It is very strange to see that Bloggies 2008 has dropped 'Middle East' nominations for this year. Here is the statement:
Most categories will remain as they've always been. But because of revision or removal, it's time to bid farewell to:
* Best British or Irish Weblog
* Best African or Middle Eastern Weblog
* Best Craft Weblog
* Best Web Development WeblogIn exchange, these spiffy new categories take their place:
* Best African Weblog
* Best Art or Craft Weblog
* Best Fashion Weblog
* Best Gossip Weblog
For the last two years, Bloggies dedicate "Best African or Middle East Blog" category for mix of blog from these two parts of the world. Many concerns were raised then - why Africa and Middle East are mixed together - and that they should be separated. In 2006, my blog was nominated there (along with many other friends). In 2007, another set of friends were nominated including Laila's blog. This year, no one from the Middle East all together is there anymore. Instead, Bloggies 2008 decided to drop Middle East and ended up with "Best African Blog" Only. No explanation was given!
Of course one can claim that Bloggies also dropped "Best British or Irish Blog", but the fact is "Best European Blog" was always there and this should be enough to cover British and Irish blogsphere. In fact this is the right move.
I don't know what problem does Bloggies have with the Middle East to ignore hundreds of thousands blogs in this part of the world altogether, especially that there is a category for each and every part of the world, but no place for us in the Middle East.
Yes, we are part of Asia, geographically, but Middle East was always separated from Asia in the context and presented by its own. OTOH, if Bloggies see the Middle East as part of Asia (which I doubt) then how come not a single Middle Eastern blog is nominated there? I could not recognize a single M.E. blog under Asia category, please correct me if I'm wrong.
It is weird to see that while the Middle Eastern blogsphere is growing rapidly hour-by-hour and getting good attention from all media outlets around the world, someone ignorant enough (or persistent) to miss our landmark.
Anyway, best of luck for the rest of the nominees there, and hard luck for Middle Eastern bloggers!
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we’re included as part of asia.
I voted for you.
It doesn’t matter.
We still love you.
In a manly sort of way.
Haitham, don’t worry about it.
Your support is still strong.
I wish that Robin would have sent this, so I wouldn’t have sound weird.
What the hell.
Haithem, you are my brother and I love you.
I am proud to call you my brother.
Even though you are better tanned than I am.
But I am working on it. I hide from the sun whenever I can. I burn.
I have spent 8 years on the internet and I have never met anyone so dedicated to a cause as you are.
I am making small baby steps behind your giant steps.
I am trying.
You are doing.
I look up to my Wife because she is 6′ tall. I look up to you because you are even taller.
Sorry for my rambling.
Did you check to see if they had a new category for propaganda blogs? I bet you could win that one! You’re a legend in the genre.
Thx! Great to know that I’m a pain in your -Zionist- ass, Craig!
kimmy,
I’m honored to be your brother. Thx bro.
ammaro,
When you say we are included as part of Asia, how did you come up with this conclusion? Please let me know if missed any M.E. blog under ‘Asia Blog’.
I will be very brief . This confirmed the Power of the LOBBY even on the net .
it says it in the website; asia (including weblogs from the mid-east).
Still, assuming that they went to geographical separation, then why do they have one category for Canadian blogs, another for American?
OTOH, Middle East term (historically and politically) consist of Western Asia and North Africa, so how come they decide that Middle East is part of Asia?
They missed up this year, intentionally or unintentionally, this is wrong!
It doesn’t matter.
The people who visit your blog is all that matters.
You have a blog that tells the truth.
What else matters?
Priority one is the truth.
You are #1 to me for the truth.
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