Should I turn LBC into a group blog? Why or why not?
Update (2:15 p.m.): I appreciate the responses from all. Trying to run a business takes a lot of patience, persistence, stamina, and creative energy. I had more time to blog when I was working a 9-5 job. 
Being self-employed is anything but 9-5. I’m working longer hours, but it’s worth it because I’m my own boss.
A combination of limited time and energy, hate mail, a lot of e-mail, active comment threads, trolls, and dealing with people who forget their manners when they visit my “house” has led me to rethink what I’m doing. I’m suddenly feeling the pressure of so many people wanting me to blog about this or that or don’t like the way I write about this or that. And this is coming from people who like me. You can imagine what the haters say. Some of you may wish your blogs were high-profile, but what I have to deal with, I wouldn’t wish on the liberal blogger who hates me the most.
Last year I thought seriously about disabling comments but realized I’d miss the little community. Giving up this blog seems extreme. Guest bloggers might be the way to go. I’ll keep you posted.
Rest easy, everybody.
What’s that? Like different people blogging on your blog, like guest bloggers?
Comment by mj — 06.24.05 @ 7:14 am
Yep.
Comment by La Shawn — 06.24.05 @ 7:18 am
Only if they’re good writers.
Comment by mj — 06.24.05 @ 7:19 am
With quality control and disclaimers, it could work. Or dividing things up so subject matter experts are clearly defined. Meaning, some folks that hang around here have a very deep and personal understanding and knowledge of the Bible, while others have a better handle on law, technology, politics etc than others.
I am thinking of Wizbang, where Paul has more than once torqued off the evolution or bust crowd, and how often the posters there and from other blogs/boards mistake Paul’s words for Jay’s or Kevin’s.
Just some stream of consciousness.
Comment by SCSIwuzzy — 06.24.05 @ 7:30 am
That they should be good writers is a given. So is the fact that their should be a high degree of ideological compatability. Most import, I think, is that they bring something to the table that you do not. In economics-speak they should complement, rather than substitute, what you do. In practical terms they would cover subject matter that is related to but does not overlap with yours, subject areas that you might like to delve into but have neither the time nor expertise to. That way, you can learn from that person while they do the same from you.
In short, this means looking for domain-specific experts with world-views largely sympathetic, but not identical to yours. Afterall, if they are LaShawn clones the only benefit that accrues to you is time savings. You should have a higher standard for that if considering a group blog.
Finally, here are a few suggestions of the kind of people and domain you might consider: Military Affairs, e.g. someone like a Bill Roggio; Someone who can do arts and entertainment, who can (likes to) do good movie, album, and book reviews; someone who can competently cover international politics or who can report from another country; someone who can report on business and the economy.
hope this helps,
thaddeus
Comment by Thaddeus — 06.24.05 @ 7:37 am
Hmm…
now that I read the extenive topics that can be covered in a group blog… NO
I come here to read what YOU have to say for the day (if I want movie reviews…hmmm… I don’t read them so I guess that doesn’t matter :-))
I can see some value in someone who writes from a military perspective or national security. I think that would be a good perspective for starting it off (if you were to try it).
Just some rambling thoughts
Comment by Renee — 06.24.05 @ 7:56 am
Renee,
I’m with you.
LaShawn’s perspective and insight is what I come to see.
If I want to read someone elses thoughts I’ll go to their blog. LaShawn has an insight that I can agree with. And I still think, LaShawn, you should run for office. It’s about time we had someone with moral fiber AND integrity in office.
Dan
Comment by Dan — 06.24.05 @ 8:19 am
I agree with Renee. LBC should remain your own place, especially because you’re already involved with a group blog at Media Slander.
I think having occasional guest bloggers when you’re on vacation or during a special event would be great, but for the most part, LBC should be all about you you you.
Comment by FL Mom — 06.24.05 @ 8:22 am
When I purchased my current domain I also purchased another one with this intent, La Shawn. I’ve had some receptive feedback from various friends and family. It’s certainly an intriguing idea, so I say you should explore it.
Comment by Mike M. — 06.24.05 @ 8:43 am
I’m with Renee as well.
Comment by DragonLady — 06.24.05 @ 8:44 am
Ma’am,
I come here to hear *your* voice. It would be a better place only if the additional voices were an improvement. Just how are you going to manage *that*?
Comment by Ranten N. Raven — 06.24.05 @ 8:53 am
Your voice is distinct. I could see it to lighten your load occasionally, but please don’t dilute it!
Comment by Helen — 06.24.05 @ 9:14 am
I vote nay. This blog has your name on it.
You might consider starting a second blog, (the “Barber Shop”?) which is your group blog.
Comment by Jim Stegman — 06.24.05 @ 9:18 am
LaShawn, there is a sense in which it already is, in the commentary sections.
But, you should do what will help you achieve your personal blogging goals, including spreading your blogging wings around the ‘net.
If you are group blogging at multiple blogs yourself, then it could certainly be of help to your efforts to have a partner and/or some guests here, in fact maybe some of the people from the other blogs where you are co-blogging or guesting.
Comment by ttyler5 — 06.24.05 @ 9:19 am
Your Blog has your name in it, as mine has my name as the Blog name. It does not seem right for such a blog to be a group blog. However you might well want to start another blog and make it a group blog. I know I have considered doing that. I have installed WordPress on a server I own, and in my spare time have been looking into several different templates, trying to come up with one I really like. And once I settle on one, I definitely plan to invite other bloggers to join me in a group blog. If you have not already gotten your own group blog going, I would be honored to have you join me on it.
Comment by Don Singleton — 06.24.05 @ 9:25 am
No, no, no! There’s only one La Shawn Barber. Leave the group blogging to others. I agree with those who say your distinct voice is the one we come here to hear.
Comment by Cindy Swanson — 06.24.05 @ 9:34 am
LaShawn:
I don’t think that a “group blog” would be the best thing, you have a personal “brand” here and it shouldn’t be diluted. But, I do think that it may be cool to have a guest poster every now and then. I’m sure that we all could benefit from a reasonable, rational post from a person with a different perspective.
Just my thought, I always like hearing different perspective as long as it is intelligently stated.
Comment by M. Woodward — 06.24.05 @ 9:48 am
I’d rather see you start up a companion blog — “La Shawn Barber’s Parlor.” A nice place for us to eavesdrop on the conversations of like-minded-but-not-cloned people.
Comment by Ike — 06.24.05 @ 9:56 am
No, and I’m not sure why.
Comment by RepJ — 06.24.05 @ 10:21 am
I guess it depends on what you mean by “group.” Would you want five or six others or just one or two others? I think too many would dilute you, but having one or two who post semi-regularly wouldn’t be bad.
I do agree with what others have mentioned about the domain name. Having your name here brands it as your opinion. Adding other writers to this address would seem out-of-place to me.
Comment by LawWife — 06.24.05 @ 10:25 am
This is YOUR platform, LB. I think your loyal readers would be very disappointed if there were other voices heard on this site. I’m with the others that suggest a companion site would be great!
But, it is YOUR site, so whatever you do, I’ve got your back.
Comment by Chris Roberts — 06.24.05 @ 10:26 am
A group blog is not a bad idea. I’ve thought of doing that at Wesley Blog for awhile. You could still produce just as much content yourself without the pressure to “perform” day in and day out. As my traffic has gone up, I have often had to say “no” to the temptation to post because people expect it, especially when I don’t have anything of substance to say. Get some good writers, market it, and make it an elite club… kinda like 60 Minutes but with actual talent. And if you need a token Arminian evangelical, drop me an e-mail
Comment by Shane Raynor — 06.24.05 @ 10:36 am
I think as long as you find other bloggers that come from the same christian conservative viewpoint as you - you definitely should. I know my preferred blogs i read every day are the group blogs for the most part - simple reason why? more content. more to read.
Comment by peter — 06.24.05 @ 10:43 am
I agree with the nay votes - especially #12, #16.
Comment by Scott — 06.24.05 @ 10:50 am
Thanks, Scott. Since you don’t agree with some of my views, it’s good to know you want my blog to retain its distinct voice.
Comment by La Shawn — 06.24.05 @ 10:53 am
La Shawn,
I’m with the choir that says “no”. I was drawn to your blog because of who you are and what you stand for. Only thing that’s changed is that I feel even stronger about it.
Comment by Dave in AZ — 06.24.05 @ 11:04 am
No La Shawn. It would lose its personal point of view and touch, you.
On the other hand, I suspect the reason you are asking is you are getting very busy trying to make a living in your new business. So it could work if you endorsed and approved each contribution as representative of your point of view.
Comment by Jim R — 06.24.05 @ 11:09 am
I vote no. Let them get their own blogs and link to them. I personally read your blog for your (and only yours, La Shawn) take on all things topical.
Comment by Pat Baker — 06.24.05 @ 11:14 am
I would add, if it is a ‘time is money to make a living’ issue, then regular readers and commenters who aren’t Subscribing to LBC, should, which could influence your final decision.
Comment by Jim R — 06.24.05 @ 11:21 am
Make people pay to read LBC?
Comment by La Shawn — 06.24.05 @ 11:27 am
Keep your distinct voice!
Comment by Louis — 06.24.05 @ 11:35 am
La Shawn,
Not that I’d ever want to put down an idea of yours but I come to read you. The commets are fun to read but that’s all you need of diversity–in fact sometimes it gets a little wearying to read the DNC talking points over and over.
Comment by Evon Bachaus — 06.24.05 @ 11:44 am
I vote for you to keep your blog yours. On the other hand, an additional the La Shawn’s Parlour isn’t too bad.
Comment by NYgirl — 06.24.05 @ 12:14 pm
My first thought is no no no no.
But the question is…what will bring success?
We know that Success = God.
So then it’s a matter of what brings us closer to God.
Will having a group of people bring you closer to God? Or, will it take the focus off HIM, and be all about personalities.
I would do a period of discernment and find out what God wants of me.
Comment by Glamchild — 06.24.05 @ 12:22 pm
Wow… so this is what it feels like to be part of the majority!
Long live the Queen!
Comment by Mark La Roi — 06.24.05 @ 12:23 pm
I guess I’m confused.
We are as a group of people able to provide feedback/comments/posts.
I’m assuming the change would be similar to Powerline Blog? or National Review’s “Corner”. If that is so I disagree with the change. Powerline has 3 people (in their case 3 men) who contribute and I almost never look at which one of them posted. I always know that it was from Powerline. Therefore their names have been lost. La Shawn’s name shouldn’t be lost.
But if you could think of some other way, like having your separate area and then a link to others’ areas it could be not only keeping your name intact but profitable as each distinct blog would be able to generate revenue with ads (maybe).
Comment by Baklava — 06.24.05 @ 12:27 pm
Give “guest blogging” a try first.
Comment by THIRDWAVEDAVE — 06.24.05 @ 1:05 pm
Did God put a group of people in your life; people that could help contribute and not take away?
If God throws a Godly group of people in your pathway…….then there’s your answer.
But, if God isn’t tossing some good Christians your way, the kind of people who will bring you closer to Him, you then know you were meant to go it alone, for now, although you’re never really alone, ahem.
Who did God toss your way, that you, and He, feel needs to be contributing to this Blog?
Comment by Glamchild — 06.24.05 @ 1:18 pm
Advantage: Google news may list you. More posts provide reason for more frequent return visits.
Disadvange: Dilutes your current product.
Recommendation: Only if I am invited to participate.
Comment by Jeffrey King — 06.24.05 @ 1:43 pm
La Shawn,
Since I come to your blog to see what YOU have to say, my vote would be no. I think it would dilute the quality of your product.
I can sympathize with the fact that you may be either burning out a little, or needing to devote less time to LBC and more to your new business venture, however.
Comment by Montie — 06.24.05 @ 1:49 pm
LaShawn,
I think that the collaborative blog could work when your workload is a conflict. Just like any other “celebrity”, you can always redefine or “redecorate” your place for a new look, tone or feel. Surround your corner with folks that you feel comfortable with.
I will come back no matter WHAT you do.
Sepia
Comment by Sepialove — 06.24.05 @ 1:50 pm
I would definitely want you to dominate this blog, but if the guest was an interesting, insightful writer, I wouldn’t mind–only if he or she could add some dynamic spice to the mix.
Comment by mj — 06.24.05 @ 1:53 pm
I would recommend not. This is yours. It’s about your thoughts, and I want to read your thoughts.
What I would do, LaShawn, is develop a site with similar branding which is a group blog and promote it at the top of this page.
Comment by Jim Pfaff — 06.24.05 @ 2:22 pm
Nope.
I think if people want to start their own blog, there are plenty of tools and opportuunites for them to do just that.
Comment by meade — 06.24.05 @ 2:23 pm
Please: no group, no (frequent) guest. When I went to Morton’s, it was because I wanted a steak from Morton’s. I did not want to go to Morton’s and get a steak from Outback or elsewhere. Of course I could alternatively go to Ruth’s Chris, but when I went to Morton’s I did so to get Morton’s.
And you, La Shawn, are the Morton’s of Blogville.
Comment by ertel — 06.24.05 @ 2:54 pm
Well, when you put it like that, guest blogging sounds allright. Of course, I like you the best because I find you quite smart, but I’m not opposed to listening to what others might have to say as well.
Comment by RepJ — 06.24.05 @ 3:05 pm
La Shawn, regarding the grief that annoying posters can give you, you might consider setting up something like Slashdot. If you aren’t familiar with it, Slashdot gives long time contributers a chance to slightly moderate the comments of the site. It seems to work pretty well. The code for Slashdot (Slash) is open-source, anyone can use it for their own site. There is even a book written about the code. (Slash by O’Reilly)
Comment by Jim Stegman — 06.24.05 @ 3:21 pm
Put me in the camp of keeping LBC as just your voice. I kind of like the idea of “Barber’s Shop” (or Parlor), but that might be adding more fuel to the fire.
The time commitment is one thing that keeps me from starting a blog of my own. I can see where The Blog would begin to take over your life (kind of like the Steve McQueen movie: The Blob)…
Comment by Denise — 06.24.05 @ 3:25 pm
Do what God leads you to do sister, and leave the results up to Him. I barely find time to write all the stuff I’d like to and I get just a trickle of visitors so I can only imagine how tough it is for you.
His way trumps all. You do what He says and the results will be more and better than anyone imagines.
I’ll go to God on your behalf.
Comment by Mark La Roi — 06.24.05 @ 3:33 pm
I’m down with “Barber Shop” (Quartet?). like others, I think a group on LBC would dilute your voice — once you lose it, it’d be difficult to get your brand back.
All the same, I don’t think it would hurt you to have a few friends to cover your six by taking care of trolls/spam. This would free up your valuable time to write.
Writing less often is not a bad thing, as it would increase the value of what you have to say.
Comment by Andy — 06.24.05 @ 3:39 pm
Andy wrote: “All the same, I don’t think it would hurt you to have a few friends to cover your six by taking care of trolls/spam. This would free up your valuable time to write.”
That’s a great idea, Andy. Having some moderators to help with the comments would ease some of the stress.
Comment by FL Mom — 06.24.05 @ 3:56 pm
I nominate RedBeard
Comment by Baklava — 06.24.05 @ 3:57 pm
I have faith that whatever you decide, it will be good.
Have a great weekend La Shawn.
Comment by Renee — 06.24.05 @ 5:01 pm
I think that a group blog will free up your time and talents. It would also provide a larger field for hate mail and trolls that is not directed specifically at you. The more targets there are, the more bullets it takes to hit them.
FrankJ at IMAO changed the blog to a group blog several months ago. There were a few growing pains, but the results were fantastic. The blog has seemed to mature due to a wider base of information. I think that FrankJ even got funnier due to less pressure on him to ‘preform’ each day.
Don’t burn yourself out by trying to do it all alone. Pick two or three like-minded people and give it a trial of, maybe a month. If it works, wonderful. If not, do what you need to do.
Comment by Cliff — 06.24.05 @ 6:01 pm
Merely as an example:
I like being able to sneak in and copy edit Pink Kitty’s posts, being the other contributer. But I rarely post actual blog entries…I can’t whip up the same funny (or snarky) semantics and syntax my beloved best friend uses, nor get into digging around for good stories to riff on.
LaShawn, you are the one and only LaShawn. Keep at it, girl! And keep thwappin’ those trolls. It’s fun to watch you do it. With such grace and gentleness…but firmness, you do it. You are truly a lady and an excellent P31 woman to emulate.
I suggest another moderator or whatever this particular blog setup allows—to help ya handle the trolls and such.
Comment by Elena — 06.24.05 @ 6:06 pm
LaShawn -
One possible way to do things would be to give a couple of trusted members of your community the authority to moderate comments, and I believe WordPress allows you to set different authority levels for users of the blog.
The other thing is you could set up a subdomain for a small group of writers, who would in turn help you deal with running the main site.
Just some thoughts, but I’d say that the main part of LBC should remain a solo effort.
Comment by Quincy — 06.24.05 @ 7:52 pm
If you think you’re busy now, wait until word spreads that you do a good job. And you’re in DC, which means there are a lot of opportunities. Thanks, again, for your transparency–a lot of us here have tiny blogs, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who wouldn’t want all the problems and responsibilities of being popular.
Comment by mj — 06.24.05 @ 8:09 pm
La Shawn, it sounds like it’s going to be a contest of wills. Who is more persistent, you or those who want to harrass, shout down and wear down people who effectively express ideas contrary to their own?
There’s another way to look at this. You wouldn’t be meeting all this opposition if you weren’t making waves. Keep it up!
Who was it who said, “The character of those who oppose us is the best thing that can be said for us”?
Comment by Kevin — 06.24.05 @ 8:43 pm
For what it’s worth, I for one hope you do not decide to quit Blogging!! Maybe a little less?? Possibly, but I make sure to read your Blog every week!!
You are remarkable sane in an insane world!! As well as right on the Mark!!
Comment by mike — 06.24.05 @ 8:53 pm
Guest blogging isn’t a bad idea, even if it’s offering a spot once every week for someone to write a column for you. Alternately, if the comments are what’s harassing you, you may check into whether you can have admins police the comments rather than having to do it all yourself.
For the record, the Daily Kos recently went to a guest-blogger system, and most of the writers are at least as competent (if no less delusional) than Kos himself. It’s all about picking the right people.
Comment by Jimbo — 06.24.05 @ 8:56 pm
I like your ideas and opinions, La Shawn! Please keep blogging!
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 06.24.05 @ 9:43 pm
Bak didn’t say what I was being nominated for. Might be for latrine duty. I’m qualified for that, at least.
La Shawn, I’m another one who would hate to see your personal touch diluted.
What about the possibility of continuing the blog just as always, complete with the comment section as is, but adding on an open discussion board where any fool can start a thread and ramble on about anything? That way your blog remains yours, even if you don’t have time to write as much as you used to do, and yet additional topics could be started in the new discussion forum, rather like the “Barber Shop” idea floated by Jim Stegman.
Comment by RedBeard — 06.24.05 @ 9:43 pm
You have to do what’s best for you
Comment by Chuck — 06.24.05 @ 10:29 pm
Short, easy answer - no.
Long, complex answer - no.
Comment by SickAndTired — 06.25.05 @ 12:18 am
I started reading your blog because you’re a strong Christian and I enjoy reading your views. I read the comments when I want to check out others’ views. Keep the blog as is. LBC rocks!
Comment by Laurie — 06.25.05 @ 1:21 am
My first thought when I read this was “Wow, maybe I can get involved and get ‘known’,” but then I realized that was pretty selfish of me. Now I feel sorry. La Shawn, keep this blog yours and don’t let us stomp all over you unless you do decide to set up a separate blog. That would be extra time and effort for you, of course, but if it’s what God wants you to do, then do it!
The very best thing you can do is to pray and see where the Lord leads you.
My own personal wish: I want WorldNetDaily to start a group blog, and I’d love to get involved. Maybe we could team you up with them.
Comment by Shayne — 06.25.05 @ 1:33 am
I doubt that any consensus will be reached on the question of a group blog it will just have to be your decision. By the way,when you became self employed all of your clients became your boss but I guess you get to retain the title.
Comment by Earl — 06.25.05 @ 8:18 am
Hi LaShawn…
Interesting idea. What if you added a second page with authors from other blogs able to post there. Requirement that they have a Blog, but the posts here could be distinctly different than the blogs they currently run. For instance a blogger that currently runs a blog on new age music, could possibly be considered for this blog if they wanted to blog on LBC about politics and world happenings.
I think the main page must stay LaShawn, but the “corner” could be that neighborhood group that hangs at “your house” and adds some conversation. My hope is that you don’t go ‘diversify’ and get folks that are deranged so it always ends up being an argument without end. (my brother is a hard left lib… no arguing there, he has all the answers anyone would like to hear.)
My 2cents worth.
Cheers
Comment by Don Giannatti — 06.25.05 @ 4:22 pm
Come to think of it, the comments section often reminds me of the summer porch, where all the neighborhood oldsters sit out on all day, getting crotchety with each other, chewing the fat.
Comment by SCSIwuzzy — 06.25.05 @ 5:33 pm
I am not crotchety, you consarn young whippersnapper!
Comment by RedBeard — 06.25.05 @ 5:53 pm
Says who Redbeard?
Comment by Renee — 06.25.05 @ 8:17 pm
Vote: NO
It’s YOU, LaShawn. When I’m interested in what others think, I take time to read Comments.
Comment by Indigo — 06.25.05 @ 10:47 pm
Don’t do it. It would take more of your time to manage a group blog. Even if you agreed with every single nuance of your fellow contributors’ opinions, you’d find yourself occasionally wishing they woud have said it a little differently. You might even start to feel your own freedom of expression under restraint. By definition, it would not be your blog anymore—at least not in the same sense. The mouthy commentors who leech off the popularity of your blog would still not go away. Ignore them. If you need more time, blog less. People will still read, bacause what you hae to say is important, and you say it well.
Comment by Phil Johnson — 06.25.05 @ 11:24 pm
Just IGNORE the haters. You offer a great blog. You can ban the especially bad ones. Others have.
Comment by Michele — 06.26.05 @ 2:08 am
Oh, I forgot to comment on your question–some people do well to have group blogs. But you don’t need it. You are awesome just on your own. you get traffic. People love you. I think in your case, you don’t need a group blog.
Comment by Michele — 06.26.05 @ 2:09 am
It’s your blog ma’am,
but if you have someone fill in for you (only occasionally) then I nominate Renee. She has come a long way and could pass for your protege (pass? nah, she is your protege). Redbeard, Andy, Raymond, Montie, Chris Phillips and a few others could jump in and “guest” blog. But still, you are the one we come to “hear”. I understand your work pulls at you like my schooling. You are the real deal and we love ya, don’t leave us!
W.NM.
Comment by W.NM. — 06.26.05 @ 2:16 am
I come to read Your viewpoints. If time is the problem, I would rather you post every other day or two specific days of the week. Your readers would soon learn to visit on your posting days.
Comment by Pat in NC — 06.26.05 @ 11:00 am
Local Washington D.C. independent filmaker shows his first film: “Love Inspirational.”
See: http://nikita_demosthenes.blogspot.com/
-nikita demosthenes
Comment by nikita demosthenes — 06.26.05 @ 6:48 pm
I wouldn’t.
I enjoy coming here and reading what you write.
If a group blog is on your mind, perhaps begin another blog.
Either way I’m sure it would work out well, who wouldn’t want to be able to say that they are a part of a blog which you contribute to and over-see?
Comment by Keith — 06.27.05 @ 12:47 am
LaShawn,
Haters will always exist. And the people who want you to write about a certain thing only do so because they want to see how a Christian lady with high morals and integrity feels about something that’s bothering them so they can
find a path that’s right. You’re opening doors for people with your insight. Doors that lead to God’s word and grace. Even so, you can only write about so much, and I would say write about that which touches you….I still vote no on the group blog. I want to hear your insight, not someone elses.
Dan
Comment by Dan — 06.27.05 @ 8:41 am
If you see this, as there are 80 comments…
I don’t know how long you leave comments open for. Joe Carter closes his on a post after a time period. You could do that.
Also - maybe not have commenting on every post - just enable trackbacks when you are busy. Michelle Malkin only has trackback all the time and she does ok.
And… but I’m not sure you will find this helpful…you don’t have to blog every day sis. You could take the weekends off - and close comments those days too. People will get used to the Mon-Fri blogging and know when to check in.
If any of this is redundant advice I take no responsibility. But you know I care.
Comment by Catez — 06.27.05 @ 11:43 am