Paul,
"Let's pray for each other and hope for nothing but goodness between us despite our differences."
Amen.
May I ask if you nominated any blogs or know if any of the blogs you are concerned with were nominated or wanted to be?
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J

"I'm no SSPX sympathizer, nor do I regularly attend the TLM, but I would consider myself sympathetic to some traditionalist concerns."
okay.
"I'm also a nominee. I'm not saying that get votes, but to point out that a traditionalist-leaning blog got nominated."
But that doesn't mean that a full-fledged traditionalist blog was nominated. There is as difference between a pro-traditionalist blog being nominated and one that simply shares "some concerns" of traditionalists.
"P.S. As admin for the St. Blog's Parish Aggregator, I can assure you that there are a number of traditionalist blogs in the parish."
Okay. I found a list from a blog page sometimes referred to as "St. Blog's Parish" and it doesn't have any traditionalist blogs listed there, certainly not in the top half of the page which is mostly made up of Neo-Catholic blogs.
"P.P.S. Walking around with chips on their shoulders is no way for traditionalists to get their concerns addressed. People tune noise like that out."
I don't have a chip on my shoulder and neither do other traditionalists who manage a blog. We have as much a right to express our concerns and our goals as much as any practicing Catholic. This is about issues, not emotions, and it is issues that I am strictly focused on.
BTW, I must say that I was very surprised that Amy Welborn didn't win a category this year despite the trillions of visitors to her blog per day. I also noticed that there were hundreds of more votes (some categories had more than 1,000 votes) compared to last year; yet, some unknown bloggers were able to beat out the likes of Amy Welborn.
However, keep in mind that as Catholics we must realize that votes and awards are not important when it comes to blogging. What bloggers have to keep in mind is the fact that many fallen away Catholics and non-Catholics are lurking out there in cyberspace and when they come across a Catholic blog it better have a positive message that will make them think in favor of the Church. Catholic blogging is not about personalities like Jimmy, Curt, Amy or Dave. It's about restoring everything in Christ, about changing hearts, about being one with Christ and with His Church.
Let's pray for each other and hope for nothing but goodness between us despite our differences.

I'm sorry, Rev Al. Until this moment I'd never heard of you; therefore, my comment was not meant for you. I had another well-known Catholic blogger in mind who has used the ``Capone'' quote as well.

If that's who I think it is, I stopped reading him awhile ago. He doesn't lead in anything except Leaden Sarcasm and preening self-righteousness, and I didn't see any categories devoted to that. Even when he's right about something, his nastiness just...gets me down.
Golly, since I'm the one who jokingly included the Al Capone quote in my announcement of the blog awards, I guess this comment is intended for me. This is the first time someone has accused my blog writings as consistently nasty and self-righteous. I certainly strive to avoid ad hominem in my writings and to maintain a civil tone. I can only hope that this individual's assessment is inaccurate.
Rev. Al (is it still Rev?), I think Annalucia has you mistaken for another well known Catholic blogger. There is nothing of that sort on your blog.
Clearly it's a tough battle this year between Pontifications and JA.O. Both are excellent blogs and I voted for both in a number of categories. But why wasn't Pontifications nominated for best group blog?

Both of your blogs are outstanding. Having to choose one is like trying to choose between my kids.
I glad there's multiple categories, so I could vote for both of you! :)

I quite understand, and thanks.
I don't know that I'm going to win *anything* yet. The way the rules are set up this year, who knows what will happen. But thanks, and congratulations on your presumptive wins as well!

If that's who I think it is, I stopped reading him awhile ago. He doesn't lead in anything except Leaden Sarcasm and preening self-righteousness, and I didn't see any categories devoted to that. Even when he's right about something, his nastiness just...gets me down.
Golly, since I'm the one who jokingly included the Al Capone quote in my announcement of the blog awards, I guess this comment is intended for me. This is the first time someone has accused my blog writings as consistently nasty and self-righteous. I certainly strive to avoid ad hominem in my writings and to maintain a civil tone. I can only hope that this individual's assessment is inaccurate.
BTW, Jimmy, let me give you advance congratulations on your victories in the blog awards and in particular the apologetics award. Your blog is well-deserving indeed of this honor. I agree with the majority of voters that your blog is the best apologetics blog around---though I had to vote for my own, of course. :-)

"It's a well orchestrated network and most of them are listed in 'St. Blog's Parish' yet how many pro-traditionalist blogs do you see listed there?"
I'm no SSPX sympathizer, nor do I regularly attend the TLM, but I would consider myself sympathetic to some traditionalist concerns.
I'm also a nominee. I'm not saying that get votes, but to point out that a traditionalist-leaning blog got nominated.
P.S. As admin for the St. Blog's Parish Aggregator, I can assure you that there are a number of traditionalist blogs in the parish.
P.P.S. Walking around with chips on their shoulders is no way for traditionalists to get their concerns addressed. People tune noise like that out.

momof 6,or7, are you expecting twins? :)

I'd like you to know, Jimmy, that anybody can "do" apologetics by reporting the facts. What I appreciate is that you present the truth in as clear a fashion as possible (which is not always possible when dealing with individual lives and canon law), while maintaining charity, even with those who disagree, which is the ultimate test. Thank you.

``...the blogmaster who is currently ahead in the apologetics category, who just yesterday urged his readers to "vote early and often," quoting Al Capone.''
If that's who I think it is, I stopped reading him awhile ago. He doesn't lead in anything except Leaden Sarcasm and preening self-righteousness, and I didn't see any categories devoted to that. Even when he's right about something, his nastiness just...gets me down.
I'm voting for you, Kathy Shaidle, and Amy Welborn in the relevant categories. Good luck to all of you.

I will certainly abide by that standard. Just a little too enthusiastic, I suppose.
Enthusiasm is good! Thanks for the enthusiasm!
We just want make sure it's expressed in the best way.

Just re-read one of Jimmy's articles in This Rock where he talks about the need for an apologist to speak plainly and clearly (paraphrase--article on would-be apologists). What great advise. I think Gene's post above eloquently alludes to this quality.
I'm interested in the outcome of the blog awards--although, I'm even more intersted in people being charitable and kind to people--in this instance, person-- whom I admire and respect.

"May I suggest to Nick and Paul to start their own blog awards. Then they won't need to accept nominations or even have people vote they can just handout awards as they see fit and be pleased with the results."
Well, the "Catholic Blog Awards" actually DO hand out awards as they see fit if you look at who is usually nominated each year. They're usually Neo-Catholic blogs who link to each other. It's a well orchestrated network and most of them are listed in "St. Blog's Parish" yet how many pro-traditionalist blogs do you see listed there? Probably zero? How cute. It would be difficult for a blog, say, from the League of Evil Traditionalist's webring to get nominated. Imagine if a blog sympathetic to the SSPX got nominated? Some people would have major fit! I also think the new nominations committee would prevent such a "scandal." After all, "birds of a feather flock together."
Maybe the "Catholic Blog Awards" should be re-named the "Neo-Catholic Blog Awards?" Sorry to rain on your parade.

"We had someone last year who went around to dozens and dozens of computers and skewed the voting. It wasn't fair, and that's the reason for the IP restriction in the first place."
That is not true. I know of two bloggers who worked together with friends at a couple of Catholic schools during a campaign for votes and they had professors and students vote for them either at their personal computers or in computer labs (if they wanted to) and they also had a priest who helped them gain votes from two seminary's, one being Mt. Saint Mary's, and several votes were gained in that way. While it may have seemed that "someone" was going to "dozens and dozens" of computers and "skewing" the vote, that was certainly not the case. People really should get their facts together before assuming the worse.

I will certainly abide by that standard. Just a little too enthusiastic, I suppose.

Thanks, but I would NOT encourage that.
We had someone last year who went around to dozens and dozens of computers and skewed the voting. It wasn't fair, and that's the reason for the IP restriction in the first place.
I appreciate the support, but let's keep the voting fair.

I would like to remind everyone who has access to more than one computer (like, at work and at home), that you can vote for Jimmy's blog - or others you feel are deserving of a vote - from both places.
Jimmy, you're getting my two votes a day (as long as I can remember to log on at home).

It is in God's hands! I am just glad Jim's on our side...onward Christian Soldier!

/Actually, the eclecticism of Jimmy's blog gives it a certain advantage in evangelism./
Exactly. Many of Jimmy's regular readers are Protestant or Jewish or who knows what. How many blogs that have a narrow, Catholic focus can say that?

Then I apologize for the rudness. It wasn't intended at all.
I don't know how old you are but you ought to know that this kind of thing was inexcusably rude.
Imagine how you would feel if you were competing for an award and then someone came up to you, in front of those who might be voting for you and publicly said "I don't think you deserve this award."
Imagine how that must have made Jimmy feel. If you did that to me I'd be tempted to never forgive you.
You don't owe an apology to us. You owe one to him.

Actually, the eclecticism of Jimmy's blog gives it a certain advantage in evangelism.
Agreed. For example, I just directed several of my geeky friends and co-workers to the Andreas Katsulas Passes post. Who knows what else they read while they were here.

Actually, the eclecticism of Jimmy's blog gives it a certain advantage in evangelism. I've sent non-Catholic friends (and my very dear, very non-Christian husband) to this blog for science news and Lovecraft commentary. They may sometimes click on other links once they are here. But I can't imagine anything on those more narrowly focused blogs I could induce them to read.

I thought the vote early, vote often quote was from Richard Daley. A brief google search turned up this:
The cynical phrases "Vote early -- and often" and "Vote early -- and vote often" are variously attributed to three different Chicagoans: Al Capone, the famous gangster; Richard J. Daley, mayor from 1955 to 1976; and William Hale Thompson, mayor from 1915-1923 and 1931-1935. All three were notorious for their corruption and their manipulation of the democratic process. It is most likely that Thompson invented the phrase, and Capone and Daley later repeated it.

Then I apologize for the rudness. It wasn't intended at all.

I haven't been looking in very long but I have found the site here very informative so you got my vote. But now I must check out the competition.

FWIW, I think Jimmy's blog is clearly the best apologetics blog for all of the reasons already cited by others.
As for my humble little blog, I really do feel honored just to have been nominated this year, and all of the blogs leading Southern Appeal deserve to win just as much as mine. Although if I am being honest, I really would like to at least win the Political Blog category. I think SA does a really good job on that score.
Oh well. There's always next year. :)

Nick,
Just about all the blogs nominated are asking their readers to keep voting as allowed (it was a push that put another blog ahead of Jimmy momentarily). We won't know how tough the competition is until it is over.
Telling Jimmy he doesn't deserve it is your opinion but still rude.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J

Wow. Flames. I will note that I said I still like comming here. I still find the site informative. I just don't think its the *best*. As has been pointed out I am in the minority...but its by far not a small minority. In fact its a minority that had the most voes until Jimmy's push this morning.
To reiterate:
1.) I did not say Jimmy was a bad person
2.) I did not say his site features bad apologetics.
I did say that I felt his site has fallen behind, IMNSHO, both Pontifications and Ignatius Insight which I think have a tighter focus. This is not a slight to Jimmy, it just means he has tough competition.

I fully agree with Gene's assessment of the blog. Well said.

I voted for you in several catagories, and was surprised not to find you in the 'best layout' catagory - I find your site easier to navigate than many others. I also like that you include topics other than apologetics. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy;)

Jimmy's apologetics posts are amont the most thorough & well-researched in St Blogs. Period. Full stop. There are not many bloggers who can touch his thoroughness. His demeanor is gentle & respectful at all times (unless he has to get firm with a troll after numerous kind warnings). He makes the subjects understandable to most folks (such as a bear of very little brain, like me) & manages to be authoritative & exhaustive on a particular subject without being over folk's heads or sounding superior in any way. He is always humble, personable, & even humorous in his apologetics posts - traits not shared by some apologetics bloggers at times. He obviously takes (healthy) pride in his work but always gives God the credit. Frankly, I do not know how he does it. He is a model of respect, humility, gentility, & intelligence for me &, I'm sure, many others.
For these reasons, I do believe he deserves the award for Best Apologetics Blog. Those who do not are entitled to their opinions & may vote accrodingly. But why slam a fella on his own blog? Did those folks ever stop to think that a post on a one-eyed kitten might bring fallen-away Catholics, non-Catholics, non-Christians, etc, etc, etc to this blog where they will very possibly be exposed to Catholic Chistian teaching that is totally loyal to the Church & the Pope? By diversifying as Jimmy has in making this blog a group venture, he's extended his reach. More power to him!
Keep it comin', Jimmy! God bless!!

May I suggest to Nick and Paul to start their own blog awards. Then they won't need to accept nominations or even have people vote they can just handout awards as they see fit and be pleased with the results.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J

I'm from Chicago and I'm disappointed that I can only vote once per day.
Also, my dead relatives are disgusted.

"Frankly Jimmy as apologetics go I think you've Ignatius Insight. Both offer much better religious reading. Yours has tended of late to "cute" things like the cyclops kitten rather than religious things and I in all honesty don't think you deserve the award anymore. I still come here because I like the commentary but not for the apologetics."
I wouldn't regard Ignatius Insight as exclusively and consistently an Apologetics blog which is why I question its placement in the Best Apologetics category. It may qualify for Most Insightful and Most Informative but it engages in far too many non-Apologetic topics to be considered for "Best Apologetics".

I don't even recognize many of the blogs who were nominated. Some haven't been around too long. I recall my favorite blog by a priest, "The 'Not So Quiet' Catholic Corner," winning Most Theological Blog last year and receiving several votes. Since then, the hit counter for NSQCC has increased to well over 100,000 visitors but it still wasn't nominated. One would think that it would have received even more votes this year. I also noticed that some blogs during this year's awards are placed in categories where they really don't belong.

I in all honesty don't think you deserve the award anymore.
What an appallingly rude thing to say.
Even if that's your opinion, to stink up someone's combox by saying it to their face is the act of an unmitigated cad.

Not to worry, Jimmy. I think you have the apologetics category all sewed up. But I do admit that I was tickled when I saw Pontifications edge ahead of you this morning. I immediately called to my wife and told her the news, but with the qualification "that won't hold up very long." :-)

Nick,
Obviously many people disagree with you or Jimmy would not be nominated or leading at the moment.
Take care and God bless,
Inocencio
J+M+J

Frankly Jimmy as apologetics go I think you've fallen far behind both Pontifications and Ignatius Insight. Both offer much better religious reading. Yours has tended of late to "cute" things like the cyclops kitten rather than religious things and I in all honesty don't think you deserve the award anymore. I still come here because I like the commentary but not for the apologetics.

Wow. I didn't realize that we could vote more than once. Thanks for the heads up!

Thanks for the info jimmy. This is a must read every day. I will now be voting every day.

I hope you win at least one of your categories, Jimmy. Apparently, that won't be happening for me this year. I guess I'm not particularly bizarre or creative. ;)

Of course, keeping in mind that this is not in the slightest a scientific measure of quality, or even of popularity. One little example (as if one is needed): a large number of students at a school follow a certain blog and wanted to vote for it, but because their internet access is tied to one account, only one vote (instead of 25, 50, 100) will count from that address. Thank goodness it's all for fun, right?

Though I'd read about it on several blogs, I just voted for the first time. What a great way to find new good Catholic blogs to read! There goes my Friday.

I voted. Now you owe me one. Just kidding!
What day does the voting end?

Jimmy,
Thanks for telling (reminding?) us that we could vote once per day. I truly look forward to reading your blog because it has increased my knowledge about our Catholic faith, and in turn strengthened it. It is, in fact, the one blog that I must read every day.
I did notice that since I voted the first time, the name of your blog on the voting page has changed from Defensor Fidei to JimmyAkin.org. Hopefully this change will help you pull in a few more votes.