Troy

I have six (6) available advertising positions on the AALBC.com homepage for book covers. You can which position is available as it will be indicated by the following image: If you are interested in advertising your book on any or all of these 6 positions you will get $25 off -- each placement. Just mention that you learned about the offer here, on Thumper's Corner discussion forum (or reply below) If you refer a new client who pays full price, (as low as $53 per month) you will earn $25 (payable 30 days after advertising campaign begins). Simply have the client provide your name and email address. This inventory will go fast as this is AALBC.com most popular advertising position. Click here to learn more about getting your book on the AALBC.com Homepage If you have any questions email me at troy@aalbc.com or simply post them below.

I just posted an interview with Valjeanne Jeffers who is included in this anthology

Humm, if we could kill EVERY person who committed adultery, would there be anyone left to do the killing?

Actually Leonard Pitts wrote and article about truth recent recently: "The point here — this cannot be overemphasized — is not ideology. Rather, it is about the fact that we cannot effectively debate ideology if we do not have a body of facts in common. Under such circumstances, political discourse must devolve into incoherence. We cannot discuss what color to paint the room if we cannot agree on what constitutes red or green — or the room. We literally have no shared language with which to even have the discussion. This is the legacy of the War on Reality. Some of us live under a new ethos, fueled and abetted by Fox, the Internet and talk radio, which holds that facts are optional and reality, multiple choice — and that anyone who questions this is part of the conspiracy against you. The results have not been pretty. When, in the history of American political discourse, have conservatives — some, not all — seemed more paranoid, put-upon and ready to believe themselves the victims of outlandish plots?" (The whole article) The bold face text is really what thwarts many conversations. Arrogant ignorance is bad. People who don't know a given fact but are too stupid to know they don't know but feel perfectly justified arguing something the don't understand. Lying is worse. Where you argue a point you know is wrong. This is what makes the debates so worthless. The candidates will say anything they want -- even completely conflicting things. You know someone is lying, but you don;t have enough information to know who is lying. Obama supporters believe Obama and Romney supporters believe Romney. I don't believe either of them. As far as quantum physics that is some real spooky stuff and FAR more interesting than the presidential debates :-) Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/10/09/3042190/the-unemployment-rate-and-gops.html#storylink=cpy

Kam calls DuVernay's latest film a "...a cinematic masterpiece reminiscent of those rare treasures that have managed to capture an authentic slice of African-American life, ala such black classics as Love Jones (1997), The Best Man (1999), The Visit (2000) and Brown Sugar (2002)." Read the full review

All things considered, I believe society is worse off as a result of social media. As it exaggerates the worst in us. Of course social media, like any tool, is what the user makes of it. For example, I really like Youtube (for now), there are SO MANY great interviews, conversations, debates archival videos -- pick a subject and you can find really deep and compelling content -- you don't have to know video like the ones I shared above even exist. But if you wanted, you can spend years watching "garbage" videos -- the choice is yours Freedom to chose is in contrast to Facebook and Twitter -- you really can't control your experience. What appears on your wall for example is largely out of your control -- sure you can control who you "friend" and whose updates you see. But if you friend wants to post garbage, garbage is what you will see on you wall. Twitter is the same. There might be some great things that I really want to see transpiring on Twitter and facebook -- I just can not find them. When I do find something interesting it takes all of two minutes before it degrades comcpletely. Plus getting the right people to see my content becomes increasingly difficult over time. Of course the solution to get the right eyes on your content is to buy ads, but this furture exasperates the problem. Content now skews to big companies producing content with the broadest possible appeal. Facebook and Twitter will only become worse as attempts to wring higher and higher revenues from these platforms further degrade the user experience.

Leonard Pitts, Jr.. Thankfully one of my eNewsletter subscribers turned me on to Leonard Pitt's latest novel "Freeman". Pitts' is an excellent writer and I have no problem going out on a limb and recommending his latest -- without ever having read it. Sounds crazy, but Pitts is that good. I have to admit that I'm astonished that I have not heard a single thing about this book, other than the email I got today. Actually I'm not really surprised at all, mostly disappointed and frustrated. In 2012 a guy who runs a website, arguably "the" website, on Black books can go completely unaware, for half a year, that a writer of Leonard Pitts' caliber has published a novel of historical fiction (love really) about newly free black people trying to reconstitute their families. Over time I see more and more evidence that despite all this social media real information is not being shared. Any real information shared is crowded out by nonsense.

South Park, interestingly, uses the same techniques, strategies and mentality that brings us "Honey-Boo-Boo" to the spoof the same...

Gary Golio: http://aalbc.it/garygolio

Last night's debate was complete garbage. Biden (also a Syracuse University graduate) had a distinct advantage of age and experience over Ryan. But he completely squandered that advantage failing to understand the difference between "aggression and strength" a distinction pointed out in an op-ed in today WSJ. I could not even watch the whole debate. Biden was too condescending and they both were just going back and forth making statement directly in conflict with each other. So unless we can determine which one is lying -- what is the point of even watching. I wish they would stop calling these debates. In an actual debate you need to be able to substantiate a statement. Re: smug vegans. A comedian suggested that he would like to have a vegetarian cook a special plate of food just for him with meat. I always cater to people who don't eat pork or meats -- rarely it is the favor reciprocated when they host. Re: Politicians instructing God to “bless America” - I wish politicians would just take "God" out of their vocabularies they are often the most ungodly people walking around -- indeed it may be a requirement for political success. Re: Dufus comedian Steve Harvey’s limited range of common knowledge. 'Nuff said. No, that is not fair. I take that back. How about our elevating the thoughts of comedians, rappers and other celebrities on various subjects above people who actually studied a given subject -- whether it is politics, relationship, or even pop culture.

No I had not seen this video (I posted it below). It was actually hard to find as there were so many "reaction" videos where others were goofing on the original video. The behavior of both the bus driver and the girl were are atrocious. I think recording an posting these videos makes matters worse, as it actually trivializes the behavior. There is also a financial incentive for people to record this stupidity an share it on yourtube. There are commercials from BMW on these videos for Christ sake!. People unfortunately make money on these videos. This is another one of my gripes against Google (but that is another story). You are may have heard about all the police shootings in NYC. You may not have heard about all the folks following the police with cell phones and ipads filming the shooting -- risking their lives. In a recent shooting 9 innocent bystanders were shot by the police. I'd be willing to bet money at least one of them were trying to record it. Here is another video I found while looking for the one above. I recorded a similar fight right outside my window a few years ago. I thought about posting on youtube myself, but thought better of doing it as I could not think of a single positive thing that could come of it. All people are doing are exploiting the idiocy of others for fun and monetary gain. Kinds of reminds you of the network news, huh?

Yeah I think Perry would be more sympathetic than not. I'm sure he realizes that despite his hard work he was truly lucky/blessed to be where he is. A man in Perry's position knows more than most people that there is a ton of Black talent out there -- much of which will languish in obscurity. Beside there are not enough vehicles to showcase this talent. I think, on balance, Tyler Perry is doing his part. I also like what folks like Ava Duvernay are doing as well; going the independent route and making it work. Hollywood seems to consider fame strongly when it comes to Black actors, so if you are a rapper, a comedian or Tyler Perry you are much more likely to get an acting gig than someone who is who is Black and only studied acting. Cynique, I'm not convinced a Black publishing company could not create something "new" in that is commercially viable in the literary market place.

No. I never understood why there was never a Black literary equivalent of Motown. The talent is available but it is difficult to corral as the best and the brightest Black folks usually want to work for someone else. Perhaps in todays world where some much of this talent is unemployed it will be more likely for a Black Motown Publishing company to emerge, but I'd be very surprised to see it happen. I could have tried myself but was unwilling to make the financial sacrifice. Getting others of similar financial resources to share the load is exceedingly difficult. Tyler as Alex Cross I guess we will see what his acting skills are like. I never really thought of Tyler Perry as a box office draw (outside of a dress) -- let alone an action figure. But hey what do I know I felt the same way about Will Smith.

From Ron Kavanaugh, Mosaic Literary Conference …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Join us on November 9 & 10, 2012, for The Mosaic Literary Conference. MLC2012 is a great opportunity for teachers, students, program administrators, and parents to learn about blending books and reading into the lives of teenagers. A mix of informative public programs and creative workshops will give you tools to engage young people, strengthen literacy, and develop education strategies. The conference, now in its 7th year, is dedicated to celebrating books, culture, & education. @ Hostos Community College 450 Grand Concourse Bronx NYC info@mosaicmagazine.org / 718.530.9132 Friday, November 9, 2012, 7-9pm Their Eyes Were Watching God Book Discussion with Carl Hancock Rux Join Bronx-born award-winning writer and performer, Carl Hancock Rux as he leads a book discussion to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. Presented by WNYC Radio, an NEA Big Read event FREE Friday Event. First 10 people will receive a copy of Their Eyes Are Watching God Carl Hancock Rux is the former head of the MFA Writing for Performance Program at the California Institute of the Arts (2006–09) and the author of the novel, Asphalt, the OBIE Award winning play, Talk, and the Village Voice Literary prize-winning collection of poetry, Pagan Operetta. Saturday, November 10, 2012, 10am-4pm Our workshops are designed to inspire and give teachers, parents, and program administrators the tools to encourage reading and make learning fun. Continental breakfast, lunch, and Amazon Kindle raffle. Workshops 21st Century Writing Strategies Facilitated by DuEwa Frazier, M.Ed., M.F.A. BookUpNYC!: How the National Book Foundation Created a Successful After-School Book Club for Middle School Students Facilitated by Eisa Nefertari Ulen, The National Book Foundation Literacy as a Creative Process Facilitated by Rajeeyah Finnie-Myers & Khalil Murrell, Community-Word Project Personalizing the Reading Experience Facilitated by Khadijah Ali-Coleman Youth, Love & the Wild in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy Facilitated by Alana Benoit and Aiesha Turman, The Black Girl Project + Click here for registration and workshop details: http://mlc12.eventbrite.com Early-Registration $10 discount October 21 Deadline Click here to download MLC2012 flyer Click here to view this email online ….. We ♥ Community Sponsors: AALBC.com, Acentos, ABLE (Alliance for Black Literature & Entertainment), Acentos, African Voices, Black Girl Project, Center for Black Literature, Community Word Project, Dominion of New York, National Book Foundation, New York Writers Coalition, Poets & Passion, The Literary Network, WNYC Radio

Yeah I saw that too. I find myself watching youtube videos on TV more than anything else. People have uploaded and shared so much fascinating content it is really amazing.. I hope people will one day think of some of my videos in that way: http://www.youtube.com/aalbc

I posted the same image on Facebook the conversation there is getting interesting as a SEO expert has weighed in: http://aalbc.it/look4troyfbconvo Interestingly he actually read the post here too, but chose to comment on the facebook conversation.

I'm writing an article about this issue but I thought I'd preview it here first, maybe even get some more ideas from your comments. Click this link http://aalbc.it/look4troy to run a simple Google query on my name, Troy Johnson. Your results will vary depending upon... well God know what, but I can guarantee you the following will be the same no matter who you are. The query will returns the big social media sites before anything on AALBC.com! My Facebook profile is at position #4 My LinkedIn Profile is at position #6 My Twitter profile is #10 AALBC.com does not appear until #16 on the 2nd page! Given that there are almost 25 million pages returned, and that I have a common name, shared with a few celebrities, the fact that I have 3 pages in the top 10 would normally be considered as great by some. This is very bad news because I do not own the 3 top pages. Forget about giving me SEO (search engine optimization) advise, I got that down. Besides my content is more complete and comprehensive that the other social media sites (I created it all). My site's content is almost 15 years old the oldest site beating me, with my own content, is less than 5 years old. I put very little information about myself on Twitter. Facebook has nothing that AALBC.com does not have -- indeed all I use Facebook for is to link back to AALBC.com. I don't really use LinkedIn. The obvious reason for this is that Google, despite all their bullshit about directing people to the best sites with their, complex and secret algorithm, is simply sending people to the large sites first. You might say why of course genius -- waddya expect? Well the fact of the matter is that this was not the case since there was such a thing as a search engine. Google only recently started favoring these large social media sites. If you queried my name a few months ago an AALBC.com page would have come up in the top 5. Watching this happen is astonishing, partially because it is happening right under our noses and no one not the government or the people have a clue it is happening or why it is important. The Internet was once a truly open an democratic environment. Today it is not. Tomorrow is scary.

Hi DT. I never was a big fan of the way employment figures are calculated. Indeed none of the people who lost their jobs 1 year after Obama took office and are still unable to find work are counted in the latest numbers. A direct comparison with 4 years ago based upon the unemployment figures does not really tell us very much -- partisan politics aside.

Writegirl, "We talk and talk and love to hear ourselves speak and see our words come together on these message boards. We like to be heard." this is why Facebook is so popular for some and a complete turn off for others. In fact on Facebook when, "...someone offers a different viewpoint than our own, we get all up in arms" all you have to do is block them and they are silenced. As a result Facebook is a big echo chamber of the same opinions, memes, religious messages and so forth. That is what I like about forums like this people can disagree. I would rather have a Nah'Sun come through and make a case that some just say Oh I agree with everything you say -- that is boring and you can learn anything if you are never challenged... Carey, seriously, I don't blame Bernice for not giving you a book. I have never asked an authors for a free book in over 15 years (today may actually be the 15 anniversary of me sitting down to start AALBC.com it was this month I'm just not sure of the day). If I a request a book from an authors it is because I'm publishing a review of it. The other example of actors in roles were fine with me. First they were all in the same ball park of appearance and Jamie is a great mimic and had Ray Charles down, Denzil is a terrific actor and could probably pull off a great Carey. If you wanna go for miscasting try the 60+ year old Samuel L Jackson playing a 39 year old Martin Luther King in Mountain Top. Zoe Saldana does not have any of Nina's characteristics. I'm not even sure Zoe self identifies as Black... What were you doing in the presence of Harvey and the others Carey. Were y'all working on a movie.

Well they have white actors playing Cleopatra and Jesus Christ; so hey they gonna go what they wanna do anyway. Like the trained dogs we are we will gladly lap it up. Seems even Spike Lee has stopped bitchin' and moaning. His last film Red Hook Summer came and went and the majority of people I asked about the film didn't even know Spike had a new film out. Sure the reviews were bad but that is not the point. In fact I just ran a query to fine my review: http://aalbc.com/reviews/red-hook-summer.html and I was unable to do it. I seriously believe there is more going on, to crush us, than we are aware.

LOL! Cynique if you posted this on Facebook I guarantee I would never see it on my wall. Carey you can

Time will tell if I'm right about Obama's strategy. But I know if he mentions it Romney has a comeback prepared. If Obama decides not to mention it, that will be very telling and I would not chalk it up to simply just taking the high road there will be a reason conscious reason for not mentioning it. I should emphasize that Facebook makes it "seem" like "all" my friends are rabid Obama supporters. I KNOW they are all not. I just don't see their comments on my wall. And if could be only the most ardent supporters of Obama post comments about him while those more indifferent, simply don't post.

I just looked at the posts on my Facebook for the last 16 hours; aside from a handful of "look what my kid just did" it has been all debate all the time. Or rather it was ultra rabid Obama supporters saying how Obama kicked Romney's ass last night. One thing I hate about Facebook is that I usually only get one perspective only. With 5,300 friends this seems unlikely. All of my friends, judging by my wall, are blind supporters of Obama. If there is anyone with anything less than pure worship of Obama, it does not appear on my wall...but I digress form the point of this post. Many people wondered why Obama did not mention Romney's statement: "There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it -- that that's an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. ... These are people who pay no income tax. ... [M]y job is not to worry about those people. I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives." I believe the Obama's advisers realize there are similar things the Romney camp can cherry pick from Obama's past including "You didn't build that" MC Hammer inspired version below: I don't think Obama should mention the 47% so early in the debates. I say wait to a point in the debate, perhaps when Obama gives his final statement, a point when Romney will not have an opportunity to give his reaction -- which I'm sure his camp has taken a great deal of time to craft a response.

Anyone but a dark skinned woman play Nina is a travesty. But that is hollyweird for you. I hope I'm getting older and wiser; but correlation is not causation. Give us time