacted and spoke with Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel's CEO because I knew he was making the decision on the steelworkers pension. He would (and did) tell me why they were deciding to move from the current defined benefit pension plan to contribution pension (this was in the early 90s). Once I got his answer and then input on the data from a CFP, Stockbroker and an economist, I had my story and the possible outcome on the scenario. The comparison and contrast allowed the viewers/residents to determined their support for the issue. Once I presented my story, the residents who were ultimately the beneficiaries of the final decision - were now properly informed. If a journalist from the New York Times would run the proposed story, they would have input from the group president and if they had a great relationship they would get in put from the CEO - in this case, Penguin Random House. They would then repeat the question for each big 5 publishing house mentioned. The heart of the story is WHY the change and its ramifications. Numbers don't tell the story. Once they get the answers, then they would know where the story would take them. Prior to the Big 5 input there's no story. Then authors would have input because they would share HOW the change affected them. The journalist would learn what's next with those authors. such as if they're pursuing independent publishing. That's the process of getting an unbiased story that actually answers the 5-Ws and H. So, @Troy if you were to pursue this story - you'd first have answer for yourself, what is your goal for presenting this information? What audience are you trying to inform and what do you hope they will do with this information.

Quote selection @Troy that's the job of journalism - It gives the reader a chance to think about a subject that would otherwise go unnoticed... Good journalism provides the means for the public and industries to take a second a look - at something other than their immediate needs or the bottomline. If I got these answers from big 5 - any reputable publication would pay me well for the rights to print it. (Yes, EBONY paid me well for those two stories) Normally, I wouldn't post this type of of information in public. Now anyone can run with this outline and pitch the story because I did the work for them - as did you. But I posted it this one time, because I wanted you to understand why no reputable publication would just run your findings without -at least attempting to get comment from the big 5 publishing companies and follow-up with other sources,

@Troy, 1) I'm not the one that complains about google - or their power. I don't use their ad-serving business. Nor would I if I were in that position. When I don't like a business practice - I DON"T PATRONIZE THEM. So, now does it really matter if I name you another ad serving company or their market share? Probably not -because if you were so angry with google you would already know and use them.

We're not in disagreement @Troy -Google is the most used search engine BUT they aren't the only ad-serving company.

Once this information is gathered, sorted, formatted and written, then we have a feature news story. What: is the problem? @Troy Actually, your findings presented here are the raw data. Here's how a journalist for a reputable or even non-reputable publication goes about writing the article. When they don't follow the procedure then we get fake news and lawsuits. If I were to use AALBC findings without follow-up and circulate as is, chances of being sued by any business or person mentioned goes way up. So, if I were to write an article, I'd have to answer for who, what, where, why, when, & how... Who: is the story about? The reader is the focus of the article. They are the booksellers. In this context, this means they are the ones who decide what books sell. Yes, you've said you believe the process is rigged. And investigating that angle is what would make the article interesting. Ultimately, the reader is the bookseller because they are the ones who buy the books. If the bookseller doesn't know what's available or if publishers are not offering certain books, then how can the reader/bookseller make an informed purchase? What: is the problem? Are the Big 5 Publishing houses publishing fewer books by black American authors? Are there fewer black American authors in traditional publishing? When: did the change occur? AALBC, who has been keeping track of the numbers for the last ten years says there's a decline. Every company mentioned would have to verify those numbers. If not the article would read - AALBC says this - Penguin says this and so on and so on... Then of course the method of accounting would be mentioned for both entities - i.e., AALBC versus Penguin, SS, Hachette, etc.- whomever is willing to answer.... Why: if true, are there fewer books by black American authors? Why, if any, was there a reduction-in-force of black Americans authors? If big 5 dropped the black Americans authors - if true why aren't they signing any book deals with black American authors? Where: if any, was the largest decline? Which division? Children, YA, Women's Fiction, Men's Fiction, Literary, etc... Where: are the black American authors writing now? Are they still publishing? If so, then where? Here AALBC's findings for self and indie-publishing comes into play. Of course, the process of fact-finding continues because the fact checker would look at your findings and then looks to see if we've used two more sources in addition to AALBC numbers... How can this problem, if any, be solved? What is the solution? How can big 5 publishing get a more diverse collection of publications in front of the booksellers? How will it impact the bottom-line? Once this information is gathered, sorted, formatted and written, then we have a feature news story.

@Delano thank you for this insight. It helped me realize why I was having such a hard time with my creative writing. "Too much intake of other people's information - too much commentary and memorization - and not enough ingenuity and creativity." is what I was able to discern from your observation. ❤️ I was actually able to write when I stepped away from this forum... but this forum also provides insight on the national conversation.

@Troy , for argument's sake I'll say it is "factual and verifiable." But if you were an actual statistician, you would submit that as raw data. Now, look at it objectively - can you see that it's ONLY the beginning of a story - not a whole story. That's what I wrote. See that last sentence you quoted? "So your data is a beginning point".

EXCELLENT!!!

Popularity is a reflection of identity - what is popular is how the majority see themselves. 62 million people identify with 45* - they see themselves in him. 90 million people couldn't even be so bothered to vote in the last presidential election. Our reality is what it is - even if it is the WORST side of us. We get the government we deserve.

Did you read beyond that sentence, @Troy ? and do you read my responses in context to what you wrote last...and how they correlate to what you've written? And finally do you read or skim? I'm beginning to get the sense that you don't pay attention -not even to your own words. As for Mark Farb it was a dig at your 45 comment...and how 45*s "win" is questionable. Therefore, you may not want to hang your hat on it to validate your argument. AND finally notice I wrote "POSSIBLY" about Mike Farb's analysis too. I do intake, I don't TAKE ANYONE's word as gospel..

Are you alright, @Troy? Where did I say I rejected your data? I suggest you re-read what I wrote. And even if I did. So what? As long as you are happy with your work that's all that matters. Wow. smh.

AND THAT IS EXACTLY HOW HE GOT THERE! All these big whiny babies think he "feels their pain"... This is so on point, THANK YOU @Cynique

LOL! Troy, it's not being stubborn - I need verifiable evidence. Your word isn't good enough. If I'm interviewing you about your personal experience -then it is but another person's experience is just hearsay. I can't go to someone and say "Troy said it's so, so it's so." folks would say who the eff is Troy?... But if I show roster of black authors for big publishing -in 1992 compared to the the roster in 2018 and there's a decline... then I will have to find out what has changed? Did these authors lose their contracts or did they leave on their own? Did the publishing house decide Indian writers were now in vogue - and they kicked off white writers too? Did these authors get imprint deals ... There's a whole host of reasons but we have to start with facts first... So your data is a beginning point. GATEKEEPERS I stated what a gatekeeper was - here it is is again. The "gatekeeper" is one who controls access. That would mean the thing isn't AVAILABLE for consumption. Prior to POD or ebooks it was cost-prohibitive for an author to get his/her work out - that meant they had to go through an intermediary which was controlled by a gatekeeper. That is no longer the case. The fact that you mentioned that some of your writer friends -published their books when they didn't get the advance they wanted is proof the gatekeeper is no longer in play. You actually did a story on publishing company I think it was brown girls publishing? nd I've never heard of them before you - but their release mentioned they have 2 MILLION books in print. Guess what? There's no gatekeeper keeping them from selling even if I never heard of them EVER through any of means than AALBC... Again, algorithms and advertising dollars is NOT a gatekeeper - it never was. By the way, for 45 - have you heard of Mike Farb? There's possible evidence that 45 didn't get those crucial votes needed to secure the electoral college win... and 90 million people didn't vote - so maybe he's not a good foundation for your gatekeeper argument.

@Pioneer1 then by those standards you should know- the sex-drive between the sexes is about equal. And go 'head for you accepting a woman's proposal! Actually you're correct here ...which is why I got snagged when I found I had more male readers initially than women... AND the men had more positive reviews and in-depth analysis than my women readers... It was quite bizarre to me at first but then I realized that it was the subject matter and my approach. Then I started to reach women who were more like me - so then it evened out. So your assumption was correct. I wrote based on my understanding and expectation - but I misjudged my audience so the outcome was surprising.

@Troy , I'm always researching a Black Enterprise/Ebony/ Amsterdam article -...ALWAYS (btw, WSJ is too biased) ...We can't ever be caught slouching! Seriously, it is a thing for me to always have verifiable sources or evidence. I was born under the sign of the virgo the virgin - otherwise known as the anal sign of the zodiac. I don't play fast and loose with information. I must dismiss your anecdotal "evidence" even in the absence of none of my own because the result is the same - No verifiable evidence of loss of book publishing deals for black writers. It could be a good enterprise article though. So, please if you come across proof either way - please share. The black authors who have currently have book deals have an audience i.e., popularity. As I mentioned, some are easy to spot on twitter - they have a blue tick by their name and a released date of their new or upcoming book (s). You don't understand gatekeeping then. Gatekeeping is controlling access and no one is controlling access to books or any other media content - there are too many channels available - too many platforms - and I am for one discovering new ones daily. Now big money promotion of said item even directing someone to something is NOT gatekeeping... Del might be onto something, you are beginning to sound like 45*" (8=| Staying in the media and entertainment industry - box office; books sales; albums sales and video games are proof that no amount of manipulation can buy popularity. We still get flops, show cancellations, direct to video - and what's popular rises and remains on top.

Absolutely you can be self-aware and know if you're being controlled - In fact that is the definition of self-awareness! ... It starts by being honest with yourself - which means you have to go all the way back to your beginning, your earliest memory. The beauty is your dreams have these answers but you must be diligent when recording and then interpreting those dreams. I don't mean consulting dream books either - but looking at your earliest memories; how your caregiver (sometimes parents) impacted you with their practices and so on... Then you look at your world and what drives you to do what you've done. It is then you can tell where you're being controlled by your environment - and what you're deciding to do to remain in the community. It requires a whole lot of honesty but it's doable to find out what is true for you and what is simply your programming.

@Pioneer1 , Troy was pretty specific about saying that he wasn't referring to F-buddies. This question was about finding and building a relationship with a ( life) partner. Have you been able to find a life partner? What has been your experience with a viable relationship with a woman. Have you ever been engaged, left at the altar - married? divorced? And by the way, how is it even possible to measure someone's sex drive?