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Trophies


I'm listening to this song on repeat.
(You should click play.)

This song is not new. So don't get all in a tizzy like "Doriean. You're supposed to bring us the latest music news. What the hell is this?" Just give me a minute to explain.

I just completed my fellowship at BuzzFeed.com. Hopefully that explains why I've been so absent from posting on this blog the last few months. I wanted to pour all of me into that program so that I could get the most out of it.

I tested out a number of topics that fit into various verticles. I was searching for my home. Considering I'm no longer at BuzzFeed, I don't think I found that snuggly spot. I also don't know how much I learned about actual writing except that I CAN do it. In fact, I do it well.

My absolute favorite part about posting on BuzzFeed was the fact that I tried to create posts that catered to people who have very little to relate to on that site. Now, this backfired a bit because a small number of people who relate makes for a small number of shares. BuzzFeed is all about those shares, y'all. Shares create viral posts, and posts that go viral are like trophies.

So I created some posts I knew would share like crazy. There are a few quizzes by Yours Truly that took off pretty well. And, yeah, I got a few viral badges/trophies. But they aren't my heart. My heart went into things that didn't share much at all. Honestly it's the comments on my favorite personal posts that mean more to me than anything.

Shaneika · Georgetown, Guyana
PREACH! Never seen a natural hair list where every single point was accurate. This post is truth.
Reply · Like · 12 · Follow Post · January 28 at 4:03pm
For "10 Classic Remakes That Gave Minorities Actors The Spotlight"
Jessica ·  Top Commenter
This is why I'm choosing to write my own story with a black woman as the lead. If you don't see the stories you would like to watch, write em yourself.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · March 29 at 8:51am
For "19 Things People Who 'Aren't Black Enough' Understand"
Corina ·  Top Commenter · New Jersey City University
Before the comments get all "this is racist and not funny" Let me just say that this is one of the most accurate and hilarious posts (for me, at least) so far.
Reply · Like · 293 · Follow Post · April 4 at 5:37pm

There are so many more, and they all mean so much to me. My final post, the "..'Aren't Black Enough'" post, actually did receive a viral badge, which was heartbreaking and rewarding all at once.

via

 To get shout outs from Curly Nikki —a site I read DAILY — and Ebony Magazine — a publication I've been reading since I learned how to read —was like experiencing a dream come true. These occurrences and the comments are all validation.

A few days ago, a friend of mine told me that he reads a short story to his infant son that I wrote for him in high school. 1) That melted all of my insides to mush. 2) It made me realize I have to keep writing.

I must keep writing.

*

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