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TaylerInfomedia announces new deaf aggregator
April 25th, 2008
Tayler and Jared are announcing a new site that aggregates deaf blogs much in the same way DeafRead does. But there are differences.
- The blogs will focus on sign languages and Deaf culture
- Instead of moderating posts, all posts will be published from selected blogs
- A panel of 3 persons will select the blogs
Goal of DeafRead
DeafRead aims to grow into a valuable resource on the Internet where it has a reputation for impartiality in regards to deaf issues. Visitors with searching agendas or researchers must be able to instantly recognize that DeafRead is a place they can go to reliable find all sides of an issue and be able to see the whole picture. If a site only promotes the positive aspects of one side, it becomes suspect and the reputation declines somewhat. Showing all sides and opinions are of paramount importance to DeafRead.
It’s often a white and black worlds of difference between ASL/BiBi and CI/AVT. DeafRead must operate in the grey area between these two worlds. DeafRead brings these two camps together on the same page and enables information sharing. We have a feverish hope that in the future the chasm between these two camps will be narrowed and some bridges built across.
We are blessed to have Carrie, JJ, Amy, and Elizabeth as our human editors. They are the beating heart of DeafRead. They have been battle-tested and gained the wisdom to be able to keep DeafRead running. The editors are charged with the task of staying neutral and approving deaf-related posts. They have done an admirable job and we have full confidence in them.
Goal of DeafSide
For those of you who know Tayler and I, we are actively involved with the sign language community and not only do we cherish but we revere the sign language community. We have been signing all our lives and have zero speech abilities beyond few swear words. 
ASL has has deeply enriched our lives in many ways. Why else would we give up many hours to contribute websites to the Deaf community as well as making sure the websites are executed well? *hint* it’s not for the money.
We understand the need for a safe harbor for the cultural and linguistic minority. DeafSide will not be a place for vblogs with a lukewarm reception to ASL. The vbloggers will unabashedly support ASL and other signing languages and have a strong Deaf cultural center. DeafSide will provide a protected area to help all signing languages thrive and encourage positive discussions among the signing Deaf.
Because the purposes of DeafRead and DeafSide are different and incompatible, DeafSide will be developed and launched as a separate site. DeafRead will be a “all-purpose” deaf aggregator, while DeafSide will be an “ASL-only” aggregator. The posts from DeafSide will be fed directly into DeafRead for wider distribution and to further strengthen the position of sign languages.
Because DeafSide will be a place of blogs that are known to promote and celebrate sign languages, the site will approve vbloggers meeting certain requirements. A panel of three people will make sure that ASL and other sign languages get their due: they will have the power to decide which blogs can get on DeafSide. While DeafRead and DeafSide will be on a parallel development path, Tayler and I will not have any say on which content shows up at DeafSide, that final decision will be left up to the panel of three.
Anyone that is interested in being on this panel, e-mail Tayler by 8:00pm PST on Sunday April 27. The community will have the opportunity to vote on who forms the panel.
The website, DeafSide, will launch on Monday May 12.
Tayler and Jared
Joey Baer | April 25th, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Read the announcement and comments with much interest. I only have one thought: Give DeafSide a chance and see how things go rather than arguing whether they are separating from other groups. Just allow them to do their thing and we will learn new things – just like we learned about DeafRead.
I agree with Liz B (and other commenters above) that DeafSide sounded like if they are not as important as others.
JD | April 26th, 2008 @ 2:17 am
Someone suggested DeafCenter. I think it will be a perfect name. I checked and deafcenter is not available, BUT deafcentered.com is !!! It feels more Deaf! Please listen to the community. The majority does not like DeafSide. DeafCentered is easy to remember.
DEAFCENTERED.COM !!!! Let’s vote for it. We can sign DEAF-CENTER.
Joseph Pietro Riolo | April 26th, 2008 @ 6:27 am
White Ghost in its (apology to White Ghost for not remembering its gender) comment dated April 25, 2008 at 12:56pm raised a good point on whether Sprint Relay will sponsor the new aggregator DeafSide. Can you give an answer to the question?
I have mixed feelings on this. On one hand, it is a nice central place for topics relating to ASL and natural signed languages. It is like a library that divides books and resources into categories so that the patrons can find a group of books and resources on a similar topic in one central place, rather than having them scattered throughout the library.
On the other hand, the primary motivation for setting up DeafSide seems to be driven by an ideology. I will grant that the ideology is not stated explicitly anywhere in the blog entry but the goals for DeafSide seem to encourage or border on exclusivism, that is, to exclude those who do not fit the ideology of purism of ASL and other natural signed languages. As some commentators stated, it encourages segregation.
As I stated, I have mixed feelings on this. I am trying to put DeafSide in the best light through the analogy of library but the primary motivation for DeafSide just does not jibe with it.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
signhand | April 26th, 2008 @ 8:21 am
how about deaf-court? you know in mall most of times called food court? court is other mean of group or area, in way i can think of area where deaf is so… deaf-court or deafcourt? is it available in domain? what do you think?
signhand | April 26th, 2008 @ 8:23 am
or asl-court? aslcourt? i just pop up…
Jean Boutcher | April 26th, 2008 @ 8:31 am
I wholeheartedly and completely agree with Liz B. The term,
“DeafSIDE” — in my opinion — marginalises THE DEAF WAY.
DeafSIDE means 1/100% of The Deaf Way.
International Deaf Way is fine.
Deaf Center is fine.
DeafSide — unacceptable.
Nesmuth | April 26th, 2008 @ 8:38 am
This is a clear example of a blog system hijacked by the extremists.
This paves the way to the balkanization of the deaf community.
Richard
tayler | April 26th, 2008 @ 8:40 am
No one’s mentioned DeafRead’s new feature, DeafRead Custom? Me puzzled.
Jean Boutcher | April 26th, 2008 @ 10:13 am
I did try DeafRead Custom, but it did not work. Jared suggested that
I go to Tools to enable cookies. I did follow accordingly, but still to no avail.
Off on the tangent, I thought that blogs and vlogs that were not in regard to deaf-related issues would go directly to DeafEXTRA.
Joseph Pietro Riolo | April 26th, 2008 @ 10:58 am
For what it’s worth, when I look at the name “DeafSide”, I am reminded of fireside. Fireside has many nice, positive connotations. Also, it reminds me of the movie “West Side Story” where “West Side” means an area in New York City. In parallel, DeafSide means an area in the world of communication that focuses on Deaf.
I can understand how some view DeafSide as a discourse of lesser importance because it is delegated to a side (of DeafRead, I presume). But, this is not the only view shared by people.
Joseph Pietro Riolo
josephpietrojeungriolo@gmail.com
Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this post in the public domain.
JD | April 26th, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Deaf Custom is a joke! We prefer DeafCenter! That is why we are not discussing Deaf Custom! Let’s do DeafCenter.
Pingback: » MEDIA WATCH: DeafRead New Offshoot, DeafSide
tayler | April 26th, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
JD, why is DeafRead Custom a joke? Please explain. I’m interested in knowing. Thanks.
patti | April 26th, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
PAH!
look forward to ur unleashing the new aggregator
i agree with joey baer – we r all learning and growing and i totally appreciate everything DeafRead has been undertaking
no easy case – im sure years down the road folks will analyze how DeafRead was critical in fostering knowledge, power, collective consciousness and social justice. This new aggregator has the promise of being a site of non-colonialism – this is HUGELY important. this may emerge as a new PILLAR of Deafhood – an digital one but a very far reaching and powerful one. BY having a space / place to cultivate, perculate, ferment ideas about the Deaf experience – i suspect much positive Deafhood creativity will be unleased in the forms of short films, Sign Lang. lit, Deaf lit, visual art and more
i commend u for ur communal process – announcing this new aggregator and seeking out input from ur readership
i think ur plan is very wise and i thank u
re: the name – Deafside – i understand folks comments. i especially like the concept of taking a name from Sign Langauge first as this will show the Deaf centered focus of ur new aggregator. Deafside i assume was first conceived when thinking in English. Nothing wrong with English but i assume Deafread originated in this fashion as have most Deaf organizations and groups names – English first then how do we sign it. Been there done that. I really like when folks break the mold and think in ASL first (or the SL of their countries)
so maybe ur team can talk and just see what word keeps popping up when u sign about this new aggregator – ur HANDS will tell u the answer
for me because im only reading the discussion in English and not seeing folks talk about it in ASL – (the video above says no longer available) perhaps some of the suggestions below might work
DEAFPAH
DEAFTHAT
DEAFPLACE
DEAFSPACE
DEAFBEACON (COMING FROM THECONCEPTS IN THE SIGN OF LIGHTHOUSE / SEARCH LIGHT BUT CANT THINK OF THE BEST ASL WORD TO USE)
Thank u so much again for all u do
peace
patti durr
patti | April 26th, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
oh also
DEAFPOINT
reason why is in ASL sign DEAF with emphasis and the POINT to show the Deaf Centered focus
i love the sign for Deaf Center – have been seeing it lots and clever expressions of off center or bumping the center or missing the center – GREAT stuff but since someone said the domain name is taken and i fear Deafcentered might be a bit long and awkward to – type – perhaps Deafpoint will hit the mark
point will have several meanings:
- thats the focus and intent – the point of the new aggregator
- Deaf weren’t allowed to point when young – HA now have a place that encourages u to shout in SL
- point as in a place like Goughton Point, i believe some Alaskan sites have the word Point int heir name. – point signifies a geographic location in cyber space
- point conjures up the image of a hand / finger which will symbolize SL and Deaf folks –
- sign for Deaf is with index finger as is the sign for point so will flow in ASL well
- point as in guides the way – leads our pathy
- point as in goal – http://www.deafpoint.com will have a clear goal and focus
peace
p
patti | April 26th, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
boo
i just clicked the address of deafpoint.com AFTER i submitted the poihnt and now see it is already taken
NEVERMIND on that one
other idea – i just checked so they r not already taken phew!
Deafflagpole or just Deafflag
why flag – is cuz folks will often sign when staking a place for ourselves this inserting of a large flag – like the moon landing
just a thought
enough ideas from me eh
peace
p
peace
p
Allison Tyler | April 26th, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
Tayler, and Jared Thank you sooooo much!!!
this is very fair. DeafRead is more general and it mentions “Deaf,” so the CI and ASL users are not rejected.
DeafSide or DeafCenter is a wonderful idea. I am so excited!!!!!
I am tired of scrolling down DeafRead and searching. I look forward to this new site.
Ali
Allison Tyler | April 26th, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
Hi all,
I want to add this… Theres plenty of groups within the African American community and it is the beauty of “freedom to choose,” so dont consider this something bad.
a Deaf | April 26th, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
to those whom is CI supporters,
just get hint..
in case you still don’t, here it is.
SHUT the **** up, and leave us alone. Go on and celebrate your cyberborg’s lives on somewhere else…
Other hint,
Only IF you are so INTO ASL and have the desire to promote the Soul of ASL, you are most welcome… We just aren’t interested in loving CI (the implant itself). It is like RAID the pesticles substance that’d kills the Deaf community if we promote the sounds and the mapping. We will never reject any deaf people with CI. GET IT Dude?
DeafSide is an cause of RAID. We just had to re-colonize ourselves again so we all can enjoy the ASL. ONLY ASL ASL ASL (and those of the international sign languages!!!)
And NOTHING OF THE IMPLANTS, SOUNDS, AND THOSE KIND OF KINKIES ARE APPEALING TO US!
Ron | April 27th, 2008 @ 2:44 am
About time! Thank you, DR for coming to a right decision. I support DeafCenter. Tayler, how about letting the community or the three people on the panel vote on the name of the new site.
Candace A McCullough | April 27th, 2008 @ 3:48 am
Hello Tayler,
Seems there are many strong feelings about the concept of DeafSide.
One thing I am wondering about: DeafSide will have a panel to select v/blogs, but no moderators. It would be helpful to know the rationale behind this decision. It would also be helpful to know more about the responsibilities of the panelists, such as whether or not they will develop guidelines for selection of v/blogs.
Thanks for clarifying.
WAD | April 27th, 2008 @ 4:56 am
Thank you for offering DeafRead Custom. It allows people to filter and read/view blogs/vlogs. It is a win-win strategy.
Liz B | April 27th, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Patti, great suggestions for names for the new site!! These are even better.
Jenny | April 27th, 2008 @ 11:00 am
Tayler and Jared,
THANK YOU!!!
I am so thrilled that you have found a solution. This is what we need – a safe home. I think this will encourage more bloggers and vloggers to feel safe and generate many more posts. The genius in this plan is the plan to feed those entries directly into DeafRead, which will make the whole thing more balanced. Handwaves!!!
Just a few thoughts about the name… I’m not fond of the name DeafSide at all. It implies that there is a war and people have to take sides. There’s no such situation here. DeafCenter is the best name (tho’ it’s taken), because it shows the concept accurately. Those of us who are centered in our collective values (signed languages, Deaf culture, the community) are all here. People who are not there yet are welcome to join us when they are ready.
A few suggestions for the name:
DeafCenter.info
DeafNexus.info (I saw DeafNexus.com once somewhere and I can’t remember whom or where I saw it, and DeafNexus.com is still taken, according to a Whois query even though there’s no website there.)
DeafCentered.com
DeafHeart.com
Best of luck with this new endeavor, and if there’s any way I can help, lemme know!
SusanA | April 27th, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Hi Tayler and Jared,
this sounds like a good move for Deaf people who want to enjoy ASL and sign language.
Look forward to seeing what it is like. Thank you for the good work. Keep it up!
SusanA
Think | April 28th, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
You should leave the way DeafRead is. They can customize them. I think it is silly to aggerate them because people know what reading is. You can put the CI/AVT aside because they have their own group elsewhere.
deafk | April 30th, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Tayler,
In my opinion, Deaf Customize is causing the confict among us. If you still are curious all about it, then go to my v/blog’s for the subject, “My DeafRead Tidbit 4/27/08″ for my explanation on Deaf Customize. Thanks.
http://aslvblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/my-deafread-tidbits-42708.html
deafk
deafk | April 30th, 2008 @ 7:53 am
Actually, my reaction, not really explanation… thanks.
deafk
jean | April 30th, 2008 @ 10:09 am
A great confusion like the Tower of Babel :
DEAFREAD –> for all topics
EXTRAS –> for what?
CUSTOMIZE DEAF READ –> selective to one’s liking
DEAFSIDE –> only about ASL and Deaf Culture.
Were I the owner or one of human editors, my aggregator
would look like as follows:
DEAFREAD –> for all topics
DEAFSIDE –> Cochlear Implant topics
DeafKitty | May 8th, 2008 @ 7:06 am
DEAF people are still deaf no matter what? with or without CI and oral… PEACE!!!
Amanda | May 12th, 2008 @ 7:11 am
Great idea!!
such clever use of ‘internet-space’ especially for Deaf people, and esp. in a time where we are so spread out across the nation ~ and hey, across the world.
JD | May 12th, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
May 12th? Today is May 12th. I hope you are keeping your words. We look forward to DeafSide!
Dean | June 23rd, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Judging from those comments posted hereby, I would think that the name DeafCenter seems to be more favored than DeafSide. And Jenny has mentioned a slightly different name: DeafCenter.info. Would DeafCenter.net be also more acceptable?
Let’s hope that those panelists would be given a chance to rename the not-so-great name of DeafSide. DeafCenter name would suggest an aura of authority and information to those who may be out seeking some information on how to raise their deaf children the best way possible (which is to encourage and support their acquaintance of ASL and to communicate in ASL with them).
Dean