The latest Russian blog on the block is ZheZhe[dot]us.
The site appears to be a collective of bloggers from Russia, posting in English, although it’s a little hard to tell this for sure at the moment, as none of the posts are linked to specific authors.
Nonetheless, ZheZhe have already posted some great articles, including a very nice introduction to the Russian Blogosphere.
Today’s in-depth posts include Who is Dmitry Kovtun? and Poland, Russia, the EU and trade.
{ 4 comments }
I’m pleased to see them as well, though I think they could do more to accomplish their stated mission of giving us a window into the Russian blogosphere by translating the posts of major bloggers. The introduction you reference has too few links to actual blogs, for instance.
Translations of Russian blogs would be a great service for many – although Global Voices achieve that to some extent via Neeka’s excellent roundups.
It’s always tough when starting out though, and the focus, the style and even the raison de etre of a blog can go through plenty of changes as it finds its feet.
I know from experience of writing Siberianlight (and other blogs) that I’ve had a few major rethinks as I’ve tried new things, and assessed what works and what doesn’t (both for readers, and for me as a writer).
Take a look through the very early archives of Siberian Light and you’ll find that I used to write about everything under the sun, from CFC smuggling to Albanian virgins (not what it sounds – honest!)
For me, that’s one of the most exciting things about blogs – seeing how they develop over time as the person who writes them learns more and more, and as their priorities change.
La Russophobe – If you would like to volunteer translation services or support them financially your assistance will gladly be accepted ; )
Ok, seriously…I agree with you though unfortunately, my Russian language skills are not in the same league as what the project requires.
Translation is a priority. The situation creates a Catch-22 of sorts as the intention was, and is, to provide a forum for Russian bloggers to post content outside the constraints of the Russian “ZheZhe” (that we are all well aware of), in addition to the content I post.
Awareness of the site is being raised amongst Russian bloggers as evidenced though referring links and my own efforts. Either no English-posting Russian bloggers are interested in contributing, or the language issue is a barrier.
I would assume it is a bit of both.
ZHEZHE:
Well, I think either I misread your purpose or you misled me. Because my interest in your blog was occasioned only by my impression that you had both the means and the inclination to open another windown on the Russian blogosphere. I feel sure I read that in your early posts, but maybe I was wrong or maybe you changed your mind, which is your privilege.
By the way, I meant to ask you: Are you the same “Jonathan” I know from Publius Pundit, or a different one?
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }