Random Times stands up to Bakersfield media - By N.L. Belardes
Bakersfield's new alternative newspaper, The Random Times spoke out on myspace today, just two days after the release of their first ever newspaper.
In a mysterious diatribe against local media, editor and chief James Mongold wrote:
...thanks to all of my friends who helped distribute the paper-- Michael Prince, A. S. Ashley, Nano Rubio, Greg Goodsell, LisaNatalie-- all you guys!!! Thank you so very, very much.
We haven't gotten much attention from the mainstream media or the alternative media here in town-- (with the exception of Matt Munoz of Bakotopia-- THAT guy has been nothing short of absolutely amazing!), but I really don't care. All the others can go fuck themselves because we're not doing this for them. We're doing this for everyone out there who wants more. Everyone who doesn't want just a couple of outlets in town.
And by the way, we're the ONLY outlet in town who will accept submissions from ANYONE in town-- not just from a handful of our buddies or a writing staff.
Once again-- thanks to you all, and we'll see you next issue.
peace and chicken grease.
--james
Now, I'm not sure which local media James Mongold is pointing fingers at, but be sure to pick up a copy of the Random Times from one of 24 Bakersfield locations. Get them while they're hot. There's only 2000 copies, and they're going fast! There are articles on local puppet theatre, political rants, the Bakersfield music scene, the Bakersfield art scene, and more!
First edition Random Times
with Greg Goodsell and more!
Bitter Barney rants in Random Times.
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Saturday, November 25, 2006.
You can leave your response.
Let's see ... Random Times claims to be the only media outlet to accept submissions from anyone.
Apparently, they've never heard of Bakersfield.com or Bakotopia.com.
Smart bunch of editors. Really on top of things in Bako.
That comment makes it seem like someone is a little threatened by the Random Times. Mr. Owens, were you the last kid picked for the baseball team in elementary school? Thats how your comment sounds...like a bitter little child! James' comment about Random Times being the only outlet to let anyone contribute is (in my opinion) referring to "print" media. Comparing that to contributing to a website is apples and oranges. Time to grow up a little bit and try to get over that whole playground rejection thing. Its simply not attractive.
don't know what to say about RT... guess all i can do is wish them luck.
Here we go all over again.
-Heath-
I'm a little confused myself. Is Mongold referring to TV, Radio, print, online media? Is he talking about MAS magazine? (Matt Munoz is a major part of them and is employed by the Californian) The Californian and its other niche markets: Northwest Voice, Southwest Voice? The Senior Citizens Gazette, the Renegade RIP, CSUB Runner, high school papers, Paperback Writer blog, Merxus? Localispace? other Bakersfield bloggers? The new Bakersfield Paparazzi? Not sure... hopefully he will come on here and tell us.
Although I doubt if Mongold is referring to me. He didn't send me a press release. I get press releases from NBC Universal, music labels, publishers, bands, authors, high-tech companies, pr companies galore... ahh well.
James has promised me an interview. I will have to type up those questions and ship them off to the Random Times to see what they have to say about their first ever newspaper and more.
hahahahahahaha! here i am again, writing while ill: always a mistake. however, i just wanted to say i think we "alternative" types tend to feel so disenfranchised, misunderstood, with chip on shoulder (or maybe i just mean me), a natural part of the process of growing up in a society in which one might feel "different." i've been reading about malcolm x, how he experienced that nation of islam time of intense separation and spoke out powerfully, dissidently. this i think was part of a grieving process for him, from all his years of disenfranchisement: he was taking his anger & grief and rechanneling it, reclaiming power, provocatively, belligerently. he angered, piqued, woke up a lot of people! just before he was assassinated, he rounded a spiritual corner, turning toward interest in not just civil but human rights, and probably if he'd lived would've become a danged bonafide saint bent on uplifting and empowering ALL people! random times feels excluded by... whom? certainly, the "mainstream press," all owned by the californian (mas, too!), but the underground press? who is he talking about? i think there's always gonna be that perception that the various "aternative" camps don't support one another, when i think the local reality is that no one person helming a pet project has enough time to address EVERYONE, try as he/she might... i hope that soon enough, RT won't care or gripe a bit about feeling left out because the real goal will be to wake locals up, to unify (which he is trying to do by saying "all are welcome," though i know from experience that there will always be those who feel excluded, anyway!), or at least bakersfieldians them something meaty and amusing to read (i would sure appreciate that!!), or help them stave off feelings of depression, lack of passion, lack of life-meaning, or some good paper to line the bird cage with. as one who was nearly always picked last for the team, i say now the chip on my shoulder has shrunk substantially, and i wish the same for all creators of local discourse. eventually, it ceases to matter one damn bit what the "mainstream" or "they" believe because one's truth surfaces & is found to be most valid... check out even bukowski at the end of his life! the miscreant became an aged aslan, a wise old ravaged lion... anyway, back to bed for me. :) best wishes to RT and all creative producers out there...
My question is are the Random Times the same folks who were the Elitist Press? And why does there always have to be a showdown? Bakotopia lets whoever post what they want, the blackboard always was open to new writers, same with n.l. The rip always took letters to the editor. The Californian pays people, so obviously they're going to be slighlty selective. I personally think it's always a good rule of thumb to tell people to go fuck themselves in your press release. Finally, not everybody's a writer. It'd be nice to live in this utopian society where everybody could coherently explain themselves on a printed page, but unfortunately that's not the reality. So is being selective really such a bad thing? I don't necessarily want to see some emo kid's grocery list turned into a work of journalist art. But that's just me.
Already with the same tedious complaints? How dull.
-rebekka
I'm craving pizza. I'm craving pizza and beer. Hrmmm...
Please explain to me, cyn, why I would feel threatened? Since I'm not in anyway involved in local media, except that I once worked for the local big media just happen to live here for the time being (and I am leaving) and publish a blog here (though my blog has very little about local stuff in it) -- how and why would I feel threatened by Random Times? Surely there is some logic behind your statement. I'm exceptionally curious as to what that logic might be.
And sometimes I was the last kid picked, and sometimes the first (at least near the first). Kids that didn't know me picked me last. Once they'd seen me play, never last. I was skinny and nerdy, but I could hit and play a slick first base. FWIW.
aren't the Random Times people pretty much the same people with TEP just with a different name/leader? you know.. since the first round crapped out for whatever reason... just saying... not trying to start anything.
and why didn't Paperback Writer get a press release? just curious. he's just as much a media as the other outlets mentioned in the comments. is it because RT felt threatened by his ability to be creative and generous with his ideas? just wondering. after all, they included bakotopia and such in their distribution even when bakotopia publishes everything cause they're cool like that... even stuff that might have placed RT/TEP in a negative light. hmmm...
and why pick on good ol' Howard Owens? he's just telling it like it is and he did once work for the media that pretty much rules the majority in this town. oh well...
btw, what is FWIW?
peace to all... i'm out!
chingpea
and where can i find the publisher of this paper and get the backstage some attention?
P.S. Missin Nick. We never see you around anymore!!
-Oh so Awesome
Hey there.
I got a copy of The Random Times. I liked it. I am always happy whenever there is anything like that out there. I was sad about the other one that got cancelled.
~holly
I hope the Random Times does well and acomplishes what they want to acomplish. I wish them the best!
However, Howard is right. Bakotopia and Bakersfield.com accept submissions from anyone. Anyone can have a blog on both sites and post whatever they want. Anyone can post articles to be featured. I do it. Even the Random Times does it! So I'm not sure who James was talking about in his message. But I don't think it's smart to alienate people from the get go either! And some people will take the 'go fuck yourselves' comment and attitude as alienation or personal.
I think the lesson to be learned is: if you're going to throw your hat into the media ring, even the alt press media ring, you should act responsibly and accordingly. I don't think the Blackboard EVER told anyone to 'go fuck themselves'!
Heath: Hey, the Random Times went to print. That’s much farther than the Elitist Press got…
Anon laughter: I definitely know who you are. I agree. Humility is a great attribute.
Anymouse: Although one of their writers was with the Elitist Press (the founding mother grump who is quite possibly responsible for a myspace hate site) and though it seems they harbor a lot of the same anger as The Elitist Press displayed, The Random Times was founded by James Mongold. His vision is different from what I have seen. That’s a very good question, one that I will ask in my interview.
Annie Black: You’re silly.
Howard Owens and Cyn: I’m interested to see where your conversation goes.
Chingpea: No, there are some different folks running The Random Times, though I have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. I would suggest that The Random Times is propelled by a dual vision of A.S. Ashley and James Mongold. James will have to truly answer that question.
You make a valid point about Paperback Writer being a legit media. I know that my blogging is legit journalism. Others don’t have to agree. And James may have a valid reason why I didn’t get a press release. Let’s not jump the gun as to why.
Matildakay: There are a lot of magazines and alt presses that use explicit language. As I mentioned earlier, I am wondering about James message and who he meant as the other media who could go fuck themselves.
would james answer the question? i don't know... i don't think anyone, esp. myself, really cares anymore. i was just saying that because it assumes to be that way in the tone that article was written. the same anger, the same pretentiousness. whatever.
besides, james was originally part of that TEP right? and RT came out because that other one quit before it even went to press.
I was involved in a lame little “underground newspaper” when I was in high school. It was lame. That’s beside the point. We only allowed submissions from people that we liked and/or material that we thought fit our paper, in fact we only distributed it to people we liked. The thing is “free press” isn’t that anyone can be in and publication that they want to be in, it’s tat any publication can pretty much print anything they want, or not print anything they want. And in my personal opinion I rather like it when publications are selective, if I go pick up a home and leisure magazine then I want to read about home and leisure; plus I would never want to read an emo kids grocery list either. Maybe I will find an emo kid to send his grocery list in to RT just to see if they will really print submissions from anyone…
Holly: People do like print media. Yet you're on the Web too. How valuable is both, and myspace at that? Myspace owns what you post to it. They can shut you down at anytime. A blog you can own the archives...
Oh So Awesome: I'll be back to Backstage. I need to call Frank and see what's up!
ET: I think this is a good focus group for The Random Times.
Anonymous 1:15 pm hit a nerve with me ... s/he is right about how feeling different can leave one feeling cranky and disenfranchised ... but eventually, the best way to build a strong arts community is for all of us to come together; to work together. We're all in this together! All this bickering is highly amusing, but it's also not really getting us anywhere ... What was it A.S. Ashley always said to me? "More ART. Less DRAMA."
That's funny, Jen. Doesn't art revolve around emotions? Drama is everywhere. And A.S. Ashley, who once considered this blog as media, might not anymore. Does he read this blog? Maybe. Maybe he just prefers not to comment.
In the end, my so-called drama with A.S. behind the scenes has caused him to no longer comment on Paperback Writer, which you could call 'disunity', according to your quote from him. I like my comment from a previous blog, "Bakersfield: Art as it should be". Art, whatever it is, live with it. People don't always revovle around art in one big happy group like you want, thus, different social groups, medias, and so on...
Okay, I'm going to go ahead and walk into Nick's trap here for everybody, but not because I owe him a goddamn thing. I just need to clear some things up to people who are wondering what's up with Random Times, and my choice of words.
First of all, my words that Nick has so wonderfully posted on his blog here (bolding certain points for HIS OWN emphasis that were not in bold in my original words), were copied and pasted from a bulletin that I left on the Random Times myspace page-- that was intended pretty much only for my friends list to see. Now, I don't mind other people seeing it-- but I would like them to know a few things first. If I had known Nick was going to do this, I probably would have written a more thorough bulletin.... something where there is nothing left for interpretation.
Okay, I'll address Howard Owens' comment first.
First off, chill Howard.
I meant PRINT media.
Most people who have heard of us, know that we are PRINT media exclusively (for the time being), and would therefore be able to logically conclude that PRINT MEDIA is what I was talking about.
Had I known that this bulletin I had written was going to be seen by so many people, I would have been more clear. For the lack of clarity, I apologize.
Bakotopia is great, and Bakersfield.com is not a bad place for people to post things either.
But they are not PRINT media... they are WEB media.
Enough said.
And I do stand by my words... the RT is the only media outlet in town who will accept submissions from ANYONE in town. We don't just print the shit our buddies want to write, and we don't want to have a solid writing staff. And by the way... even my own BROTHER has to pitch ideas. However... despite my open call for articles... interestingly enough... we haven't received even ONE outside submission yet. SO... it's basically up to the people. If you want to write, you'll write.
And by the way... to the person who suggested that they don't want to see some EMO kids grocery list printed just because we'll accept submissions from anyone... let me clear something up for you:
WE WILL ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS FROM ANYONE IN TOWN.
HOWEVER... that does NOT mean we will PRINT any old pile of shit that is emailed to us.
DO you understand now?
And as for the people who are wondering if I was part of the Elitist Press... I attended one meeting of theirs (their 2nd and last one), and was going to write an article for their first issue.
I'm a writer. Not a politician. Not someone who wants some underground media war.
I will stand behind and support any other local underground media that pops up, so long as what they are doing is positive. However, that sentiment is not being reciprocated.
Nick did not post this blog today to support us. He did it to cause a shit storm.
I'm sorry, but it's true.
Nick told me himself a couple of weeks ago in an email that he wanted to help promote us, but in a controversial way. Now, if I were a fucking asshole, I'd copy and paste his email here. But I'm not.
And to those of you who think that the RT is pretentious, then you haven't read it.
To those of you who want to support a new, underground local media source... send us an article.
But as for Nick Belardes and his minions... you can take your backhanded promotion and shove it up your asses.
Belardes... you burned two of my brothers, and now you've burned me.
I hope the 15 or so comments you get on this blog are worth it.
Oh, and by the way... thanks for the coverage.
James Mongold: I'm not out to destroy any local press. I criticize everyone from Matt Munoz to the Californian (Which is bakersfield.com by the way).
Just because a media like Paperback Writer might post a myspace message from the Random Times doesn't mean it doesn't support a cause. Just means you have preconceived notions that Paperback Writer as a media isn't supportive, and that you're paranoid (Sadly, The Elitist Press attitude all over again).
The media needs to be criticized. I need it, Bakotopia needs it, The LA Times needs it, and so does The Random Times, which I haven't even criticized. Oh, and Howard Owens needs it. Hell, so does Heath Dobbler (Haha check out the InDenials new tunes by the way!).
I just asked questions based on a public post by The Random Times. Whether that post was meant for friends, the public, enemies, or whoever, I saw the bulletin and reported questions. I bolded the portions I wanted folks to pay attention to. I mean, it's not like I really had to, the verbage was harsh enough, right?
The Internet is a public place. Beware. Learn from possible mistakes.
And no, I don't have a problem with controversy. Makes articles more exciting and interesting when you can point out a controversial spin. In this case, the Random Times standing up against media in a cursing rant didn't need a spin. If my spin was bolding a few sentences. Yes, I'm guilty.
So, I'm guessing The Random Times won't be willing to do an interview now?
I guess I'll just wait to hear from you... ;)
Oh, and just like Bakersfield.com, and Bakotopia.com, you can still read the blogs here and leave comments, even while criticizing.
And I'll keep reading The Random Times.
James Mongold: ...But as for Nick Belardes and his minions... you can take your backhanded promotion and shove it up your asses.
Belardes... you burned two of my brothers, and now you've burned me.
I hope the 15 or so comments you get on this blog are worth it.
Oh, and by the way... thanks for the coverage.
okay, so you posted your shit on a myspace bulletin for your "friends" to read. myspace is a public forum and if you have someone who you've accepted as a "friend" on myspace (whether you know them or not or if you were just trying to add 'numbers' to your friend list), they'll see the bulletin you wrote whether or not meant it the way you did. the tone you had, whether or not you are/were or whatever affiliation you were with TEP, you surely had the same pretentious tone.
just telling you how an educated reader like myself understood it. like many people who are fans of nlbelardes.com (who you refer to as "minions") have a college degree and can see through the lines you clearly made understandable. because you read this site, does that make you stupid? cause that's how you make things seem.
although you appear to be a supporter of the arts/media, you surely have your favorite outlets.
i'm not commenting on this subject anymore because i can see it'll be looked at by you as just more ranting shit like yours.
peace,
chingpea
yeah but...web media is really the only media that's had time to give the Random Times any attention, James. You're first issue just came out. I don't get why you're angry.
-rebekka
... can't we all just get along?
wow...I've got some wrestling masks if ya'll need 'em!
I WISH we had the diversity in media you guys have.
Enjoy it.
Howard Owens followed up with a nice piece on his blog, a supportive piece with necessary questions attached about the validity of print media vs. online media.
He writes in his article, "Is there a place today for alternative media start ups in print?":
If your goal is to make money, forget it. The last people to get rich off alt-dead-tree publications were 1960s college kids. They’ve made their millions and retired. Print is dying. Online is where it’s at. In fact, if you want to hit the local MSM where it hurts, disrupt them online. Print means nothing.
Howard makes some great points about why writers should get involved with MSM.
Don't just preach to the choir.
And beware just posting articles on myspace.com. You don't own those. And you can't control the content if the site goes down.
I think Mongold is detached to how some of the Internet works. He mentioned 15 minions (silly). Paperback Writer averages 2000 unique visitors per day (still a low amount as far as a media engine goes). Much of that traffic comes through search engines. That means blog articles have staying power. They're discovered online via keyword searches.
Loyal readers are just another type of reader... and there's more than 15 of those too. Most people who read Paperback Writer are lurkers. They read for entertainment value and don't ever leave comments.
As my father so wisely says, "You're not an ass unless you prove it."
Words to live by I say.
I would just like to point out that the Random Times is not the only print media in town that takes submissions from anyone. The Bakersfield Californian, The Southwest Voice, The Northwest Voice are all print media and take submissions from the public at large and I'm not just talking about letters to the editor either. There probably are other print publications as well that take submissions.
I attended a Writers of Kern meeting this past Maywhere along with NL, Ray Hacke, Citizen Journalism Editor for the Bakersfield Californian spoke. Ray Hacke spoke about The Bakersfield Californian, and its subsidiaries: The Southwest Voice and The Northwest Voice and how they were looking for submissions from the public to be published on their website bakersfield.com and in PRINT in their newspapers. He encouraged the writers to submit, to be citizen journalists!
Here is a quote from the submission packet for the Bakersfield Californian that Ray Hacke passed out during the Writers of Kern meeting. Submission guidelines can also be found at bakersfield.com.
"The nature of journalism is changing and The Bakersfield Californian and Bakersfield.com are determined to change with it.
Once upon a time, news organizations determined what they felt was important to their audiences, and their audiences had little say in the matter. Today, however, newspaper readership is declining all over the country - in part because many refuse to listen to what their consumers really want.
Not us at The Californian. Your voice matters to us - and because of that, we'd like to give you, loyal readers, a stake in our product. We believe that if our readers see more of themselves in our web and PRINT products, they will ultimately find them more satisfying. Kern County has a wealth of intersting people, stories to tell, places to see and things to do.
Here's where you come in: We're giving you the opportunity to submit stories and photos about people in your neighborhoods, events that matter to you, personal experiences - anything that would give readers a broader glimpse of life in Kern County or help bring home the world at large."
According to the submission packet, here's what the Bakersfield Californian, Southwest Voice and Northwest Voice are looking for: First-Person Accounts, How-To's, Neighborhood News, People You Know, Entertainment, Opinions/blogs, Sports, Youth Voices, Volunteer News, and Photos.
So if you are a writer and like seeing your name and story in print, submit your articles to: The Bakersfield Californian, Southwest Voice, Northwest Voice, and yes... The Random Times. They all except submissions from ANYONE.
Oh and I am proud to be an N.L. Belardes minion. NL has vision and is going places.
Howard, my comment was simply intended to be an observation of the way I interpreted the tone of your message. Nothing more, nothing less. I am not sure there was any logic involved...just observation. Well, maybe the fact that you were previously involved with "local big media" (the Californian, was it?) has something to do with the way I read your tone. In my experience I have found that sometimes we hold onto the artifacts of our past affiliations and form emotional arguments as a result. I may be way off base...wouldn't be the first time.
Don't take it personally ;) I'm happy to hear of your sweet baseball skills. We all need to be good at something!
Matildakay, I'm thinking you're a Bakersfield Californian/Bakersfield.com minion after that Queen Kong tirade! Have I lost you to the MSM?? I thought you were my henchman! The minion comment is funny. I feel like a bad guy in a comic book: an online media mafioso with a mask and a cape...
wow,,this got ugly fast,I try to get along with EVERYONE:) thats just me and I wish the luck to all the writers,,maltildakay,N.l and James,, and its not a secret I love what Ashley does,,I love to be addicted to the written word,,I will continue to do so..I just hate the mudslinging,,
If someone reads something I post online and my profile is private friends only. I put up bulletins and say repost if thats what I chose for it to be,, and if its something private in a blog there in my space which is friends only,,I expect someone to ask before thinking to repost it somewhere,,they are there for me and my friends, if I post in backstop I know anyone can read them,,thats my choice. My stuff is just for friends.Again,,I just try to get alone with everyone:) woofs
NL, You haven't lost me to Bakersfield Californian/Bakersfield.com, I'm still your henchman! And you are Queen Kong! *wink wink*
But I just felt compelled to point out that the Random Times isn't the only PRINT media in town that excepts submissions from anyone as James suggested.
Howard Owens blog on the subject was right on!
You're right Woof Woof. James Mongold should have posted his Random Times Editor post in some kind of private email, or private myspace blog entry that only a selected few should have been allowed to read. That was his blunder.
But you have to ask, are his harsh words good to hear if you're writing for the Random Times? I would have backed out at that point. From a writer's standpoint, I wouldn't want someone editing me for print who has such a constant angry tone...
I mean, according to Mongold himself, my tone and intentions are angry and destructive enough, right?? (laughing)
Just think, if the Random Times had a multi-user blog set up, they could have the traffic and readership driven to their site on this debate, and all their writers taking part and expressing their opinions. It's a debate that is getting them press. Online conversations are so valuable. People dig it.
They'll be on the radio tomorrow too. Hopefully Meathead will read this blog and talk on air and make his fun jokes as he's so good at about Mongold's angry attitude which comes across in his comment, and in his myspace post. Mongold is a funny guy though. He wrote great dialogue for the Gaslight Melodrama's Sam Sleuth and the Fall of the Coffee Baron.
Let's hope that on air he goes back to his great sense of humor.
Thank you to Nick for pointing to my blog post on this topic, and for others supporting the point. It almost makes any response from me to James superfluous.
But I find it interesting that he has this myopia that it should be OBVIOUS that he was only referring to print. It's not obvious to me at all.
First, that assumption on his part is pure-T myopia. The media space is MUCH bigger than print, and there is a whole digital world that MUST be considered. You can't say "media" without referring to online. It simply cannot be done with any intellectual honesty.
Second, as I and others have pointed out, there is plenty of print media in this town that accepts submissions from ANYONE.
Third, I think it's symbolic of his myopia that he thought his little personal myspace posting wouldn't get wider attention. Um, James, that's how digital media works.
I just honestly don't understand why in this day and age anybody would work so hard to get his or her byline in ink on pulp. It's baffling.
Cyn -- anybody who has followed through Nick's blog, if no place else, my personal history with TBC would understand that I'm the LAST person who would get defensive about TBC.
When the Blackboard arrived, Herb Benham of the Bakersfield Californian denounced the writers. We didn't care.
The Blackboard went on for five more years!
The purpose of the RT is to provide an alt -- and to not expect the mainstream media for anything!
-mystery man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rvBgaxUXrc
BUSH: SO GUYS, HAVE YOU FOUND A NEW STRATEGY AIMED TO GET THIS IRAQI WAR BULLSHIT CLEANED UP?
CABINET: WELL PRES. WE'VE BEEN STUDYING THE HOSTILE TECHNIQUES OF BAKERSFIELD WRITER N.L. BELARDES. HIS ABILITY TO SUPPRESS AND WRECK NEW FOUND REGIMES IN THEIR INFANCY HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF UNCANNY.
BUSH: SIGN THE MOTHERFUCKER UP... WE AIN'T GOT NOTHING TO LOSE!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
TE AMO!
HEATH DOBBLER
Heath Dobbler... ha. You're a funny motha-effer. That was great. See George W has been going about this all wrong. Like James Mongold said in his article in the Random Times, it's all about defense not.. ummmm gosh I forget. I read the article while a little bit intoxicated. They pre released them during Matt and Mento Buru's big pre Thanksgiving bash. But I do remember thinking it was a great arcticle.
Ok... but moving on.. I honestly don't understand the hostility with all these indie presses and n.l. Why is he the enemy. And why do they give him so much credit? He alone cannot make or break your paper, right?
Besides, he's promoting them in this article right? And yet.... the feuding??? Am I missing something here?
be sure to pick up a copy of the Random Times from one of 24 Bakersfield locations. Get them while they're hot. There's only 2000 copies, and they're going fast! There are articles on local puppet theatre, political rants, the Bakersfield music scene, the Bakersfield art scene, and more!
What the hell do I know, though. I'm just a Twinkie. Oops... I think I just defended n.l. Does this make me one of his minions? I'm sooooo confused. eek.
Ok and I just googled minion and it's soooooooo not what I thought it meant. Why did I think a minion was a type of FISH? I'm even more confused now. ha.
Hey.. I've never claimed to be very smart. Leave me alone. :)
What the eff is everybody bellyachin 'bout eh?
This is exactly what media should do!
Argument provoking, thought provoking, discourse etc. etc.
You don't have that when you don't have diversity in media.
One camp keeping the other camp honest.
God this is great!
Rock on.
ok, I'm probably gonna join Norma's " I've never claimed to be very smart" club here, but oh well, here goes. Is the Random Times ever going to be online? Or is it just printing about 2000 copies every month or so, and if ya snooze ya lose if you don't get a copy. I subscribe to the Bak.Cal. so I'm not opposed to hard copy, but I might forget now and then, and I'd hate to never be able to see a copy one month.
I'm sounding lazy huh? Well gosh darnamite that's somethin I gotta work on.
I do wish the Random Times folks all the best. There are lots of artistic happenings in this town that never get a squeek of print, so bring it on!
Also, I'd like to wish everyone here a very Merry Christmas! And may the blessings of joy and peace flow through your hearts this holiday season. Have fun with your families!dave
As far as PRINT media, I can remember clearly The Blackboard, an inarguably liberal press, accepting submissions from a Republican in her twenties. I've been asked by The Californian to write articles, they've accepted numerous letters to the editor from me. The Rip accepted a letter from me completely denouncing their front-page news story on medicinal marijuana. I'm not trying to toot my horn o' awesomeness, and obviously all of these methods of PRINT media have and had their personal flaws. However, the reality is that media needs contributors to stay alive. It's just a question of getting off of your ass and writing something. And perhaps I do want to see an emo kid's grocery list.
Sample:
Keys to daddies BMW
My bottle of tears
Rockstar energy drink(cuz he's hardcore)
Rubbing alcohol and scissors so he can cut himself to really "heal".
I smell beef.
What is it with this town and always having to one up someone?
Can't we all just exist, do what we do and do it well no matter what the other guy is doing?
I think I know the answer to that...
Okay, after reading James Mongold's comment, not only am I craving pizza and beer (as I posted in one of my previous comments) I'm also going to ask for some gravel-free lubricant so I can shove the "backhanded promotion" up my ass. See, NL, I've now officially "taken one for the team", and FYI, I only do that as one of your faithful minions. And yes, for the record, I am silly. But that's just part of my charm.
James Mongold said to Howerd Owens:
I thought you took an intelligent approach to examining the release of our paper, the Random Times, so I think it deserves a fair comment.
First off– why print media?
Because, man… I thought it would be fun. I’ve ALWAYS thought it would be fun.
And the reason really is that simple.
I’m not trying to change the world with Random Times. I’m not trying to win a pulitzer.
I wanted to have fun, and let other people have fun with me by sending articles in.
Print media is dying, that is true.
People could make the same arguments for art forms like straight animation and computer animation, or straight photography and digital photography.
Computer animation might look amazing, but it certainly has a different type of character than the old-fashioned style… a certain kind of essence that cannot be digitally replicated. The old styles will never truly die. And that’s just the way it is. Sorry, man… but that’s the truth.
I look at free press print the same way.
The Random Times isn’t trying to be the next New York Times, and I would never want to be known as any sort of media mogul… EVER.
If I were wanting to one day be rich off of any of this, I’d be taking an entirely different approach… probably an approach that heavily involves the internet.
This is supposed to be fun, Howard… I mean, I have a day job. This is basically a kind of new hobby. Not a career.
Why do people work on old cars… when cars THESE DAYS have more efficient engines? Because they have more character– that’s why.
This is about fun.
If we ever have the money to go to the net, and are able to build a site that actually looks nice, then we’ll do it. So long as it’s still FUN.
This whole shit-flinging thing with NL– that’s not fun.
But I knew it was coming, because that’s who Nick is– that’s what he does. He has perfected the art.
If you’ll notice… in his actual words… he didn’t even write anything particularly bad. But see, that’s where his powers of manipulation come in.
I’m the one who created a tiny ball of shit.
And with a little flick of his wrist– bolding a word or two of mine here and there– all he essentially did was pluck my tiny ball of shit, place it at the top of a mountain… and sit back smiling, fully aware that it would soon be a giant pile of shit, and would hit a giant fan.
Mission accomplished. That old Nick Belardes… he sure is controversial! But one day, he will realize that sometimes controversial = asshole.
But as for you, you also made a further comment about me that had a bit of a nasty tone to it, but I’ll do you the favor of responding to it respectfully.
You asked how I could not assume that my myspace bulletin would not be taken elsewhere and made more public on the net.
The answer to that is… I didn’t really expect anyone to take it so seriously.
It’s not like I labored over that paragraph and tried to meticulously capture the essence of the anger I was feeling in my soul or anything.
I was frustrated.
We worked our asses of on our primitive paper, and we sent out press releases to almost everyone… and the only responses we got were from Meathead and Rocky Nash on KRAB (they scheduled an interview), and Matt on Bakotopia. And that’s it. I got frustrated. People will have to forgive me if I actually show something other than a robotic emotion somewhere in something I write. Would I do it over if I had the chance?
Well, probably… considering people have taken it this seriously.
I’m being called all these names by people who don’t even know me, and I’m not lashing out with anger at anyone other than Nick.
But I guess that’s just the kind of stuff I’m going to have to get used to. Gotta grow some thicker skin, and let more stuff roll off of it.
But all in good time.
Thanks man.
James Mongold
RT
Comment by James Mongold — November 27, 2006 @ 11:33 pm
Howerd Owens said to James Mongold:
James, great response.
There is one reason I can never argue with: Because it’s fun. There isn’t a better reason in the world to do anything, and if you can do something because its fun and get away with it (meaning, you don’t lose your job, go to jail, fail to feed the kids, not meet other obligations, etc.), then that’s great. There is no reason not to publish a paper just as a hobby.
As for my comments on Nick’s blog, I did not intend anything personal against you. I honestly did not understand where you were coming from. The idea of doing it for fun, so obvious now, didn’t even cross my mind. I was approaching the topic with a basic philosophical difference from where I ASSUMED you were coming from. My mistake.
I know publishing a paper is a lot of work. I do hope you have fun doing it and are able to sustain it for as long as it is fun.
I wouldn’t worry too much about Nick. He’s going to write what he’s going to write and you need to do what you’re going to do.
Comment by Howard Owens — November 28, 2006 @ 12:01 am
Hopefully, this ends with these kind sentiments.
Snausages.
Aren't all newspapers controversial in the sense that not everyone is going to agree with every article and topic presented? Isn't the Random Times trying to be controversial with their rants and aggressive stance against Bakersfield media? I don't think I'm an asshole for reporting the news. But I think James Mongold needs to understand that newspapers are not old cars. Any journalist working for a newspaper should take offense to such a remark.
Dang. I arrive only to glimpse upon the war torn ruins of this blog.
Oh my, my, mymymymymymymy...
"This whole shit-flinging thing with NL– that’s not fun."
Then why continue to do so?
"But I knew it was coming, because that’s who Nick is– that’s what he does. He has perfected the art."
I never, before this day, considered flinging shit to be art. Not even when my children did so as babies. NL has perfected several arts, shit flinging is not, however, one of them. I personally like the thought provoking and sometimes controversial topics written about in his blogs. Hmmm, shit flinging as an art, eh? I’m not so sure that would get very far in a museum.
“If you’ll notice… in his actual words… he didn’t even write anything particularly bad. But see, that’s where his powers of manipulation come in.”
Manipulation or thought provocation…perhaps the real answer lies in one’s PERCEPTION.
“I’m the one who created a tiny ball of shit.”
Are you sure it isn’t a piece of art?
“And with a little flick of his wrist– bolding a word or two of mine here and there– all he essentially did was pluck my tiny ball of shit, place it at the top of a mountain… and sit back smiling, fully aware that it would soon be a giant pile of shit, and would hit a giant fan.”
I, one who writes and (obviously) uses quotes, emphasize words by bolding them as well. Such is the grandest of many features available in MS Word and other html capable programs. It is a TOOL. Then again, so are some people.
“Mission accomplished. That old Nick Belardes… he sure is controversial! But one day, he will realize that sometimes controversial = asshole."
NL isn’t OLD. And if controversial = asshole, then so be it. At least he is capable of generating enough emotion and thought with people to respond. I admire his brazen ways, his opinionated expressions and his courage. Quiet people never make history, although some noise makers are nothing more than party favors.
I still haven’t had my pizza and beer. I say we “minions” (however many there are of us) should get together sometime and indulge.
I’m out.
A.S. Ashley was talking about leaving town just a few short weeks ago. Intriquing.
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