08.23.07
Challenges of keeping a community dance website
I keep up with all sorts of dance blogs, regardless of the style. I have never done flamenco (and would certainly love to try it), but enjoy keeping up with DC Flamenco Photo Diary and Blog.
In this post, Miguelito, the force behind DC Flamenco, discusses how he first came to starting his website and blog and how it almost by chance became the heart of the DC flamenco community. He talks about the various technical, logistical, time, and human challenges associated with being the one that everyone relies on for the most up-to-date information (particularly for something that started out as a part-time hobby), and how it can sometimes be a lonely job. I think this is an interesting post for any dance blogger to read because it addresses not only some issues of relevance, but also the technical IT aspects of managing a growing website.
Miguelito said,
August 31, 2007 at 2:14 am
hi maria, i now feel like i have a fellow local arts community blogger who understands first-hand where i’m coming from. thanks for listening!
Maria said,
August 31, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Miguelito, I don’t feel like I’m even in the same league as you. You support the entire DC flamenco dance community and seem to be some of the glue that holds it together. I am a fairly anonymous member of the DC salsa and modern dance communities that happens to blog about my experiences. What I do relate to is that blogging can sometimes be a lonely thing. You are putting in a lot of work and time, and aren’t sure what sort of impact or interest you are piqueing in people. Sometimes the posts that I work the hardest on and find the most interesting get few hits or comments. Other posts that I threw together in about 30 seconds are getting hundreds of hits and lively discussion. Still others that get tons of hits have absolutely no comments. Which leads me to think that I shouldn’t take lack of feedback personally. I personally enjoy reading all your posts and seeing your pictures and hearing about the various characters that make up your scene. Although I have never danced flamenco, as a dancer and music lover I see many common themes. So thank you for doing what you do!!