There was an old Kat Kat ad when I was growing up, where a dreadful band were auditioning for a record company executive, who said to them “You can’t sing, you can’t play, you look awful. You’ll go a long way”That is how I feel about this blog, Brutalism. I can’t tell what genre of blogging it’s trying to fit into, but it seems to be somewhere between the mainstream humour and mommy blog worlds. Not to mention that frankly, it looks dull and same-ish, with little or no effort put into the presentation.
BUT....
This woman can tell a joke. She really can. She can choose, time, and pace a funny story pretty perfectly. These are things that just come naturally to some and she’s got it.
A lot of humour bloggers could learn from her, punchlines don’t need to be delivered by circus clowns with cream pies, and mommy bloggers could learn to pick the interesting or amusing from the mundane like she does.
She isn't overbearing, annoyingly opinionated or in your face. Quite unassuming and self-deprecating in fact.
Examples are all through the blog, which has been running since 2004, but in full swing since 2007. Here, or here, are examples of simple stories or quips that genuinely amuse, because of timing and perverse humour. You can dive into any monthly archive and find similar. Even the normally irritating filler posts people do about search terms or adwords can be worth while if you have the knack.
So, what would I suggest? Clean it up. Find a smarter, fresher and more original template. Hone your image and message. It irritates me to see some less than average blogs get all the hits and traffic, when your content is better than average and only slugging along.
I wouldn’t mind a bit more of a peak at the person behind the quips and stories, that would bring me back, and save me from thinking all these great wee stories weren’t just mechanical output.
I think you’ve done well here, you have a natural ability with timing of humour that so many just don’t, it would be a shame to let it go to waste. You seem to enjoy the art of blogging, more so than just listening to your own voice, so it would be a shame to see your potential go to waste.
These were easy come by, the remainder is up to you
Totally agree, she's funny.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of what you said. I would also add that putting her archives so low in the sidebar makes them less obvious (I actually thought she didn't have an archive listing at first glance).
ReplyDeleteI am dizzy with adoration for a girl who names herself "Brutalism".
ReplyDeleteGood review, Gene. One problem? You left me with nothing to be an asshole about.
Oh well - I'll find something... just you wait.
She is funny. But a lot of mommy bloggers are. Blogs like this are a dime a dozen.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that she is way more apt to be humorous and entertaining that a good number of really popular blogs.
Great review.
I'm with Betsey Booms. She seems funny and likeable enough, but also seems like a dime a dozen.
ReplyDeleteYou know what I really like about this particular blogger? The simplicity of her layout. Reminds me of the old 'computer screen blue'. There is absolutely no clutter, reminds me of Bluestreak. She's not quite up to BS funny, but I might read her blog. Might.
ReplyDeleteOk, there is some clutter. Biscotti?
ReplyDelete"Good review, Gene."
ReplyDeleteWell of fucking course it is.
Nice.
ReplyDeleteI see what you're doing, Gene, trying to give me something to be a dick about... you might be able to pool the wool over the choir-boys' eyes, but you can't fool me.
...pull wool, maybe?
ReplyDelete[sigh]
Nice comment, Ryan.
ReplyDeleteHey, what do you know, sarcasm DOES come across in writing...
I'm down here...
ReplyDeleteThere is something about pooling wool that makes me a tad itchy and maybe even a little angry.
ReplyDeleteRyan, you may want to try shaking your fist at the local orphanage.
ReplyDeleteI do that.
ReplyDeleteCock in hand mind.
What's with the Ryan hate? I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteI really like this blog. There is a Joel McHale video on there and I'm kind of in love with him. Also, that picture of her daughter "on the pole" was great. I love when people aren't afraid to make fun of their kids.
I was a lot more comfortable when we were talking about wool.
ReplyDeleteOf course you were, Tits. I was a lot more comfortable when the reviewees had atrocious blogs. I don't know what I should be doing right now.
ReplyDeleteI don't either. We've resorted to turning on each other.
ReplyDeleteGood thing we don't have any young around here. We might eat them.
Um, I think the good father has already done enough of the 'eating the young' bit.
ReplyDelete'allegedly'
ReplyDeleteOh gah, please stop!
ReplyDeleteSee? As the mother of a pretty little boy, I just can't cope.
ReplyDeleteYuh-huh.
ReplyDeleteA wafer, anyone?
ReplyDeleteYou try one of my biscotti and I'll contemplate your offer. Seriously, you need to stop blaming everything on 'pricks'. It opens you up to all manner of horrible puns.
ReplyDeleteAnd you don't want your puns to be all open to pricks.
ReplyDeleteCan someone please borrow a forklift to lift Father Gene's jaw off the ground?
ReplyDeleteI think the good father is over our biscotti now.
ReplyDeleteAnd by our, I totally meant YOUR.
ReplyDeleteI really have no part in the biscotti.
I was wondering if you could make me a custom apron for my new found love of baking. Just make sure you cut a strategic hole for my baster.
ReplyDeleteReally? Because I doubt there is very little that is "strategic" about it.
ReplyDeleteTits, clearly you have never tried to mix ingredients while polishing your lady bits. I get sick of having to repeatedly (at the most inconvenient times) lift my apron to make sure my recipe maintains integrity.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's called "Kit Kat", moron.
ReplyDeleteThat post is indicative of what this blog is starting to become. Just as stupid as Brutalism and all the rest.
Your ineffective imitation of good posting style only serves to illuminate your lack of substance, good taste, and decency.
Thanks for your contribution, but if I had wanted to hear from somebody with your IQ, I'd be at my local supermarket talking to the vegetables.
Lawnmower repair manuals are far more interesting than you, and far less turgid to read. If you called the Suicide Hotline, they'd say: "Go ahead. Do it!"
Oh well, at least you only charge what your free advice is worth.
Yes, Richard, because you are, after all, what every blogger aspires to be.
ReplyDeleteThis is about your review, isn't it?
I'm kind of flattered with all the Imitation of Ghost going around the blogs today. Really, I'm getting aroused.
ReplyDeleteLol, somebody really doesn't like us. Get your email address out of your profile and blog and see how many more of these comments pop up.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if a comment pops up from a regular, and there's no avatar, its a faux blogger.
ReplyDeleteLet's make sure to give it all the attention they are seeking.
ReplyDeleteI mean, come on, this person is an obvious poet with a soul full of hate.
This is some good shit.
I'm in the process of dying and losing my keyboard even as I type this.
DPH - I hope your cat is loving the buffet of your remains.
Love notes for all.
Also? I got a very nice email from the person who supposedly wants me to die and she has very hurt feelings.
ReplyDeleteThis is seriously effective.
The writing is on the bathroom wall, kids.
ReplyDeleteWe are obviously a bunch of bullies, who picked on a disgruntled baby bitch who put a "kick me" sign on their own back.
At least we play fair.
Also, I feel left out that no one left any nasty comments under my name.
ReplyDeleteIneffective imitation of good posting style? Whack Dickstein, will you please remove your chainsaw from the English language?
ReplyDeleteGhost, probably because no one would think anything was wrong if you left one of those messages.
ReplyDeleteLike the one I got? I just assumed the G. stood for Ghost. I had to really look to see that I was actually being insulted.
So... what happened?
ReplyDelete(Other than Gene calling me a "european cock", that is. First, sir, if I pull my turtleneck up that high I look like a deodorant-stick, and second, well, when I come up with a witty rejoinder, ooh, I'll get you.)
Somebody hacked into profiles or some such thing? The comments here are all byzantine, so I can't really get a handle on what's happening... what, what?
People are leaving really nasty comments on Askers blogs under the names of other Askers.
ReplyDeleteLike I hope your cat is a banjo strumming hillbilly that eats your soul, kind of shit.
You know.
Tits:
ReplyDeleteYou know that I really do hope that is the case with your cat.
I had a favorite of the faux-Askers' comments, but I refuse to reveal which one it was. Mostly because I don't really know who to credit it to.
It was mine right? Because it was genius.
ReplyDeleteI myself am hoping I die and lose my keyboard.
Also? I strum a mean banjo.
I liked mine the most. First of all, who doesn't like to be compared to a punching bag? Well, unless you're an abused woman, but really if you are, you should just learn to shut the fuck up.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm supposed to OD on amoxicilian and let my cats eat me.
How much fun does THAT sound like?
Whore, I think the neighbors would like it less if you passed on the amoxycillin.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I gave my death threat the full attention it deserved.
ReplyDeleteMostly because I'm still not convinced it wasn't GoK.
Ah, Ghost's a stand-up guy - he'd shank you in the front, you know that.
ReplyDeleteGuess you'll never know, Tits.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel blue, Lawson, I didn't get one either. Of course, why would I write one to myself? That's a good argument.
No, I didn't write any of them. I would make sure you knew it was me.
Yeah, Like I said, I wasn't even offended at first because I thought it was him...
ReplyDeleteAnd then I was all, wait!
Please, he's said way worse to me.
I mean banjo pickin' hillbilly, say something that isn't true.
This is the Miller Lite and Nyquil talking. Hillbilly that.
Yeah, and I would have used more profanity.
ReplyDeleteFor real and not one vagina reference right?
ReplyDeleteI mean, that can't be an inside job.
Hey - anything we can do to bait them back here?
ReplyDeleteHold on, I'll strum my banjo and kick Dph's dead, punching bag body, we'll see if they come a'runnin' to our love call.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someone can just gargle a biscotti? That's a noise that attracts just about anyone.
ReplyDeleteStart talking M/M vampire porn...
ReplyDeleteRyan, want to um, pardon the pun, go tag team on this one?
ReplyDeleteAwww, you guy would defend our defiled honour?
ReplyDeleteI want biscotti gargling demos. I'm confused.
No, Tits. Well, maybe. Here, look at this:
ReplyDeletehttp://miawatts.blogspot.com/2009/03/biscotti-bacon.html
I'm waiting for my payment.
Also, from here on out, I will be referred to as Meddling Dreadlord Ghost.
ReplyDeleteYeah, read it... by that, it's obvious why rassles and nj went unscathed, but what about me?
ReplyDeleteNo reason to take me under according to that post.
Used the biscotti reference and shat upon the Ghost?
ReplyDeleteTsk.
Right, used bacon too and that is both Rassles and me.
ReplyDeleteSure, but you guys got props... Ghost gets his cum-filed pastry in the title and bupkis.
ReplyDeleteRight, Yin and Yang title.
ReplyDeleteSo why the comments?
I love Clue.
I want to blow cumm sharts on Mia Watts' face.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we can say it was her. The math doesn't add up, mathlympians.
ReplyDeleteUgh. Get over it Tits. She says she cruises here looking for ideas. Read your earlier comment on this post. Also, anyone notice an odd comment from her today?
ReplyDeleteAll I notice is something called a "richard wackman" getting all upset.
ReplyDeleteYeah, couldn't tell if the Dick Whackman comment was a fake or onehe actually left. He has split personalities, NJ. And he's a douche.
ReplyDeleteHe's probably talking about her calling me a genius on Rassles blog.
ReplyDeleteGhost thinks I'm an idiot.
Does anyone care that if Mia reads this her feelings might be hurt?
ReplyDeleteI call the Dick Wackman comment as a fake too.
Also? I just want to say that the booze and Nyquil is really kicking in at this point.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Mia knows that the majority of venom spit is from Ghost & DPH; somehow, I don't think she'll be surprised.
ReplyDeleteTouche.
ReplyDeleteOkay. I get what you're saying?
Cumm sharts are an evil thing. Well, at least when they're aimed at someone's face.
ReplyDeleteNo, I'm thinking they're pretty fucking evil regardless of where they're aimed.
ReplyDeleteI know Ghost enjoys creating them. Or depositing them, I should say
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRight, I don't think we're on the same page Ghost.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Mia comment disappeared?
Misogynists.
Booms, did you remove that last post just to drive Ghost insane?
ReplyDeleteI'd never make fun of you my little schmoopy-bear!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't decide if this crowd will think more or less of me now.
ReplyDeleteTits: That's what we call an epiphany.
ReplyDeleteOop - spoke too soon.
ReplyDeleteI told you not to bring up my stack of PBR boxes ever again!
ReplyDeleteWe need a caper like this every dead day.
ReplyDeleteNow, Tits:
I couldn't possibly think any less of you, and you know that. But look at the language in the faux comments. Has to be Watts. Of course that wasn't Richard, he could never write that well. None of the UCF types would bother, they are happy to exist in a parallel universe as us. Tits, you have a large rack, a wonderful family, and blonde hair. Tell me that a woman hasn't said something nice to you then turned around and said 'Nasty Skank' under their breath. Watts, in the blogosphere, with the internet disguise.
It's okay, Booms.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in regards to my earlier promise to write a "fuck you" comment, I'd like to respectfully withdraw said promise on the grounds that I really, really don't want to spend the energy writing a "fuck You" comment.
Thank you for your time.
I'm getting "Enormous Fuck You" tatooed on my eyelids, just so we're clear.
ReplyDeleteGhost, excellent point.
ReplyDeleteI just expect that everyone is as straightforward as DPH and me.
Not a true story.
With that? I'm cooked.
Later skaters.
yeah, that just happened.
Wattage could be pissed because nobody really wanted to play with her. So maybe she took her toys and went home, and then egged a bunch of our blogs.
ReplyDeleteWe should have expressed more interest in her gay vampire fetish.
Mia, on Wednesday's review said:
ReplyDelete'Post and review: Completely lame and without point. Far too PC for my tastes and yeah, whatever.'
I'm in love with Jobber.
ReplyDeleteTits is bitchin.
ReplyDeleteStick it in.
ReplyDeleteAbortion?
ReplyDeleteWell, so much for being sensitive.
ReplyDeleteWait - are we sure it's Mia who wrote the nasty emails/comments?
ReplyDeleteIn the clear light of morning with just a slight Miller Lite/Nyquil hangover (and fuck you Miller for making me type "lite" screw that it's LIGHT. Yeah!), I hope a grievous error was not made that hurt anyone's feelings.
ReplyDeleteMostly, because I'm just soft and cuddly like that.
Shut up.
All I know is that someone's got a crush on the Jobber, so it can't be all bad.
ReplyDeletePS - I have the IP address of the comment leaver.
ReplyDeleteNo fair. Show me yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say that I believe the culprits are the little twats from last week who got their panties all in a wad over Nate's review. Remember what's her gash who writes about hillbillies?
ReplyDeleteyeah. THOSE PEOPLE. And, my bet is on Janiece.
LB, Theswe were my thought exactly!
ReplyDeleteIt's Boomsgate I tell you. I've never seen people get so bent out of shape over a pretty nice review.
It was officially the last time I do something called a "favor" ever again.
And I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Tits, you have the commenter's ISP, you should be able to tell us one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteI still think that Special Operations Warrant Officer Jim Wright is a pustulant nard, for the record.
ReplyDeleteI get home and everyone is fighting. And seriously? I don't understand a lick of this entire conversation.
ReplyDeleteI would just like to state, for the record, that I call Boomer a retard with as much love as I can muster. Because I fucking love Boomer.
End of line.
Nope, not end of line. Forgot.
ReplyDeleteI like Mia. I don't know if I could get into the vampire bromance business, but I like her.
Rassles, babe, I know you meant it with love.
ReplyDeleteI meant I was treated like an asshole with love.
word.
Fighting? P'shaw. We were articulating opnions on my general physical cockishness, hackers and Clue.
ReplyDeleteI mean, if there was any actual fighting going on, there'd hardly be any responses on Booty's review, right?
And without the movies Hackers and Clue what would I have done on a Saturday night 12 years ago?
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding dawns. No, I am not Richard, Dick or whomever Whackman.
ReplyDeleteYes, actually I like Betsey. Have no qualms with Ms. Missives either. Slapdashittery is an awesome blog too.
Am not in perpetual heat. Had one week of free-range commenting on the topic and have not gone back since. Clearly I have grown but not the company.
I did indeed post Bacon-Biscotti. Knew it would get a rise but is my overall impression thus far. Don't know enough of you yet to form an opinion. Only those with whom I've spoken.
Adore Rassles. Betsey my thanx to your concern for my feelings. I do know the gut-punches offered here and am not hurt but did need to figure out what the discussion was over.
Was surprised to come back to sudden conspiracy and accusation. I don't always have time to blog-surf my apologies if the others felt left out and saddened by my lack of attention. Poor things.