No rules, hopefully no controversy just a chance to recognize the homeschool blogs that mean something to us
Ragamuffin Studies is Participating in the Homeschool Blog Awards--with Some Trepidation . I haven't decided if I'll participate are not. There are a lot of wonderful homeschool blogs that I would like to recognize, unfortunately I don't think they would appeal to most of the HBA readers. So I'll mention them here.
Ragamuffin Studies - I have found her blog to be educational and thoughtful.
Mother Crone's Homeschool - Angela has been a true inspiration to me. She is a wonderful example of how to exhibit grace & class under less then ideal circumstances.
Principled Discovery has always written extremely thoughtful post. One of my favourites is Banning Huckleberry Finn and I have to agree with her that intelligent people should be able to share their ideas without resorting to foul language. See her post Homeschool Blog Awards open for controversy. I have tried to keep Alasandra free from objectionable content. Unfortunately mentioning death 10 times, shoot twice and Dick once earned me an R rating. Funnily enough many of the bloggers who really push the envelope only got a PG-13.
Cocking a Snook! - I just love the title. You will also find interesting thoughtful post here and some wonderful books to read.
Cocking a Snook Too! is a delightful teen blog.
HE&OS is always good for a laugh. Also contains useful information and links to other blogs.
O'Donnell Web - keeps me abreast of the news homeschool and otherwise.
Bending the Twigs - I enjoy her post and we share the same taste in music.
Why Homeschool - The Cate family have done a terrific job with this blog. They provide thoughtful insightful post as well as run the Carnival of Homeschooling.
I know I probably missed a lot of wonderful homeschool blogs. Some I simply haven't discovered yet, some simply don't speak to me, but they may speak to you. So while I can't offer prizes, I will offer recognition. Here is your chance. If a homeschool blog has inspired you, tugged at your heart strings or helped with your homeschooling adventure, leave a comment. I'll be happy to recognize the blog. At the end of the month, I'll create a poll (it'll be in the sidebar), and everyone can vote for their favorite blog. No rules, hopefully no controversy just a chance to recognize the homeschool blogs that mean something to us.
8 Witty Replies:
Thanks for the kind words! I like homeschool blogs that make me think, even if I totally disagree with the author's POV. Sure, I could read only those by people who share my beliefs but how can one even be sure *where* one stands if one refuses to consider alternatives? There are plenty of times when I finish reading a blog post & I think to myself, "wow, that person is 100% wrong on this issue IMO". But I still think it's worthwhile to read a wide variety of opinions.
I personally think this whole controversy is a bit of a tempest in a teapot. There is obviously a personal grudge between a couple of individuals and now all the usual suspects are taking sides. Very reminiscent of the public junior high I attended back in the day...
You are welcome for the kind words, you certainly deserve them.
Yes, it does feel like Jr. High doesn't it.
I do hope you will consider participating in the Alasandra's Homeschool Blog Awards (AHBA), one of the complaints was that the nominations were vetted at HBA. They won't be here. Any blog nominated will be listed and have an equal chance to be voted for. Although I am afraid they will have to all be lumped together which will give some blogs an advantage. But if I do it again next year I'll try to make it more professional with categories.
Recently someone mentioned that a lot of the "family friendly" talk over at homeschoolblogger relegates her family to something akin to garbage. At issue: Some of those blogs are used to commit daily violence against some of the very people who were scolded (in new rules) as too profane to participate. (Both insulting and ironic.) I'm not sure if I qualify as a usual suspect; but, when I blogged about it, I was speaking to this larger context. I can't speak for others, obviously; but, I suspect that some (that blogged about it) were, as well.
Wow, I'm honored and thank you! I'll be back later to list a few of my favorites, but I wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog. You provide a lot of interesting information over here.
I am going to participate, but I do want to offer some formal suggestions for next year after this is all over. I think the team has enough work for right now and I do not personally believe there was any intent other than encouraging some standard of professionalism. I don't know that is necessarily workable, but I do appreciate the work they've put into this.
Dana,
I don't think the ladies at HBA set out to 'hurt' anyone. And I think they are baffled by the controversy. Since most of the prizes are Christian in nature, I am sure they are puzzled why non-Christians are irked about being excluded.
One of the reasons I avoided rules, was I would have to sit down and think of some, then somebody or another would object and ............. yikes, we would be back to the controversy. I am sure the HBA awards are a lot of work. This is strictly going to be a 'no frills' type deal. And I do respect the work the ladies at HBA put into their awards. I am slightly bothered that they said "people that are considering homeschooling", "supplementing their child's education after school", ect. could be included when they questioned Doc's blog being included last year because they didn't think she was currently homeschooling. Perhaps it's just a case of they went back and rethought that particular requirement (Somehow I missed the controversy about Doc's blog last year or maybe I just forgot). There is also the problem that 'family friendly' and 'G' rated mean different things to different people. I do think they had good intentions .......... and funnily enough the bloggers that complained that they couldn't nominate their favourite blogs because they didn't meet the 'family friendly' or 'G' requirement haven't flocked here to nominate blogs.
Thank you for the kind words about my blog. I look forward to viewing your nominees. I love discovering new blogs.
Good points Lynn. I hope you will nominate some blogs.
It is funny that you mention "family friendly" and "G-rating" meaning different things to different people. I have always considered my blog family friendly, but would never give it a G-rating. Part of that is because the internet in general just isn't a place where children should go without some sort of parental guidance, but also because of the content of some of the things I link to. And putting a warning on a link is like a flag to a child to click on it. : ) I would have considered the family friendly thing a lot more if the arguments I read against it didn't all involve "Heather is a [insert insult]."
My first nomination is one of complete and utter loyalty. PrincipledMom is a sort of mentor to me in homeschooling and she is the one that got me started blogging. (http://principledmom.homeschooljournal.com).
You have a good point about the Internet in general just isn't a place where children should go without some sort of parental guidance.
Like you I try to keep my blog 'family friendly' but sometimes I discuss issues that aren't suitable for young children are link to sites that aren't suitable for them (and I agree about the warning being an encouragement more then a detriment).
I am so glad you nominated PrincipledMom, I haven't visited her blog in awhile but I have enjoyed her post that I have read.
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