Blogging About Blogs: Halloween fun

Knowing beforehand that Neil writes in the fantasy genre, I anticipated that his Halloween post would be fun. The post starts with a photo of himself with a pumpkin. The post also included a link to Neil’s previously mentioned New York Times Halloween piece, which was fun to read. Then he goes on to include another set of questions and answers from fans. The post ends with a YouTube video that I quite enjoyed, although I’m not sure what program it is showing. The clip features actor Tim Curry in some type of Halloween musical television program. It was fun to watch, particularly since I’m a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, another cult classic musical featuring Curry in a costume.

After reading Neil’s blog for one week, I would characterize it as informal and personal, with the style and tone of a non-internet journal. It's evident that Neil makes it a point to post at least once a day. His blog is not as interactive as blogs that allow for unfiltered comments, but it does include a certain level of communication between Neil and the fans he chooses to respond to. In the future, I would probably check in on the blog if there was a particular upcoming project from Neil that I was interested in. I probably wouldn’t read it daily, as the posts are usually short. I think Neil’s blog would be best read about once a week. I would guess that those who read it most often are either die-hard fans or aspiring writers.

Blogging About Blogs: Neil gets serious

Today, Neil’s post is a call to action. It is again inspired by his friend John M. Ford, who did not create a will before he passed away. Neil explains his reasons for strongly believing that every writer should have a proper will to ensure that their works will be handled as they would have wished. He pleads for writers to follow his advice, and even includes a link to a PDF form recommended by a lawyer for this purpose.

The post has a sense of urgency not seen in Neil’s previous entries. It also seems more polished in structure, indicating that he took more time crafting it than a typical post about random thoughts. It is extremely detailed and informative, and adequately conveys Neil’s passion about the topic. Neil has different types of entry styles that vary depending on his mood that day, or perhaps how much time he has to devote to the blog. This type of post seems more like an attempt to take advantage of medium and persuade his readers, as opposed to a more typical journal entry of personal observations.

Blogging About Blogs: Blogs-1, MSM-0

Today’s post from Neil was an interesting (and surprisingly relevant) commentary on journalism. Neil discovered an article in The Sun in which one of his past quotes from another publication was completed butchered. The quote was shortened and suddenly took on different meaning. I can’t help but laugh at the timing of this post, as it relates very well to my current areas of study in communications. The topic of proper quotations and journalism ethics has popped up frequently in the past few months.

In this post Neil’s blog is fulfilling the role of many others in pointing out flaws in the mainstream media, although his tone is not one of outrage but humor. This is another illustration of the intense scrutiny news publications now face as millions of bloggers analyze every quote and check every source. Of course, this example is not so much making an indictment of the media as just pointing out a funny error. It must be embarrassing for The Sun to come across something like this. If I were the reporter who altered the quote, I would be embarrassed.

Blogging About Blogs: Neil's blog-- hot or cold?

Another late-night post from Neil mentions the house guests he hosted after Mike Ford’s memorial. He entertained old friends, and they spent time discussing literature and remembering their friend. His creative, poetic style at the beginning of the post seems to reflect the literary atmosphere he was surrounded by earlier in the day. Neil shares the sad news that his aunt has also died.

His tendency to recap the day’s major events and include his personal thoughts definitely gives Neil’s blog the character of a traditional journal. I find it fascinating that someone in the public eye is willing to share their journal with such a large audience. I’ve read anonymous blogs that included intimate details about the blogger’s life, but it does make a difference when the blogger is identified. It strikes me as a brave thing to post unedited thoughts for many people to read, particularly when it’s someone well known. One of the reasons I find it difficult to blog on a regular basis is that I spend too much time editing and worrying about the finished product. Daily blogging requires a style similar to Neil’s, where one simply writes whatever is on their mind at that time without worrying too much about the finished post.

I think that the internet, in general, is a very cool medium that demands an interactive level of participation. You don’t just read the web—you are continually scanning, clicking links, and moving in and out of different windows from topic to topic. In regard to blogs, I think that some blogs are cooler than others. I would say that Neil’s blog leans more towards the hot end of the spectrum, because it is more like a traditional journal in its structure and tone. There’s no direct participation in the form of comments, although Neil clearly spends some time responding to outside feedback.

Blogging About Blogs: Neil misses deadlines too

Tonight’s late post begins with a topic I’m quite familiar with—a writer meeting deadlines. Neil discusses a piece he has completed for the New York Times that was due Monday. He describes his daily progress writing the Halloween story, giving a glimpse at what he went through to get the piece done on time. I’m very curious to read it knowing how it came together at the last minute, but I wonder if it will affect my impression of it. The post also mentions a memorial that Neil attended for science fiction and fantasy writer Mike Ford, during which Neil gave a eulogy. It ends with a mention of some upcoming technical improvements on the blog.

So far Neil’s journal comes across as a sort of bulletin board that he shares with his readers. What I like most about is the fact that he gives insights about his work as a writer, and I were to continue to follow his journal that would be the appeal for me. The lack of comments definitely keeps this blog from having a community feeling.

Rants: Sh%^

I am going through alot of drama sh#% right now so I hardly have time to post or to even shop/browse online. I just want this rough time to pass so I can focus on myself and my hobbies. Well for now lets hope things get better in a next couple of weeks.

See ya but yea I hope I can visit Boston and NYC this NOV.

Blogging About Blogs: Neil cares about bats

Today’s post is comprised entirely of Neil’s responses to fan inquiries, whether they are asking questions or looking for a plug for their cause. This is the first blog I’ve seen to deal with feedback in this way. Usually there’s a comment section below each post where the readers can respond. This structure seems less interactive because Neil is in complete control of the content at all times. Without the ability for readers to add comments, none of the topics can branch into further discussion. There’s no way to know how others are reacting to his blog either.

On the other hand, considering the types of questions he has responded to, it appears that Neil is not too busy to respond to a large majority of the inquiries he receives. In one case he gets to the bottom of an issue with one of his audiobooks. In another, he agrees to help a fan get the word out about saving bats. If he can take the time to link to a petition about bats, there’s a good chance he reads all of the e-mails that get sent to him. Someone reading this blog regularly would probably feel confident that if they sent Neil an e-mail question, they could expect his response in a future post.

I don’t find this type of post very interesting, but like yesterday’s entry, it contained a few links that I ended up visiting for a fair amount of time. Looking at the archives, there’s a list of previous posts by title. I notice that Neil’s title structure is varied. Some of them are vague and don’t reveal much about the content, and some of them are straightforward, or at least they seemed to be. I clicked on the entry titled “Much too long a post” expecting a lengthy post of Neil’s thoughts, but instead found more of his replies to fans.

Blogging About Blogs: Neil Gaiman Pt 1

To the readers of this collaborative blog (both of you): for the next seven days I'm going to subject you to an experiment of sorts. I'm working on an assignment for one of my grad school classes that involves recording my reactions to any blog on a daily basis for one full week. One of the purposes of this assignment is to simulate the experience of blogging, and since I'm a sporadic blogger myself, it seemed appropriate to utilize my own blog for this task. The new blog I've chosen to follow is author Neil Gaiman's journal. He started blogging about an upcoming novel in 2001 and then kept going. I've read a few of his novels, and he seems like an interesting fellow who blogs quite frequently.

Today Neil has written three posts-- one added in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Right away I notice that his first post, "blinking morning thoughts," has a very informal tone. He is quickly jotting down random thoughts in a run-on, natural flowing style. It appears to be raw and unedited. The post has a personal, anecdotal feel that includes details about Neil's life. He also includes a link to an interview with a filmmaker that he likes and seems to be aquainted with, if not friends. It’s not the most engaging post, but there’s something about reading the mundane details of another person’s life, particularly an artist or celebrity, that is appealing. He immediately seems familiar and very friendly for giving everyone that visits a peek into his personal thoughts and daily routine.

The second post references a Wired Magazine feature to which he contributed that called for writers to create six-word stories in the spirit of Hemingway. His final post of the day features a fan letter and other links related to his own reviews and appearances. I’ve noticed that his blog does not allow for comments, but the fact that he posted a fan letter shows that he does respond to feedback. Overall, Neil’s blog seems to have a loose structure, with content that varies from daily thoughts, to personal recommendations, to information on his works.

Shopping:Punky Tshirt and Book

Waffles+Falafels - A new line of funky and colorful Tshirt. If you like 80's, punky and rainblow coordinated and cool screen print, look no further..Available online at their myspace page and








Hitten Switches (Volcom) - The artistic dudes behind artwork of Volcom (yes that skate/snowboard brand) finally came out and play. Michael Sieben and Travis Millard used the postal service to sent each other back and forth their ideas, works and everything that their head and fingertips could came up and created.

So voila! the final product is an art book that you should have it on your coffee table. Now it is going to be on my amazon wish list!

Buy one here.

Rant:JRM

Since I have been so busy for the last week, I feel very guilty about not posting anything on Borderlinefemme blog. Today I finally has time to post what I have been wanting to post for a long time... Three Words...Jonathan Rhys Myers.

Jonathan Rhys Myers is a stud and I just want to share to the rest of the World. If you have not seen I will Sleep when I am Dead ( with also oh so dreamy Clive Owen), you might want to check it out..

Music: Brazilian Girls Rock

Last night I saw the Brazilian Girls at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston.

First, the venue is FAB. The stage and roomy dance floor are surrounded by three levels of seating. With no less than five bars operating, there's a drink to be had at every corner. And unlike Hollywood clubs, you don't have to buy a $200 bottle of vodka to sit down. We chose to stand on the third level balcony facing center stage, because we knew no one would be sitting through this show.


The performance was amazing. The vocalist and only girl of the Girls, Sabina, is a tall, svelte femme fatale who seduces the audience with her presence. Hearing their songs live really takes them to the next level. The Brazilian Girls are sexy bitches!

P.S. It's a crappy pic... so use your imagination!

Music:Art Brut Pictures and Random Rants

I have to admit that these days I enjoy staying home and staying away from a bar scene for good. Late last night I met up with my old friend who I have not seen for over 3 years. What made him came down to see me? He just broke up with the love of his life and he is crushed and just wanted to hang out and talk to someone who doesn't remind him of her ( they had an inseparate life). We went to the Red Room and had a couple of drinks. I swear I had the sweetest drinks ever but I got a headache the next morning. I guess I am surely getting old. It's Friday and I think I will be staying home tonight as usual. I decided to turn on the TV and get online to do some damage to my eyes. I just uploaded some pictures from the Art Brut shows so enjoy!

Opening Act: The Spinto Band













Second Act: Awesome We Are Scientist
























Art Brut Baby! Jasper is awesome and cute with his men scraf :)

Whatever:Weekend Recap

On Friday I had a low key dinner with my uncle and my dad's friend family in Cerritos. He took us to this hole on the wall Thai/Isan (North Western part of Thailand) restaurant but the food was awesome..just one more reason to remind me of beautiful Thailand. Oh thailand, I love you.

This past weekend was a bit dazy. I was at the fashion samples sales promoted by Blushoppe at The Forbidden City. I was really fun but I was so exhausted by 9 pm. Most of the people that I expected to be there were there. Lots of people flake but I am glad that some of them show up and support the event. It was very nice to be able to see some old friends and made new friends there. I also learned that I am so impatient and hate peer pressuring. The next day was also a short day for me and now I realized why I hate having way too many cocktails and be out till 5 am. I had a chance to check out several bands over the weekend. The Spinto Band, We are Sciencist and Art Brut played at The Glass House in Pomona last night. My fave performers of the night was a tide between WAS and Art Brut but The Spinto Band still did a good job. I will try to upload some of the pics later on tonight.

Next weekend my friend inviting me to this "private party" in downtown LA and one of the guys from Kinky will be there as a guest DJ. It is suppose to be all private/personal party scene. We will see about that. By the way, Kinky's new CD sound so fresh!

I will keep this as a short post right now since it is Monday and I have load of s7%* to do. Sorry for the language, my coffee is not here yet!! :D