The Future of Niggerati Manor
When I was getting this thing off the ground in October, there was a reason I decided to call this blog Niggerati Manor instead of "Mat Johnson's Blog." Eventually, I intended to spin Niggerati Manor off from my own site and let it become true to its name: an online haven for the discussion and promotion of literature of the African Diaspora, conducted by the writers, readers, and scholars who comprise this world.The black literary fiction world is a very small one, one often muted in comparison to the garish non-stop self-promotion of our commercial co-ethnicists. In addition to being a home for like minds, I hope that Niggerati Manor can also serve as a way of promoting our literature without cheapening it. Here, readers of one author could discover the works of others, and together we could build the cohesive audience that all of us, as writers and readers, would love to see. Here are my planned additions to the site in the months ahead:
Multiple Posters
I will invite more people than just myself to submit posts. These pieces wouldn't even have to be long, just long enough to stir discussion. They wouldn't even have to be original: bloggers could post them on their own sites as well as here, academics could (with permission) post articles they've written for other places here as well, or simply link to them.
Promotion of New Books
There are a handful of Black literary titles out every season. I would like to list them, just to tell people what's out there(hell, I don't even know half the time). This wouldn't have to be limited to just fiction either, as there is some great written poetry, literary nonfiction, and literary criticism that should be shouted out.
Promotion of Critical Theory
One of the things we desperately need as a community is more academic criticism done about our work. I would like to promote, publish, or link to critical theory that focuses on work of the current generation of black writers.
Coverage of Black Lit Events
I would like to get slide shows and videos from things like Calabash, Callaloo, Hurston/ Wright Writers Week, VONA, Harlem Book Fair, etc. Also, how cool would it be if people could post their individual readings here?
Podcasts
As soon as I get the money for a decent mixer, I would like to get some interviews up on here, and add more short story readings by myself and others. Also, people's independent bookstore readings could be put up as video podcasts as well.
Party
Niggerati Manor doesn't have to be just an online endeavor. I would like to throw an annual party. Let's take over a Brooklyn bar for a night and make a Niggerati Manor a physical place. Not everyone could make it obviously, but there is a major concentration of talent on the American east coast that would definitely be enough to fill the room. Pictures would follow.
Store
I would like to set up an online store, just a little Cafe Press-type job selling coffee mugs and sweatshirts and the like. The proceeds would go completely towards paying for this site's maintenance. If we gathered enough, we could make the above-mentioned party open bar. If we made more than that (extremely doubtful) we could donate it to Hurston/Wright. Is that selling out? Tell me.
None of this is anything new. In many ways, I'm copying what black alternative music sites such as Spitkicker.com and Okayplayer.com have already done to cultivate their collective audiences, just on a smaller level. That said, something like this could have a seismic impact on our artistic community simple because so little effective audience building has been done.
So, if you're one of the hundreds out there lurking through Niggerati Manor, and you would like to contribute in the coming year, drop me a line. If you have a book of black LITERARY fiction, poetry, or non-fiction or know about a good book coming out, drop me a line too.
Any thoughts? Other ideas? Criticism? Advice? Post a comment and let's talk this out.
Sincerely,
Mat Johnson
www.niggerati.com
PS-
For the record, I stole this whole idea from Mar in a post she put on her blog in 2005. Credit due.
14 Comments:
I've been a die-hard lurker ever since you posted on my blog while back. Your post on The Roots was dead-on, by the way. Easily one of my favorites.
All of this sounds really interesting to me, though I doubt I'd be any good at contributing, if only because I don't have the experience necessary to really hang with the big shots.
Either way, count me in as a reader on whatever you decide!
Nice blog and really good ideas.
Much appreciated.
From the blog entry title and first paragraph alone, I thought that you were writing an elaborate resignation letter explaining why you were shutting down your blog. Thank God that wasn't the case.
I don't know if anyone else can really understand the impact such a project could have on the international black literary community. It is much more progressive than the way black literature is currently promoted, celebrated, criticized and highlighted. This is big!
By gathering adept black scholars, critics, editors, writers and the like from around the world, you'll have a solid online and land-based community that will be very much like having an extended family you never even knew existed. Having competent multiple posters is key. You're already aware that managing a great site can be a daunting task, and requires much dedication and commitment. By collaborating, the responsibility won't rest on the shoulder's of just one individual. It will most certainly open up a platform for diverse ideas and dialogue.
An online store is not selling out. I'm certain you'll have plenty of people shopping for a piece of the action. You might have companies seeking to advertise on your site if it becomes quite popular. Perhaps you can even use part of the earnings to pay small honourariums. There may be writers out there who will desperately need it.
I appreciate what you do in this space, and would love to see (and, perhaps participate in) more dialogue regarding critical literary theory. As a writer and current student of literature and theory, I am interested in a new and dynamic addition to literary, theoretical discourse. And, I am especially interested in a viable theory emanating from the contemporary African American/African Diasporic experience. (Maybe that “next big thing” that Peter Barry talks about in his book, “English in Practice”.)
I think you should go for it. And, assuming participants do not have to be based in NYC, I think you should contact Douglas Kearney http://www.douglaskearney.com. Details about him are on his site.
I agree...it's a great idea.
Personally, I'm against the whole idea. I'd much prefer to see this place become a fan site for Omar Tyree.
Hi Guys,
Sorry for the delay, I've been down with a flu from hell.
Hey, David Brothers, just keep reading, that's more than enough.
Persistence, you are very welcome to contribute or cross blog if you want.
Mar, you make sense. It's going to be gradual, but I think over a year or two we can have it up and running. We might have to do a bunch of major site work, but it should be nice eventually.
Pam, thanks for coming by, I love your blog.
Victor, that is a brilliant idea. No wonder they gave you the key to Queens.
Sounds like the beginning of a movement.
Where do I sign up? Will it involve any shedding of blood and will I have to wear white? I've been living in Harlem 6 months out of the year since last year and I can literally hear all the ghosts around me saying shit nigger, or get off the pot. Sorry about the N word, those of you who are offended, but hey, I'm just the messenger.
By the way David, as a reader you're the most crucial element in the whole mix.
This is an excellent idea. this should be interesting.
Mat...
This is a blog that puts others to shame. You say things that need to be said. The sage advice you've always given to other young writers is here for a wide audience.
Marlon-
I would love to have you submit something, or do a dual post at some point. The next time you go off on a literary rant, tag me.
Those same Harlem ghosts were whispering in my ears as well. I found the combination of doing as they said and drinking Ballintine Malt Liquor helpled to silence them. Best of luck on this new book, and equal good fortune on the next one.
Ravi-
Thanks. Looking forward to doing that interview in time for your book to hit.
I'm ready, though it seems some people misread my latest blog as a rant. I've decided that I should at least read Omar Tyree before I say anything about him. As for those ghosts, I think they are all living at Kurt's bookstore on 160th.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home