Welsh Bloggers

100 Welsh Twitters

2009-09-04T06:34:00.008+01:00

Are you a Twitterer?

If yes, then you might find the following useful.

This is a quick list of Welsh Bloggers (and interesting people who happen to be Twittering from Wales or about Wales) who are Twittering as you read this.

Total Politics Blog Awards 2009

2009-08-19T22:19:00.001+01:00

Here are the first ten of the Top 60 Welsh Blogs.

1 (1) Guerilla Welsh Fare PC
2 (6) Miserable Old Fart NA
3 (18) Blog Menai PC
4 (10) Adam Price MP PC
5 (15) Welsh Ramblings PC
6 Syniadau PC
7 (12) Vaughan Roderick ME
8 (7) Cambria Politico NA
9 (11) Cynical Dragon PC
10 Plaid Wrecsam PC

Welsh Bloggers despite not being around that long and frankly not a regular blog came in at a suprising 19th. Thank you to everyone that voted.

For the full list click HERE.

Congratulations to everyone on there.

My Welsh Blogosphere - Alun Williams

2009-08-03T09:31:00.001+01:00

I began doing a blog as a extension to my councillor’s newsletter which I deliver door to door in my ward every few months. At first, like the newsletter, it was very much pavement politics aimed purely at people living in the Bronglais area (about a quarter of Aberystwyth). But it became clear, firstly, that internet usage isn’t yet at the level where that level of parochialism can work and, secondly, that some articles were attracting interest from much further afield. So I began to focus it more towards where I could see an untapped interest in Aberystwyth area news and comment.

I try to concentrate on stuff that hasn’t been covered much elsewhere and most enjoy it when I manage to break some fresh news or when the blog becomes a focus for local debate, as it did when the plans to demolish a large section of Aberystwyth Town Centre were launched.

There are a few bloggers in the area now and we all know each other and reference each other’s blogs at times. There’s Dogfael, Caredig i Natur and Hill’s Chronicle, to take three very different examples. The great thing about the ‘blogosphere’ is that it’s so varied.

There’s no question that I’d be more forthright, and maybe more interesting, if I wasn’t a councillor and afraid of ending up in the real press for saying something inappropriately wild (again). But then there are very few issues that are absolutely straightforward and there’s something to be said for genuinely trying to inform people and put all the sides with just a little steer towards what I might think is the right viewpoint. And even that can have an effect on sensitive local politicians used to having only one media outlet to cope with. One recent blog got printed off and circulated around the local Council Cabinet as a dreadful warning of the mischief opposition councillors like me can make when Cabinet members don’t toe the party line.

Although blogging is very much a minority, anorak thing at the moment I do see it gradually rising in importance as people switch on to its possibilities as a supplement/alternative to the established media with its trite, uninspiring view of the world. The development of group blogs – mini newspapers in effect – is especially interesting in this respect. I know many bloggers see their blogs as a space to comment about the news rather than make it but I like both approaches, especially in Wales where we’re desperately short of the pluralistic media we all deserve.

The Welsh media as a whole is tiny enough but the local press is even worse with many local papers having a total monopoly of news and the way it’s portrayed in their area, often with a sensationalist, anti-politics agenda that feeds peoples’ cynicism. Against this context it’s relatively easy for bloggers to become a significant source of local news and I can see that side of the scene taking off particularly.

Although I actually love newspapers in many ways and really don’t want to see their demise, there’s no denying that the format can barely cope with the pace of modern life. I know some people say that blogs are vanity publishing and have no effect but I suspect the effect is under the surface and increasing. We all know of examples where a blog has broken a really big story but I think they’re also increasing the level of understanding and debate in a more subliminal way. It’s so intrinsically healthy to see so many people with different views and styles springing up to make a contribution they couldn’t have easily made before.

I don’t really know about the blogging scene anywhere else but the Welsh blogosphere is starting to feel like the kind of intelligent, spirited world some of us suspect is waiting to emerge from under the surface of this semi-formed nation of ours.

(Written by Alun Williams author of the www.bronglais.blogspot.com)

This is post twenty seven of a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Vote For Welsh Bloggers

2009-07-18T00:08:00.001+01:00

Email your ten favourite blogs (ranked from 1-10) to toptenblogs@totalpolitics.com

It's that time of year again, when Total Politics asks you to vote for your Top 10 favourite blogs. The votes will be compiled and included in the forthcoming book, the Total Politics Guide to Blogging 2009-10, which will be published in September. This year the poll is being promoted/sponsored by LabourList and LibDemVoice as well as this blog.

The rules are simple.

1. You must vote for your ten favourite blogs and ranks them from 1 (your favourite) to 10 (your tenth favourite).
2. Your votes must be ranked from 1 to 10. Any votes which do not have rankings will not be counted.
3. You MUST include ten blogs. If you include fewer than ten your vote will not count.
2. Email your vote to toptenblogs@totalpolitics.com
3. Only vote once.
4. Only blogs based in the UK, run by UK residents are eligible or based on UK politics are eligible.
5. Anonymous votes left in the comments will not count. You must give a name
6. All votes must be received by midnight on 31 July 2009. Any votes received after that date will not count.

If you have your own blog, please do encourage your readers to take part. Last year, more than 80 blogs did so. We hope this year it will be far more than that. BUT, DO NOT list ten blogs you think your readers should vote for. Any duplicate voting of this nature will be disallowed. If you do not wish for your blog to be voted for please email katy.scholes@totalpolitics.com. Here's the code to add to your blog sidebar or blogpost to feature the grahic above with an automatic clickthru to the instruction page...

There are many ways of measuring a blog's popularity. Wikio and Technorati have complicated logarithms which measure the importance of incoming links and traffic. Google Analytics does it by measuring how many people visit. But the TP poll gives blog readers the opportunity to vote for the ones they like and visit most often. It's not scientific. It's impossible to achieve 100% balance and no one pretends it's perfect.

The results of the poll will be published in the forthcoming book the TOTAL POLITICS GUIDE TO POLITICAL BLOGGING IN THE UK which will be published in mid September in association with APCO Worldwide.

So, go to it. Email your Top Ten Favourite Blogs to

toptenblogs@totalpolitics.com

Welsh Bloggers In The Pub '09

2009-07-16T14:19:00.004+01:00

Photo via Dom @ WelshIcons
Just a quick post to say thank you to all the bloggers and non-bloggers that turned up to Welsh Bloggers In The Pub last night. A good time was had and I think the idea of the night, basically adding a social edge to the blogosphere and putting names to faces worked.

I'd like to thank the Vulcan Hotel, members of the Save The Vulcan campaign and everyone who has supported this project. I'll happily organise another one knowing how successful and interesting this one was.

Bloggers in attendence were myself, Marcus Warner, Uncle Wilco, Clive Betts, Chris Jones, Denis Campbell, David Taylor, Arfur Daly, Dom Stocqueler, Duncan Higgitt, Michael Corbett and the Save The Vulcan team including Rachel Thomas.

One Day To Go!

2009-07-14T08:50:00.000+01:00

With the recent news of the Vulcan being saved for three years, the inaugral Welsh Bloggers in the Pub event is free to go ahead as tomorrow as planned.

My idea was setting up a social meet up along the lines of the 'Skeptics In The Pub'. A 'Welsh Bloggers In The Pub' would meet up a couple of times a year and would serve to improve relations, promote better communication and give bloggers a chance to socialise in the real world. It would also give some of us the chance to get out of the house and have a couple of pints.

So come one, come all and have a couple of drinks and a chat.

For more info join the Facebook group, or keep up-to-date via Twitter.

Welsh Blogosphere Lacks Audacity of Hope and Change - Denis Campbell

2009-07-10T10:38:00.003+01:00

It’s easy to take the sure open shot on a basketball court or football pitch. Bloggers of all stripes do the ‘outrage’ thing very well. We can call an opponent out, take the Mick out of public gaffes, exploit weaknesses (indeed, there are enough of them) and generally be cynical or negative.

What’s missing and takes more work is trying to build something of value out of the “ashes” of a country more interested in celebrity, being/feeling important and yet not lifting a finger to either bring real change to its institutions. When Sir Humphrey talks about an MP being “courageous” or doing the heavy lifting for our future, we laugh. The prevailing thinking is; “Ashes opening ceremony seat on telly, check. Next on list, secure prime Ryder Cup opening tickets for September 2010.”

For 6-years I’ve been a journalist, pundit, business owner and tax-paying guest in Wales (I suppose now being of colour, I’m also a prime target for the BNP, my boat thankfully was the Calais ferry from NL and it did not sink, but I digress). I worry about the hole we find ourselves in yet… continue to dig. The Welsh Assembly Government thinks they alone can provide economic development leadership without acknowledging that an active public/private partnership is required to close deals to attract businesses (that means moving at the speed of business not taking 2 weeks to respond to an e-mail), bring real growth or reverse the truly stunning level of voter apathy at all levels.

Depending on whose figures you believe, between 65 and 72% of every pound of economic activity in Wales comes from government employment and/or the dole. Real unemployment, factoring in not just those recently laid off but those working part-time who want full-time work, the underemployed, long-term discouraged and those who have given up completely is closer to 20% than the fanciful figures everyone wants us to believe.

Yet we have a National Assembly seemingly unable to get through the day without mentioning the words ‘Broadband internet access’ as the seeming magic bullet stymieing Welsh economic development. That works much better in home districts than doing any real developmental heavy lifting to attract inbound investment capital. Sorry, I’ve been to the “million visitor” Folk-Life Festival in Washington DC seven times in the 1990s. Whilst crowd numbers are wildly over-estimated (I think they included lunch time joggers along the Mall), I could not tell you what the featured countries were in any of those years. They were on one of three stages between the Pennsylvania waffle cakes and sausage stands.

No one cared.

As a Maryland resident I sought nothing but a day out with my family. So is it that small a wonder we’re cynical when a junket for 88-people to a meaningless festival in the name of economic development is how precious development funds are spent?

And as the political parties gear up for the general election, most will adopt a “business as usual” summer off. Print the flyers, stuff them in post boxes and ignore social media… it’s just a fad we can sneer down our noses at and look cool. Now that the EU election is over and all is quiet, there is little digging, innovation or real insight because it does require getting out amongst the electorate.

When I compare this level of inactivity to the activity 10-months out in the 2008 US presidential campaign, I am disheartened. Having trekked across frozen tundra of Iowa, New Hampshire and the warmer climes of South Carolina watching candidates Clinton, Edwards and Obama, it was interesting to see how truly hard they worked to secure every vote, organise in every community and meet nearly every voter in these desolate early states. They spent months holding town hall listening tour meetings, giving stump speeches and dialoguing with individual voters in true retail political form. I’m waiting for a sweat to broken anywhere in the UK.

What the Welsh blogosphere needs to do is shame the current crop of politicians out onto the streets and have them answer constituent tough questions and demand they answer without SPIN, rejection of every difficult question’s premise, doublespeak non-answers and just plain avoidance. Sincere face-to-face retail politics is needed across the UK, the first party that gets this will score big gains. We paid for that gleaming glass building on the Bay. Now it’s time to demand accountability.

For 10-months I’ve written the 2010 general election would be a change election. Now… I’m not so sure. What’s missing is the raw, furious fire in the belly “fierce urgency of now” that drove Obama’s campaign. That is where Welsh, UK, US and global bloggers need to come in. We need to ask tough questions the MSM (main stream media) seem unwilling to ask, drive news cycles forward and demand accountability from elected officials.

The MSM are fighting for survival and access, so they allow bullying and non-answer answers. Bloggers need to parse through words and build their audience by not letting anyone say anything patently untrue in the spirit of ‘equal time’ vs. truth.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs calls his job “feeding the dinosaurs.” The press briefing room contains 56 chairs ‘owned’ by the likes of The New York Times ($1B in debt), LA Times and Boston Globe (near death) and recently deceased Seattle P-I and Rocky Mountain News (who had their seats reassigned). The furore over Huffington Post blogger Nico Pitney standing in the back of the room and asking President Obama a question, thus violating the press room question order protocol, is one of many signals of changes still to come.

The blogging world order is changing and we must do more than just spout off when we feel like it. We become relevant when we hold each other to a high standard. Every blogger misstep gives those in the MSM more ammunition with which to say, “see, I told you so.” I prefer they run scared and rely on us for source material. When I write for Nico, I know my material has to be top quality. If Welsh bloggers bring that kind of journalistic commitment, it won’t be long before they too are called upon, not merely as squeaky wheels, but the true citizen journalists they are.

So take a few days off then make sure you ‘push the pedal to the metal’ for the rest of this race to the General Election. It’s our duty to make this every bit a change election as November, 2008 was in the USA. Demand the best from our politicians and each other and it will be an interesting season. Do anything less or allow ‘business as usual’ and we get the government we deserve vs. the one we need in these difficult times.

(Written by Denis Campbell, Editor-in-Chief, UK Progressive)

This is post twenty six of a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Duncan Higgitt

2009-07-08T09:22:00.003+01:00

WalesHome.org began life as an email from my brother Adam. He suggested that my skills as a former journalist and editor and his as a blogger might combine to create a site that was different. The idea was simple; a web presence that offered analysis on a day-to-day basis where day-to-day reporting cannot, but which eschewed the instant soapbox reaction sometimes seen in the blogosphere.

It took me around three seconds to become excited by the idea, and in no time at all we began planning. I had tried blogging in various ways since leaving journalism in 2007, but it left me feeling fenced in, unable to take off in 90-degree directions. I think the same reasoning explains why I’ve never joined a political organisation. That’s not to say that blogs (or parties) aren’t a good thing, it’s just there is also space for something else.

There was a lot of planning, a lot of ideas tested and thrown on the scrapheap. We arrived at WalesHome.org as a name fairly early on – or, rather, Adam did. He liked the way conservativehome was put together, and felt we could apply some of its presentation to what we were doing. I, on the other hand, found myself with a huge list of what I didn’t want WelshHome.org to be. I didn’t want it to be a newspaper, or look anything like a newspaper. I believe too many of them have taken their content and dumped it online without giving thought as to the difference in how news is found by consumers when searching the internet or browsing a newsagent’s racks. I felt – still feel – that we are able to move beyond the era of ‘Gotcha’, that a headline is no longer the deciding factor in what people choose to read.

I also made it clear that I wanted no dragons, and no red, white or green associated with the site. I believe very strongly that Wales has arrived, that it has taken its rightful place as a country of equal worth in the family of British nations, and beyond. Welsh accents are used frequently in advertising (and there is an exact science behind it). Speak with any 20-something from across the border and they immediately become animated when they learn you are from Cardiff. They’ve either been, are going soon, or are very much planning to go. For Wales, read Cardiff, but it sure beats the Hell out of jokes about rain and sheep shagging.

Then we began meeting with people we wanted to become involved in what we were doing. I think, upon reflection, that we were not as crystal clear in our intentions then as we are now. Many people, particularly journalists, were confused by the idea. One person who got it straight away, and who has proved to be as important to WalesHome.org as Adam and I is Daran Hill, head of Positif Politics. We saw his contribution on Welshbloggers.com and realised that since he didn’t want to keep a blog but did want to write that he was a perfect addition to the team. Daran’s connections in Welsh politics are formidable, and he’s also a damned fine writer who, as we had hoped, is prepared to take an independent approach.

Independence governs our approach. What we are really interested in is ideas. Because of its nature, many of them are likely to come from politics. We don’t care what party you belong to, and we don’t care if you are a PPC, or anyone who might be shied away from because they have a sub-agenda. I have been in journalism long enough – and both Adam and Daran in politics long enough – to act as effective gatekeepers. We allow writers from all backgrounds because we believe our readership is smart enough to discern between argument and selling.

But WalesHome.org isn’t just about politics. We are very keen to develop the business column through contributions. This has taken its time, not least because the people we want are busy. Although I run my own business, I remain unconvinced that people will tune in to hear of my limited experiences. Here, as with our colours, I am determined that traditional issues of confidence are not a feature. Much of the media still reports big business deals here as if they can’t quite believe it’s happened, that it is proof that this ‘tiny nation’ can stand up with the big boys. Yes, well we know that. It’s happened, so let’s get on with exploring new ideas.

I believe both Society and Home Truths stamp our intention as something different. The latter is designed to be provocative, to take a received wisdom and argue against it. Society, I hope, will take a more subtle route. We are determined that it will tackle subjects that (and please forgive the analogy) have been reduced to black and white arguments, shouted rather than discussed. For example, it does not necessarily follow that because you disagree with Sharia law that you are racist - or, to use the most meaningless word of our age, Islamaphobic - just as you are not strictly homophobic because you disagree with gay adoption. Conversely – and this demonstrates the kind of polarised territory we are trying to explore – if figures show that this country is not overrun with immigrants, we shall say so (and, in fact, already have). Human relations are far more complex than the simplified arguments we are regularly presented with, and we would like to say how.

At the weekends, we shall carry either essays or profiles, or both. Again, we are ready to countenance all comers, within reason. Here, I want to develop the site so that we move into features, too. I’ve never been interested in celebrities – other do it far better than I would, anyway. I’m far more concerned with getting under the skin of Welsh life, with simply telling the stories of people that could be your neighbour, friend or relative. We have a features list that is currently being worked on, so expect to see something here soon.

So much for phase one of WalesHome.org. Phase two, which remains very much on the drawing board, will involve the monetising of the site. We remain unconvinced by either subscription or the ‘long tail’ models, and the temptation is to sit it out while the big players resolve it for us, as the economics of the age compels them far more to search for a solution. We find ourselves in the position of being able to stay small and agile, growing only when we think it is safe and advantageous to do so.

So why monetise? Simple – to pay for and thereby attract new writers, who we aim to pay properly for their efforts. This is far likely to mean investigative journalists than star writers. Better pay equals better writing is a simple economic truth that appears to escape every industry that requires scribes – and I include the SEO agency that recently offered me a fiver for 500 words. The NUJ rate is 22p a word: that will be our minimum. But that is for the future. At present we are relying on the kindness of individuals, but it is our intention that those who take the first hard step with us at this stage will, in time, be remunerated.

We’re not interested in taking money out of the site for ourselves. WalesHome.org is more guided by passion and what we believe in rather than any commercial reasoning. We hope Wales will welcome this website, as we hope that everyone will have a say in what it does.

(Written by Duncan Higgitt, former editor and journalist with the Western Mail. He is the editor of the new Welsh news site WalesHome.org)

This is post twenty five of a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

No Place Like Home - David Raybould

2009-07-06T06:42:00.001+01:00

Just a quick post to publicise a new blog/news site that has been launched in Wales. The creators of waleshome.org have done a cracking job with their project, the quality of the articles and the clean and professional site design instantly mark this out as contender.

The assembled writers are also quite impressive, Duncan Higgitt is a former news editor for the Western Mail, Adam Higgitt is the author of the excellent welshpoliticalhistory.com, Daran Hill is the brains behind Positif Politics and there are other equally impressive contributors as well.

I've already linked to the site in my regular 'Posts Of Note' feature at the Cynical Dragon and I'm sure I'll be doing it again. The current top story, an interview with Plaid Cymru's PPC Islwyn Steffan Lewis is very interesting and something I hope they'll continue doing.

(Crossposted at the Cynical Dragon)

My Welsh Blogosphere - The Mabiblogion

2009-07-01T14:37:00.003+01:00

When Michael Jackson died last week, TMZ, the celebrity gossip site, was first to break the news. It took nearly an hour for anyone in the mainstream UK media to jump on the bandwagon. Sky News, in desperation, simply reported that TMZ was reporting that Michael Jackson had died. The BBC followed suit. The way in which this story broke, (nicely analysed by Charlie Brooker in his column this week), showed just how important legitimacy is in the online news environment. There is a clear hierarchy of trust in online news. TMZ may well have broken the story first, but nobody really believed them.

The common response to a large breaking news story is to visit a trusted and reliable source i.e. the BBC, Sky, or a reliable newspaper website. You don’t bother with the others, because, by and large, you know they are not to be trusted. This is the reason people don’t visit blogs for news.

This is a useful point because it neatly illustrates the difference between what a blog does and what news websites do.

Bloggers rarely break news. They seldom investigate political scandals or uncover scoops for themselves. When they do get a scoop the story has often been gifted to them. Bloggers have neither the time nor the resources to carry out in-depth investigatory work. The vast majority are not paid to blog and have no journalism training.

It is a bit strange, therefore, that some folk, when assessing the Welsh blogosphere, are disappointed it isn’t doing these things. This is the role of the Welsh media.

Bloggers express their opinions on the issues of the day, and this is what political blogs are best at. Even the much-trumpeted Guido mostly does comment. He takes a news story, adds a link, and posts his take on it. Blogs are rarely objective, rarely non-partisan and are usually the expression of an individual’s personal political beliefs.

There are also, of course, politicians’ blogs. The worst type of politicians blog is filled with press-release guff. The best are the ones that are off-message and give a genuine opinion. Likewise, blogs by professional journalists are best when they are off-message, taking a risk or being irreverent.

Aside from the politicians and hacks, the broad range of discussions online about Welsh politics is impressive. The variety of voices and political perspectives is something we should celebrate and be very proud of. When I started the Mabiblogion back in January I was astonished at how welcoming an environment the Welsh blogosphere was. This is something we should applaud.

The Welsh blogosphere is in great health. We’re a gobby, argumentative lot with plenty to say about Wales and its future. This is exactly how it should be.

Now, if only Welsh journalists would do their jobs, we might actually get somewhere.

(Written by Rob Williams, who has worked at The Independent Online since summer 2008, before which he mucked about on local newspapers in North Wales. He is also author of The Mabiblogion blog)

This is post twenty fourof a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - A Change Of Personnel

2009-06-29T09:13:00.002+01:00

Thanks to David for the opportunity to express my thoughts on the wider blogsphere and congratulations to those involved in the campaign to Save the Vulcan pub.

It would come as no surprise to you that with a blog entitled ‘A Change of Personnel’ I have my doubts about the differences between our parties and politicians, especially the ones in Cardiff Bay, you only have to look at the One Wales Agreement and the All Wales Accord to see what i’m talking about.

So if I think that way why do I blog at all, apart from interest in politics, the main reason is to curb my frustration with Welsh Politics and to try and make sense of what I see and read, sometimes it works and I write sensible rational posts and sometimes it doesn’t and I just rant on things that really annoy me.

I also enjoy reading other bloggers thoughts from across the political spectrum and various views and debates that go on different blogs, ones you wouldn’t always get to hear if bloggers weren’t around.

In the interest of balance it would be good to see more Labour member’s blogs and also some official and non official Conservative blogs although I see little chance of it which is a shame especially in the current climate where votes and voters are up for grabs like never before.

In the aftermath of the recent European Elections politicians have a golden opportunity to reconnect with voters by generating new ideas on all sides of the political spectrum, so what has been welsh politics response to date, for me reading the speeches, blogs and newspaper articles by the people who could soon be in charge not a lot really, its seems to me that the more things change the more they stay the same.

Moving on to the importance of blogs, some people think Welsh blogs are irrelevant, others think they are nuisance, but in an era where party membership is declining, public meetings are almost non-existent and people lead busy lives it becomes more important to encourage interest in Welsh Politics wherever we can and online is one place that the politicians, political parties, lobbyist, media and ordinary people can engage with the issues and stories of the day. Blogs like the online newspapers and journals reach beyond Wales, where people are interested in Wales and Welsh politics that enables them to engage in current debates in way not possible just a few years ago.

Finally I believe that blogs will continue to be an important part of 21st century welsh politics, to rage, rant and scrutinise ineffective government and inept politicians, to offer ideas and highlight alternatives, to debate issues and often disagree and especially given the challenges facing the main stream media and the lack of alternatives, something which should be worry us all.
So here’s to a long and healthy life for Welsh Blogs and bloggers long may they write.

(Written by V, author of the A Change Of Personnel blog)

This is post twenty three of a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Welsh Bloggers In The Pub 2009 (UPDATE)

2009-06-22T08:06:00.002+01:00

Just a quick reminder that due to the Vulcan Hotel being saved from demolition the Welsh Bloggers In The Pub event is going ahead.

The date will be Wednesday the 15th of July.

I hope as many Welsh bloggers as possible accept my warm invitation to come along, socialise, have a couple of drinks and generally get to know each other better.

There is a Facebook group, Facebook event page, Twitter, email and blog for all your WBITP09 needs. Please get in touch.

Saved The Vulcan - Chris Latham

2009-06-16T06:06:00.001+01:00

I would like to thank Dave for asking me to post again about the Vulcan and for his continued support and help publicising the cause throughout the blogosphere.

Thanks to the members of the Save the Vulcan campaign, the South Wales Echo, Cardiff Council, Brains Brewery, Derek Rapport, the St David's Partnership and the John Lewis Partnership, and the many, many people who signed the petition and have written letters etc, a new three year lease for the Vulcan has been confirmed. At the time of writing a contract has yet to be signed but it has been received Liz the landlady who has said she will be signing on the dotted line. While this is no guarantee of the Vulcan’s long term future, it means there is now a three year breathing space in which to prepare for any new challenges that lie ahead and (importantly) means that the first ever meeting of Welsh Bloggers can now take place at the Vulcan on July 15th as planned!

On a purely selfish level I’m not sure where this leaves me as a blogger. For the moment there are still bits and pieces to be done but I now find myself reluctant to leave a community that I previously had no idea even existed. In the past, my blogs have all served a particular purpose, providing a space to write about various university projects I have been involved in. They never received many hits and were never meant to; they were left to die peacefully once the project was over without a second thought. It may well be time to start something a little more permanent so if anyone can think of a catchy name (this is the part I am worst at - I think the Sceptical Leek might be cheating!) then give me a shout.

Save the Vulcan/Chris Latham

'Welsh Bloggers need to step up to the plate' - After you Matt!

2009-06-12T06:57:00.000+01:00

'Welsh Bloggers need to step up to the plate' – After you Matt!

Quite ironic that Matt Withers in the latest Welsh Bloggers contribution lambasts Welsh bloggers for not scrutinising WAG policy or holding the Government to account or exposing the flaws in the LCO process, because neither does he or his colleagues, if you read Matt’s blog he finds National Assembly Business tedious as we have seen in his many reports on First Minister’s Questions (FMQ’s) and in his weekly gossip filled Spin Doctor newspaper column, no wonder he wants a Welsh Guido Fawkes blog.

Unlike the majority of bloggers Matt is paid to cover welsh politics for the Wales on Sunday and like the Western Mail neither reports on the Assembly Committee’s when they take evidence or cover questions to Assembly Ministers, other than Rhodri Morgan or Opposition debates in the Chamber, all part of the democratic process and as much a part of what the National Assembly does as FMQ’s, something that both BBC Wales AM.PM and ITV Wales Sharp End programmes do cover so it’s not an impossible task.

It’s easy to take pot shots at the Welsh media as he says and I'm guilty of it, but why should Welsh bloggers make up for the holes in political reporting that journalists and researchers are paid to do and often don't. They are as guilty of quoting from AM’s blogs and Twitters for easy stories like bloggers with the comment instead of reporting the political news that only those in Cardiff Bay have access to and are often not published for fear of reprisals such as the Welsh Labour’s financial troubles.

Its seems the cosy world between Welsh politicians and the Welsh media needs to be challenged and opened up to some wider scrutiny itself,so that welsh bloggers could get their hands on some of the political stories and start making names for themselves like Iain Dale and Guido Fawkes as Matt seems to want.

(This post first appeared on A Change Of Personnel blog on 10/6/09)

If you wish to respond to a post on Welsh Bloggers please get in touch and I'd be happy to publish it here. Please send any contributions to welshbloggers@gmail.com)

My Welsh Blogosphere - Chris Jones

2009-06-11T06:26:00.000+01:00

The Cambria Politico blog is a manifestation of Cambria magazine’s online activity. Cambria is a glossy bimonthly print magazine with an international subscriber base. For the past decade or so we have concentrated on publishing high quality articles about Welsh life, history, culture and all the good things about Wales and the Welsh people that we admire.

Our strategy for Cambria is to expand our readership and widen our audience. These days this can only be done by doing things online. Print is still the preferred choice of medium for our main readership and we will still, of course, be catering mainly for this. However, we have always had a great deal of content that we cannot put into the magazine for lack of space, because it is time sensitive, because it is unsupported by advertising or is unsuitable for other reasons. This is the material that we are starting to make available online using the website or a blogging channel and we are still learning how to do this in a way that complements and has synergy with the print magazine.

Cambria has always had significant political content in sections such as Pierhead and in articles contributed by the journalist Clive Betts, Siôn T.Jobbins, Henry Jones-Davies and other well known figures – so we are not new to the political scene. However, politics is a rapidly moving news stream so we decided to try our hand at getting involved in the so-called ‘blogosphere’ with Cambria Politico. This has proven to be much more successful than we had anticipated. Cambria Politico is starting to drive traffic and subscription revenue and is attracting much more attention and reaction (some good, some bad, and some downright viciously ugly!) than we have ever received in terms of polite ‘letters to the editor’ or other feedback.
We are also finding that we are reaching a wider, savvier and possibly younger and ‘net aware’ audience than would have been possible with the print magazine.

Although computer literate, we are not ‘techies’ in the sense that people think of web designers and the such, so we have used the excellent freely available software tools available on the web. We started on Blogger (don’t we all) but quickly migrated to self-hosted Word Press which provides the functionality and scalability that we need to run the site properly. We will most probably stick with this.

Cambria Politico is now a monstrous baby that constantly needs feeding and changing (with the occasional projectile vomits). It is also growing and evolving technically as new social media tools (RSS, Twitter, Facebook) become available for integration. For non-techies like us, Word Press makes it all do-able without having to get tangled up in code, so you can see we are big fans. Another really clever add-on that we have adopted is to be Apture enabled. This adds content to our posts in the form of Wikipedia articles, video, images that we could never provide ourselves and which gives more background substance to the posts.

With a year or so of experience and mucking about as it were, we are quite pleased with how it has gone for us. It has also been interesting and instructive to follow those intrepid pioneers of the Welsh blogosphere (whose posts appear above). We make no secret of our political leanings (Plaid) nor do we pretend to be impartial or unbiased. This is a blog after all that has many disparate strands, contributors and voices – some calm and considered, some with suppressed rage at all that is going on with politics in Wales. Above all we are Welsh and proud of it.

(Written by Chris Jones, Cambria magazine online editor)

This is post twenty two of a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Matt Withers

2009-06-10T06:18:00.001+01:00

ENTERTAINING. Informative. Breaking stories and providing a much-needed forum for healthy grassroots debate on Welsh politics. That was the Welsh political blogosphere two years ago. What happened?

Like the economy, Newcastle United and Deal or No Deal, the Welsh blogosphere appears to have declined immensely in the space of two years, but there appears to be no obvious reason for it, unlike the first three (for the record: massive under-regulation of the banking sector, Mike Ashley, Noel Edmonds’ increasing mental breakdown). The Government of Wales Act, and with it the obviously stuttering LCO system, means there’s plenty for people to be blogging about. Surely there’s plenty of Labour and Plaid activists with issues around the nature of the One Wales agreement to get off their chests?

And what’s more, Wales’ lack of a pluralistic media should surely provide fertile ground for a healthy political blogosphere. 85% of those who buy a newspaper in Wales buy one written and published in London. What coverage of Welsh politics do you get there? The last incidence I can find is four pars in the News of the World last June after Alun Cairns’ little slip on Radio Cymru. Otherwise they routinely confuse ‘Britain’ with ‘England’, show no knowledge that health and education announcements have no relevance this side of the border and treat Assembly elections with all the gravitas of a parish council. ITV in Wales has all but given up. And while both Media Wales and the BBC do excellent jobs in a challenging environment - and yes, you would expect me to say that - there’s a gap at the heart of Welsh political discourse, and it’s one the blogosphere isn’t stepping up to the plate to fill.

In the run-up to the 2007 Assembly Election, the Welsh blogosphere looked on the verge of truly breaking through to the political mainstream, to the same extent it has in the US and (to a lesser extent) Westminster. Blamerbell Briefs was, and sadly remains, the best blog Wales has seen and the closest to an all-encompassing talking shop we’ve seen. Crude as it may have been, Arsembly proved the biggest talking point in Cardiff Bay for the best part of six months as everybody speculated as to who was behind it (for the record: not me, and I don’t know either). Ordovicius was at its peak (its writer, Simon Dyda, alas, posts less these days).

But where are we now? There are still some very good blogs by politicians. Peter Black AM remains the Blogfather. The sometimes gloriously off-message Conservative Glyn Davies is still a joy to read, particularly if, say, you write a diary column for a tabloid Sunday newspaper. They’re the best because they’re politicians speaking with their authentic voice. So too are Bethan Jenkins AM, often unfairly maligned, and David Jones MP. Paul Flynn MP can be infuriating but, by golly, the man can write. Of the politicians of the future, Plaid candidate Heledd Fychan’s blog is lively. But what few other politician’s blog which remain are dull, dull, dull.

But it remains that the best-written blogs are those by professional journalists. The BBC’s Betsan Powys and Vaughan Roderick are must-reads. My colleague Tomos Livingstone writes an excellent blog from Westminster. But where are the ‘citizen journalists’ who we are told are going to put these people out of jobs?

Where is Wales’ Iain Dale? Whether you like his politics are not, you can’t help but admire how he has built himself into a one-man political brand with a free Blogger account. Oh, for a Welsh Guido Fawkes to print the gossip Spin Doctor can’t. There isn’t an equivalent of a ConservativeHome for any of the Welsh parties. Labour tried it with Aneurin Glyndwr. We can safely assume it’s an experiment they won’t try again. Most promising of the newer blogs is Politics Cymru, which is run by three Cardiff University students and makes good use of audio. Watch them ‘do a Blamerbell’ when they get proper jobs…

Most people reading this won’t like it. But the fact is, the Welsh blogosphere has gone backwards. There’s a big opportunity out there, and it’s not being embraced. What is there is too much bitching at each other in internecine feuds of no interest to anyone except the protagonists. Or bloggers who moan about the mainstream media and then spend all the time just pasting links to MSM stories with a couple of pars of ‘comment’.

Wales’ relatively small media is leaving wriggle room for politicians to escape scrutiny, and deprives us of another talking shop in order to have a healthy political discourse. The blogosphere is failing in its duty.

I await the hate mail.

(Written by Matt Withers, Political Correspondent for Media Wales, Wales on Sunday columnist and blogger at A Change Of Trouble blog).

This is post twenty one of a series of articles giving a chance to Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Victoria Winckler

2009-06-05T06:27:00.003+01:00

The drawback of being the 20th contribution to this discussion is that so much has already been said. So here is something short and sweet on my views of the Welsh blogosphere.

Six Things I like

1. The growing number of Welsh Blogs.

2. The potential of Blogs to be a space for debate, especially with such poor media coverage of current affairs.

3. The potential of Blogs to give people a voice who don't otherwise have one.

4. The potential of Blogs to scrutinise and challenge governments and politicians - in the absence of effective assembly or media scrutiny.

5. A lot of decision makers read and take note of Blogs. More people would blog if they knew this!

6. It is so easy to set up even I can do it.

Six things I don't like

1. The relative lack of women bloggers.

2. Nasty smear posts.

3. The lies that can be told by anonymous / pseudonym bloggers with no means of challenging them.

4. Stupid anonymous comments.

5. The tendency by some bloggers to see everything in terms of party politics.

6. It all takes time which I haven't got.

(Written by Victoria Winckler, Welsh blogger and contributor to the Bevan Foundation Blog. The Bevan Foundation is an independent think tank which promotes social justice in Wales. Individuals can join for just £25 a year and gets lots of good stuff to read and things to do. Visit their website bevanfoundation.org. Their blog aims for quality rather than quantity so to be sure you keep up to date subscribe to their RSS feed. )

This is the twentieth of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - MECCAnopsis Cambrica

2009-06-04T07:31:00.003+01:00

I am always late. It’s a character defect. I have lost the battle against tardiness and am contemplating moving to warmer climes where the pace of life is slower and I might get confused for someone punctual. And so, like many things before it I come late to the blogosphere and when I am asked to write about it by Cynical Dragon I take over a month to get around to it.

When I discovered this alternative reality by accidentally moving my mouse over a link on Plaid Cymru’s website two months ago my interest was piqued. Clearly a medium of communication that seems to be gaining in popularity, I could see the benefits of joining a community of individuals who may hold differing opinions on any number of given subjects but who at least care enough to air their views and share their ideas. Yes in the past I have felt strongly enough about things to write the odd letter to the editor of one paper or another but there is often a lag of a few days and no guarantee that it will find its way into print. Blogging is instantaneous; you get your words out there as soon as your thoughts on a given topic are formed. You may not know who your readership is, much less your circulation, but unlike the random appearance on a ‘letters page’, if you weren’t coherent enough the first time around, at least on here your right of reply is open-ended and you can clarify yourself to your heart’s content.

My motivation for blogging comes from a perception that a ‘Muslim viewpoint’ rarely finds its way into mainstream discourse (even when we are the very topic of discussion and debate) unless of course that viewpoint is coming from one extreme or the other. Sure, Islam is a ‘broad mosque’ but it’s disingenuous to portray it through the distorted lens of only the fringe groups or, on occasion, those whose claim to be following Islam is beyond tenuous. Frothing-at-the-mouth fanatics make great bogeymen and I am sure in a neo-con’s wet dream the world would be a better place if all Muslims enjoyed pork scratchings with our pints, shortened our names to something more pronounceable and just assimilated quietly – and the media manages to trot out those kind of ‘Muslims’ too for a bit of ‘balance’ now and then. I’m not saying such people on the extremes don’t exist (those are not actors in our newspapers and on our TVs dressing up as Muslims and burning flags and calling for death to this, that or the other) but my beef is regarding how representative are they of an entire faith community, stretching the globe and encompassing so many races and cultures. When you only see or hear from the extremes do you correctly guess that the ‘norm’ is something in between or do you try to work out which extreme is the most representative one?

As human beings we all have multiple identities and being a Muslim is not absolutely everything about me, I’m Welsh and Muslim and a lot of other things too. It will probably appear to some that I am over-emphasising the Muslim aspect of me through the issues I tackle on the blog but only because I feel there is something of a void here, and especially in Wales. I may not be the most prolific blogger, I only just about manage a posting a week, but I’ll try to be consistent and I won’t post for the sake of it. I’ve found that I actually spend more time on here reading what others have to say and I am enjoying that rather more than seeing my own words up in front of me. I find being exposed to the range of people on the Welsh blogosphere from across the political spectrum very enriching. I am against the idea of only mixing with those who agree with you, whether in the real world or the often anonymous domain of the Internet. It’s a safe option if you don’t want to have to deal with your views being challenged or tested. I hope to challenge and test and be challenged and tested in equal measure. I also hope I may change some people’s views about Muslims on the way.

(Written by MC, Welsh blogger, owner and author of the of the MECCAnopsis Cambrica blog)

This is the Nineteenth of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Dom Stocqueler

2009-06-03T06:18:00.001+01:00

The header on my blog states "This is the blog of the editor of the Welsh Icons website - http://www.welshicons.org.uk/ describing how bloody hard it is to run one of the largest websites in Wales with no cash!".

This is not entirely true and if it was the blog would no longer be fit for purpose.I'm not sure if anyone reads my blog, but with the Welsh Icons site receiving over 3.5 million hits a month it does not really matter anymore. The blog was never intended as a promotional tool (I now use Face book and Twitter for that sort of stuff) for the site, just a place where I could blow hot and cold, and get things off my chest.

Being Editor of one of Wales' biggest sites brings certain responsibilities - one of them being having to be politically agnostic. I have never made any secret of being slightly right of centre but with libertarian leanings (we all say that, don't we?) and the blog allows me to comment on things which I feel are important but self-censorship does not allow me to list on the web site.

It was obvious early on that no one was interested in me whinging about having only £2 to live on until I got my next Job Seekers Allowance payment in 11 days and having 8 events to cover, and hence the blog has evolved in to a sort of digital scrapbook.I use it to:

Share jokes and cartoons I'm sent and think may amuse others - why clog up every one's inboxes?

Share some of my photographic work on Flickr - again, why send out hundreds of emails when they may be of no interest to anyone.

Rant about things that annoy me - I tend to work 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a weeks with Radio 4 on in the background most of the time. This gives me plenty of material especially the Today programme, The World at One and PM.

Thanks for reading this,

Yours in the digital domain,

Dom Stocqueler

(Written by Dom Stocqueler, Editor of the Welsh Icons website and Welsh blogger)

This is the eighteenth of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Fy Mlogosphere Cymraeg - Heledd Fychan

2009-06-02T07:26:00.002+01:00

Mae yna ddau reswm pam dwi’n cadw blog. Y cyntaf: dwi’n mwynhau ‘sgwennu a chael ymateb i’r hyn dwi’n ei ddweud. A’r ail? Wel, fel ymgeisydd seneddol mewn sedd na fysa neb fel arfer yn rhoi llawer o sylw i Blaid Cymru, mae’n ffordd rad a hawdd o godi fy mhroffil ymysg y rhai hynny sydd yn ymddiddori mewn gwleidyddiaeth, gan gynnwys etholwyr, cyd-flogwyr, cyd-ymgeiswyr a newyddiadurwyr.

Yn hynny o beth, mae’n sicr wedi bod yn werth chweil. Mae’r mwyafrif o sylw dwi wedi ei dderbyn fel ymgeisydd wedi deillio oherwydd fy mlog, ac mae’n ddifyr gweld drwy Google Analytics fod yna ystod eang o bobl yn ei ddarllen yn rheolaidd. Mae yna hefyd fanteision annisgwyl wedi deillio o gychwyn blog. Dwi wedi gwneud nifer o ffrindiau da ymysg y gymuned blogio a heblaw am ambell eithriad, mae nhw wedi bod yn hynod o groesawgar a chefnogol. Ydi, mae nhw'n barod i bryfocio, trafod, anghytuno a styrio ond dyna hwyl y peth! Mi fysa'n ddiflas iawn tasa pawb yn cytuno hefo pob un gair!

Dwi’n trio bod yn hollol onest yn fy mlog. Ella mod i’n rhannu gormod weithiau, ond eto, taswn i mond yn blogio am bethau gwleidyddol fysa darllenwyr fy mlog ddim yn dod i fy nabod i fel person. Wrth gwrs, mae yna bethau dwi'n cadw i fi fy hun ond dwi byth yn celu'r hyn dwi'n ei feddwl, a gobeithio felly bydd darpar etholwyr yn teimlo bod nhw'n medru ymddiried ynddai. Mae'n handi hefyd medru ymateb pan mae rhywun yn ymosod arna'i a chael cyfle i ddeud fy neud, heb boeni bod rhywun arall yn mynd i'w olygu.

Dwi'n ategu'r hyn ddywedodd Bethan Jenkins ynglŷn â'r angen i gael mwy o ferched yn rhan o'r blogosffer Cymreig. Da ni yn lleiafrif amlwg iawn, ac mae hynny yn biti garw yn fy marn i. Mi fysa'n braf cael cydbwysedd ac efallai wedyn y byddai'r ambell idiot rhywiaethol sydd yn hoff o adael sylwadau ffiaidd yn rhoi'r gorau iddi. Diolch byth bod rhywun o leiaf yn medru atal rhywun rhag gadael sylw dienw - mae pethau'n sicr wedi gwella ers imi ddechrau gwneud hynny.

O ran y blogiau yng Nghymru, dwi'n meddwl bod nhw'n llenwi'r bwlch sydd yn bodoli yn y wasg Gymreig. Mae'n syndod faint o straeon y gwelwch chi'n ymddangos yn y Western Mail neu ar y BBC sydd wedi dechrau ar flog. Mae gwleidyddion yn sicr yn ofnus iawn ohonyn nhw bellach, yn arbennig ar ôl yr hyn ddigwyddodd gyda Rhodri Glyn a'r sigâr. Un llithriad cyhoeddus a gall yr holl fyd fod yn ymwybodol ohono fwy neu lai yn syth diolch i flogiau! Dwi hefyd yn cael o'n gyffrous bod yna nifer o newyddiadurwyr yng Nghymru yn flogwyr eu hunain ac yn cael cyfle i fod yn fwy deifiol weithiau na fysa nhw mewn print neu ar yr awyr. Dyna pam dwi'n ofalus iawn i beidio mynd rhy bell ar fy mlog - yn wahanol i Lembit Opik dwi ddim o'r farn bod unrhyw fath o gyhoeddusrwydd, boed hynny'n gadarnhaol neu'n negyddol, yn beth da!

Mae yna rai yn darogan y bydd blogiau yn marw allan. Dwi ddim yn credu hynny. Mewn gwlad fach fel Cymru, dwi'n meddwl mai cynyddu mewn pwysigrwydd wnawn nhw wrth i fwy a mwy o bobl ddechrau edrych ar y we am wybodaeth a newyddion. Yn wir, mae yna rywbeth democrataidd iawn am flog gan fod o'n rhoi llais i bawb sydd eisiau lleisio eu barn. Felly da chi, parhewch i flogio'r rhai hynny ohona chi sydd wrthi a'r gweddill ohona chi sydd yn ddarllenwyr, wel pam ddim dechrau blog? Mae'n sicr yn brofiad, ac yn rhywbeth dwi wedi mwynhau ei wneud gymaint mwy na o'n i'n disgwyl. Er bod yna ambell i ddyn ofn fy nghofyn i allan ar ddet erbyn hyn rhag mi sgwennu amdanyn nhw ar fy mlog!

(Written by Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru's candidate in Montgomeryshire for the next General Election, Welsh blogger, creator and author of the Pendroni blog)

This is the seventeenth of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at http://www.blogger.com/welshbloggers@gmail.com

Save The Vulcan! - Mike Cridland

2009-06-01T21:05:00.001+01:00

I must confess I have neither followed this particular cause nor supported it as I should. The Vulcan one of Cardiff’s oldest working pubs. It is scheduled to be demolished June 25th according to a report in the South Wales Echo . There has been a very active campaign by a group of devoted followers who have enlisted the support of numerous celebrities, including Leonard Nimoy and Scott Quintero who play “Spock” from Star Trek (Which I was dubious of because its almost impossible to get past their agents)

I believe that a historical building that was built during Cardiff's time as the coal capital of the world should be saved. It should be saved for the same reasons that Cardiff Castle or Llandaff cathedral should be saved. We owe it to our children to see all eras of Cardiff's history from the time of the Roman occupation right up to the 21st Century. This is a part of what I would be called "the People's History".

My own suggestion would be if all else fails. Then direct action should be taken. In other words on demolition day the Vulcan should be occupied by those who wish to see it saved. I only wish I could be there. This would give Mr Rapport terrible publicity. And could stop the demolition! Just get the media there!

Save the Vulcan!

Crossposted from Morgan Hen - Save the Vulcan!

Closing Time For The Vulcan - Chris Latham

2009-06-01T08:24:00.004+01:00

Closing time for the Vulcan

From the WalesOnline website and the front page of today's Echo:

THE historic Vulcan pub has been ordered to shut its doors by June 25. Campaigners had hoped site owner Derek Rapport would extend the brewery’s lease on the 19th-century pub and keep it open.But Brian Smart, who runs the Adamsdown alehouse with his wife Elizabeth, warned it would soon be last orders at the bar.Yesterday the 71-year-old said: “Unless something happens then the last beers will be served.
“We have been expecting it for a year or more, that was the date from the start, but we thought there might be, say, another six months or another couple of months on top, but that never happened. I phoned up the brewery today and they said the 25th.”After that the building’s future is in the hands of Mr Rapport.

Full story here.

Needless to say this is very depressing news. I can't pretend to be a regular at the Vulcan, I don't even drink there that often (although I always have a great time when I do). It is just sad to think that another piece of Cardiff's rich history is being sacrificed for more parking spaces/shops/chain restaurants or what ever the developers wisely decide to build in its place.

Stay tuned for more news on June 13th's day of action.

UPDATE:

If the Vulcan is forced to close its doors then Welsh Bloggers In The Pub will obviously have to move venues. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Dave Raybould.

My Welsh Blogosphere - Bethan Jenkins AM

2009-05-27T20:06:00.003+01:00

I've never been one to keep a diary. I tried and failed to sustain one as a teenager by means of tempering my classic teenage angst, but I discovered that living my life was far more enjoyable an experience without mulling over fleeting situations and scenarios about teachers who annoyed the hell out of me in school, or about stupid crushes, or the best gigs I'd been to. I also had this vision (I had a creative mind, so bear with me) of somebody discovering my diary a la Anne Franks in years to come (obviously in the full knowledge that I would not be vaguely as interesting) and that thought alone made me stop writing down my train of thoughts there and then.

When I heard about blogging therefore, I was initially put off by the fact that it was described as an online diary. Opening my heart to the World was even less attractive than an emotional Bethan reading my own diary back to myself all those years ago! However, a quick fire session on the glories of blogging from my brother Ciaran-aka Blamerbell Briefs made me realise that it could be utilised in a way to benefit me as a Plaid Cymru Assembly candidate. It could potentially raise my profile during the campaign, and allow me to engage with people along the way. Of course, I had a profile of some sort for the campaigns I'd been involved with as President of Aberystwyth Guild of Students, but I wanted to try and reach out to other people, and put forward opinions on other topical issues of the day.

Did it work? I think so. Where newspapers failed to pick up on stories or opinions of politicians, I pursued it on the blog. It made me feel that I was in control of a given situation that I might not otherwise have been. For example, if I thought that I had been misquoted or misrepresented by other bloggers or news outlets (e.g. putting forward the reasons why I was against the Rainbow coalition during those famous post election negotiations in 2007) then I turned to the blog like comfort eating. It was useful also in keeping a campaign diary, in letting people on the blogs know what the issues were on the doorstep.

It’s fair to say that I am a blogger anorak, and even though I sometimes consider giving it all up, I cannot imagine that I will..for now, at least! It’s difficult to describe how I blog. I guess I try and be laid back and honest about my opinions. Someone once said to me that politicians who blog will never climb the greasy poll to influential positions (most probably as we say too much too often in the public domain) but shock horror, that is not my motivation. Whether it is true or not does not concern me. I try and tell people about what I have been doing as an AM, what my thoughts are on certain issues, and sometimes delve in to topics outside of politics if only to keep myself sane. The uber blogger Iain Dale describes my blog as 'readable, personal and gossipy'. I wouldn't say that it's gossipy per se, but I try and be as upfront as possible. I may not 'break' as many stories as other Welsh bloggers, but again, that's not really my intention. I just want to share my thoughts, and if someone out there is interested and wants to initiate a debate then that in itself is a bonus. You would expect me to say that I don't appreciate vicious or sexist anon comments- both of which I have experienced, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger as they say. Hence my moderation of comments on the blog.

What I should mention however is the recent phenomenon of twitter and its use by more and more politicians. Saying it like it is in 140 letters is the lazy blogger's idea of paradise, or the busy politician's answer to communicating in fast and efficient way. What is interesting however is the way journalists are now picking up on stories from twitter. My car crash, my views on taxation, my dispute against a tweet that the BNP are left wing, my love of the Manics, saving the Vulcan pub have all made news stories in different ways. Whether this means that journos are also lazy and looking for a quick story is for you to decide, but the blogging v twittering question is a novel one - although I don't think that it will replace blogging in the long term.

Now, on to the shape of the Welsh blogosphere in general. It is fair to say there is an eclectic mix of Welsh blogs out there. If John Snow were to do a graph analysis of the Welsh blogosphere then it would crudely look quite varied - peaking in 2007, taking a dip in 2008, and rising again in 2009. Bloggers come and go, but that keeps us on our feet, ready for the next challenge. There is surely some sort of blogging bubble, where those who blog look out for fellow bloggers even if they are from different political persuasions. It is dysfunctional on occasions, back stabbing, critical, sometimes complementary, but it has a unique capability to unite us.

Blogs are shaping the political agenda more and more in Wales as print media and broadcast media lags behind. The mainstream media covers many stories that have been discussed on the blogs for weeks, giving us an air of vanity in the process! There is still a long way to go in the development of the Welsh blogosphere, of the way it could be used far more effectively in analysing the One Wales government programme, and in embracing discussions on International affairs. It would be great to see more organisations follow the example of the Bevan Foundation and the IWA and start a blog, and I would like to take this opportunity to challenge Richard Wyn Jones from the Wales Governance Centre to start one- to spark debate and discussions online as an add on to breakfast seminars and conferences.

At the moment, Plaid bloggers are by far the most prominent, although I have to say my daily reads include the affable Glyn Davies and the ever present Peter Black, just to check what the opposition are saying. I also enjoy Politics Cymru-a good example of an innovative non party blog that has really plugged a gap in the way it engages politicians, and tries to sell politics in a new way online. I do read Valleys Mam also, but I am still aggravated at the lack of female bloggers despite the welcome arrival of Heledd Fychan. Anonymous bloggers do not worry me so long as they have valid and reasonable political points to make, and do not go out of their way to smear individuals or resort to personal attacks. To sum up my blogging habits however, I tend to scan most, and read the posts that genuinely take my eye.

I sincerely believe that blogging will continue to be a key tool for politicians in campaigning and in communicating with the electorate. Some politicians will continue to ignore it, much to their peril, although some of them secretly scour the blogs for personal references. …

So to all you bloggers out there- keep up the scrutiny, keep up the discussions, and happy blogging!

(Written by Bethan Jenkins, Assembly Member, Welsh blogger, creator and author of her own self titled blog)

This is the sixteenth of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere – Gwilym Euros Roberts

2009-05-26T06:00:00.000+01:00

I started blogging in March 2008 in the run-up to the Local Government Elections that were being held on May 1st. The aim of my blog then was to inform electors in the Ward of the issues that were in my view important within Blaenau Ffestiniog as well as to give them a little insight into my life and my views on anything and everything from football to food or music to mishaps that had happened as part of the campaign.

I was fortunate and honoured to be elected and since the election I have used the blog over the last year to inform electors in the Ward of what is happening in Gwynedd Council, to attack certain politicians at various levels for their crass and senseless behavior and to air my views on a whole host of topics ranging from my favourite tunes to the recent expenses scandal to engulf Westminster.

I know for a fact that my blog is read widely both locally by electors, by fellow Council Members across the parties, Officers and the press and media so I view it as being an important communication tool for the 21st Century.

Sometimes I have used the blog to counter things that have appeared in the press or on the radio, other times I have used it to start a debate or to give the insiders view on a story relating to the Council.

I also enjoy reading blogs from across the political spectrum as well as one’s that have no clear allegiance. My daily reads include, Miserable Old Fart, Cynical Dragon (groveler!), Valleys Mam, A View from Rural Wales, Blogmenai, Dylan Jones Evans, Iain Dale, Vaughan Roderick and Ordovicious…even if some of these take a swipe at me from time to time, I don’t take it personally!

One thing I do feel strongly about is anonymous comments, after a few months of running my blog, I implemented a policy of not publishing any anonymous comments, be they good or bad as I feel that it is only right and proper that if I put my name to what ever I write and stand by that viewpoint that everyone else contributing should do the same.

To close, I think that the Welsh Bloggers in The Pub is a great idea and I hope that I can be there on July 15th….is it true that the first round is on you Mr. Raybould?...If so? I’ll have a pint of Dark please.

(Gwilym Euros Roberts is 39 years old and is a member of Gwynedd Council on behalf of Llais Gwynedd, the group that was formed to oppose the ruling Plaid Cymru group’s plans to close a number of schools across the County at last May’s Local Government Elections. Llais went on to win 13 out of the 26 seats they contested and took some major scalps including Plaid President, Dafydd Iwan and the then Council Leader, Richard Parry-Hughes. Gwilym represents the Diffwys and Maenofferen Ward in Blaenau Ffestiniog and is a father to two children aged 13 and 12. Outside of politics he lists his interests as sport, travelling, music, current affairs and The Internet. His heroes are Gwynfor Evans, Nelson Mandela, John Charles, Bob Marley and Scooby-Doo. He also blogs here.)

This is the fifteenth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogospere - Huw Thomas

2009-05-25T06:00:00.000+01:00

There is little doubt that the Welsh blogosphere punches above its weight - just ask Iain Dale. The uber-blogger praised Welsh political blogs as providing consistently good value when he spoke at the Blogging For Change event at Plaid's spring conference.

My own blogging follows a British Rail timetable in terms of its frequency and predictability; I am predominately a blog user rather than a devoted blog writer. On the panel at that event with Iain Dale, I described myself as a reaper of Welsh political blogs. I will stalk through feed after feed of blog posts for any tidbits which might make a story, any hint of scandal or gossip which can stand up to journalistic scrutiny and earn a place in a news bulletin.

Granted, the moments when Welsh blogs have provided a great story have been rare. But one mention of Rhodri Glyn Thomas and you'll understand the pay-offs that come from sweeping through the blogs for a scoop.

'That's just lazy journalism,' it's been put to me when I've described the Rhodri Glyn story as an example of Welsh mainstream media's successful blog-dredging. I counter that with the assertion that it's no more lazy than checking with the emergency services for newsworthy incidents, searching for a gem amongst a detritus of PR emails, or following up a tip-off from a listener.

I don't take a story on a blog as being accurate or credible unless it stands up to journalistic scrutiny. Despite the crowing from some sectors of the blogging community, the blogs are not replacing mainstream journalism as a reliable or preferable news source. But they do provide comment, discussion and a forum for new ideas which would not necessarily merit a place in a traditional media outlet, though they are fascinating reads nonetheless.

We are privileged to have a consistent turnover of high-quality blogs in Wales, and some truly appalling ones which help keep Welsh bloggers' feet on the ground.

My own blogging is set to decline over the summer as I move to London to take up a new full-time job there, but checking in with the Welsh blogs every so often will hopefully go some way towards quenching the hiraeth.

(Written by Huw Thomas, broadcast journalist, and author of the Chanticleer blog)

This is the fourteenth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Michael Cridland

2009-05-23T06:23:00.001+01:00

Living in the US for that last 20 years has taught me a lot of what Americans think about Wales and its culture. It has taught me that they (Americans) are not even aware of its existence. That will change with the arrival of the Wales Smithsonian Cymru exhibit in Washington DC’s National Mall. This will showcase Wales to the US. Yes! Great stuff! But will it inform the whole US about Wales. Nope, not really! This is large country, and most do not pay attention to what goes on at DC. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for it. But will it stimulate Americans to travel to Wales, or even invest?

No, I don’t think so.

I would suggest a traveling exhibit visiting mail US Cities like New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver and LA. This would showcase Wales to a larger and ignorant US public. Wales sometimes to me seems like Kansas, place that most tourists do not go.

That has to change.

Wales has a first class culture with a first class history. With festivals that are now World famous, Like Hay and Llangollen. We have to educate Americans about their own history and part that Welsh people have played in it like Francis Lewis the only Welsh speaking signer of the declaration of independence.

Wales also suffers from a lack of a homegrown media. When lil' ol' Dodge City has its own locally owned daily newspaper even in this era of a declining print media, why cannot Wales?

I was introduced to the Welsh Blogosphere via Peter Black. Then progressed to Simon Dyda (formerly known as Sanddef Rhyferys), Glyn Davies, lovable old Miserable Old fart (Alwyn Ap Huw), and that lady of the Valleys Dear old Mam.I was never too much of a fan of "Blamerbell" I'm afraid. I think that Cynical Dragon is leaps and bounds ahead of him. mainly because Dave is just a regular guy and not a candidate journalist. When I started "Morgan Hen" what I really wanted to do but constrained by time keeping up a rambling Victorian edifice going. Was a blog more dedicated to Welsh culture and seeing how it fit in the World, as well as seeing it from the point of view of an expat.

I think the Welsh blogosphere showcases Wales to the world, and I think that we should be aware of that. I think we should spend more time blogging about local news that happens in our neighbourhood. I don’t think that the Blogosphere replaces the established media outlet. What it does is acts as a supplement to it.

(Written by Michael Cridland, Welsh blogger, ex-pat, Dodge City resident who blogs at the Morgan Hen blog)

This is the thirteenth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Arfur Daley

2009-05-22T06:25:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Dave for letting me write my little piece for this website. It does feel a bit odd not writing for my own blog, but I'll give it a go.

The Brew Wales blog is about two and a half years old and has completely changed from what was originally intended to be. But then again that is the beauty of the blogosphere – the blog can adapt and change in a fluidic manner to changes in the author's life. Brew Wales was originally going to be about the day to day running of a brewery, however a back injury put paid to that and so I adapted it to news and reviews about pubs, beers and ciders. Looking back at when I set it up, I did not even give a great deal of consideration to the name and just played about with some words until I found something that worked and someone else had not used. However the name has now come to be recognised as a place to read about real ales, ciders and festivals for Wales. I should really have got into blogging earlier as on one occasion, having lent some photographs I had taken to another blogger, I was mistaken for that author and received threats. It's not much fun being mistaken for Fido the Dog from the Lone Voice!

As a former South & Mid-Wales Regional Director of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, I do have an in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of brewing and pubs in Wales. I also used to run a Cardiff City-centre pub some time ago at which I was a pioneer for the liberalisation of the licensing laws. Brew Wales has come in for some criticism in that it is too CAMRA friendly and I make no secret about the fact that I am a life member of that organisation. However, Brew Wales is more about my personal beliefs, for instance, I have no qualms about taking on the so-called fake charities such as Alcohol Concern or writing about a non-real ale or pasteurized product that I like.

One of the first articles on Brew Wales was the history of one of Newport's finest pubs, Ye Olde Murenger House. This was going to be a regular 'Pub of the Week' feature but I could not find the time to research other in depth articles. The blog post was merely an extended article that I had written some years previously for the local CAMRA magazine, Beer Necessities. Albeit with added photographs of the Tudor ceiling of the pub. Nowadays the blog content can be anything from a nice pint in the pub to criticising MPs or pub companies. I do have a 'to do' list to write about but given the nature of the blogosphere, ie, able to adapt and use breaking news in ways the MSM cannot, I often find that I'm spending my time adapting a breaking story rather than reuse an old dead tree press article from years back. The irony is when I do write about an old 19th Century brewery in the valleys more people visit the Brew Wales site and even leave comments. For some reason, visitors to the Brew Wales blog, unlike the political blog, very rarely leave comments, though I had to activate comment moderation after a spamming episode.

And the future? Well my live blogging of the Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival went down well last year so may well repeat that in June. Oh and I have a cider festival at the Clytha Arms, then there's the CAMRA Pubs of the Year, Champion Beer of Wales/Britain and I may even get time to stop off in a pub and write about that. Let's just hope the Vulcan is still there when Welsh Bloggers in the Pub meet up there. It won't be the same with a few tinnies on a building site!

(Written by Arfur Daley, Welsh blogger, owner and author of the Brew Wales blog)

This is the twelfth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

YOUR Welsh Blogosphere - Al Iguana

2009-05-21T06:05:00.000+01:00

I’ve been around blogs for a long time. I was an early-adopter (beta-tester) of Livejournal back in 2000 (nine years ago!). So I’ve seen the birth of blogging, its fumbling childhood, its messy adolescence. What I haven’t seen until recently, and may be a sign that blogging is entering its adult years, is people taking it seriously as a medium. That includes the media, that includes politicians.

It seems that Welsh political blogging is here to stay, whether the politicians like it or not. What about the blogs of actual politicians though? Sure, politicians are increasingly taking to this medium, with varying degrees of success and enthusiasm. But can what is essentially 'citizen journalism' be harnessed by politicians without bringing either themselves, their parties, or the medium itself into disrepute? For the most part, I think the answer is yes. Not only that, but I think the need for your average politician to engage with new media isn't just doable, it is essential.

Now, that does not mean that every MP, AM and councillor needs to set up big, complex Obama-style interactive social networks. But there needs to be a level of honest engagement. Bloggers, Tweeters, Facebook users aren't some secret party hit squads out to get you, they are the very people who voted you into a job in the first place. Politicians often say "It’s what my constituents think that matters" - well, unless they blog about it that is, in which case they're seen as the enemy. That attitude is both self-defeating and ultimately self-destructive.

With politicians that write blogs, you can generally tell the ones that "get it" by the fact that they take time to interact and engage with their readers. But for my mind politicians aren't using blogs to their full advantage. Or other new-media either. Take Twitter: we saw recently an explosion of politicians signing up for Twitter accounts. Then.... 60% posted nothing all! Of the ones that do post regularly, a lot of it goes like this:

“In a meeting this afternoon.

Meeting factory bosses tomorrow”

etc

While it's good that we can see that you're actually working for your money, how shall I put this: we don't care! Save that stuff for your Blackberry! What we want to know is: what beer do you like? What did you think about the new Star Trek? What about that factory closure? Did you hear about that accident? Isn’t that bus service terrible? We want to see you as normal people, as one of us, not these monolithic distant media celebrities. And frankly, you need that too.

Trust in politicians has reached an all-time low. You won't gain votes by being some anonymous person knocking on peoples doors once every four years and waving a manifesto at people: they've already made their minds up. You will get votes by making friends with your constituents, by engaging with them, involving yourselves in their lives - you know, old fashioned community stuff. Time and distance is a factor, of course it is, but with new media you have the tools to do this easily, conveniently, openly. All you need to is get past this "them and us" mindset. There is no them, just us. Trust and respect isn't earned by a glossy flier, but it might be earned with an email, a tweet. And the sooner we all sit down round a table, real or virtual, and talk like adults the better Welsh politics will be.

(Written by @aliguana who during his long years never actually met or talked to any politician. Until they came online)

My Welsh Blogosphere - Uncle Wilco

2009-05-20T06:30:00.001+01:00

I am Welsh and live in Wales and work in Wales, but I don't blog about Wales.

By day I am a grumpy, disillusioned web developer for a Welsh media company, who likes a pint of real ale.

At night I turn into the shedmaster, full of shed-based goodness and real ale. Ok, it's not that simple, but you get the idea.

In terms of the state of the Welsh Blogosphere, I actively read a lot of blogs daily. Some are Welsh, the majority are not (tech, photo, beer and weird are the ones loaded on igoggle) so don’t really have a strong view. As long as more people are blogging and getting their ideas out there then it’s all well with me.

Not being a particularly political animal (more left behind then left wing) I may not read a lot of the blogs mentioned here on welshbloggers.co.uk , but hopefully Dave will get more diverse ones as the momentum picks up. But the idea of a central point for these blogs with a Welsh edge and the potential for meeting up for a pint is a great one.

I have been running readersheds.co.uk for eight years (I promise to redesign and redevelop it every year but don’t find the time. 2010 will be that year!) But I only started seriously blogging about sheds at http://www.shedblog.co.uk about three years ago.

You would think that writing a niche blog about garden erections would not provide enough content for a weekly post, but on a good week I can get about 15 posts done and of course the community of sheddies do most of the work with their great sheds and odd news.

It's manic at the moment as I am promoting National Shed Week and Shed of the Year - something I created on the back of readersheds. It's in its third year now, but has grown and grown into a monster I can't control. I am sure people think it's part of a badly run media empire instead of something I devised in my shed and run on my own as a 5-to-9 venture.

But I managed to get lots of offline and online coverage, which helps with the traffic and spreading the word of the shed.

I am sure people are all sheddies at heart, or want to have a shed where they can work in, blog from, relax and drink in or just store their garden tools - that's why the site and the blog are successful.

(Written by Uncle Wilco who blogs daily at shedblog.co.uk and weekly on andrewwilcox.net. You can also catch his twitters here)

This is the eleventh in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Alwyn ap Huw

2009-05-19T07:23:00.004+01:00

My grandmother would never do or say anything personal in front of a switched on television. She wasn't so stupid as to think that the man on the telly could see her, she just felt more comfortable not being watched, even by a living image. It just made her feel better.

My dear wife doesn't like watching political programmes in my company, because I argue with the contributors, I shout at the telly and, on occasions, I am quite abusive towards those taking part.

What is the point? She asks. They can't hear you and no matter how loud you shout at them it won't make a blind bit of difference!

I disagree, with her!

Shouting at the telly makes ME fell better when I am assaulted by the crap that some of our honourable representatives spout.

That's why I blog. It's a way of letting of steam.

It doesn't matter to me if anybody hears (or reads) my rants. It doesn't matter if my posts don't make a blind bit of difference. I don't care if I am no 1 or no 9 billion in the rankings. I don't care how many unique hits I had last month.I don't care about influence.

I blog to shout at the computer screen, because a computer screen looks a bit like a telly!

Funny thing is though Nain, sometimes this telly answers back. Odd innit?

(Written by Alwyn ap Huw, Welsh blogger, creator and author of the Miserable Old Fart and Hen Rech Flin blogs)

This is the tenth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Carwyn Jones AM

2009-05-18T06:43:00.002+01:00

Thanks Dave for your invitation to write something for the site. As somebody completely new to blogging I know that I’m following in the footsteps of some real veterans who’ve already contributed their views.

I’ve got to admit that I was a reluctant new member of the blogosphere, although I have to confess that during the coalition negotiations two years ago, looking at blogs was required reading.

I was also sceptical of anonymous comments on blogs. To me, they represent the sort of people who used to run up behind others in the playground, hit them and run away Sure enough, I’ve had them already on the blog, including one who thought the deaths of millions in the War as “hilarious” apparently.

Still, the big question for me is how to blog properly. The blogosphere isn’t always the place for in-depth analysis of the great questions of the day but what is useful is getting ideas out there and to explain what you’re actually doing as a politician. Over the years I’ve dipped into the blogs of Glyn Davies and Peter Black, because much of what they say is worth a read.

What should a blog be though? Well for me it’s a chance to offer a view on different topics from within and without Wales. Anyone looking for juicy gossip from the Cabinet or Welsh Labour Party will be disappointed though. You’ll have to look elsewhere for that.

I’ll also be talking about the things people mention locally in Bridgend so don’t be surprised if I mention Bridgend’s relegation to Division One West or a win by the Celtic Crusaders (when it happens). After all, there’s nothing more boring for the public than a politician who can’t talk about anything other than politics. There’ll also be discussion on the economic and social issues in Bridgend. It would have been useful last year to have been blogging when we went through the “Internet death cult” period last year courtesy of Fleet Street’s finest and their description of Bridgend as a “depressed former mining village by the sea”. Still, I suppose even that’s accurate compared to Facebook’s insistence that Bridgend, as well as the rest on Wales, is in England!

So as a new blogger I’m still learning how to get a blog right. I’m also learning new terminology. Having been already been accused of astroturfing I think it would probably help to find out what the hell that means.

One thing I can guarantee though-there’ll be no anonymous comments from me.

(Written by Carwyn Jones, Assembly Member for Bridgend and author of a new blog)

This is the ninth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers and othersto have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Daran Hill

2009-05-15T09:48:00.003+01:00

I do feel flattered that one cynical reptile has invited another to submit an article to this engaging project, especially as I am the first person to write a post who does not actually run one or more blogs.

That is a conscious choice. I did seriously consider setting one up a little while ago. I even had a name for it: The Eli Jenkins. It was to have the strapline “We are not wholly bad or good who live our lives Under Milk Wood”. This of course is the name of that Cardiff Bay waterhole where political careers begin and end and, as I’m told by those who drink there, is a sponge of gossip and innuendo. I had even considered a colour scheme, but couldn’t decide between shades of clashing red or a gaudy rainbow. And I was debating with myself (never a pretty sight) whether I should blog openly, anonymously or semi-anonymously.

There were a number of factors which made me decide not to leap into the blogosphere. The first was time – a commodity I do not think I have in particular abundance, even though I do find time to twitter regularly most days and I’m usually awake at very curious times. Indeed, this post has been started before the cock has crowed or anything else for that matter; and at the moment I seem to be out-twittering pretty much all my other friends. It won’t last.

And neither would any blog which I would have established. The first three months would have been prolific, spewing forth with the power of a minor tsunami. But it wouldn’t have lasted and, should I have been able to engage any sort of audience, they would have been left wanting. There is still an empty hole in my soul once occupied by beloved Blamerbell, scandalous Seneddwr, and arsey Arsembly. Should my vehicle have attained any sort of momentum, could I really have left its readers bereft as it accelerated into extinction at a young age like some word-constructed James Dean?

I also had regard to my position. Not in the pompous way I usually do, but in the sheer practicality of doing my job. I am a political mercenary, a paid lobbyist, whose major paid function in life is to help others raise and project issues in the political and policy world. Sometimes I feel like a town clock with four faces, consciously displaying them in turn to achieve the most pleasing aspect. That’s not to say I’m some sort of empty vessel, without politics or morality. Anyone who knows me knows I am so much more than that. But there would always be an issue on issues. Even if I wasn’t lobbying on a particular policy matter, if I happened to write about something then there would be a real danger that it would be perceived that I was utilising the medium for personal profit. And that matters to me because I do tend to get involved in lots of campaigns or debates for no personal gain at all, but just in the hope of one so vain that I might, just might, be able to help make a difference.

And of course, since much of my week is connected with politicians in various ways, there is the implicit danger that by being vocal you alienate and annoy as much as you would appease or agree. Politics is a business of divisions. Would I really not have damaged my professional work (and it is a profession!) if I had so heartily slammed a soapbox down and used it to raise me up (no heightist jokes, please) so that my voice could be amplified? I know I comment on other blogs and sometimes on the media, but in those circumstances I am commenting on the ideas of others, and can more easily moderate what I write or say.

With a blog, it would have been different because my view of risk is not entirely healthy. The very fact that I have written this post should illustrate this point, since surely this stream of self-justified, self-analytical, selfish nonsense should show how little self-restraint I possess. Within weeks I would have become bored with the reflective, and lurched off into a rant or two, which would have done me or the reader no good in the longer term. Anyone who doubts that the author of this article is self-opinionated and dangerous should count the number of times he has referred to himself in the first person.

In short, and I usually am, I could not trust myself. Even my twitters and facebook updates are a little risqué sometimes, so my blog would have been a battle between the angels at my shoulders. And the mischievous one would have won too many times. There wouldn’t have been enough self restraint to stay out of contentious issues, and since I don’t garden then there would never have been an opportunity to substitute the rant with a picture of some dahlias.

Perhaps a way round this would have been to write the type of blog that’s really needed and which fills a gap. One on a cerebral, discursive level like Welsh Political History maybe or forensic like Dizzy – something the Welsh blogosphere does need. They would have taken time and been more worthy. But I know that within days, no matter how noble my intention, I would have done myself and my avid reader a disservice. Unlike Lilly Allen, I do care about clever and I do care about funny. And it wouldn’t have taken long for me to substitute one for the other. The one-liner is something that comes far too easily to me.

The blog would also have been too male. Not in the sporty sense of course, but perhaps in the aggressive way that is all too prevalent in Welsh blogs. Attack dogs are usually male. Would I have been able to resist the pack instinct? I am “Mr Positif Politics” after all, as some of friends insist on calling me. I generally make a point of being positive in the comments I post, often hopefully defending where people might have been wronged. But would I really have been able to resist joining the bullying and willy-waving from time to time? I like to think I would have, but there would always have been that danger.

About 95% of the comments I leave on the blogs of others are not done anonymously.

Anonymity is not something that generally appeals to me. Indeed, the spiteful and personal comments that have been left on blogs have made me a firm believer in comment moderation at the very least. Whatever else my imaginary blog would have done, it would not have tolerated such vileness. Which might have made it less readable to some but, once more in the words of dear Lilly, “your words translate and it’s getting kinda late, so please don’t stay in touch.”

And there’s also the matter of priorities. I am already a contender for Worst Dad in Wales, and to have blogged daily would have increased my chances of winning. And that’s more than just a reflection on time commitment. Every time I twitter or facebook or even read the ramblings of others, I prioritise others before the two people that should be the most important to me.

So when I sobered up, I decided the Eli Jenkins should remain a watering hole rather than a blogging hole. But, as ever, I write with an arrogant assumption that someone would actually have been reading my blog. Yet I suppose if you’ve got this far then you are reading me. And that’s self-satisfyingly good to know.

And in a funny sort of way this little essay has been cathartic. It has helped me come to terms with my own fears. And it has filled in another waking hour which might otherwise have been spent making my fortune or playing with my children. After writing this, I will never again even contemplate keeping a blog. The question is now settled.

So good on you, Welsh bloggers, for you have more guts than me. You may not always be right, but at least you have the self-confidence to project yourself in this exciting new medium. I will raise a glass in your collective honour later today. Probably while reading one or two of you.

(Written by Daran Hill. the Managing Director and Principal Consultant at Positif Politics)

This is the eighth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers and othersto have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Favourite Welsh Blogs - Valleys Mam

2009-05-14T06:30:00.000+01:00

Not in any order.

1. Miserable Old Fart

I just love his sideways swipe at life.

2. Glyn Davies

Just because he is who he is and open and can bite when he wants to.

3. Cynical Dragon

Not brown nosing, just love his Cockiness :>).

4. Welsh Ramblings

Short sharp and incisive.

5. Dylan Jones-Evans

I like the rigour and the themes, we share an interest in Welsh business.

My Welsh Blogosphere - Valleys Mam

2009-05-13T06:30:00.002+01:00

Thanks Dave for the opportunity to sit and reflect a little on blogging and the Welsh Scene.

I came into this goldfish bowl through two young people really; one was my daughter, who alerted me to this online phenomena. She loves to read the blogs, probably because she is not in Wales anymore and catches up more with the blogs than the media. The second was Blammerbell, who encouraged me no end when I first started and inspired me with his eclectic and very readable blogging.

I started my blog really to try and initiate some wider scrutiny on what was happening in certain sections of the Welsh political scene .I felt and still feel we have no demanding opposition, and this is why we have very dull politics. I am not aligned to any one party, but my leanings are left and democratic. I am also one of the few women in the Welsh blog scene, and may be one of even fewer who are not of politics or in politics.

It makes me smile that people think I am everything from a fella, no all woman here, to Lyn Neagle, no not Huw's wife, to Tory Mam, no definitely not a true blue.

The blogosphere has changed in the short time, two years in July that I have been involved. There are far more “staffers” blogging and far more Plaid people involved. Labour seems to have drifted off, and there have been no more notable Lib Dems than when I started. Tories –are there any now Miss Wagstaff has retired, with occasional re –appearances, than there were two years ago? Glyn Davies is still a must read for me though , as is Dylan Jones –Evans as he has some of the same sector interests as I have.

I blog on what takes my eye ,that is of interest to me and sometimes what is so in your face it would be rude to ignore it. I am not really interested in the theoretical debates that often take off between the young Turks. I studied political theory many years ago and came to the conclusion that “Politics is about People” hat tip to Shirley Williams there. You will see from my Blog roll that I range over all sorts of blogs to read and thoroughly enjoy ones like Maggie May and Menopausal old Bag for example. They are often much more of a political reflection than some of the blinkered ones that I choose not to read.

Our Blogosphere is a much nicer and more interesting place to be that the wider one. I don’t like bad language and character assassination that seems to permeate some of the better known blogs. To me it gets you nowhere. I think we have here in Wales the basis to grow almost a civic society mirror to the political scene that can make a difference. We may not reach the ordinary man or woman in the street, but what medium does; but we do have an outlet for free expression and a chance to throw ideas and comments out into the wide blue yonder.

Where is it going was another question you asked, my answer, where ever the hell it wants to go. I do think it has enough segments for us all to be happy to blog in, from the innovative three Dewi’s to those of us just OK with the written word. I enjoy comment with a purpose and may be sometimes some humour attached and that’s when people like Chris Glamorgan, his ilk are missed. Politics is a serious business because it’s about people’s lives; but humour is also part of what makes us real. I do hope that we don’t get advertising overload and the blogs become businesses that is not what I want to see. And finally do I care who reads what I write, I did when I first started, now I just hope that people find it an interesting place to drop by for a Paned and a Welsh cake.

(Written by Valleys Mam, Welsh blogger, creator and author of the Valleys Mam blog)

This is the seventh in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Che Grav-ara

2009-05-11T22:06:00.003+01:00

The recent email smear scandal surrounding Damien McBride and Derek Draper has thrown the spotlight on bloggers. Many commentators have made the misleading comparison between the clique of new labour spin doctors who were advocating the creation of false and damaging lies being spread about opposition politicians and their families, and that of the ordinary blogger.

The ordinary blogger is partisan and opinionated as a rule but for the most part fair. Indeed the problems of distinguishing between Smear and opinion were not helped by some of the Welsh blogsphere’s original pioneers deliberately using the scandal as a stick to beat political opponents. To trivialise what McBride and Draper were proposing as a cheap way of attacking other bloggers for their views was quite a dangerous thing to do.

For me the Welsh blogsphere has always been an honest place. Yes we have had our own versions of Guido Fawkes through Arsembly, but most commentators, whatever party they support, if they support a party at all, blog because they believe in what they are saying. That is unless you’re a Lib Dem then it’s hard to see what ideology there is to believe in. Just kidding. Well, not really.

So what’s the point of the blogsphere, and more importantly for this piece what’s the point to me. For me I blog for one reason and one reason only. I enjoy it. It amuses me. It is my honest, if partisan view.

The most positive thing for me is the vibrancy of the Welsh political blogsphere. There is a real voice. Often it is a voice vigorously and adamantly disagreeing with itself but a unique voice none the less. There is also no doubt to me that the Welsh blogsphere has a potent role in today’s political process. The author of Sweet and Tender Hooligan, and the most vocal opponent to the humble success (or failures depending on how you view it) of Guerrilla Welsh Fare, Marcus Warner, has stated on my blog several times that the blogsphere has little or no influence. Leighton Andrews said, “most of the welsh blogs around don’t matter in the slightest.” Ironically this was in reaction to several days’ news attacking Labour over their disastrous foray into the field.

Whilst I accept that the Welsh blogsphere may not reach many ordinary voters where it does have an impact is with welsh opinion formers. We are increasingly seeing stories breaking on the blogs first, or political issues forgotten by the Welsh media only to be given an airing after being picked up on the blogs.

The blogsphere is in its infancy. Its impact on the general public will grow in time but its impact with the media and politicians has already been visibly seen.

Personally, I will continue to enjoy the blogsphere. I will post my thoughts and reactions where and when I want and welcome any disagreements on those views, because the best thing about the blogsphere is the debate it brings. (or doesn’t if you are one of those blogs that only allow comments that agree with you.)

(Written by Che Grav-ara, Welsh blogger, creator and author of Guerilla Welsh Fare)

This is the sixth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Welsh Blog Of The Week

2009-05-11T20:39:00.004+01:00

Shed Blog

In their own words.

This is the blog of the readersheds.co.uk the popular shed based website, where you can share your shed.

I also run the international renowned Shed of the Year Competition, which you can read more about here.
Just to say I’m Wilco (or Uncle wilco, but wilco is just fine) hello to you and hope you find this blog useful/fulfilling or just a little bit of shed based wossname in your life, but more importantly Share your shed with our sheddies, then I will be happy

Shed Blog is a haven for Shed lovers on the net. Uncle Wilco has used the blog as an offshoot of his excellent http://www.readershed.co.uk/ site and I have to say succeeded in making one of the most enjoyable reads in the Welsh blogosphere. Although based in Wales, the blog and main site have a universal appeal and is one of the few Welsh based blogs to truly gain national and international attention.

My Welsh Blogosphere – David Raybould

2009-05-10T01:40:00.005+01:00

There are many words you can use to describe the Welsh blogosphere but there’s one that certainly shouldn't be used. That word is boring. Despite some naysayers, the Welsh blogosphere is full of incident. Whether it’s the ongoing, seemingly one man campaign against anonymous bloggers, the attack blogs, the name calling, the genuine humorous banter or the just plain bizarre. It's constantly interesting.

My place within this ‘scene’ is definitely within the political area, although I’m one of the few that are truly independent of a political party. I use my blog as a personal rant sheet. It’s a chance for me to get things off my chest and to share news stories, humorous thoughts and curiosities with the world.

I’m not one of those bloggers who thinks he’s challenging the mainstream media. Even though I’m critical of it I value the work and professionalism of journalists no matter what paper or media company they write for. Blogging isn’t the new journalism, much in the same way trainspotters aren’t the new train drivers.

I’m proud of my blog. I write and maintain it for my own pleasure. Whilst praise, awards, comments and increased visitor numbers are always welcome they’re not the be all and end all. I take more pride in the friends I’ve made through the process of blogging. Through his medium I’ve spoken to people I would never have thought to communicate with before. I speak to Tory, Labourite, Lib Dem and non-affiliated constantly and have made some really good acquaintances in the process. Hopefully, Welsh Bloggers In The Pub will help develop this more.

All is not rosy within blogging of course; there are many negatives and problems associated with this ‘scene’. The inspiration for the Welsh Bloggers In The Pub was the shameful treatment of Cllr. Luke Ellis by both anonymous bloggers and professional journalists, all willing to go to town on a man for writing a tongue-in-cheek article for his own personal blog.

The ‘anon’ blogs were especially distasteful. I’ve never witnessed such venom from Welsh based blogs and I hope I never have to again. We can all be catty, sarcastic and generally a bit nasty when covering topics we don’t like but the language and the threats aimed at Luke were so past the line of decency seeing them made me feel physically sick. Fortunately the blog which published these vile posts has now been deleted.

It was testament to the good within the Welsh blogosphere however, that the majority of Welsh bloggers backed Cllr. Ellis against these attacks. Even if some of them didn’t agree with what he said or his personal politics they all saw what was happening and spoke out. It’s that community spirit within the Welsh Blogosphere that I think will limit and neutralise attack blogs and encouraging that spirit is what I’m trying to do with ‘Welsh Bloggers In The Pub’. I may come across as a naive fool, and I probably am, but I think it’s worth a try.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank a couple of people who have been instrumental in my blogging experience. Marcus Warner, despite our obvious political differences, has been a constant source of support and constructive criticism. Valleys Mam and Alwyn ap Huw as two of my favourite bloggers have been a reason for me to keep on blogging. Al Iguana as a regular comments section denizen has argued his points with grace and intelligence and made me laugh. Simon Dyda has been a rock for the Welsh blogosphere and an example of how Welsh political blogging should be done.

Of course there are others, many others in the Welsh blogosphere that have also been supportive of my blog and inspired me to continue when things have ground to a halt. I thank them all.

On July 15th, if the Vulcan Hotel is still there, mine’s a pint of Brains S.A.

(Written by David Raybould, Welsh blogger, creator and author of cynicaldragon.com and welshbloggers.co.uk)

This is the fifth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Save The Vulcan - Chris Latham

2009-05-09T22:55:00.003+01:00

Built in 1853, the Vulcan Hotel is a tiny oasis of originality in an otherwise bland mass of concrete and chrome. It is a hark-back to historical Cardiff, a place where workmen, the dust and dirt still in their hair, quench their thirst with inky fingered scribes and fresh faced students. While pubs across the land are closing the Vulcan is thriving – but guess what? They want to knock it down!

The Vulcan is due for demolition on the 25th of June 2009 as part of the on going St David’s 2 developments to the city centre. The aim is to provide space for a new development of flats, restaurants, shops and car parking spaces. The public campaign to save the pub has attracted over 5000 signatures, cross political party support, and backing from the likes of Rhys Ifans, the Manic Street Preachers, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and Lord Neil Kinnock.

The possibility of saving the Vulcan now seems to hang on a recent application to Cadw the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment division. They have the power to list the building thus saving the pub.

That’s a brief and incomplete outline of the situation to date; more information including the complete application that was made to Cadw can be found on the blog - http://save-the-vulcan.blogspot.com – and it is the blog that has lead to the request for a guest post on the fantastic new Welsh Bloggers blog.

The Save the Vulcan blog occupies a fairly unique position in the Welsh blogosphere. Just as the campaign itself has received cross party support, I hope too that the blog can be used and enjoyed by bloggers of all political persuasions. Admittedly it is fairly tame, used mainly for keeping people up-to-date with events etc, but with over 1000 views last month its existence is important and it is great that the Vulcan has been chosen to host the first Welsh Bloggers in the Pub event off the back off it.

So what next? Well next week promises to be interesting. It was announced today that the Cardiff branch of Camra have voted the Vulcan their Pub of the Year 2009, the second time it has won this prestigious award. The award ceremony is scheduled this coming Monday 11th May at 8 pm.

Before hand, from around 7pm (and this might be an exclusive for Welsh Bloggers – I haven’t even posted this on our own blog yet) Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine will be at the Vulcan conducting interviews for a piece to air on Tuesday’s show.

Later in the week on Thursday May 14th, we have the second literary evening to be held at the Vulcan. The first was a great success with standing room only so make sure you get there early! Guests that have confirmed so far include Peter Finch, John Williams and Charlotte Greig.

Finally (although no doubt there will be plenty of events announced in the mean time) the first Welsh Bloggers in the Pub event is to be held at the Vulcan on Wednesday July 15th. This will be a great opportunity for stalwarts of the Welsh blogoshpere to meet in person and socialise – although with the demolition due in June, let’s just hope the pub is still standing to host it!

Chris Latham (Save The Vulcan blog)

Posts Of Note

2009-05-07T10:52:00.002+01:00

1. Cybernats - the Scots version - Marcus Warner

2. On IT literacy - Peter Black AM

3. Draper and the collateral damage to the blogosphere - Harry's Place

4. Blogosphere Fertile Medium for Inspired Cultural Change - Blog Critics

5. Online hell: Rise of Internet journalism puts bloggers in cross hairs - Houston Chronicle

My Welsh Blogosphere - Marcus Warner

2009-05-06T06:20:00.001+01:00

When I was asked to write ‘my welsh blogosphere’ for this website, I initially refused. Why? Because of late, I have seen many things that make me wonder whether the blogosphere is good for my health. Thankfully, this website has hosted many of the bloggers I admire immensely, it is these guys that make me want to blog. My post I hope is a post to promote a way to harmonise our efforts and lead to more open and transparent blogosphere.

It is important to understand the word promote in this context, because it is vastly different to enforcing standards. So far we have seen posts on this website by people, actual names who can at least be identifiable and crucially accountable for those views. Personally, I see no real massive problem with the content of most of the welsh political blogs; in light of that, I see no reason for accountability not to be promoted.

To elaborate somewhat, I am not seeking a witch hunt, based on party tribalism. What I think we should all do on the political blogosphere is promote those who offer the following;

· Clear identifiable authorship – including an email address should there be any complaints

· Comment moderation – to avoid illegal/offensive comments being made public before it goes live

· Declaration of interest – tax payer funded political staff, or party political staff should declare so

The authorship point is not to have some unmasking frenzy, but because if we truly want the Welsh blogs to be part of the new Welsh democracy that is growing – we need to know who is actually saying what. Recently, the Welsh Ramblings blog was quoted by the Western Mail for bringing to light what I thought was a pretty weak story regarding a job advert for Cheryl Gillan MP (which actually was pretty standard job description fodder), but what is the actual status of that blog? Are, as Peter Black posted previously, supposedly organic anonymous blogs being used by parties to do its dirty work ‘semi-officially’?

The key thing to note is that it is the declaration of interest point that is the crucial addition to my first point. If a blog merely pointed out it was ‘written by Party X staff’, readers and the media would then be aware of its nature and ultimately there is a recourse for accountability purposes. The issue isn’t that there should be a desire to know every single writer of each post, but that those views, particularly if tax payer funded or party staff, should have a public face to be accountable for the views posted on that website.

Firstly, I want to know whether tax payer funded staff are blogging, not to deny them the opportunity to blog, but to at least be aware that as a tax payer I am reading the work of a staff member who should be careful with public resources. It is of great displeasure to myself when I see tax payer funded staff continue to post lies and allows comments accusing me of things that aren’t true without any recourse for myself to at least plead for some correction. This would be unacceptable if it was another type of public servant, why should it be tolerated because they are able to hide anonymously on a blog?

Secondly, I am very keen to know whether these political attack blogs from all parties are with the implicit knowledge of the party leadership. If we are seeing a co-ordinated blog written by a number of key party HQ staff, then if it is not an official party blog, it should be made clear that these views are the views of the individual staff members. I mean, the displeasure that Rhodri Morgan felt over the Aneurin Glyndwr website, after the public launch of it by Peter Hain at the very least showed there was a public accountability connected to it. Equally, Peter Black can clearly be made accountable for the freedom central blog, and we read that blog in the knowledge that it is written by both staff and volunteers.

This call is not because any of the views on those blogs are particularly offensive outside of political attacks, but because there remains massive questions as to whether party machines are using blogs as a form of attack that wouldn’t be acceptable if made by a politician or accountable party spokesperson. My understanding of political campaign material is that it must be declared as such, like a party political broadcast – why should a blog, written by party HQ staff, not also be clearly marked as such?

Lastly, I am not demanding anything of other bloggers; the silly, petty name calling I have be subjected to has actually hardened my resolve. What I am asking for is the promotion and the kudos given to those seeking to enter an open and transparent debate via the medium of blogging. That is a positive thing to do, to stand up and say, I believe that we as bloggers should commit to open and honest debate with other humans I can identify, who can be accountable to their views and their interests can be declared. There is no coincidence that bloggers willing to blog under their own name are the ones most respected; the ones who are willing to offer their views with their party allegiances on their sleeve, warts and all.

All of the contributors so far have already committed to such practices without any hectoring, they do so because (I hope) they believe it is the best process to have while blogging. Lets promote that!

(Written by Marcus Warner, Welsh blogger, creator and author of Sweet & Tender Hooligan)

This is the fourth in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Welsh Bloggers In The Pub 2009

2009-05-05T15:23:00.001+01:00

I'm very happy to announce, after quite some time looking for the perfect venue and date, that Welsh Bloggers In The Pub 2009 is confirmed.

The venue will be the Vulcan Hotel in Cardiff, a pub that is fighting a worthwhile battle against demolition for the sake of a couple of car park spaces for the new St Davids 2 development.

The date will be Wednesday the 15th of July.

I hope as many Welsh bloggers as possible accept my warm invitation to come along, socialise, have a couple of drinks and generally get to know each other better.

There is a Facebook group, Facebook event page, Twitter, email and blog for all your WBITP09 needs. Please get in touch.

My Welsh Blogosphere - Adam Higgitt

2009-05-05T06:26:00.002+01:00

The only thing we can agree about the Welsh blogosphere is that it we cannot agree about it. Some evangelise it as new, influential, participative and egalitarian, an open forum for debate and a plural source of news and opinion. Others deride it as overblown, abusive, trashy and insular, a CB radio for the noughties and a parasite on proper journalism.

My truth, for what it’s worth, is that it’s probably many of these things, because it is many things. Only the distribution platform links the astringent Lone Voice (top article at the time of writing: “Jacqui Smith is a Cunt”) with the cerebral WalesWatch (top of which is a discussion about the use of legislative mechanisms to tackle ill health)? In what other respect do they deserve to be mentioned in the same analysis?

Novelty is part of the answer. The ability to easily publish at virtually zero marginal cost was once certainly a new sub-medium of the internet, and so deserved a new noun in the “blog”. With the attendant rapid explosion came the blogosphere, and with the intensification of interest in politics around the last Assembly elections came the Welsh (political) blogosphere.With rising internet penetration it became possible to imagine a new medium of reach, impact and participation: a politics 2.0 born of web 2.0.

But there are other reasons why we talk the blogosphere instead of just bloggers. Blogs link extensively to one another. They repeat and recycle what each other has to say. And their author’s interact directly. In important respects, therefore, they exhibit characteristics of group behaviour. But like discussions of “the media” (or “mainstream media” if you prefer) the idea of a Welsh blogosphere now has its limitations. The medium has matured and fragmented, and many of its early pioneers have moved on.

I suggest it is now possible to think of at least three types of political blog in Wales. We might think of the first - and most populous - type as that of the “advocate”. These are blogs of the party politically committed, such as Plaid’s Guerrilla Welsh Fare, Labour’s Aneurin Glyndwr, the Conservatives’ Right Student and the Lib Dems’ Freedom Central. They are also where the ideologically motivated are found, such as Unionism’s Stonemason and Nationalism’s Independence Cymru. These are blogs with a grievance to air or a cause to advance. Occasionally they will break a story, but most often they will give an opinion.

The second type is that of the “broadcaster”; blogs who have a brand rather than a cause to promote. It is where we find the politicians such as Peter Black, Bethan Jenkins, David Jones and Huw Lewis, the professional commentators such as Tomos Livingstone and Vaughan Roderick and the amateurs such as Politics Cymru. Commentary here, along with that of the mainstream media, supplies nearly all the raw material for the advocates.

Finally, we have the “dissectors”: often non-aligned blogs with a mission to analyse, expose and discuss. This is where the think tanks such as the Bevan Foundation sit alongside the curious such as Valleys Mam and the hobbyists such as my own site.

This is less a trichotomy than a Venn diagram. Dylan Jones-Evans could well inhabit all three categories. Cambria Politico veers unpredictably from grotesque smear to conventional journalism. Plaid’s Bontnewydd Branchand Synaidau analyse as they advocate. Still others don’t fit at all. But whether the theory is sound, it at least shows a medium that should no longer be described in the singular.

Then there is the question of quality. Inevitably for a largely amateur pursuit much Welsh political blogging is self-referential and preoccupied with the influence it has on its subject, as Simon Dyda’s contribution to this series attests. Yet there are also others, such as Glyn Davies and Alwyn ap Huw, who clearly blog for their own amusement, and are all the better for it.

But there are also sources of excellent writing, news, commentary and analysis. Of the above, the Bevan Foundation, IWA, Tomos Livingstone and Politics Cymru are four I read most avidly. To this can also be added John Dixon’s Borthlas, Marcus Warner’s Sweet and Tender Hooligan, Paul Flynn, Adam Price and the Davids Cornock and Raybould. Of the newer blogs Progressive Comment is very strong, and the return of Miss Wagstaff is most welcome.

What I don’t do is consume these as if courses of a meal, or as part of some special movement. I read blogs alongside comment from mainstream organisations and mainstream sources. Like many, the novelty of the blog for me lies in its content; the medium itself is far less significant. Let’s kill off the blogosphere and let the bloggers live.

(Written by Adam Higgitt, Welsh blogger, creator and author of Welsh Political History)

This is the third in a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Welsh Blog Of The Week

2009-05-04T08:42:00.001+01:00

No Borders South Wales

In their own words.

No Borders is a transnational network of autonomous groups advocating freedom of movement and equality for all. The network operates on a non-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian basis and uses consensus decision making. We struggle in solidarity with migrants to work towards a world without borders, capitalism or the state.

The South Wales group formed in 2005 and plays an active role in the network. We aim to:

* Raise awareness about the injustice of migration control.

* Take action against the activities of the UK Border Agency, International Organisation for Migration and associated private companies.

* Encourage and support campaigns against deportation, detention and social control.

There are many Welsh political blogs but No Borders South Wales are a little different. A campaigning group who not only blog but organise meeting and demonstrate where needed. The blog having been set up in July '05 is going strong and provides regular postings about immigration, deportation and human rights issues.

No Borders South Wales can be contacted here and information on meetings is available here.

My Welsh Blogosphere - Peter Black AM

2009-05-03T12:55:00.003+01:00

Whilst I have not been afraid to air my own views on the Welsh blogosphere, the fact is that if it did not exist then we would have to invent it.

Welsh blogs may be parochial, sometimes petty, occasionally vicious, always interesting and often self-interested but they and those who write them are the only ones who seem interested in properly debating the wider political issues that impact upon our lives and our democracy.

If you want a debate on the case for and against a yes vote on Part Four of the Government of Wales Act then the best place to look is the Welsh blogosphere. If you want to know the gossip behind the latest issues in the Assembly or on acts of Government then you will turn first to the blogs.

There is no Guido Fawkes here, no Iain Dale, even my own modest efforts and those of Leanne Wood, Bethan Jenkins, Huw Lewis, Adam Price, Leighton Andrews, Paul Flynn and Glyn Davies cannot match the popularity of Tom Harris or John Prescott, but we can bring an insight to Welsh issues that nobody else is offering. It is an insiders' view albeit tinted by our own political stance.

Two parties in particular have embraced blogging and new media. Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats are leading the way with Labour and the Tories trailing some way behind. The journalists have joined in too most notably through Betsan Powys, Vaughan Roderick and David Cornock, however what is missing is the independent commentators, the enthusiastic amateur who has no axe to grind and is not doing it as part of their job. Blammerbell is much missed and as yet nobody has managed to step into his shoes.

The other omission in the political blogosphere in my view is the more philosophical blog throwing up ideas for discussion and debate. Normal Mouth has gone leaving The Bevan Foundation as the nearest we have to that but they have a clear but limited brief and something more wide-ranging is needed.

Whatever, the missing links there is no doubt in my mind that the quality of Welsh blogs is high, they hit above their weight on the Welsh political scene and have even been known to have an influence beyond the few hundred people who read them on a daily basis. When they interact with the Welsh media and find themselves quoted on the floor of the Senedd and the House of Commons then we know that Welsh blogs are here to stay and to flourish.

As I am still driving my laptop I will settle for a coke, full fat of course.

(Written by Peter Black, Assembly Member, Welsh blogger, creator and author of his own self titled blog, and contributor to Freedom Central)

This is the second of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Favourite Welsh Blogs - David Raybould

2009-05-02T08:29:00.004+01:00

1. Ordovicius

Simon Dyda's site is indispensable and was greatly missed when he took a break. So glad he's back with Ordovicius and Pleidiol

2. Miserable Old Fart

Alwyn ap Huw was one of the first Welsh bloggers to give my blog a link and I've been a reader of his ever since.

3. Valleys Mam

The blogging equivalent of paned and a Welsh cake. Always on the ball and gives non-partisan voice to Welsh politics that I admire greatly.

4. Sweet & Tender Hooligan

Marcus is a legend in his own lunchtime. A great blogger with the unique ability if being likeable even when he's getting up people's noses. Always worth keeping an eye on.

5. Guerrilla Welsh Fare

Che, despite being quite different in his political outlook to myself is nonetheless a consistent and quality blogger who manages to do the partisan blog thing without descending into the gutter.

(Written by David Raybould, blogger, creator and author of Cynical Dragon and Welsh Bloggers. Organiser of Welsh Bloggers In The Pub)

This is the first of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to list their favourite Welsh blogs and share why they enjoy them. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

My Welsh Blogosphere - Simon Dyda

2009-04-30T23:49:00.005+01:00

There are blogs and there are political blogs. This I think is an important distinction. Political bloggers and the media alike often talk of the 'blogosphere', 'blogs' and 'blogging' as if these things do not exist outside the sphere of political commentary.

Of course this is not the case. A blog can be whatever its author wants it to be, about any subject or none, and its presentation need only conform to the whim of its owner. Political blogs occupy only one small corner of the real blogosphere.

It would be pointless to deny that political blogs here in Wales have grown in influence since the 2007 Assembly elections. We read and hear about them in the Welsh media and they are increasingly mentioned on the floor of the Siambr. This influence is clearly dependent on and caused by the fact that the Welsh media and Welsh politicians are the people reading these blogs - when they're not blogging themselves.

There is occasionally talk of the 'new' versus the 'old' media when it comes to blogging and online political comment. 'Bloggers versus Hacks' so to speak. In reality the difference is more one of amateur anoraks versus professional pundits. Blogging after all is merely a technology, a style, a technique even. Every mainstream outlet has its own blogs now. Some have even employed bloggers as columnists. And as an example of 'blogging technique' many online broadsheets now 'live blog' political events - such as PMQs.

But I digress. Yes, blogs have grown in influence here in Wales, but not on any scale that we should get carried away with. Normal people don't read blogs, and certainly don't look to blogs for advice on how to vote. Our present Welsh government may have been 'born on a blog', but it was a blog written by a professional politician who played a key role in the subsequent coalition negotiations, not an anonymous civil servant in Cathays or some geek in Caernarfon.

The 'Welsh (political) blogosphere' is generally recognised by UK bloggers as being a robust one. But I think we need to have some sense of perspective. The blogosphere here - much like its English counterpart - is chiefly the realm of gossip, Schadenfreude and name-calling. The latter of these is hardly unique to political bloggers - it is also one of the favourite pursuits of many of our politicians. As is the case with most of our politicians, we bloggers don't produce much by way of ideas and rarely have anything insightful to contribute to debate. Come to think of it, in Welsh politics generally the definition of 'debate' seems to be 'to talk at'.

Much has been made of the presence of 'attack blogs' in Wales, which following the recent McBride episode has inspired some rather pitiful displays of self-righteousness from other bloggers (among them politician bloggers) who themselves have never been shy of publishing personal attacks - sometimes against members of their own parties! But beyond the perimeter of Torchwood 3 nobody really cares.

Unlike our English neighbours, the opposition do not rule the blogging roost, and although we've had our own 'Guido' we've never had our own 'Dizzy', ie a blogger who trawls through all that has been said in Westminster and the Senedd looking for the inevitable gaps, gaffes and anomalies that escape the rest of us. Off the top of my head I can't even remember an instance where anyone has made a detailed comparison between what the One Wales document says and what the One Wales government has (or has not) delivered. Welsh blogs are generally more interested in what X had to say about Y in the Western Mail.

Now, don't misunderstand me, I'm not trying to belittle the Welsh blogosphere. There's nothing wrong with gossip, Schadenfruede and name-calling in politics - I do it myself - I just don't think we need an inflated idea of our collective (or individual) status and influence as Welsh political bloggers.

Unfortunately some of us take this whole political blogging thing much too seriously, leading to spiteful exchanges in the comments threads of many a blog. Blogging should be fun even if it does get catty, so I welcome the idea of 'Welsh Bloggers In The Pub' as a means of nurturing civility between bloggers.

Mine's a Guinness.

(Written by Simon Dyda, Welsh blogger, creator and author of Ordovicius, the Ordovicius Micro-Blog, Pleidiol and Welsh Blog Feed)

This is the first of a series of posts giving a chance for Welsh bloggers to have their say on the state of the blogosphere and where it's going. If you're interested in contributing place feel free to contact me at welshbloggers@gmail.com

Launch Day

2009-04-30T22:58:00.006+01:00

Welcome to Welsh Bloggers.

This site is dedicated to providing a home for the Welsh Bloggers In The Pub project and will also include interviews with leading bloggers, reviews of new blogs and guest posts by the glitterati of the Welsh Blogosphere.

The 'Welsh Bloggers In The Pub' will meet up once or twice a year and would hope to improve relations, promote better communication and give bloggers a chance to socialise in the real world.

Welsh Bloggers is on Twitter, if you want to follow me click on this link.

You can also get in touch via the following ways.

Email: welshbloggers@gmail.com
Facebook: Welsh Bloggers In The Pub

Welsh Blog Of The Week

2009-04-27T18:32:00.003+01:00

Save The Vulcan

In their own words.

A campaign to save the Vulcan Hotel, a meeting place for all sections of the community. This much loved pub in Adamsdown Cardiff is due for demolition. You can help by signing the on-line petition and spreading the word, in the meantime this blog will keep you up to date with the progress of the campaign. Thanks for your support.

A very worthwhile cause even if you've never visited the pub. Too much of 'old' Cardiff is being bulldozed. This building is being demolished for car parking space. That's a travesty.

Join the Facebook group, sign the petition and if you can visit and have a pint before it's too late.

Test Post & Twitter

2009-04-26T08:16:00.002+01:00

Welsh Bloggers is now on Twitter, if you want to follow me click on this link.

Just a note to remind visitors that this is a very rough version of Welsh Bloggers. When it's finished it will provide a home for all Welsh Bloggers In The Pub stuff and also interviews with leading bloggers, reviews of new blogs and news regarding the state of the Welsh blogosphere.

I'm still building the blog list and the Welsh Bloggers on Twitter so don't worry if you're a Welsh blogger and you're not there. I'm just taking my time getting it right (also I'm quite busy at the moment).

Today's Update

2009-04-20T23:58:00.000+01:00

Today, I will mostly be brainstorming dates and venues.

There have been a couple of suggestion regarding venues. The consensus so far is to find a 'traditional' pub in the centre of Cardiff. Which considering the yuppification of the city centre is easier said than done.

Hopefully I'll have a meeting which will sort out a decent webpage for the event and will be able to bounce ideas of someone else.

Any suggestions/ideas/offers of help please don't hesitate to contact me via

Email: welshbloggerspub@gmail.com
Facebook: Welsh Bloggers In The Pub

Or just leave a comment here or at The Cynical Dragon.

About Welsh Bloggers

2009-04-20T23:54:00.002+01:00

This website is the product of an idea I had after a pretty traumatic week. Battle lines were being drawn accross the Welsh blogosphere and it changed suddenly from sarcastic, catty remarks to physical threats.

I thought to myself that it had all got a bit sinister and something, no matter how small needed to be done.

My idea was setting up a social meet up along the lines of the 'Skeptics In The Pub'. A 'Welsh Bloggers In The Pub' would meet up a couple of times a year and would serve to improve relations, promote better communication and give bloggers a chance to socialise in the real world. It would also give some of us the chance to get out of the house and have a couple of pints.

The aim of welshbloggers.co.uk is to provide a home for all Welsh Bloggers In The Pub stuff and also interviews with leading bloggers, reviews of new blogs and news regarding the state of the Welsh blogosphere.

David Raybould
(Site Admin)

Welsh Bloggers is on Twitter, if you want to follow me click on this link.

You can also get in touch via the following ways.

Email: welshbloggers@gmail.com
Facebook: Welsh Bloggers In The Pub