Julio Ricardo Varela
Boston
- 38 comments
- 6 likes given
- 13 likes received
Editorial Director, Harvard '90. Hope for Knicks, Sox, and Arsenal. Puerto Rican. Bronx Italian. Writing at night.
Well-stated @DignityPeace, it perplexes me as well and I agree with your assessment of Romo's intent. I also think that the interest and exceedingly positive reaction to what Romo did yesterday was authentic and real. In this case, he should be commended big time.
The message @DignityPeace is key here. 99 out of 100 situations if something like this happened, I think it wouldn't have been received so well. In this online age, criticism is part of the game, but when people act like boors and unprofessionally I just move on now. I don't even make them part of my online world. It is sad, especially since Romo's act has overwhelmingly be positive. Apparently, the cynic was offended by the suggesting that the "i" word should be "owned." This suggestion actually came from several friends of my in the LGBT community who have turned a word like "queer" and have changed the perception of the word. True ownership gives the person freedom, in the sense that the word can be destroyed, eliminated, or its connotation can be changed. But the cynic got stuck on that one line and then it went downhill. It's fine now. He is no longer part of my Twitter experience and my stream is classier again. Abrazos and thanks for the tweets of support! You din't have to do that, but I greatly appreciate it!
@DeniseNicole I believe that a sponsored campaign about a network that is pushing shows about criminals and drug dealers is not good for the community. I believe it sends the wrong message. I also see it as a questionable practice. If people feel uncomfortable with that or if they are upset that I raised this issue, I can't convince others. I can only state what I feel and share my opinion. People can take it any way they can. I don't see hate or negativity in any of your comments. I just share a different philosophy and believe that 100% transparency needs to be shared at the post level at all times (http://juliorvarela.com/2012/10/22/sponsored-posts-are-fine-just-be-more-transparent-about-them/) and we are doing our readers a disservice but not being 100% transparent when it comes to sponsored posts. I still can't see how that is being divisive. But thanks again for the conversation and I wish you all the best. As for staying positive and celebrating unity, I let me posts and what I do represent that. I have supporters and detractors, just like anyone else. I prefer that we are having a real discussion about it and welcome that. Thanks again!
In response to Denise Nicole, I stand by the fact that when we can't have it both ways: rally the troops when we see stereotypical portrayals of Latinos on mainstream TV, but then participate in sponsored campaigns that promote the very same stereotypes we are rallying against. I understand that writers need to get paid (I am a paid writer myself) and that working with brands is a viable option, and a good one, but I also believe that if you do that, you should be very clear up front and on the top of a post saying that this is part of a sponsored campaign etc. This isn't about division or separation. This is about trying to have a real dialogue about the issues that reflect our community. If you are charging with me raising issues that are uncomfortable to discuss, then I am guilty as charged. Sorry you feel that I am degrading or dividing. I am going to be clear about this: I respect what a lot of Latino bloggers so, but I also think that some of the practices we employ as bloggers are wrong. We walk a fine line between misleading readers and creating content that we feel is our own and our own opinions. We can step our game up a bit and begin to discuss standards that lead to better transparency, understanding, and intent. Thanks for commenting!
Dear @Eva_Smith just a few questions: 1. Did you write this review unsolicited or were you approached? Where did you create the content? Did you write the content yourself as original content you wrote? 2. I looked at my vlog again and I don't make mention of blogs earning from this post. What I did say in the blog is that I know that blogs have a desire to monetize and work with brands. I just have a different philosophy and my comments have nothing to do with your hard work at your efforts and what you do. My philosophy is different and I think we can all raise the bar. Thanks again for the comments!
Thanks @Eva_Smith for the reply and for the fact that you took the time to comment. I appreciate it and a few things. I have been following your blog for years and I have to disagree respectfully that your MUNDO FOX post clearly shows full and authentic disclosure. Your disclosure is as the end of the post as part of a sponsored campaign but your opinions are your own. Like I said, when I think when you write a post that is clearly using post from the brand, it should be on the top or in the actual post's headline. That is how your readers know that the post is sponsored. I also want to clarify that you are confusing the issues: My vlog and my post makes two points. The smaller points is that the disclosure and the sponsorship was not prominently displayed. I know that your blog does this and like I said, it is not an issue of sponsored blogs or what your page wants to do with monetizing or promotion. However, it is interesting to note that several blog posts about this topic contain basically the same content and none of the posts show the full disclosure in the top of the post. By the way, before I did my post I did read your disclosure policy, and I don't agree with it. If you run sponsored blogs, you don't put your very vague disclosure in the footer, you put in up top or at the beginning of the post. At least the reader gets a clue that what they are reading is part of a sponsored campaign. As for monetization, it is your blog and you need to make a living. I just think the posts need to be more clearer in what is a sponsored post and what isn't. If you don't agree, that is fine. People have different philosophies. The bigger issue for me is not whether you and other bogs are following a different philosophy, it is more the fact that I don't agree with the points you and others make. That the primetime lineup for MUNDO FOX (a cop show based in Colombia and a drug dealer show based in Colombia) represents the best of Latino television. I also saw the show and found it to be stereotypical and just another disappointment. I just find it hard to believe that you and others decided to do unsolicited reviews about shows that do nothing to elevate the portrayals of Latinos in mainstream TV. I also knew that when I did the post, I would catch hell from bloggers. But like I close, we can't bemoan the fact that Latinos are not being portrayed in roles that go beyond criminals and drug dealers, and then participate in a sponsored campaign that promotes this type of characterizations. Thanks again for the comment. I do think this type of debate and dialogue is good and is healthy for our community.
AMEN. Social media is the great flattener and anyone who thinks they can "control" it with PR apologies doesn't get it. Great post as always G!
Great post!
@RaulColon I still owe you the blog posts. sorry for the delay. Being people smart here :)
This is brilliant! Brilliant, brilliant. One of the best pieces about this subject that i have ever read. Amazing insight and so well-written.
You can't force it. And anyone who thinks there is a formula to it is missing the point. Bingo on the posting great content consistently that speaks to your audience. Going viral is like playing blackjack in the casino. You sit there for hours on the table, and then you get a lucky run. It is funny to see how people are "trying" to go viral but 1. Taking content that has already gone viral and stealing credit from the source and 2. Trying REALLY REALLY hard to be funny. Most of the best viral moments are authentic, simple, and real. You have 1 second to gain a reaction and have someone share the content. Use it wisely and buy some a rabbit's foot too.
Hey this is awesome! Go RED SOX! Amazing that we both share the same philosophy, funny that! Great post.
Great list, Gini!
PeteTheTapeWorm You are welcome in my stomach any time. I will treat you well unlike GD!
PeteTheTapeWorm agreed!!!!! ginidietrich is awful
about freaking time!!!!!!!!
Yes yes yes yes and yes. I have 7 Twitter accounts and what it has done is that is have broadened my distribution reach and niches my tweets.
Did you write this for me today? LOL
It is amazing the spread and speed of information
ginidietrich KenMueller julito77 CHEESE DIP LOVER!!!!