Welcome to the resurrection of the Black Blogger spotlight feature, 20 Questions with… We’re kicking off this year with a blogger who is one of my personal favorites. He keeps his readers/followers informed with frequent media updates and has been known to scoop major media outlets on hot topics.
An astute businessman, his blog has grown into freelance writing opportunities, national recognition as a source for political commentary, a radio show and the establishment of a new media venture to name a few of his accomplishments.
We’re sure there’s more on the horizon but for now, meet this week’s blogger...
Shawn P. Williams
Blog: Dallas South
1. When did you start blogging? I started Dallas South Blog (now Dallas South) in June of 2006.
2.Why did you become a blogger? I read Men's Health Magazine diligently and it suggested starting a blog if you felt like you had something to say. I went to Blogger that night and did just that.
3.What do you hope to accomplish through your blog? I want to give light to stories missed or undervalued by the mainstream media. I also want to give an alternative opinion to general stories. There's a lack of African-American voices in U.S. newsrooms. We have opinions on politics, foreign policy, and any number of topics, not just so-called "black issues."
4.Which blogging platform do you use? WordPress (Massive Press theme)
5.Mac or PC? PC
6.How many hours per day do you spend on your blog? I spend 2-3 hours daily on blog related activity. That includes writing, reaching out to guest bloggers, working on my newsletter and recruiting advertisers.
7.How frequently do you post to your blog? I shoot for two posts per day, but sometimes I'm only able to get one up.
8.How many hours per day do you spend reading other blogs? I spend about 30 minutes a day catching up with other blogs.
9.What's your best blogging experience? Hands down my best blogging experience was as a credentialed blogger at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. We had better access and work conditions than most of the mainstream media. They spoiled us.
10.What?s your worst blogging experience? My site was down from about 3 days after Christmas. I was sick about it because I was disconnected from the Dallas South family. We’re back now.
11.Why do you think there are not more black bloggers? I think we as African-Americans are still in the mindset of demanding media coverage rather than embracing the fact that we can now create our own media.
12.How would you go about increasing the number of black bloggers? I’d have to think about that one and get back to you on that.
13.What?s your favorite color? Black (with gold as a close second)
14.What?s the last book that you read? The Art of War by Sun Tsu
15.Who?s your favorite author? J. California Cooper (The Wake of the Wind is my favorite Cooper book)
16.What?s your favorite type of music? 90's Hip Hop and anything by Mary J. Blige or Jill Scott.
17.What famous person, living or dead, would you like to have a conversation with? Malcolm X
18.Who are three of your favorite bloggers? Wayne Hicks - Electronic Village;
Pam Spaulding - Pam's House Blend; and Michael Davis - Dallas Progress
19.What one piece of advice would you give to new bloggers? Consistently post new information to your site. There should be new information on your site every day. It doesn't have to be a long dissertations, just something that wasn't there the day before.
20. What don’t we know about you that we should know? I’m a Star Wars geek. I’ve seen all the movies at least 20 times each.
Jeff Bolton talks to Shawn Williams at the DNC
Shawn, we are thrilled to say we met you before you blow up anymore. Thanks for the interview and for keeping us informed.
Peace and Blessings.
Note: You can also connect with Shawn P. Williams on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
© 2009, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net
Vote for this blog for Best Pop Culture Blog and Best Blog About Stuff in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.
Thanks for having me on, it's an honor!!!
Posted by: Shawn Williams | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Well done! I love this blogger spotlight.
Posted by: kbt1913 | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Very nice interview. I visit Dallas South often, awesome blog!
I'm glad you bought back the interviews. I like knowing more about those in the blogging world!
Blessings!
Posted by: Regina | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Shawn: You're quite a busy man. I really enjoyed learning more about you. Keep doing your thing.
Posted by: Vanessa | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 03:23 PM
kbt: Thank you and thanks for your visits.
Posted by: Vanessa | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Regina: Dallas South sets the standard for fabulous blogsmanship. I understand why you're a fan; I'm a fan also.
Posted by: Vanessa | Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 08:52 PM