2OCEANSVIBE VICTORY IS “AN INDICTMENT ON SA BLOGGING”
Some readers drew my attention and urged a response to a lovely little rant over at Heather Ford’s blog, Hblog.org, regarding the SA Blog Awards and 2oceansvibe’s winning of six categories.
Apart from being one of the judges in this year’s awards, Heather bills herself in her About section as “a social entrepreneur who is passionate about public speaking, networking, creativity and the Internet, and is happiest when creating events, teaching, writing and crafting.”
She had a few comments.
If I may:
“I’m still trying to work it out, but perhaps its as obvious as the number of readers of newspapers with headlines about young women having sex with aliens. I think it’s an indictment on SA blogging when 2oceansvibe wins 6 categories, including ‘Best South African’ blog in this year’s SA Blog Awards. I mean, I have nothing against the blog (I realise that there is a pretty large audience for tits, ass, cars, rugby and surfing) but the fact that this is the blog that we hold up to the world as our national pride and joy makes me want to hurl . “
“If the blog awards brand doesn’t have any meaning, any vision, any unique take on the world of blogging, then I guess it will be just another popularity contest – which is fine – but just not what I hoped for SA.”
Nice one, Heather. Fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
All I can say is that I’m sorry you found it all such a let down and, in particular, that you were compelled to “hurl.” That was certainly not my intention when writing the five to ten daily articles for the last few years, which, evidently, lead to this point. I think I was just trying to give the readers who chose to come to the site, what they wanted.
Bizarre as it may seem, upbeat positive writing about “tits, ass, cars, rugby and surfing” (lest we forget fashion, TV, cinema, music, food, politics, travel, technology, business, boats, leisure, art, money, competitions, Mavis and The TBG (see left hand menu options)) do seem to be a desirable commodity. Which is weird, I guess.
Maybe I should be covering more about Zuma; you know, to ADD to the rest of our national “traditional media” headlines. Or perhaps Rupert Murdoch was on the right track when he said, “I believe too many of us editors and reporters are out of touch with our readers. Too often, the question we ask is “Do we have the story? rather than “Does anyone want the story?”
Do YOU have any thoughts on this? Do let us know by leaving a comment below.
(Read more of Heather’s article here (which also has a comments section). Or you can check out the front page of her blog here).
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65 Comments
Rox
06 Apr 2009
Oh please, you totally deserved every one of those awards – and if most of us didn’t think so you wouldn’t have been up there accepting in the first place!
I don’t think judges should have the final say – with all this bitterness and whatnot it would be easy for judges to pick favourites.
Also, the reasons the ‘same blogs’ win often is because these are the blogs that continue to bring fresh content and keep audiences coming back year after year.
Joe Bones
06 Apr 2009
Very kind of you to give Heather a massive bump in her visitors in this way. It almost makes me suspicious of her motives……..
James M
06 Apr 2009
Yea I am with Joe on this one. What better way to drive some traffic than to mention the guy that grabs 6 awards. The exact reasons Heather mentions for wanting to make her hurl, are the exact reasons I read your blog. It is a different take on things, and not the same old journalistic style on the same old boring crap. Keep it up
The Cartoonist
06 Apr 2009
Aw shame Heather. The words ‘jealous’ and ‘sore loser’ spring to mind. Sounds like you need a good shag. Maybe you would find one if you read Seth’s blog more.
6000
06 Apr 2009
You deserved every one of those awards, apart from the one that I deserved.
Cameron
06 Apr 2009
Rather than just say: “fook-it, she ain’t got no clue!”, I thought I would read some of Heather’s stuff at HBlog.org to throw back at her…
Rather than dislike her, I now like her more.
Here is why:
http://hblog.org/2009/03/10/how-and-how-not-to-teach-blogging/
Based on that wonderful piece, I now judge you again, Seth, like the judges and public did for those 6 damn SA Blog Awards.
HBLOG says:
1. Who is learning and who is teaching?
I Say:
“Work is a sideline, live the holiday” – Ok, 1 for you Seth…
HBLOG says:
2. Focus on measurable outcomes
I say:
“CHRISTINA – IT’S BEEN A WHILE” – Measure that for National Cleavage Day and we chalk another one on the wall for you
HBLOG says:
3. Listen to your learners
I say:
“THE BILLIONAIRE’S RENTAL YACHT” – Just when I thought that you might be a little too niche, you slam that one in during Extra Time..
HBLOG says:
4. Ask the right questions
I say:
“WHY IS EVERYBODY PULLING FACES?” – Ask you about politics, the weather, the sunset, the Cappers menu and everything important.
By HBLOG standard, we owe you a few more awards!
Congratulations on winning 6 more gold medals than the entire SA Olympic team!
Dianne
06 Apr 2009
There are any number of news websites that one can read all day, every day. We are all under so much pressure that we need to take a break from all the doom and gloom. That is why your blog is so loved (obviously) by all who read it…..it makes me laugh out loud on a daily basis. Keep it up Seth, you are doing a wonderful job.
fan
06 Apr 2009
are we sure she is not Puke Watson’s lover? I see a trend here…
John
06 Apr 2009
having looked at her blog it would seem that what she believes best represents South African Blogging is relentless promotion of her and her friends commercial interests rather than promotion of the country and the services which make it great. While I’m not naive enough to assume that no profit comes from the services you promote I do find them to be as you say “Part of the community”, due to their excellence and to be honest the last thing I want to read, when I’m trawling the internet whilst repeating “amuse me” in my head, is a post advertising her course on copyrights. It seems to me that there is a trend in the blogging community where the only way to be seen as a serious blog is to blog about, and there’s no other way to say this, blogging. A blog that provides information or amusement to the general web reading population is simply seen as pandering to popular culture.
John
06 Apr 2009
And I didn’t capitalise. Crap.
Schalk
06 Apr 2009
I’ve been reading 2oceansvibe from 2004. To me its the best blog to read for the controversial take on events happening in and around CT. I don’t want to read that Helen Zille fixed a tap in Kyalitsha or that NPA decided to toss JZ’s case, that we get enough of a jizz in the left eye everyday through the media. I mean fuck, without 2oceans I probably wouldn’t make the day past 9 in the morning. I like reading that inconsiderate cyclists get the appreciation they deserve, that Jack Black is now on tap and that Butler’s will deliver all the to Hermanus etc. Seth you’re a God in CT! I think we should petition for a holiday in CT aptly named 2oceansvibe day!
Tony
06 Apr 2009
Christ Heather’s blog is boring.
Rich…!
07 Apr 2009
Aaaaah, the sweet sound of deja vu… good times
thE Ear
07 Apr 2009
2oceansvibe has an awesome vibe going… that’s it! keep it up Seth.
Eric Herr
07 Apr 2009
I woke up this morning and came to work hoping that there would be some 2oceansvibe updates for me to read while i had a fresh cuppa tea. Low and behold i walk a completely unprovoked act of open hostility on a blog that is essentially the spirit of the cape, not to mention the essence of every south african!
having settled my nerves and slowed my racing heart, i decided to venture onto this heather woman’s blog to see what was what in the land of hblog and low and behold, what was i seeing? let me tell you,
it was a dreary page with absolutely no life, some horse rubbish about a woman trying to be an african webqueen or some other such tree hugging junk, scrolling down i saw the offending article, i read it and was not surprised to find that i had written something similar in primary school when my finger painting didnt win anything!
scrolling down further, said tree hugging, squirrel loving lady has a link for photos which was a clearly plagerised from the fail blog… this was about as far as i could go, i had had enough and i had come to a conclusion.
Hblog is very clearly written by somebody who probably didnt go to the prom, was an emo kid at school or very possibly grew up in the old soviet bloc because what i am seeing is very much a resurgence of communism.
i vote for turf war.
Jo’burg Fan
07 Apr 2009
Seth, don’t get too defensive on this. Heather sounds like those sort of folks who lament the lost art of crochet and national party conservatism.
Blogging is 21st century media. Dynamic and out the box. This site, achieves what it sets out to do. Lives the holiday and unashamedly brings everyone back for their small piece of that dream.
nash
07 Apr 2009
There are news sites for generic shit. For topics people are actually concerned/interested in personal blogs like 2oceansvibe are the way to go.
Heather and Luke should get together.
Richard
07 Apr 2009
Yoh. I think Heather has got it exactly right, no question. She needs a right royal rogering and then a little beach time, maybe a strong cup of tea.
Pete
07 Apr 2009
It seems Hblog hits will go through the roof after this…. I read her point of view and got: “I think we need to distinguish between popular voted blogs and then get the judges together to discuss their choice of winners that best reflects where South Africa is right now and where it is heading ”
That sounds boring and political. Each to their own I guess
The point about popularity also irks me. In the world of blogging there is no reason to vote for a blog unless you enjoy it, so the blogs with the votes are the most read and should win, seems simple so why would anyone want to cloud this??
Richard
07 Apr 2009
Seth
What can one say, on one hand the nation is pissed off cos the JZ machine is undermining the democratic machine and then when democracy actually works and we VOTE for the best blog -the loosers cry foul??? duh
The Voters have voted ??? Cant be any clearer than that. Sorry Heather you LOO ZZZZZZZ
Ron
07 Apr 2009
Okay, I’ve just been on Heather’s blog, not bad, not worth spending my time (while I’m supposed to be working) on, boring, complicated (couldn’t find the comment button, or maybe I’m an idiot, 2oceans caters perfectly for me), and pretty pointless I think, what is it about actually? I wanted to leave a comment originally but, after a brief brows, decided it did not warrant any more of my attention or effort. Nasty trip, loads of negativity. Please I don’t want to go through that again.
Anyway, I’m back here and loving it, thanks Seth, don’t change a thing…..
abraxas
07 Apr 2009
I don’t get it.
You win ALL 6 awards, and you sit here whinging about 1 detractor?
This site is great … but its hardly ALL THAT …? The criticism is more towards the blog awards …
Either way, your blog is pretty kewl, well done and keep it up.
Ches
07 Apr 2009
The view from Heather’s high horse must really be something…next stop, the Oscars!
Dude, you deserved every one of those awards. The people have spoken. Great blog!
Living the Holiday
07 Apr 2009
Maybe we should all pop over to Heather’s and (leave a comment) telling her how BORING her site is …. NAH – not worth the bandwidth…
JennyJ
07 Apr 2009
Heather must be smiling – probably more hits this morning than in her entire blogtime. Congratulations – love the vibe
Liz
07 Apr 2009
Heather, IF I could leave a comment on your site, I would. But amazingly enough our company internet policy BLOCKS your site, and doesn’t block 2oceansvibe. I work for a MAJOR international telecoms software vendor, who has an extremely open and progressive attitude, so one wonders…
Anyway, Heather, FYI re tits, ass, surfing, cars and rugby, I am a 40 year old not so hot female, who counts herself amongst Seth’s greatest fans. I don’t ogle the Angels, I couldn’t care what car I drive, I have never attended a rugby match. Can’t remember when last I was in Caprice. BUT Heather, you see, when the writing is brilliant, the humour razor sharp, the insight into what makes people tick, the ability to take the piss out of almost anything, it makes for GREAT entertainment. Just like watching your fave TV show which touches on something that is maybe completely different from your own world.
If you had half a brain, Heather, you’d see that the blog is more about these things and the tits, ass, etc are merely a vehicle for the style, the vibe, the Seth Rotherhamisms. You could probably ask Seth to write an article about Polar Bears and it would still win the best article in the Blog Awards.
Get over it, Heather.
Andrew Rens
07 Apr 2009
Ad hominem attacks on someone who doesn’t share your tastes aren’t anything new, they are after all a regular feature of life in the school playground.
The ignorance based ad hominem attacks on Heather Ford in the comments on this post prove her point.
And that is unfortunate. Its unfortunate because there is no actual dispute between the two bloggers and certainly no cause for the type of animus being displayed.
Seth states his intention for the blog: “I think I was just trying to give the readers who chose to come to the site, what they wanted.”
The point of the post on Hblog is that given Seth’s intention that it reflects poorly on the SA blog reading community (not Seth) that this blog won so many categories. Again its not that this blog won an award (congratulations Seth) but that topics which this blog chooses to cover, in the way in which they are covered are the overwhelming representation of the SA blogspace at this point in time.
Now of course you can reply to this post by ad hominem attacks on me as its writer but what exactly would that prove?
Chris M
07 Apr 2009
Last year I took flack about winning the Tech award because people said it wasn’t about technology – nonsense – Anyone who takes time to look through my blog will see that there’s plenty of technology content.
It’s the same every year, some people bitch and moan, let them do that, it’s more publicity at the end of the day, rocking!
Good one mate – I’d say 80% of the Blogsphere will be behind you on this one
Grant Mc
07 Apr 2009
DUDE!
Check out her slogan under the picture:
”Stories from an African webqueen trying to find her way”
LOL
Johnny
07 Apr 2009
I think Heather needs to go and sit on a road cone!
James
07 Apr 2009
SETH! make another “Rocky” video and callenge her to a punch up! har har har! (but perhaps use pillows, she is after all a lady)
idale
07 Apr 2009
LOL, James, I think that’s a great idea. I’m game for a “Defend Your Title Video”. After all you need to defend those controversial blog tags you won.
Matt
07 Apr 2009
The truth of the matter is that this woman, Heather is the type of person who drags the ‘norm of South African Mentality’ down. I thankfully have had the opportunity to travel and experience a lot of what the world offers. And what Seth’s website offers, is glimpse of what the real world is like. When you encounter a South African overseas, they are normally one of 2 types: the ones who lament over the state of the country and how its going to the dogs, and how we should be fixing it/helping out etc… or you encounter the Proud South African, who will tell you there are problems, large systematic problems, not only in SA, but in the world globally, but SA has beauty, and quality of person, and spectacular quality of life that very few places can offer. Unfortunately most SAFA’s don’t have this same opportunity, therefore cannot experience what the rest of the world has to offer, thus Seth’s website is an escape/opportunity to see what else there is, but more importantly, the better things that Cape Town has to offer. The simple things that you take for granted, a Camps Bay Sunset – there is a reason millions of tourists have spent billions of Rands to see it – its unbelievable!
Seth offers an escape for those of us who dream for, aspire to, and will eventually achieve, what we consider the holiday: Cape Town, with opportunity to spend and enjoy all that it has to offer. He shows you what life is about. You will not remember in your golden years, what the Mayor did, or which charity supported who, but you will remember what you were doing in the summer of 2009, and you will remember the beauty of the African sunset, and the best times you had.
I think that Heather needs to realise that what we as South Africans hold dear to us, is pleasure. And what you get when logging onto 2oceansvibe, is nothing but 100% satisfaction. There is enough sadness and depression in the daily newspapers and news programs for any person. Why would you expect a blog that is morbidly boring and merely informative to win and even achieve any form of status? Whereas you can understand that a blog that entertains, pleases and intrigues will be pushed to stellar heights.
I would like to propose a challenge. Dear Heather: please show us some entertainment of your highest quality on Hblog.org. show us what you have… See if you are deserved of what you have said, if you are capable of entertainment, pleasure and intrigue, and if you should in fact be and judge for SA Blog Awards, whether you should have a superior say in what makes the best type of blog, and whether you truly know what reflects what we South Africans, who use the internet regularly, are thinking about….
Amod Munga
07 Apr 2009
Personally, I see no point behind the SA Blog Awards. Essentially, it’s a popularity contest (like most award ceremonies). That said, if you were popular enough to win awards over 6 categories then more power to you. That’s an achievement that speaks volumes about your site and its clearly loyal and sizable audience.
I think Ms. Ford’s comment about your winning being “an indictment on SA blogging” is unfounded. There were blogs that didn’t choose to enter or be nominated; blogs where the quality of content may be more Ms. Ford’s speed (as it were).
Your awards are simply a reflection of the fact that out of the blogs that were entered, yours was the most popular. If anything, it’s more of an indication of what appeals to the South African market than anything else (as she herself has conceded). And I would imagine that’s a bitter pill for Ms. Ford to swallow.
Well done on your awards.
Lee Davies
07 Apr 2009
Oh, boo hoo diddly hoo! Heather’s a sore loser! Time to put on your “big girl panties” and get on with things, girl. Crikey!
Wouter
07 Apr 2009
check out Euegenics comment on Hblog – bwa ha ha ha
http://hblog.org/2009/04/07/the-real-conversation/#comments
theEd
07 Apr 2009
I think old Heather should go and ask our friend Luke Watson what pills work best for nausea…
I’d go with valoid babe, always a winner!
Mike
07 Apr 2009
Seth, don’t you get heat every year about this? god this old news, people with sour grapes… I think the best thing to do hear is to take a stroll down to beach and take a dip to cool off for all of us… maybe a cocktail and toast to hblog!
8Ball
07 Apr 2009
I disagree.
There is no way Heather is Luke’s lover.
She seems more like a Randall woman (or maybe PDV’s mystery girl?)
food for thought
Anton
07 Apr 2009
I just want to see Seth in his leopard print thong. Forget Zuma, the elections, the soccer WC & the Dali Lama, this is going to be the most news worthy event of the century! Has nobody told Heather?!
bloggee
07 Apr 2009
i think we should refer to it as H Bog, or Hog. or Kak.
Clugey
07 Apr 2009
Heather, you need to get laid.
Tanya
07 Apr 2009
Seth 1
Tanya 1
Heather 0
Richard Muller
07 Apr 2009
I, like many others, no doubt, read Seth’s blog for the humour and all that goes with it. I also read blogs from the ‘serious world’ for different reasons altogether. I hardly think that 2OV is an indictment on the SA blogspace. In fact quite the contrary. So many of the blogs are focussed on the mundane day-to-day issues or about some twat partaking in intellectual masturbation that 2OV is a real breath of fresh air. Viva 2OV!
Machine Dean
07 Apr 2009
Haha I reackon the lady is jealous that she never came up with the Idea , sour grapes what a loser !!!
Cary
07 Apr 2009
I believe that Heather is upset that, what she blogs about and feels appeals to the public (or should appeal to them and reflect the current state of SA blogging) actually doesn’t.
Blogging, if I’m not mistaken is about expressing your personal opinions on WHATEVER grabs your fancy. Should people enjoy it, follow it and decide to vote for it then surely that determines the most popular blog.
I believe that your readers, advertisers and the rest of the judges clearly appreciate your blog and that her nose is out of joint about it.
It IS a competition when it comes to the awards and quite clearly this is the chosen route for South Africans that want to follow blogs.
Heather you need to relook at your reasons for blogging, maybe talk about something you enjoy, rather than trying to be a politically correct “Blogger” and who know’s more people would read your blog sweetie.
Seth, how many lady readers do you have? Over the years and judging by various submissions I would say quiet a few…..apparently tits, cars, rugby and surfing appeals to both ladies and guys (Just trying to work out what the desired impact of Heather’s comment was)
Cary
07 Apr 2009
PS: How does Heather get upset that she didn’t win with a total of 20 posts (including the rant about you) since Jan 1st?
UUUhh, that’s to say 15 weeks to date…..shooh almost …ALMOST 1.5 post per week.
You go Heath
Dean
07 Apr 2009
F*&k it. So tired. People want humour. If you want to write about serious stuff, work for a newspaper. We have enough boring sports reporters and news anchors to want that crap on blogs. Harden the fuck up Heather.
Bruce
07 Apr 2009
I once heard something about award ceremonies from the organiser of South Africa’s largest Advertising award – The Loeries. He said that it’s really difficult pleasing anyone because 9 out of 10 people entering don’t win.
So, don’t enter if you can’t handle the fact that you are most probably going to be a looser.
Unfortunate. But true.
Rashid
07 Apr 2009
“tits, ass, cars, rugby and surfing…”
YEAH!
Jane
07 Apr 2009
Ooh! A lynch mob! The comments above – especially the ones that suggest Heather Ford needs to get laid/a good rogering/to sit on a traffic cone perfectly sum up the mindset of the South African male knuckle-dragging misogynist. Why don’t you form a gang and go and throw Heather with a brick? Or perhaps a good rogering will put her back in her place?
What a pity that stupidity doesn’t hurt.
katypea
07 Apr 2009
@Jane: yeah it is a pity – she’d be on Myprodol for freakin MONTHS.
Ellie
07 Apr 2009
hahaha I had to go onto her blog after reading her section…she comes across as the epitome of the kind of girl who would’ve gotten beaten up after school…not because she’s a nerd, different or unattractive but simply because she sounds like a completely self righteous, holier than thou, knob…sorry Heather, but your blog is incredibly boring…there’s no other way to put it…reading it was like being back at school…
Iain
07 Apr 2009
This is like watching a gang of crazy rugby/soccer fans beating up a lady who disagrees with the ref’s decision.
Seth’s more than entitled to respond to her comments but name calling and insulting her does absolutely nothing but prove her point.
My name is
07 Apr 2009
Huh? What’s happening? What time is it? I clicked on the link to Heather’s Blog, started to read it, and proceeded to fall asleep. Well at least its closer to going home now.
Thanks heather for the dose of tranquilising literature.
Ps: Take a Valoid, it will stop the “hurling” sensation :-p
Lieb
07 Apr 2009
Sup Seth
2oceansvibe and baglett rocks – you guys make me smile and it almost makes the rest of my day bearable… as for the Heather chicky, I’ve not read her blog and won’t either – no tits /ass /rugby / surfing…..it just won’t do Heather it just won’t do!
Viwe
07 Apr 2009
I am always entrigued by people who start conversations,I have no issues with this that and the other, it is like those who about to tell a racist or anticemetic joke and there happens to be a person in the room or part of the conversation of that colour or creed and they start the conversation with nofens bru. That is rubbish becaUse you are offending, well she is on the same page she starts of babbling on how she is happy for you, well if she really is what the hell is she on about. JEALOUS FREAK. Sorry I got angry there. Well done my friedn you deserve all the Accolades. ALL THE LOVE
griff
07 Apr 2009
It will happen every year. With any kind of voting. So why don’t everyone just call everyone a poes and get over with it. A week from now all this is forgotten.
Brian
07 Apr 2009
She only puked cause Seth gagged her, learn to hold it in love… learn to take it like a ho ho ho
Philipp
08 Apr 2009
It’s not the totally outrageous crap you write that makes me angry, but the fact that you haven’t even read Heather’s blog post. She did not want to win an award – she didn’t even enter the contest.
If you need to keep telling each other how cool you really are, keep doing it in the shower after rugby practice. That would also be the place, where you can learn to hold it in.
“Viva Las Vegas”
08 Apr 2009
“I appreciate that we need diversion; I appreciate that Seth has worked really hard on his blog; it’s not my thing but that’s just me”
Very true, thank you Heather for being so honest back there – it is just you who feel this way – the rest of us are “ok” with 2oceans – I guess you walk to work if you dont have a car?
Chris
08 Apr 2009
Guys,
wake up! She is just a girl who made a comment that was somewhat misplaced. No need to spit all that hate on her. That´s certainly not the way to “live the holiday” …
Seth Rotherham
08 Apr 2009
Hey guys and girls. I’ve just had a read through all the comments and request that you keep it above board. There is nothing wrong with healthy or even strong debate, but let’s keep in mind heather is a lady and 2oceansvibe has nothing but love for all women.
Thanks, that’s all for now. Just arrived at gym so I can run and look good – for YOU!
Xxx
Skinny laMinx
09 Apr 2009
I think Heather’s points are exceptionally valid and are deserving of our support. If the competition were to be run along the lines she suggests, I think you would probably be a lot prouder of your achievement. I won my category (best design blog), which is fab, and I’m thrilled, but I think that sterner criteria for judgement would have made me feel like it was a real achievement. Congratulations on your awards. What do you plan to do with your six boxes of hacky sacks?
Hans
09 Apr 2009
Heh I hate losing – who doesn’t?
Really glad I backed a winner well done Seth!
Dig your blog bru.
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