Ron's Folk Blog site

Subject: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 11:47 PM

I have often looked at blog sites and felt that while some of them are interesting, a lot of it appears to be an exercise in vanity - or someone keeping a diary/journal that the expect people to read instead of keeping the thoughts private.

Still, after having some discussions, I decided to start a blog site that I hope will offer something a bit different. In addition to my radio shows, I am also a board member and booker for the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in Paramus, NJ.   A blog was suggested to me as a way of helping to promote the club. I hope to take it a step further and use the blog to promote the various clubs and events here in the NJ/NYC area .   

I also plan on offering some CD recommendations, concert and festival reviews, perhaps a few essays on individuals and events pertaining to folk music, and who knows what else.   I promise that I won't tell you what I had for breakfast, ramble on about why my cats hate me, or complain about my boss (I actually like him!).

I would really love some feedback and suggestions from Mudcatters.   At the moment, the blog contains some thoughts about the Old Songs Festival (along with a few links to artists that I recommend), but it will hopefully grow as time allows.

Please excuse me. This is not my ego at work, but an honest attempt to help spread the word about the music we love and to share information that I am able to gather through my sources in the field. I hope you find it enjoyable and informative.

ronolesko.blogspot.com

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 12:05 AM

Looks great, Ron. I enjoyed reading your profile, and seeing your picture. Your description of Old Songs made me regret not having been there. Especially when so many of my friends played there. I will be there next year by hook or by crook.

This looks like a very valuable blog to me. I have bookmarked it, and look forward to your next post to it.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 11:26 AM

Thanks Mick. I appreciate the kind words. I hope to see you at Old Songs next year! It is my favorite festival.

I will be adding to the blog regularly. Today I posted a note about the upcoming Catskills Irish Arts Week & Festival. This festival is a gem, and it not well publicized.

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: GUEST,Bill the Collie
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 11:35 AM

Well done, Ron, keep it up.

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 11:52 AM

Great post on the Catskills Festival. This is going to be a great blog.

Mick

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: M.Ted
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 02:23 PM

A great idea, and an excellent start-up! Just a couple suggestions, all technical--there seemed to be three different font sizes--the small ones are hard to read, especially when there is a lot of copy--and the column should be narrower--again, it makes it easier to read.

Really good commentary, though--it really brings the events and the performers to life! And that's what gets people excited about the stuff--

Don't know how you do it--you seem to have never ending energy and enthusiasm--best of all, though, you have a knack for communicating ideas and information, as well as the enthusiasm--I only hope that your blogging activities don't keep you away from Mudcat;-)

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 07:24 PM

Thanks for the kind words.

I am still learning the formatting tricks, but I think I've fixed the font size. I will look into the column width.

I do appreciate all feedback!   I won't let this interfere with my Mudcatting!   I do most of this before work or during my lunch hour.

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 10:27 AM

I've added a few more pieces to the site, including a preview of the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club's upcoming season and my thoughts on the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

I would also like to encourage other Mudcatters to add comments if you are interested. If you have attended one of the events that I mentioned, perhaps you can share your thoughts.

Thanks for taking the time!

Ron

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: GUEST,harpgirl
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 11:15 AM

A capital idea, Ron. I intend to look more closely later on, but yours is unique in its focus and much appreciated! My blog is merely a celebration of nature and a diary of my family...not meant to be of public interest. I'll link to yours in my own later. (That gives you points in blogland) I like the idea of festivals and music makers being its purview.

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 09:49 PM

Yep, second harpgirl on this. Given that I live in New Jersey and about an hour or so away, this is of much interest to me. It just looks like a winner.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: GUEST,bflat
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 12:04 AM

Ron, I've been to your blogsite several times now and enjoy your commentary. Best Wishes for sustaining the effort that it must take to do this. Without doubt you love the music.

Ellen

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Pauline L
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 12:58 AM

I like your blog, too. It fills a real need, so keep it up. I'll put a link to it on my website (http://mysite.verizon.net/paulinefiddle).

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 01:57 PM

Nice One Ron! Keep up the good work. Burl.

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Ernest
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 02:52 PM

Great idea, Ron! I really enjoy reading it all... and thanks for providing the links as well...
Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Pauline L
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 03:06 PM

Ron, I like your profile of yourself. You don't proclaim to be the ultimate expert on everything, but you say enough to get credibility and respect.

I have a suggestion on formatting. Putting everything together on one long page can be discouraging for readers. Can you have separate pages with an index with links on the first page? If not, you could still use links at the top of the one long page.

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 09:22 AM

Once again, thank you all for the kind comments and suggestions.   Thanks for the idea about separate pages Pauline. I am experiminenting with just two current stories on the front page, and I may trim that down to just one.   There is a list of stories on the right side of the screen.   

I will be adding more links as well as stories in the weeks to come.

Thanks again!

Ron

Subject: RE: Ron's Folk Blog site
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Jul 06 - 10:32 AM

I noticed the listing for the Emerging Artist Showcase at Falcon Ridge, Ron, and it listed one of the artists as Ralston, from Grand Rapids, MI. This is Ralston Bowles, and you should keep your eye on him. I know him pretty well, and he has some serious talent. Keep on bloggin.

Mick