After decades of writing about Bay Ridge in print media–and five years of a televised View From Bay Ridge (on Brooklyn Community Access Television)–it’s time to plunge into that tectonic wave of information, insight, innuendo and insult which has been flooding my computer screen for the past decade. The blogosphere.
Why? Because I am both inspired and distressed at the blogs I read each day. Most are timely and entertaining, and some are breaking new ground in the field of journalism. And some are, well, distressing.
Why call it Chuck Otey’s Bay Ridge? Why not? For better or worse, it’s a name that’s been visibly and frequently linked with Bay Ridge for quite a few years. And, one lesson I’ve learned in that time is that modesty, false or otherwise, doesn’t wear well in print.
Where’s Bay Ridge? Geographically, this singular community is bounded by the Narrows on the West, 64th St. on the North, 14th Ave. going East and running South through and including all of the Fort Hamilton Army Base.
This description has practical and official origins. It reflects the boundaries of the NYPD’s 68th Pct., Community Board Ten, the Bay Ridge Community Council and the 68th Pct. Community Council. Newcomers often confuse the BRCC and the 68th CC–clearing up this confusion will be one of the continuing tasks here at COsBR.
In addition to its small town focus, COsBR will regularly take part in the larger ongoing debate over whether the blog explosion is good, bad or something else. Our cherished and historic democracy depends on the steady flow of accurate information which, until recently, arrived via only newspapers, radio and television.
“He can’t write!”
“She can’t even spell!”
“If that guy is going to be so nasty why doesn’t he sign his name to his blog comment?!?!”
Yet, even on our community level, it’s clear to me that the overall variety and depth of what bloggers produce is nothing short of phenomenal.
This looks like fun–so I’m joining the party!
Looking forward to your feedback.
Chuck Otey In Bay Ridge
December 4, 2008 at 12:53 am
I’l definitely check out the BCAT clips. It would be helpful for those out of town if you also posted a map of your area.
December 4, 2008 at 1:08 am
I read my newspaper everyday and can’t imagine a society without them. Great to see a long time journalist starting a new blog. Nobody can Stop The Press!
December 6, 2008 at 2:18 am
Great blog. When’s the next installment coming? Anxiously awaiting your insights.
An admiring Bayridgeite. . .
December 6, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Hi Chuck,
Love that column explaining why you’re doing this. Let’s get more of your personal viewpoint and reactions.
December 7, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Is it true that East Side Annie shares a birthday with the Verrazano Narrows Bridge?
December 8, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Hey Chuck,
I really think this blog will be a great way to reach some of the younger Bay Ridgeites who dont read the paper! This can only help keep Bay Ridge thriving! Thank you!
Where is the next blog….?
January 21, 2009 at 12:14 am
Born and raised in my beloved Bay Ridge, here I sit in the frozen tundra poring over news and views from the old neighborhood. Thanks – I look forward to reading more! P.S. When we figure out which Brooklyn boy will be our new Senator, we’ll let you know.
January 28, 2009 at 11:45 am
My compliments and best wishes on your new endeavor!