Troy

OK, I'm sure you are right Mel. I'm been in overthinking mode lately, maybe I need to chill out

Editor's Note: This conversation is being continued here because it was a dramatic digression from the subject where it picked up, "Another Controversial Time Magazine or Can Black Women Catch a Break" Del, the definition of what you wrote about my response was "dismissive." Why do you get away with being dismissive? Del you understand is statistics, no one has disputed it all called that into question, what I've called into question is your knowledge about climate, a subject you have neither asserted or demonstrated, detailed knowledge of. Am I wrong about that? Statistics is a tool, like a hammer, nothing more. Understanding how to use a hammer does not make you an architect. You wrote, "...35 years of temperature is NOT climate." Who said it was? There are places on the earth where temperatures are going down. The average global temperature can be misleading. The problem is the global climate is changing more rapidly than it normally would and the best minds in the world the cats who study and understand the science, better than you I'm sure, say that it is because of man's activity. Now I'm sorry if I've offended you because I say the scientists who study the subject know a lot more than you. I'm stating a fact, if facts offend you I'm sorry to learn that. Again this is a surprising revelation. Please answer this question: Why @Delano, do you believe you know more about the causes of climate change than the preponderance of Ph.D.s whose profession it is to understand this stuff? Keep in mind, a keen understanding of statistics is insufficient reason for these guys now statistics too.

Del, the definition of what you wrote about my response was "dismissive." Why do you get away with being dismissive? Del you understand is statistics, no one has disputed it all called that into question, what I've called into question is your knowledge about climate, a subject you have neither asserted, or demonstrated, detailed knowledge of. Am I wrong about that? Statistics is a tool, like a hammer, nothing more. Understanding how to use a hammer does not make you an architect. You wrote, "...35 years of temperature is NOT climate." Who said it was? There are places on the earth where temperatures are going down. The average global temperature can be misleading. The problem is the global climate is changing more rapidly than it normally would and the best minds in the world the cats who study and understand the science, better than you I'm sure, say that it is because of man's activity. Now I'm sorry if I've offended you because I say the scientists who study the subject know a lot more than you. I'm stating a fact, if facts offend you I'm sorry to learn that. Again this is a surprising revelation. Please answer this question: Why @Delano, do you believe you know more about the causes of climate change than the preponderance of Ph.D.s whose profession it is to understand this stuff? Keep in mind, a keen understanding of statistics is insufficient reason for these guys now statistics too. Del (everyone) please reply to the climate change digression in this new conversation. (Thanks)

I always wanted to make it to Canada for Caribana. Now I have an even better reason to attend. I just added the festival to our website: https://aalbc.com/events/index.php?st=Canada#Toronto+Urban+Book+Expo Maybe next year I can schedule and excursion.

...maybe I don't really understand what you mean by seeing someone Mel. I can see a lot of people. But I'd be willing to bet that they don't see themselves the way I see them. There is a Brother I know, who I "see" as a sociopath; not the kind to kill someone and put them in the freezer to eat later, but the type of Brother that will deceive you for personal gain. It is not the deception that is this issue it is the lack of guilt. He is capable of expressing emotion, but this is something he understands how to do to portray himself in a way to get what he wants. He is very smart. I know a few brothers like this. Now I "see" this Brother, but I suspect he does not see himself this way. If I explained how I (and others who share my sentiment) to him, I doubt he would feel "satified." Do who see what I mean. It is not the ability that I'm questioning necessarily it is the differences in our perspectives I'm calling into question.

Del I'm not a climatologist or scientist who specializes in this field--neither are you. Del climate change is, in fact, happening this is not in dispute by trained practitioners who study the subject. There is some controversy over whether man is causing these changes, but those who believe man is not the cause are in such a small minority they are irrelevant (likely in the pockets of the fossil fuel industry). This subject is not a simple matter of correlating CO2 emissions and average temperatures. This is a complex subject. I suspect you are unaware of what you don't know. Perhaps this is why the public is not very concerned. The media are treating this issue much like you are as if it is up for debate. I find it fascinating and surprising that you would presume to know more than the entire scientific community. Now I'm not surprised that the "average Joe" (someone like 45) might assume they know more; I'm surprised that you would. There is old saying that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I presume (hope) you've read much of the same information I have, so I won't waste time sharing things with you have you've already rejected. But in the not too distant future, it won't matter that we've stopped listening to scientists.

@Mel Hopkins, your statement, "There's nothing so satisfying as being SEEN by the one with whom you share Life and LOVE... " Is particularly intriguing. Obviously, you believe this is possible. I'm not so sure. Perhaps couple can get close and maybe is an admirable goal, but I wonder if it is truly achievable. Now I believe people can share their lives and love each the, but the "SEEN" part is what is getting me caught up. How different people see another person is always different because we see things differently. For example, I'm sure Del sees Pioneer differently than Pioneer sees himself, and Del definitely sees Pioneer differently than I see him. Which perspective is "true?" Who truly see's Pioneer? Is it even possible?

@Sankofa Books , I hope the event went well. I meet the publisher of Sycorax's Daughters and have begun adding their backlist of titles to AALBC.com

Hi Anne, this looks like a really fascinating book. Would you mind posting an excerpt? Also the link you posted above does not work here is an alternative: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1316643484/ref=nosim?tag=aalbccom-20 or a shortened version: http://amzn.to/2sBgg0b This link also contains an affiliate code. Amazon actually pays people who refer visitors to their website when they buy something. Read this article point #3 to see why it matters.

Del this post of yours, is a brilliant example my point.

Yeah, I don't marriage is natural either, it is a social construct that most fail at achieving--perhaps because it is an unnatural state. I think many single older people are unnecessary miserable because the idea of marriage is so strongly drummed into our psyches we feel we are failures unless we have achieved it. As far as being completely open for a perfect marriage, that I'm not so sure about... I think that is why we have friends and therapists.

Mel I understand that you know how the stock market works and are good at research. But again most people are not. I think a side column about politics would be a great idea. Why should you be the only one who benefits from your knowledge? The challenge as you've noted however is generating interest. In order to raise people's awareness and prompt meaningful action, people have to both be aware and interested in what you have to say. They also have to understand why it is important. I've learned Google, for example, is a major road block keeping us from each other online. I've also learned that social media controls the information we see which distorts and biases our perspectives. So I research and try to understand this area, because it not only adversely impacts Black folks it impacts my livelihood. Google and social media will directly and adversely impact your ability to reach the people who most need to read your political information. I also realize the negative impact of social media and Google are happening without our knowledge, so people have not clue unless you tell them. It is like climate change. I would have no clue we were on the brink of making the planet inhospitable to human habitation unless the media informed me. Similarly, I would have no idea that Obama dropped more bombs from drones than Bush unless someone the media informed me. But information and facts alone are not enough. We need understanding and context. Just because you understand the stock market does not mean you will make money. We rely on research reports and the companies themselves to provide information. If they lie what good are our facts and information. If rating agencies and government regulators fail to do their jobs we are screwed--and we are. Did Obama drop more bombs from drones because drone technology improved and the tool was more readily available to him than it was to Bush, or did he drop more bombs because he viewed the increase in collateral damage (like killing everyone in an innocent wedding party) was an acceptable risk if fewer American's dide as a result of drone strikes? Knowlegde of facts does not automatically impact understanding.

I know. But in my opinion, politicians lie. 45 for example, plainly lies. Why would I subject myself to this? I hope the media sorts this out and gives me some semblance fo the truth. If the media out by saying, "Donald Trump tweeted today..." I stop listening. I also know unless you get your information from 9 different sources you are being lied to. So I research the thing I have time to research like the nature of the web and how it impacts my ability to eat. For other things like climate change and the activities or 45 I'll reply most on journalist and the opinions of others, including yours.

Mel I was reacting to the statement; Sadly, if my experience serves as evidence - then I'd have to agree, black women would have to sacrifice self - and that too could be a reason they're salty. Which I apparently misconstrued as applying to the relationship part--my bad. But I assumed the reason this woman, women in general, want to find a "good Black man" is that they are interested a long term committed relationship, marriage, a family. I was just observing that if a woman feels they have to go through mental and emotional gymnastics just to attract a decent dude; they are going to be in for a rough ride once the relationship gets going because that is not sustainable behavior over the long term.

No Mel, I don't watch Obama's every move--especially now. I definitely have no interest is reading 45's tweets. I'm too busy trying to eat. I do however read the newspaper and rely on journalists to sift through the morass of nonsense 45's tweets about and to do some investigations and research on my behalf and tell me what is important for me to know. I have neither the time, inclination or the resources to do this, so I rely upon the media. As you've should already know I do not think the media are perfect, and often find them biased against Black people but we need the media--desperately. For example, I believe man's activity is causing climate change. Not because I did research. I just read a couple of compelling articles and believe them. These "facts" have been disputed elsewhere. I have no way of proving which "facts" right or wrong, and neither do you. You either trust what you read or you don't. It is a matter of faith, colored by experience, bias, and intuition--our lens so to speak. Your opinion of Obama is no different. Other smart people just as informed as you are, even more so will disagree. No everyone is invested in the stock market, in case you have not noticed. The wealthy certainly benefited during the Obama years. The increase in the wealth gap has been widely reported. As far as opinions being "irrelevant without facts or evidence," I strongly disagree with the statement. That comes across as elitist. Everyone has an opinion, you may not agree with it, but if you dismiss them out of hand simply because you feel you are more informed you will never truly understand the motivations of people. You'll stop listening because you'll believe your opinion is better, the only one worth holding. That is my opinion.

"Information?" Do you mean observations, conjecture, assumptions, intuition, beliefs? They all inform opinions. But I fail to see what you are trying to communicate with that statement. Christians for example would have the "informed opinion" that abortion is murder. Others think abortions are great; the freedom from responsibility of their actions is more important that the life of the unborn, or maybe they profit from the abortion industry. Either way, both have informed opinions but have arrived at completely different conclusions. Again I ask what is the difference?

Here is an axiom: Marriage and raising kids requires sacrifice. Sometimes that sacrifice requires doing something that you'd prefer not doing. Mel it sounds like what you are describing as "contortion," is simply sacrifice. I might be misunderstanding you, but you can clarify if I'm wrong by giving me examples or elaborating on what you mean. I'm not suggesting that a woman (or a man) completely give up on their dreams and their personality for their partner. But the married you simply can not behave the same way as the unmarried you. People who fail to recognize this, or refuse to do it, should never get married. If they do it will never last or they will be miserable Marriage is an ongoing series of compromises--especially if you have children. To me dating requires no sacrifice; you're just doing fun things with someone you like. When the fun is over you both go home. Sorry read about the passing of your friend.

Really, what might that difference be Del?

Del in reaction to, "...I don't think HE is a misogynist or hidden homosexual homophobe." Why thank you. Look like your psychic abilities are firing on all cylinders. Keep in mind, I have been known to engage in hyperbole to emphasize a point, play devil's advocate to introduce a different perspective, or just say something 'cause I know it might tune someone up (but I don;t do that very often). Labour of love? Man, I'm trying to stack dat serious paper! I gots t get paid!

Rosalyn McMillan (October 14, 1953 - June 13, 2017) “I would like to thank everybody for your condolences about by beautiful and amazing sister, Rosalyn McMillan, who will be dearly missed but not forgotten. Our entire family is grateful for the kind words being said about the impact her books, her artistic flair, her beauty, grace, and sense of humor had on your and our lives. My heart aches but I know she’s in good hands. Warmly.” —Terry McMillan (Rosalyn's elder sister) Rosalyn was one of the first writers whose books I put on AALBC.com. She was one of the more popular authors at the start of the surge in popularity of Black writers which began to really pick up steam in the later 1990's. Of course, Terry McMillan along with E. Lynn Harris and a handful of others lead the charge, but Rosalyn was in the mix. I can not find any news coverage of McMillan's passing. I copied Terry's thank you note from Facebook. Rosalyn and I are Facebook friends and her page was covered with messages of condolence from her family and friends. R.I.P. Ms. McMillan.

Cynique in reaction to, "I don't know that black men have earned the right to judge how black women decide to have themselves portrayed." Point taken.

Mel I was reacting to Del's statement. He said Obama cried and he was called "weak" as a result. When I responded to that specific statement I wrote, let me know when he actually does something. You informed us he donated $2M to a summer jobs program--great. I'm not going to research your statement either. I'll also take you at your word. It is not clear to me why you feel I have to research every statement I make in reaction to Obama. That is not a realistic expectation during the course of a normal conversation. For all I know Del could have made it all up, but I took him at his word too. Were you aware of the Obama crying incident before Del mentioned it? Mel, clearly you have a blind spot as too. Del wrote, "he was called weak." Perhaps you should do a little research yourself and try to understand why people are calling the man weak. Amerca is hurting and the Black community is in dire straights. If you can not see why a huge portion of the country is not as big a fan of Obama then there is probably nothing I can do to help you understand. Del I agree, as a religious leader Farrakhan, is indeed constrained, as is Obama as President. There are things we can do that they simply can not. Ongoing public scrutiny and critique go hand in hand with celebrity and idolization.

I did not hear that about Obama. I'm not even going to bother looking it up. Let me know when he uses his celebrity, money, and remaining power to do something about it. So perhaps lack of passion was not the right description. Maybe weakness is a better one. Weakness not because he wept but weakness due to inability or unwillingness to react in a meaningful way to the slaughter of innocent Black youth. I'm sure weeping and inaction would not be Farrakhan's response if NOI boys were getting shot.

Del that last point was probably more important than you realize. Perhaps that is true because there are more differences genetically, within the so-called "races" than there are between. One of the great failings of western cultures is the creation of so-called racial differences. It creates unnecessary strife. Mel I did not mean to drag you into this but of course, your comments are always prized.

@CDBurns, it looks like I missed this comment. That is a good way to measure the impact of social media; as a function of the fans and followers you've earned versus traffic. For a noncelebrity, the number of your fans/followers is a function of the effort you put into increasing them it whether it is through paid or active engagement on the platform. The size of your fan base is a good proxy for your engagement (paid and organic) on social media. Best Metric for Evaluating Social Media Traffic If your goal is to acquire traffic from social platforms then what better metric is there? I wish I had my data. Google Analytics free information going back that far is just a rough estimate and social media platforms do not provide the number of fans and followers over time at least not going back as far as I need. Of course, the platforms themselves have the data and benefit greatly from it...we, in turn, are at a disadvantage flying blind. Results of Social Media Boycott After 3.5 Months Three and a half months into my planned 6-month boycott, I've learned a lot. An increasing number of people use social media as their primary web presence--even if they have their own website. This means: Social media is becoming the only way to reach people for whom you don't have contact information. People who share photos and videos of you often only share this information in social media. To show appreciation requires social media engagement. When I research an author, bookstore, or related business, social media is the only often the only place where information is available. Often I have to resort to social media, because the website is inadequate as the site's information stale or missing altogether. People often reach out to me on social media rather than through my website or email. Unless they are highly motivated people use the tools that are most convenient to themselves, which is often social media. Social Media Use Can't Reasonably be Avoided Basically, I can't effectively run AALBC.com without logging onto a social media platform for the reasons mention above. But these platforms are largely limited to Facebook and Twitter. Today Twitter and Facebook make up 93% of all of my social media traffic (13% and 80% respectively). Five years ago it was 67% (10% for Twitter and 57% for Facebook). Again this growth in share of social media traffic occurred during a period when I've largely abandoned use of these platforms. Twitter visitors are more engaged with AALBC.com than Facebook visitors. Twitter users look at more pages and stay on the website longer. But again, Facebook drives much more traffic. Albeit the amount of traffic has not been proportional to the growth in Fan and followers over time. Facebook and Twitter Dominate, No Use for Snapchat and Instagram I have discovered no reason for me to use social media platforms like Instagram or Snapshat, despite the fact that these platforms are wildly successful and are increasingly dominating a higher percentage of Internet activity of handheld users. Globally handheld devices have already surpassed desktop devices in terms of the number of users, which is why Google has penalized non-mobile optimized websites. Almost 46% of my traffic, in 2017, came from handheld or tablet devices. Only 5 years ago it was less than 16%. If someone is aware of a way for me to effectively utilize Snapchat or Instagram to drive traffic to AALBC.com without spending a ton of money or time I'm all ears. Right now Facebook appears to be the best game in town for driving traffic to AALBC.com. I also have zero interest in using those platforms which poses another challenge. Traffic is Much Higher, Growth Due Largely to Traffic from Search Engines Resulting from Website Upgrade Google Analytics has defined 26 other social media sites that have driven traffic to AALBC.com. rounding out the top 10 are Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads, YouTube, Linkedin, Instagram, Disqus, and Reddit. Of these only Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads have shown and growth in the past year; the others are have suffered a sharp decline. I can not explain the growth of Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads this year. I have accounts on all these platforms, but I simply do not use them very much, nor I I plan to. Today social media traffic is higher than it was 5 years ago, but this is because of social media is a smaller piece of a much larger pie. Pages views are up over 200% compared to 5 years ago. This is largely due to the website's redesign. Of the top 5 most frequently visited web pages 4 did not exist 5 years ago. These 4 pages were only possible because of the website's new database. Organic Search (someone visiting the site by clicking a link on a search result) is 71.69%% of AALBC.com traffic year to date 2017, Social media is 4.51% For the same period in 2016 Organic Search and was 64.63% and social media traffic was 8.62% What am I Gonna Do? I'll update this shortly...