Troy

The neighborhood analogy works for me. I may actually use it. So many Black websites have disappeared it is not funny. As I've migrated old pages to the new format, Virtually all of the links I had to other sites were broken and in most cases the domains were no longer active. It is astonishing how much Black content has disappeared from the net. Again, I think indie website are the way to go. The list below is traffic from other websites (excluding all search engines) The counts are from my first full day of not posting anything on facebook (March 2 to March 5th. For perspective: More people visited my website from the newsletter I sent this week.than ALL of the sources below combined including Facebook The traffic below is a tiny fraction of the traffic I get from organic search This is also an environment where webmaster simply do not link to other websites. Most of this traffic, like the 27 visitors from Wikipedia are there because I have added content on Wikipedia that links back to AALBC.com. I have not added anything to Wikipedia in over two years but Wikipedia consistently generated more traffic to my site than Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ combined--and I have posted on these sites, daily, for years You see I get more traffic from other sites organically than I get from Facebook. Again I was posting on Facebook daily for years, which doing very little to generate the traffic I got from the other sites. Now imagine a world in which sites like Ebony, Black Enterprise, The Griot actually reciprocated and linked to AALBC.com. Image if every author, publisher, or writer I linked to linked back to at least their page on AALBC.com. The number below would look very different. Today all the links provide and promote, as indie Black sites all goes to social media, but not to ourselves. So my strategy will be to work other websites, the way I did social media. Again if I get more traffic from these sites doing almost nothing than I do from Facebook posting everyday. I should get a better return for my time. Right now spending zero time on social media is a get benefit in and of itself ;-) Count Site 133 facebook 28 l facebook 22 mobile facbook 3 lm facebook 186 Visitors from Facebook 283 Visitors from other sites 27 blog / (not set) 27 wikipedia 20 disq 19 kennesaw 13 twitter 13 madmimi 12 secure-nym 10 pinterest 9 en 9 blavity 7 googleplus 7 aol / organic 6 outlook 5 feedburner / feed 4 theleadstory 4 email12 4 kidrex 4 plus 3 twitter 3 blackboard 2 blakink21 2 aalbc / banner 2 ahrefs 2 blacknews 2 culturalpolitics 2 ecosia 2 email02 2 fortworthtexas 2 iprism / referral 2 jimisound 2 publishersweekly 2 tvtropes 2 welcomewhitefolks 1 wm 1 absolutewrite 1 advertserve 1 api 1 aplanguagemrphillips 1 app2 1 atlantablackstar 1 avg / organic 1 biography 1 blackrefer 1 cafepress 1 chrisdburns 1 cn 1 cuyahoga 1 dailykos 1 de 1 delta-search 1 earl-brooks 1 getpocket 1 goodreads 1 guides 1 harlembookfair 1 hunter 1 images 1 informationvine 1 it 1 izito 1 libguides 1 linkedin 1 lipstickalley 1 mail-attachment 1 mail 1 mail 1 messenger 1 mg 1 mswritersandmusicians 1 olatodera 1 redfordlibrary 1 reference 1 research 1 s1 1 school 1 scs 1 shirleyshowalter 1 theblack-board 1 theblacklist 1 therealmerkabah 1 thereviewreview 1 thumperscorner 1 web03ds 1 wunderlist

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@Cynique, @Pioneer1 ignored Britanny's post because there was really nothing he could say to reasonably refute what she wrote. What I don't understand about Pioneer's position is that he is consistently arguing against facts. Pioneer, you seem completely unwilling to accept the fact that race is an artificial construct. Look, you can find many instances of me using the word "trace" but that does not prove that race is a genetically meaningful term, it is a social construct and I use it becaus, unfortunately, it is how people view the world. No, I was not "offended" by Rachel Dolenzal's claim of being Black. I couldn't care less.. Apparently, the people who selected her to run their NAACP chapter did not care either, until it became a farce in the media. Two, I have no way of proving her claim one way or the other. Again, I thought we'd already ascertained that you can't look at someone and determine their race. Surely you are aware of the practice of "passing" in this country, right? I'm not sure why you want to deny the science in this regard Pioneer, why are so fixated on using race? I won't even get in the racial stereotypes you keep advancing, for they are beyond silly.

Yeah, I heard about that text too Cynique. I also understand doctors and induce the experiences people commonly claim they have went going to the other side, the white light, feeling of calm, etc. Del if the person swore me to secrecy I would not have shared anything. They just did not want to relate the story here and I chose to make them anonymous.

When it happened to me I was just startled, but not hurt, perhaps I experienced something else..

I assume once my body was shed and I enter the spiritual realm, I would just know all of that stuff @Pioneer1 Plus I would assume all the mundane behaviors humans would be as interesting to me as the behavior of an ameba

The Jewish cemetery in NY was a victim of poor maintenance, not desecration. #bewareoffakenews

@Delano , some one I know really well and person you have met, reminded me about their astral projection. They were hovering over their body and actually observed some one else in the apartment. They noticed each other but did not communicate. The person said the observed what appears to be a cord connecting them to their body. I read about that cord and hear if it breaks you will not find your way back to your body and you will die. Sometimes when people are discovered dead for no known reason this could be the cause. Still it could be a mind trick... They say if you ever feel like you've been dropped into your bed. That was you returning to your body.

CALLING ALL AUTHORS!!! MANUSCRIPT REVIEW BY MAX RODRIGUEZ DEADLINES: APRIL 1ST AND MAY 1ST Max Rodriguez, executive director of the Black Book Review and Harlem Book Fair, will be receiving, and reviewing manuscripts from Art Sanctuary members and supporters with ready-to-be-edited work!! From Mr. Rodriguez: "The opportunity is to be read by an imprint that is actively looking for publishable work. (I have launched Extra Mile Books as an imprint of Akashic Books). I am willing to let the imprint serve as a vehicle for Philadelphia writers. We will review full manuscripts in advance and set appointments for each; we can also offer 'work-in-progress' coaching reviews for those with incomplete manuscripts." If you are interested in having Mr. Rodriguez review your completed manuscript, please forward to mrod@qbr.com in Word, txt. or .pdf format. Those who desire a 'work-in-progress' review should submit the standard one page summary and 10-page work sample. Submission Deadlines: For Completed Manuscripts: April 1 For Work-in-Progress Coaching Review: May 1 This message courtesy of the ART SANCTUARY

Hey @Mel Hopkins (or anyone), I'm wondering if restricting myself from clicking the social sharing buttons is going too far? Again the data tells me that clicking social sharing button generally has little impact traffic, save the rare instance when something goes viral and results in a surge in traffic. My even questioning whether I should do it is a reflection my conditioning to use social media over the years. Today I posted information about a 9-year-0ld girl you is the youngest #1 bestselling author on AALBC.com . It was one of those things that I would have shared on social media. I thought about clicking one of my social sharing buttons, but decided against it. In 6 months or so I review the impact of not using social media and share it here.

Nine-year-old Sydney McGee is the youngest bestselling author in AALBC.com history!

Sure, forward me a physical book. Keep in mind there is no guarantee I will write the review. Also, there is not need to copy what someone previously wrote in order to reply--especially if what you are copying immediately preceeds your response

This was the case when I read your review of VL Towlers book. Ideally, I should have just simply linked directly to your book review. But I'd already posted it before I realized it was on your blog. Still, the multiple links back to your site may be more valuable from an SEO perspectve Now image if we have 5, 10, or 100 additional sites linking to your book review. I can see from VL Facebook feed (right hand side of this page) that she linked from there which is cool too!

Recently I stopped using social media.* Basically, this means I don't engage on the platforms; I don't like, share from, post content, or acquire friends. My originally intent was not to even visit social media platforms, but that quickly proved unrealistic because an increasing number of authors' primary web presences are on Facebook. But another issue presented itself; After reading an article I liked and wanted to share--my initial reaction was to click one of the social sharing buttons--a action that surprised me because previously I never thought about doing it. I just did it. So how does one quickly share good articles with others? Of course, the answer is obvious; I share it the way I did before social media was invented I; Post a link in the comments section of other websites; Post a link on discussion forums like this one; Email the link to others; Include the link on my website or blog in a related article or webpage; and Share the link in my newsletter These are just a few web-based options. I mention these because collectively we have forgotten these tactics, then has only served to increase engagement on social media platforms. I would also argue that in the vast majority of cases sharing the link using any of the above options is actually a better way of sharing an article you enjoy because it would have a better targeted to the recipient. Now clicking a social sharing button may be the easiest option, but the extra effort required to share a ink using one or more of the alternative methods I described actually helps ensure that the content shared is actually worth sharing. The benefit of sharing valuable content on another website helps uplift that website rather than a social media platform. I know AALBC.com is a more value website because I actively share links to other websites. Another benefit of not using social sharing button is that your privacy is maintained. Social sharing information is a valuable commodity that is sold to marketers and used in ways to manioulate our behavior. *Actually, I do still use on social media network, google's YouTube, because the value proposition is still worthwhile and they even pay me for my contributions to the platform.

I still need to follow up on this. Here too is another area where Google dominated--control over online advertising. Over that years I've participated in a number of advertising networks, including Black-owned ones. In the past, they provided a diverse revenue stream, which reduced risk. Today Goolge has won the battle of the ad networks (at least for this site). Google Adsense is the only one that generates a reasonable amount of revenue. When there is an effective monopoly, bad things begin to happen. Today with AALBC.com page views at record highs, Google Adsense revenue is lower than it has been historically, even with less traffic. Of course with fewer options, Google can reduce with they pay to the platforms who carry their ads. Fortunately, I can, and do, sell my own advertising. Selling ads directly provides a better, less expense, more flexible service to the customer than they would get going through Google, but it was better having a more diversified revenue stream.

Well, I did not forget you Michael--even though it has been a long time. I did not recognize you at first and the "Coach" bit threw me for a second, but once I visited your website. But I recognized Brothers Are You Listening right away. Of course, I knew the cover was wrong. I should have caught that--I have fixed it. I have a special affinity for authors who have been on the site for such a long time. It is good you followed the steps to get my attention with your book. Most authors send me emails, which is far more work for me to deal with than reading the information here. So I glad you posted here--I probably would have missed an email from you. Besides, now others will more easily discover your work too. Obviously, I checked out a few of your Youtube videos and used a few of them on this site. Are you doing anything to promote them? Thanks for your answer about what happens after you die (transition). Given your specialty, I figured you might have a good answer. I posed the question because we have been having conversations here on the subject.

If there are an infinite number of universes, there are those who believe you can occupy any one of them--effectively changing your reality. In this universe, I'm slogging away in relative obscurity trying to uplift my people. In another, I'm in corporate America living a comfortable life, complaining with my pals about those ghetto negroes and their laziness. We choose our reality... Mel, is it possible that you did not actually die? Where you officially pronounced dead? Could it be than what you experienced were that last throes of brain activity prior to physical death? I ask not to dispute your experience (I can't do that), but to clarify what happened to you and to see how you may have addressed alternative explanations for the experience. This stuff fascinates me :-) Perhaps one reason you came back was to help AALBC.com

Yes, of course, Mel to be clear I do mean unknowable to us, in our present fleeting corporeal form which is locked into this particular timeline, in the space-time continuum of one of an infinite number of universes in the multiverse. Wait, what? Did I miss something about you and an NDE?

I just emailed our latest eNewsletter If you don't get it in your email box please consider subscribing. Below is an email I received in reaction to this mailing. “Troy, I am incredibly proud of all the effort and passion that you have poured into AALBC for all of these years. I discovered your site sometime in the 90s. I was living in my home town which is incredibly small, and at the time, predominantly white. I would sit up until late in the night trying to find a way to connect with literature by my own people. Then, I found your site and enjoyed it so much. I am ashamed that I have used and depended upon your site without ever making a monetary donation. Within the next two months I do want to contribute a little money. I don't have much, but I do want you and your family and associates to know that you provide a valuable service over the vastness of this country and the world and it is appreciated. Don't worry about social media. I am sure that the best is yet to come!” Of course, these messages are highly motivating and remind me that I am reaching people in a way that I hoped. As I created a copy of this newsletter for my blog I discovered several typos and a reader informed me of one significant factual error. While I can always correct these types of errors, editing errors are still a pain in my butt. While the newsletter is much better than it used to be, I hope as at least one reader believes, "...the best is yet to come!"

So you think Scientology and Islam can both be true? Could it be our perception is merely a function of our physicality, the result of the combination of the structure of our genes, our environment, and experiences?

Michael! Man you were one of the first people I put your information on this website--at least 15 years ago. I moved you up in the queue of pages to be updated: https://aalbc.com/authors/author.php?author_name=Michael+Taylor It looks like your career has progressed nicely. It is good to see you are still doing your thing. What took you so long to come back through? @Coach Michael Taylor, Here is a question for you: Do you know what happens to us after we die?

Mel even the person who conceived of the quark did not "know" it to be true and would never have stated it with such certainty until it was proven, until then it is a theory, usually one of several theories. Even now it is possible some other experiment will change what we know or think we know. I think we have to resign ourselves to the fact that there are some things we simply can not know. Even something as mundane as what happens to "us" after we die can't be known. Of course, people of various faiths will claim that they "know," but this is a function of faith rather than reality. This becomes readily apparent when you compare various faiths and quickly discover they can't all be true. Often some of these "spiritual" people will kill those with beliefs that oppose their own. Even the concept of a state of existence is a function of how we perceive our existence. The concept of time itself is more a function of how we experience the universe, not a complete reflection of how it truly is "really." If you could hop a ride on the back of a photon there would be no concept of time. No past, past present or future.

One of the problems I had with "Heaven" from a very early age was the concept of eternity. An eternity of anything would become a hell for me. So I figured surely whatever the afterlife meant it had to mean more than what my mind could possibly conceive (again one of those unknowable things). In fact why the did afterlife have to mean that my personality, experiences, and even my friends as I know them here on Earth had to persist in the afterlife in exactly the same fashion? This seems very limiting--unnecessarily so. The physics of our bodies prevent us from perceiving and perhaps understand much of what the universe contains. Today 95% of what makes up the Universe is unknown. We know just about the same amount about the working our own brains. I hear there are people who can astral project themselves. I'm not convinced that is possible, but if it is true that would be a neat thing to do--especially if you could share the experience with someone else.