A series looking at blogs and the bloggers that create them
Introducing some of the new voices on the internet – people who have made their mark by writing a blog or online journal. Mark Savage meets the men and women who’ve attracted attention in cyberspace by recording their thoughts and impressions on anything and everything.
The content of blog sites
Be aware that the links on this page go to personal sites: content could challenge or offend.
Programme 1: Ticket Sales
Tuesday 29 August 2006, 9.30am-9.45am
A look at , the whimsical musings of blogger Anna Pickard, and , Annie Mole’s irreverent and informative look at anything and everything to do with the London Underground tube system.
Programme 2: It's personal
Tuesday 5 September 2006, 9.30am
Slices of life in Paris by single mother who shares custody of her daughter ‘Tadpole’ with her former partner ‘Mr Frog’, and ex-pat Zoe whose blogÌý is up-front and personal about her household in a suburb of Brussels.
Programme 3: That's entertainment
Tuesday 12 September 2006, 9.30am
Featuring , James Lilek’s own take on life in America as seen from his home in Minneapolis and , Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, from Los Angeles, with their ‘snarky’ assassination of celebrity fashion victims who parade themselves on the red carpet.
Readings byÌýKerry Shale and Natalie Turner-Jones.
Programme 4: It's Political
Tuesday 19 September 2006, 9.30am
A look at , one of the biggest ‘political’ blogs in America, written by law professor Glenn Reynolds from Knoxville, Tennessee, and , where local political activist David Goldstein, from Seattle, gives what he calls ‘the Straight Poop on Politics and the Press’
Programme five: In sickness and in health
Tuesday 26 September 2006, 9.30am
- Madcap misadventures in infertility, pregnancy, and parenthood written by Julie and - The journal of Tom Reynolds, an ambulance worker, featuring episodes from his shifts in East London.
Readings byÌýNatalie Turner-Jones and David Kennedy.
The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is not responsible for the content of external sites
Your comments
Graeme I can only echo my fellow team blogger from the Manchester Business School, Stevo. When we were first given the blog project this term, I, until this point, thought that a blog was just a simple diary - how wrong I was! We would very much welcome any comments/criticism of our team blog.
hhtp://00aet.blogspot.com
Stevo This blogging is all a bit popular now. Our Business school has set up a project where we have to submit a project as a blog for our MBA. Here is ours - still in it's early stages though. any pointers would be gladly accepted
http://00aet.blogspot.com
Mark - ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Producer Thanks for your recommendations. I am really interested to get them but please try to avoid suggesting your own sites - we will end up with thousands, if not millions, and the spam 'comments' are bad enough.
Dave New one that reads like a classic http://theteashoponthecorner.blogspot.com
Great first post, as well. Are there awards for the most original???
[Thanks. Looks good. I would like to make another series and maybe awards could be part of that - Mark (producer)]
Julie Oakley Illustrated blogs - you should cover those, particularly and in my view the two best ones Blogzira(www.lucypepper.com/blogzira) and crackskull bob (http://crackskullbob.squarespace.com/journal/) and of course – as everyone seems to be promoting their own blogs – my two http://onemilefromhome.blogspot.com/ and http://julieoakley.blogspot.com/
[Some great recommendations here - thanks very much - mark (producer)]
thomas I liked the use of the word 'Twat' and as a man find it in no way way demeaning. Where I come from in the midlands it was a term of endearment amongst working class blokes. I still hear it used on building sites frequently and compared to some other phrases used it really harmless.
Besides all this the 'Twat' in question in the interview really didn't seem to be bothered by it either. So who is demeaned by it?
amlaslives.blogspot.com I've enjoyed listening to and hearing about the bloggers on Radio 4. They all seem sharp and witty, not like my blog amlaslives.blogspot.com about my life which starts in 1925 in Jersey and is ending by the River Mersey. I was not offended by the reference to her 'twat' boyfriend, but even my youngest grandson was surprised it was aired on Radio 4. Thank you for the series.
LC This is a great idea. Considering the way blogs are proliferating, it is about time someone in the traditional media examined them a little critically - after all, for every great blog, there are twenty good blogs, forty OK blogs, and four thousand badly spelled blogs assuming (quite wrongly) that I care. That said, go check out http://www.achewood.com/, where Chris Onstad is using fictional blogs in a really creative and new way as an extra dimension of his surreal and charming comics. One for the next series!
Sue Really interesting series, inspired me to start my own blog.
http://sweeping-statements.blogspot.com/
Stevie J Great series which hits just the right tone. I think Froosh Bamboo at http://frooshbamboo.blogspot.com and Trouble Diva at http://troubled-diva.com are worth reading regularly. They're two of my favourites anyway. TD is well established but FB is new. Actually - there are lots of great blogs out there and hopefully this series will encourage people to go and discover them. Maybe even start some more.
Ping I enjoy reading blogs most days but I don't have time to write my own. It must take up a long time to write something everyday. My favourites are:
http://www.richardherring.com/warmingup/
and
http://buckleyontheblog.blogspot.com/index.html
Funny and insightful.
Bob I have found this series quite interesting so far and look forward to hearing next weeks programme
harmon Thanks for the program about James Lileks. I've been a listener of his Diner podcasts for some time, & frequent his blog - your interview helped put what he is doing in perspective for me.
Wendy Can you give me the address for the lilacs blog? - - [You should be able to link to it by clicking on the link [the bleat] on the main page. The address is [http://lileks.com] Mark (Producer)]
sarah wimperis have you checked out the painting a day blogs? Its an interesting art movement. there is mine, http://muddyredshoes.blogspot.com and there is a link list there of some of the good ones out there.
Annie P. My favourite UK blog is pandemian.com - witty and a fabulous writer.
Mark A. Savage No, I'm not the producer of this excellent series, but I wish I was! The Mark Savage who did, however, and anyone else who's interested, might like to read my blog "Anyway..." at www.mas59.blogspot.com, particularly my posting "What's in a name?" on 3rd September. Shameless self-publicity now out of the way , a couple of points about the programme. Firstly, shouldn't or couldn't we have some credit to the amusing readers of the blog extracts on the programmes? As it's probably too late to add them to the continuity, perhaps that could be done on this website? I'm sure I heard the familiar laugh-a-second voice of Kerry Shale in yesterday's programme, for instance. And is there any significance in the fact that so far, most of your interviewees, Mark, have been women? Do less blokes write blogs, or are we just too self-conscious to talk about them? Keep up the good work, and I'll promise not to take the credit next time someone asks me if I produced one of your Radio 4 shows. Maybe our paths will cross one of these days! [Thanks Mark. It is a fair point about the actors. Yes, it is Kerry Shale who I really rate. I have been meaning to include the names of all the actors on the site but haven't got round to it because I have been abroad. As for whether there are more women blogging than men I don't know - more research needed. - The other Mark (Producer]
Patrick Matt, thanks for the drive-by smear attack. Anytime you want to actually address the views of Glenn Reynolds on their merits, feel free to come back.
Jacqui Interesting site here. How does one become eligible to participate? - - - [I am always open to suggestions about interesting sites --Mark (Producer)]
Manda For another series have you looked at www.Spinneyhead.co.uk?
Stephen Fairclough With reference to the Radio 4 programme 'Meet the Bloggers' broadcast on 5/9/2006. I found the use of 'twat' used to describe the partner of one of the female bloggers offensive, in terms of the language used and as a description of her partner. The language is degrading and sexist and denigrates males and seems to be an ongoing process of disrespect towards men. If she and women feel this way towards men then they should consider whether a relationship with a man is appropriate for them. I am aware that she meant it in joking and that her partner goes along with it, but maybe he should consider what it means to be complicit in such epithets. I am disappointed in your slip in standards.
Jennifer This is great. I'm 16 and actually using my blogs as a way to set up my own company in the next two or 3 years. I hope to become a journalist and problogger.
Joanna Regarding the comment that thought the use of the word 'twat' was offensive, I must disagree.
The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has not lowered its standards, but instead has adhered to them, eradicating censorship and leaving the reader free to choose what he or she reads. I for one enjoyed Mr. Savage's interview immensely and admire Zoe's humor and candidness. Job well done and I look forward to hearing more of this series.
Natalie d'Arbeloff Hello Mark, since you're interested in discovering new sites, here's one by an artist/writer/cartoonist (me and my cartoon alter-ego Augustine)
http://www.nataliedarbeloff.com/blaugustine.html
Janine I read these every day.
http://jonnybillericay.blogspot.com/
http://toxicsoup.blogspot.com/
Quality humour.
Matt Why are you featuring Glenn Reynolds of all the American bloggers?! There are dozens of more popular American bloggers who are also decent human beings. Is is asking too much to give them equal time?
Jill I'm in Northeastern Ohio and we have some fabulous "Get to know bloggers" resources that you can check out on this blog post.
http://writeslikeshetalks.blogspot.com/2006/09/wcpn-should-try-bbcs-approach-to.html
In addition, we have a Meet the Bloggers which actually is like Meet the Press, in which people who want bloggers to know them come to the bloggers. Good luck with your series, and let us know if you're looking for anyone across the Atlantic!
melani i was very pleased to find the Petite Anglaise blog via this site. Thank you.
Carolg Really enjoying this series.
Thanks for doing it.
It touches a lot of bases for both listeners and bloggers.
parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/
Graeme
I can only echo my fellow team blogger from the Manchester Business School, Stevo. When we were first given the blog project this term, I, until this point, thought that a blog was just a simple diary - how wrong I was! We would very much welcome any comments/criticism of our team blog. hhtp://00aet.blogspot.com
Stevo
This blogging is all a bit popular now. Our Business school has set up a project where we have to submit a project as a blog for our MBA. Here is ours - still in it's early stages though. any pointers would be gladly accepted http://00aet.blogspot.com
Mark - ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Producer
Thanks for your recommendations. I am really interested to get them but please try to avoid suggesting your own sites - we will end up with thousands, if not millions, and the spam 'comments' are bad enough.
Dave
New one that reads like a classic http://theteashoponthecorner.blogspot.com Great first post, as well. Are there awards for the most original??? [Thanks. Looks good. I would like to make another series and maybe awards could be part of that - Mark (producer)]
Julie Oakley
Illustrated blogs - you should cover those, particularly and in my view the two best ones Blogzira(www.lucypepper.com/blogzira) and crackskull bob (http://crackskullbob.squarespace.com/journal/) and of course – as everyone seems to be promoting their own blogs – my two http://onemilefromhome.blogspot.com/ and http://julieoakley.blogspot.com/ [Some great recommendations here - thanks very much - mark (producer)]
thomas
I liked the use of the word 'Twat' and as a man find it in no way way demeaning. Where I come from in the midlands it was a term of endearment amongst working class blokes. I still hear it used on building sites frequently and compared to some other phrases used it really harmless. Besides all this the 'Twat' in question in the interview really didn't seem to be bothered by it either. So who is demeaned by it?
amlaslives.blogspot.com
I've enjoyed listening to and hearing about the bloggers on Radio 4. They all seem sharp and witty, not like my blog amlaslives.blogspot.com about my life which starts in 1925 in Jersey and is ending by the River Mersey. I was not offended by the reference to her 'twat' boyfriend, but even my youngest grandson was surprised it was aired on Radio 4. Thank you for the series.
LC
This is a great idea. Considering the way blogs are proliferating, it is about time someone in the traditional media examined them a little critically - after all, for every great blog, there are twenty good blogs, forty OK blogs, and four thousand badly spelled blogs assuming (quite wrongly) that I care. That said, go check out http://www.achewood.com/, where Chris Onstad is using fictional blogs in a really creative and new way as an extra dimension of his surreal and charming comics. One for the next series!
Sue
Really interesting series, inspired me to start my own blog. http://sweeping-statements.blogspot.com/
Stevie J
Great series which hits just the right tone. I think Froosh Bamboo at http://frooshbamboo.blogspot.com and Trouble Diva at http://troubled-diva.com are worth reading regularly. They're two of my favourites anyway. TD is well established but FB is new. Actually - there are lots of great blogs out there and hopefully this series will encourage people to go and discover them. Maybe even start some more.
Ping
I enjoy reading blogs most days but I don't have time to write my own. It must take up a long time to write something everyday. My favourites are: http://www.richardherring.com/warmingup/ and http://buckleyontheblog.blogspot.com/index.html Funny and insightful.
Bob
I have found this series quite interesting so far and look forward to hearing next weeks programme
harmon
Thanks for the program about James Lileks. I've been a listener of his Diner podcasts for some time, & frequent his blog - your interview helped put what he is doing in perspective for me.
Wendy
Can you give me the address for the lilacs blog? - - [You should be able to link to it by clicking on the link [the bleat] on the main page. The address is [http://lileks.com] Mark (Producer)]
sarah wimperis
have you checked out the painting a day blogs? Its an interesting art movement. there is mine, http://muddyredshoes.blogspot.com and there is a link list there of some of the good ones out there.
Annie P.
My favourite UK blog is pandemian.com - witty and a fabulous writer.
Mark A. Savage
No, I'm not the producer of this excellent series, but I wish I was! The Mark Savage who did, however, and anyone else who's interested, might like to read my blog "Anyway..." at www.mas59.blogspot.com, particularly my posting "What's in a name?" on 3rd September. Shameless self-publicity now out of the way , a couple of points about the programme. Firstly, shouldn't or couldn't we have some credit to the amusing readers of the blog extracts on the programmes? As it's probably too late to add them to the continuity, perhaps that could be done on this website? I'm sure I heard the familiar laugh-a-second voice of Kerry Shale in yesterday's programme, for instance. And is there any significance in the fact that so far, most of your interviewees, Mark, have been women? Do less blokes write blogs, or are we just too self-conscious to talk about them? Keep up the good work, and I'll promise not to take the credit next time someone asks me if I produced one of your Radio 4 shows. Maybe our paths will cross one of these days! [Thanks Mark. It is a fair point about the actors. Yes, it is Kerry Shale who I really rate. I have been meaning to include the names of all the actors on the site but haven't got round to it because I have been abroad. As for whether there are more women blogging than men I don't know - more research needed. - The other Mark (Producer]
Patrick
Matt, thanks for the drive-by smear attack. Anytime you want to actually address the views of Glenn Reynolds on their merits, feel free to come back.
Jacqui
Interesting site here. How does one become eligible to participate? - - - [I am always open to suggestions about interesting sites --Mark (Producer)]
Manda
For another series have you looked at www.Spinneyhead.co.uk?
Stephen Fairclough
With reference to the Radio 4 programme 'Meet the Bloggers' broadcast on 5/9/2006. I found the use of 'twat' used to describe the partner of one of the female bloggers offensive, in terms of the language used and as a description of her partner. The language is degrading and sexist and denigrates males and seems to be an ongoing process of disrespect towards men. If she and women feel this way towards men then they should consider whether a relationship with a man is appropriate for them. I am aware that she meant it in joking and that her partner goes along with it, but maybe he should consider what it means to be complicit in such epithets. I am disappointed in your slip in standards.
Jennifer
This is great. I'm 16 and actually using my blogs as a way to set up my own company in the next two or 3 years. I hope to become a journalist and problogger.
Joanna
Regarding the comment that thought the use of the word 'twat' was offensive, I must disagree. The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has not lowered its standards, but instead has adhered to them, eradicating censorship and leaving the reader free to choose what he or she reads. I for one enjoyed Mr. Savage's interview immensely and admire Zoe's humor and candidness. Job well done and I look forward to hearing more of this series.
Natalie d'Arbeloff
Hello Mark, since you're interested in discovering new sites, here's one by an artist/writer/cartoonist (me and my cartoon alter-ego Augustine) http://www.nataliedarbeloff.com/blaugustine.html
Janine
I read these every day. http://jonnybillericay.blogspot.com/ http://toxicsoup.blogspot.com/ Quality humour.
Matt
Why are you featuring Glenn Reynolds of all the American bloggers?! There are dozens of more popular American bloggers who are also decent human beings. Is is asking too much to give them equal time?
Jill
I'm in Northeastern Ohio and we have some fabulous "Get to know bloggers" resources that you can check out on this blog post. http://writeslikeshetalks.blogspot.com/2006/09/wcpn-should-try-bbcs-approach-to.html In addition, we have a Meet the Bloggers which actually is like Meet the Press, in which people who want bloggers to know them come to the bloggers. Good luck with your series, and let us know if you're looking for anyone across the Atlantic!
melani
i was very pleased to find the Petite Anglaise blog via this site. Thank you.
Carolg
Really enjoying this series. Thanks for doing it. It touches a lot of bases for both listeners and bloggers. parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/