Big thanks and a question about the idea of social critics - By N.L. Belardes
I can't begin to describe how nice Bryan Tebow of kerngamers.com was in donating his time Saturday to work the film and projection art portion of the Downtown Sculpture and Assemblage Show that Noveltown was a part of. He brought the laptop and projector (donated for the evening), and in the very hot basement, stayed for 7.5 hours. Les Paw from Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers donated his sound system for the projection art. And let me tell you, it was hot and heavy carrying that equipment down stairs.
Thanks for supporting the arts, guys.
Of course, there were some bumbles as well, one which I am really steamed about. I was basically not trusted and told not to write anything bad about the local paper as it might ruin it for local artists.
What the hell?
You tell someone something in confidence, and just because you're a writer, they tell you not to write your own opinion just because they don't like it.
Tell me if that isn't a little controlling. I don't tell artists how to paint their canvas. Just ask Hectic Films. "Skip" is their creation. And don't confuse themes with dictating or controlling art. If a theme is industrial-themed poetry, then stick to it...
Check out this post about blogging that I found just today on howardowens.com titled, "Who Let the Blogs Out? Legal Experts Offer Tips on Avoiding Trouble". There's an interesting bit in the article about the washingtonpost.com's blogs where they state in their blog rules, "We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features."
Wow, a major newspaper allowing blog criticism. And here we have someone telling me that as an artist I can't be a social critic if I felt like it?
And worried that I won't protect the integrity of local artists?
Ahh, but there is more... let me bring you all back up to date on Danielle Belton, former entertainment writer for the Bakersfield Californian. I criticized her and called for her to be fired. Why? Was it all my idea? No. She was being complained about by artists of the community for not reporting enough in 2005 on local arts: musicians, theatre folk, literary arts folks... but alas, let me tell you all right here and right now that I strategically took a fall for the art community. I know the local newspaper sometimes shuns those who cross its power. I'm not dumb. Certain people wouldn't be afraid if there weren't a truth to that statement. Now, if I would have gone out and taken quotes from all the local artists complaining about Danielle Belton, that might have ruined their chances of getting in print. And I wasn't out to ruin the art community. I was bent on being a social critic; and in that I wanted to prod the local media for not covering local arts.
So I took the heat, while protecting the artists. I was kicked out of the Californian's blog community and told it was because of my views against Belton. And I knew they would kick me out even after I was told they could take criticism, that they were now progressive and could accept criticism. Right. I remember saying, "I am going to criticize you. Are you sure you can take it?"
So why would I criticize the Californian now and ruin local artists chances of getting into the local paper? I'm not interested in breaking up friendships between media and artists. I would love to see local art coverage. But let me say this... if you criticize 'Bakersfield life as it should be' with all the corruption and bad air, and gangbanging, then why is the newspaper wearing an immunity idol?
Because artists want coverage.
Ask yourself if you're an artist and a social critic, or a selective social critic, afraid of media repercussions because of fear? Fear of what? Failure because the local paper won't write about you?
Is that the measure of your success?
I just spoke yesterday of starting an arts collective. But then, why would I do that if I am distrusted for being a social critic, something that the Washingtonpost.com encourages. Bakersfield art as it should be? A far cry.
Thanks for supporting the arts, guys.
Of course, there were some bumbles as well, one which I am really steamed about. I was basically not trusted and told not to write anything bad about the local paper as it might ruin it for local artists.
What the hell?
You tell someone something in confidence, and just because you're a writer, they tell you not to write your own opinion just because they don't like it.
Tell me if that isn't a little controlling. I don't tell artists how to paint their canvas. Just ask Hectic Films. "Skip" is their creation. And don't confuse themes with dictating or controlling art. If a theme is industrial-themed poetry, then stick to it...
Check out this post about blogging that I found just today on howardowens.com titled, "Who Let the Blogs Out? Legal Experts Offer Tips on Avoiding Trouble". There's an interesting bit in the article about the washingtonpost.com's blogs where they state in their blog rules, "We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features."
Wow, a major newspaper allowing blog criticism. And here we have someone telling me that as an artist I can't be a social critic if I felt like it?
And worried that I won't protect the integrity of local artists?
Ahh, but there is more... let me bring you all back up to date on Danielle Belton, former entertainment writer for the Bakersfield Californian. I criticized her and called for her to be fired. Why? Was it all my idea? No. She was being complained about by artists of the community for not reporting enough in 2005 on local arts: musicians, theatre folk, literary arts folks... but alas, let me tell you all right here and right now that I strategically took a fall for the art community. I know the local newspaper sometimes shuns those who cross its power. I'm not dumb. Certain people wouldn't be afraid if there weren't a truth to that statement. Now, if I would have gone out and taken quotes from all the local artists complaining about Danielle Belton, that might have ruined their chances of getting in print. And I wasn't out to ruin the art community. I was bent on being a social critic; and in that I wanted to prod the local media for not covering local arts.
So I took the heat, while protecting the artists. I was kicked out of the Californian's blog community and told it was because of my views against Belton. And I knew they would kick me out even after I was told they could take criticism, that they were now progressive and could accept criticism. Right. I remember saying, "I am going to criticize you. Are you sure you can take it?"
So why would I criticize the Californian now and ruin local artists chances of getting into the local paper? I'm not interested in breaking up friendships between media and artists. I would love to see local art coverage. But let me say this... if you criticize 'Bakersfield life as it should be' with all the corruption and bad air, and gangbanging, then why is the newspaper wearing an immunity idol?
Because artists want coverage.
Ask yourself if you're an artist and a social critic, or a selective social critic, afraid of media repercussions because of fear? Fear of what? Failure because the local paper won't write about you?
Is that the measure of your success?
I just spoke yesterday of starting an arts collective. But then, why would I do that if I am distrusted for being a social critic, something that the Washingtonpost.com encourages. Bakersfield art as it should be? A far cry.
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Monday, August 21, 2006.
You can leave your response.
i don't know what to say...
what happened to artists supporting artists? the paper has that much pull over all the media that everyone is supposed to kiss their @$$ just to get attention?!
whatever...
Hon, it's an unfortunate thing in this town. It started with the music community and has drifted over to art. Everything that's local isn't -really- as important to our local paper. After that plagiarism scandal, I take everything they write with a grain of salt.
Three cheers for alternative media! I'm currently reading Dan Gillmor's 'We The Media: Grassroots journalism by the people, for the people'...
After reading your blog a few times, I was still confused as to what was going on. And then it finally hit me out of left field, you were told by an artist not to criticize the newspaper because they feared they would lose coverage by the newspaper?
I'm just going to take this idea and run with it. I find it ridiculous that anyone would say something like that. Artists these days have lost touch. They don't look at the big picture as far as art goes. There are so many different forms of art; there aren't any limitations to it. Criticism falls right in line with art. You're right, you don't tell artists how to use their "canvus," so they don't have any right to tell you what you should and shouldn't write about even if it does come back to them. If artists have to rely on the newspaper to get themselves heard, then apparently their art isn't worth much. I personally don't read that particular part of the newspaper. So I don't always hear about other artists and exhibitions, etc, so doesn't that mean they aren't promoting it good enough? Yes, I am just one person, but I am pretty sure I am not the only one. People don't use their resources to the fullest. It isn't like Bakersfield is New York City. It is failrly easy to get yourself heard and/or seen you just have to know what you're doing. Recourses are not limited to the newspaper and the internet. If you're supporting them, then they should all support you and your ways of expressing yourself. You can't call yourself an artist and not appreciate all the different forms. Instead of worrying about what you are and aren't going to write, they should be encouraging you to write what you feel.
Then again I really don't have any room to talk since I have yet to do anything to get myself seen. But maybe I like it that way. I guess I would call myself an artist in hideing... I would rather not expose myself to these kids that call themselves artists. They are more focused on being accepted by the "art community" then what is going into their art.... but that's just my opinion.
-t.b.a.s.b.
Some people can dish it out to the city govt, love it when I'm combative online, but can't take it when criticized. You should see the emails I'm getting. Artists need to know they can't be controlled by media or anyone unless they're committing illegal acts.
If people want to control what I write, then they are fearing the media and have trust issues. It's time for another scene writer to step up, someone who will spoon feed their egos... I love building the scene. But I will criticize where due, including myself. If people don't get that, they can go read other blogs.
I'd be happy to help lug equipment upstairs or downstairs anytime.
I don't read the Bakersfield Californian. I read Paperback Writer. And thanks to nlbelardes.com I will be driving 45 minutes to get to Bakersfield to go this specific event.
And I've driven two other times (thanks to nlbelardes.com) to other events in Bakersfield. Events I normally wouldn't have even heard about if I hadn't read about them here.
I've invited a few friends to those events. They liked it, and maybe now they will invite a few other friends to a future event. Funny how word of mouth spreads like that, hu?
I think as an artist you need to cater to the people and not the media. Then again what do I know? I'm not an artist. I'm just a fan of the arts and a fan of the way nl illuminates it for regular people like me.
I've kissed enough media ass and where did that get me...noooowhere! Nice doesn't get you coverage. I have never seen you not be who you say you are. Rock on my darling!
I agree with you, no one should tell artists how to do their art. Even if that art is the written word.
I also agree with Julia, you have always been exactly who you say you are! And you always stand up for what you think is right.
Keep being you...
Entertainment, The Arts, is so much harder to be 24/7 on top, let's face it, than Sports. Football season is basically the same time every year...blah,blah,blah,Basketball,Tennis... and here's this years stats... maybe a surprise tournament game comes here or special event.And look at how big the Sports section is!Every day! But art is year round, music is year round,performance art is year round, author's write books year round, film is year round,etc...and with that how does one person, or one newspaper, cover it all. I still use The Californian for some of my needed in-touch-with-the-world-side-of things. But how fortunate for me to meet N.L. at a concert last year, and thus I am introduced to other sides. I guess the bottom line is: is to get in touch with people who are in touch with big chunks of the happening side of your town. Not just one. N.L. does a great job at getting inside a story. I don't know and never really knew any of the past writers for The Californian Entertainment Section. No disrespect here, but maybe they could learn to be more embracing of the fact they can't be all things to all things. Did that sound rude?sorry. But all the writers/reporters in the Arts should embrace each other...agree to disagree sometimes...and just get people out of their houses and involved. Geez, it's good all the way around, art shows get packed, money is spent, maybe downtown gets away from "hoodville". We don't have just one fast food restaurant, just one park, just one...(you get the picture), so why one Newspaper, with one Entertainment writer,with one little Entertainment section, for one big day a week??!!! We need N.L., we need Matt Munoz, we need others too. I've been a couch potato myself, and I'm in the Arts. I am behind N.L. on this one. I would like to know if we could get a collective of art peoples here, and have a meeting some where, in person(cause I hate typing thoughts!), and hash out some new productive-positive ways to embellish the art community here in Bako? I'm sure N.L. and Matt could be fine and stimulating hosts. Get real networking happening in this town, maybe we eventually wouldn't even need the paper? I don't know, my fingers are tired...peace
Well, Mr. Belardes.....I play in a local band and we were signed to an independent label. Our CD has been out for a while and we are having a hard time getting any press. The label has sent Miss Beltran a CD and we've received no response whatsoever. Not even a "You guys suck!!!" which to me is worse than getting no acknowledgement at all. We put on a Toys For Tots benefit some time ago and asked Beltran for some publicity. Nothing!!!
There are some talented acts in this town, but the media has shown them no support. The unfortunate thing is that when a band puts together a press kit, newspaper and radio press can be you biggest allies. Internet press, although good, is most effective only when its from a widely known, credible source. For example, an online newspaper like the L.A. Times. We've used comments from our fans in a press kit and they aren't as effective because they are said to be "biased reviews."
I'm originally from NorCal and the support for artists and musicians back home is something that I don't think Bakersfield could ever match. (So why am I here? Well, lets just say life happens, but I'd rather be back amongst a community of culture that isn't shrouded in a dust blanket knitted by the favoritism of a less than supportive local media.) "Life as it should be" is a town with a flourishing art and music community where the ability to get press and publicity doesn't directly reflect who you know or who you blow!
Reading Gilmor, uh? Pretty soon, you're going to start talking about "journalism as a conversation."
You might also be interested in Glenn Reynold's An Army of Davids.
Howardowens.com
Howard: I will definitely get that one too. I wrote to Gillmor a few times after reading an article promoting his book in Wired magazine. He was kind enough to write back. I was just slow in getting his book. Journalism as a conversation? You're right. There's a lot of news in the discussions. And repeat traffic, which is good.
Anon: It is tough getting reviews. If I had to use my own Indie publishing company to get my book out again I think I finally have enough contacts to get big reviews. I think bands need to rub noses with music magazines and music papers. That's where the review folks are that matter. The local paper for a review quote just isn't worth a damn. Finding the quality music mags and music blogs out there are where it's at. I am reading another book called "Naked Conversations" about blogging and business. Most of their review quotes are from well-known bloggers. It works. It's tough to learn, but by doing really careful research and networking, the review folks are out there, but far from Bakersfield.
Dave: Your words are very appreciated as always. It would take a lot of hard work and mutual trust between art folk to start a collective. Anon has some good points that Bakersfield is extremely far away from having a scene that can support musicians on paper... a small collective could work... but who is willing to put in the time? Where would the money come from to kick it off? I'm not sure I want to invest just yet.
My opinion? If you are an artist, and everything hinges upon a nice write-up in The Bakersfield Californian ....? You should hang it up!!!!
yeah, I hear ya N.L. It was late at night and for a few minutes I was sitting in my "Life As It Should Be" dream bubble...
Bakersfield, art as it should be...
You know, I was at Russo's, and I love Russo's, but they had a big table of Bakersfield, Life as it should be merchandise. I had a chuckle. I'm having an even bigger chuckle because some people take my write-ups too seriously. Is N.L. trying to control art, trying to take away from Bakersfield, art as it should be? Am I out panning artists left and right in some hateful way?
Nope. I do fun write-ups and sometimes don't write about art the way people want their art written about. But then, those folks should start their own website/blog, and call it "BAKERSFIELD, ART AS IT SHOULD BE".
And then any egos that don't understand the humor on my site can write their own reviews, and put their bios and art and self-made reviews online, and really, start a collective about themselves and how they feel the media should write about them.
Blogs are free and easy to use! What do you think?
Maybe the reason that Miss Belton isn't reviewing cds anymore is that she is now just a General Assignment Reporter and there is no Entertainment Reporter...
http://www.bakersfield.com/contact_us/newsroom/living
i don't understand some artists... i've only been to a few art shows and i've come across some genuinely nice artists who understand how the "system" works. but i've also noticed that there are A LOT of artists who are all about "me, me, me... feed me... my ego..." blah blah blah... and way overly sensitive and can't take criticism. i've even heard many of these artists bad mouth the paper and other media and say how unsupportive they are... yet they kiss the media's ass to get a review. i just don't get it.
i always thought artists were rebels... rebels against the mainstream media... not afraid of criticism... don't care what people think... guess i was wrong.
don't they know that any press... good or bad... is still press? if they want their name out there to be recognized, isn't that the whole point? get defensive, speak your mind, whatever... don't down nlbelardes.com for doing what a real artist does... appeal to the masses by speaking his mind no matter what the cost - AND HE DOES THIS FOR FREE! journalists get paid to write/say what their bosses want them to write and on top of it they only publish what they want you to know --- which could be a biased piece if someone kissed their ass to say what they wanted them to say...
aye... squash this already. i'm tired of all the whining...
NEXT ARTICLE PLEASE, NL.
You'll like the next article. It kind of fits with the questions this article raises...
Bakersfield art as it should be? Like I said, let those who try to control me control their own words for free in a blog. It's so easy to do...
I will probably come back with more butr I'm in somewhat of a hurry. Anyways, my thoughts on the paper's power: it has its power because many artists go "I hate the fact that they control everything" followed by "I want to get my stuff in there". You give them the authority over you by reaching out to them. Efforts should be focused on shifting the power out of their favor. This goes with a number of things, and not just the paper (i.e. venues, etc.)
What? No Entertainment reporter at The Californian right now? Are they hiring? Wow, I'd have to learn how to type with more than two fingers...dang
hey nick i wish you would have came to my art show i promoted for a locoal artist. i can take criticism and i wish some one would say something about how i put my shows together so i can make them better the next time i have one. In fact go to my myspace and say what you think about my T-shirt line "ArtOfficial"
http://www.myspace.com/artoff Ill leave the comments up and let every one see what was posted.
well now im shooting to have one in LA with select artist i know. When that time comes around i would like you to speak your mind at my event. I know Danielle and shes a nice person and what you did was pretty brave. I just hope Bakersfield can open up and take what the art community is putting out there.
speak your mind cuz i like to hear it.
Thanks nick
artofficial loves you
goodnight!
f*** the media and what they portray as art.... i am an underground street artist...and belive spray paint exists for graffiti art and propanganda....viva la revolution....
BUDZ 1 ...RESPECT
My personal opinion on Danielle Belton is that she took the brunt of the arts community's outrage which was caused and deserved by the Californian. She did this (poor thing) by being accesssible, ironicly. She was actually present in the community, so if we wanted to complain there was a person we could bash.
I fully supported NL in that time he called for her resignation because he was fighting for all of us small artists. I keep seeing those bank commercials on TV, in which it dramatises how big banks see small business. This little 4 inch tall man is standing on the big banker's desk explaining how he needs a loan. Well...it seems often times this is how the California sees US. NL FOUGHT against that. And when he did, he drew blood. He hurt feelings. I was, and still am, on his side.
Nowadays, I hold no grudge against Danielle. I am her friend on MySpace, I've read her courageously honest personal blogs which make it sound an awful lot like she had a nervous breakdown last year. I feel sorry for her, actually, because I know what it is like to have frustration directed at you that is caused by what you REPRESENT, not who you are.
We will never let up on the California and we never should. Nick is an artist and I love his art. He works in many mediums (novels, muck raking, gossip, insightful blogs, inspiration, and heated debate). I would never want to ask him to do anything different.
Nick represents what the alternative media should aspire to be...holding the mainstream media accountable and highlighting their shortcomings.
I say, don't stop, don't let anyone tell you should stop, and anytime you need to scream louder I will lend you my voice.
Erik Lloyd is the new entertainment writer at the Californian, give him a shout.
If you want coverage, send your stuff to me, I'll cover whatever you want!
www.bakotopia.com
Yes, Matt Munoz is there! But that's not print... I think folks are wanting their art voiced in print...I think that's why I was frowned on, because the reality is, I'm a small voice. The local paper has a big voice in the community.
Thanks Aaron. The sad thing is that I don't know where community concerns should have been voiced. The way the paper operates, seems like Belton might have been blamed anyways. Don't know for sure. I can't help but think, nervous breakdown or not, ff they wanted her to stay an entertainment writer, they would have kept her there and made changes for the sake of the people who are ignored.
Does anyone see their new guy at local rock shows? at lots of theatre? at the Downtown Sculpture and Assemblage Show? I don't know what role he plays... he's welcome to come here and explain... I think that would be good.
Si...
Lemme pose a question, but don't get all berzerk me...
Does everyone just assume the paper is going to run or cover their event, just because it exists?
I've always done a few things to make sure my Mento Buru stuff was in the paper:
1) Never rely on e-mail alone.
2) Always drop a flier off at the
office, addressed to the person
it supposed to reach, along with
an e-mail.
3) Call and e-mail the reporter's
office to follow-up on the
listing, one or two days later.
4) Remember, one reporter can't be
everywhere at once, and just like
you and I, sometimes we just want
to chill and not go anywhere.
Work is work, no matter what job
you have, and people want to
shut-off.
5) If you get left out, take matters
into your own hands.
Promote yourself!
That's a good post. Listen to Matt (The Ska King). He's also the king of promotion... If you want to get into the paper, learn the ropes.
Matt--post that on bakotopia.com!!!
The smartest thing the Bakersfield Californian has ever done(in my opinion of course) is bakotopia.com. The younger generations don’t read the paper. They get their news online. They certainly don’t go out of their way to pick one up just to see what’s happening that weekend either. At least not the ones I know. They are too lazy. So that’s where word of mouth WORKS amongst us fans, and cross promotion is definitely key here.
I'm not part of the younger generation. But in my old age have turned lazy. I don't hate the Bakersfield Californian. I am just too lazy to go pick a copy up. I read my news online. As far as entertainment news I read Paperback Writer and Bakotopia.com. It's easier. I don't have to have a subscription. I don’t have to worry about it getting wet in the rain, or my neighbor stealing it. I don't have to worry about recycling afterwards. Or deal with the guilt if I don’t recycle it.
You'd be surprised how many people I talk to that don't have a bakotopia account, but read it frequently and rely on it to see where their favorite band is playing on a particular weekend, or what fun events are coming up.
Cross promotion? I didn't even know about bakotopia.com until n.l.
wrote something about them here. So when n.l. says that cross promotion is what it's all about, I agree wholeheartedly. Now I’m addicted to that place.
Why are some of you working against each other instead of helping each other? I don't understand? I’m with chingpea on this one. Enough whining. Support each other already. Geez louize.
Matt does it. N.L. does it. They are the smart ones. Frankly, I think they are GENIUS. hmmmm They must have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express last night. But hopefully not together. :D
Normita!!
Gracias.
Eric Loyd? Never heard of him and haven't seen him out covering arts stuff. I would call him and try to clue him in to what's going on with theatre, but a lot of times that seems to backfire. The media people freak out and go into defensive mode when you address them like that, like you're some bum on the street begging for change.
No one expects them to revitalize the arts overnight, just be HONEST with us. Tell us, "you know I am really busy and I will TRY to fit in some music and theatre and art, but I can't promise much. Just keep bugging me and I'll do my best, artsy folks."
Instead, they avoid us like the plague. I saw a couple of young Californian reporters at the relay for life earlier this year. They interviewed my friends about how we lost Kevan Klawitter this year. They did a story on him and how theatre people were participating in the relay for life because of him. I tried to tell them about a site I had just started, covering theatre in Bakersfield! I was so excited. They had these deer in the headlights look and said "Oh yeah Danielle Belton covers theatre, I think..."
She's been off the entertainment beat for a while, although she recently reviewed the History of Rock & Roll (bless her soul).
Blah. I just get sick of the belittling vibe I get from the media when it comes to us artsies.
awwwww, Matt! You know that you and bakotopia.com rock. People need utilize it more. Believe me, we're reading!
I like what Matt outlined. He and the band have always been at the top of their game in advertising, but also, they deliver a 110% show! That says alot too! Advertise the heck out of your show, and then blow the roof off man!
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