Should I change this blog's name?
The MSM seems to refrence Freedom For Egyptians as the source for the Cartoons in Egypt story- even though I had it out there first and I had the explanation for the whole reason behind this conflict- while using my scanned pictures (and referencing to my blog in small print with no link). The reason? No one wants to cite a blogger called Sandmonkey, cause it might offend some people. There are rumors that they are protesting in Denmark because the Jylland Posten story had the term Sandmonkey in description of me. Oh well, whatever.. I am not really botherd by not being cited that much, cause 1) I did get my share of credit me thinks, 2) and the most important thing is for the story to get out. Plus, since when did the MSM do anything right? However, for future newsbreaks, I am wondering if a change of the blog name maybe necessary, since this has happend before. I could change it into something new or go with R.O.A.S. , which would just be an acronym with no change in the name and it would work for prissy ass news reporters. So what you guys think? Change the Blogname, or not change the blogname? Let me know!
posted by The Sandmonkey @ 2/09/2006 04:11:00 PM
54 Comments:
Don't change! Be the loud and proud Sandmonkey that we all turn to.
If the MSM doesn't like the term Sandmonkey well stuff'em! Maybe you could start up your own Sandmonkey merchandising? Sandmonkey mobile phones, Sandmonkey lighters (automaticly shut off when held near a flag and Sandmonkey shot glasses for celebrating freedom.
Be true to yourself, Sandmonkey. The only reason to change the name of your blog is if you change countries.
Let the MSM worry themselves about how to delicately phrase stuff they really wanna quote. Don't cater to the political correctness freaks!
sandmonkey
fuck the msm
the spectator website has just posted 2u
u better hope u r vindicated...
keep your poise.
To change the name from sandmonkey to something ordinary would be an artistic castration.
Please don't change the name, 'cause the sarcastic name really fits the sarcastic content so well.
I haven't heard that any protest abut the name, and if I read it 3 weeks ago, I would have refused 100% that anyone could be THAT stupid to protest about such an insignificant thing.
World have changed these weeks, so I cannot refuse it completely in these times :(
you have always been the sand monkey and always will let freedom ring dont change your blog name you picked it let them learn to deal with it
One, why are you and Freedom for Egyptians still bickering over who should get the credit for this? That's pettty and it diverts the attention away from the story.
Two, if you even start being pc about this name change thing, then I will stop coming here. That's probably not a big deal to you, but pc just reeks. Like the others said, just be yourself and let the other multi-culti idiots rouse themselves up over a name.
If I was an Egyptian blogger starting out, I might just call myself a "sand nigger" and see how those culturally sensitive moonbats react.
jonas
I'd keep the original name. And the MSM can worry about how to handle it. I just found your blog today -- good reading! Thanks.
Well, why not keep Sandmonkey and you can always open a new one with a more serious name to win credability with the estabilsh media. Suggestions:
1. Institute for Muslim Democracy and freedom
2. Muslim Democracy Institute
3. Muslim Democracy Academy
4. World Democracy Institute
5. Universal Freedom Academy
6. Universal Freedom Fundation
Some ideas of word combinations you might find useful in this matter.
I did send Jyllands Posten an e-mail yesterday informing them about the Egypt newspaper story and a link to your blogg, see copy of email on comments below the story.
Good luck,
Per Sweden
How about "Sandmonkey and Proud of It"? Then no one would be confused . . . you could also have a little link under your e-mail, "Why 'Sandmonkey'", or something like that, so that those with delicate consciences can see why you're using the name. If it's that big a deal.
In the U.S., the rule is, you can use a mildly (or not-so-mild) denigrating nickname, as long as it's for an ethnic group YOU belong to. I'm half-Irish, so I can say "mick", but I couldn't call someone else ---- (fill in the blank).
BTW, check out this item Muslim fury at sex toy (found via relapsed catholic). Well, I'm sure no Muslim men have blonde blow-up dolls . . . I don't think Islamic countries have our English proverb, "What's good for the goose is good for the gander" - and, vice versa.
From your Mick-Kraut-Yankee-devil friend,
Meg
P.S. Yes! I want to SMS with my ROAS mobile phone!!! ;^) How about Sandmonkey cola? Though I suppose you won't come out with Sandmonkey bacon and sausage for your new fans in Europe and North America . . . OTOH I bet Sandmonkey coffee would rock the house!
Do what YOU think is best. The name sandmonkey always kind of made me wince a bit - but isn't that why you used it in the first place?
Any rate, I think you have managed to take a perjorative and make it into a n honorable term. So use it if you wish. And don't if you don't wish.
Jonas, let me just add childishness to pettiness on the list of immature emotions involved in this and say "Well, SHE started it!"
But in reality, nahh, she is my friend. I don't want to create a row with her over a stupid post. U know?
Dear Sandmonkey,
I would keep the name Sandmonkey, but why not open a new blogg to accomodate the serious need of the established media. My suggestions:
1. Muslim Freedom Institute
2. Muslim Democracy Academy
3. Muhammed Freedom Foundation
4. World Freedom Society
5. Universal Democracy Institute
6. Universal Freedom Society
As a business man in Universal freedom and democracy sell the customer what he wants to buy, play around with the above, my favorite is probably number 5.
I did send an e-mail to Jyllands Posten yesterday and informed them about your Egyptian newspaper story and provided a link to your blogg.
----- Original Message -----
From: Per, Sweden
To: jp@jp.dk
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 9:54 PM
Subject: Cartoons were Published Five Months ago in Egypt
Hi,
According to below links Cartoons were Published Five Months ago in the Egyptian Newspaper Al Fagr back in October 2005.
Why?
Ceck theese links out:
http://freedomforegyptians.blogspot.com/2006/02/cartoons-were-published-five-months.html
http://egyptiansandmonkey.blogspot.com/
If this this is true, JP & Danmark & Democratic world, has been set up for a gigantic media war, fight back and win!
Kind regards,
Per, Sweden
I hereby protest your usage of the term 'sand' because I once wrote it on a peice of paper back in 75'. I was first.
You pretend to know Sand but you infidels could never know the way of Sand. I will now go whip myself till either I bleed or someone takes pics for an S&M magazine.
It is up to you, if you want to be mentioned though changing might not be a bad idea? How about talking it down to "SM" something-something leaving those who know the blog to know what SM stands for but acceptable enough for the news to cite? :)
They can just call you the Egyptian SM or something when they reference you, or some such other, if they are worried about it! People can figure it out on their own :)
OTOH, you could really get people riled up . . . go with something like "G****mn you, Mubarak, you Donkey-F***ing Son-of-a-Whore". Has a snappy kind of ring to it.
(Mr. Mubarak, or government officials, please realize I am an American living in Canada who is exercising my strange Western traditions of political free speech, and in no way does my opinion necessarily reflect those of Mr. Sandmonkey. Though, if you're listening, considering how g****mn much money we Yanks give you every year, the least you could do is ease up on your peeps a little bit.)
Change the name!
thinker
Historically, the New York Times would have referred to you as Mr. Monkey. After determing your marital status, of course. ;)
Oh...and you can't use SM either.
People will think sado-masochism.
thinker
Allow me to be the first to interject an annoying inspirational quote into the discussion.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
--George Bernard Shaw
And there you have it. Of course, the totally unreasonable man usually finds himself institutionalized, so it's still a tough call.
You have to decide whether you want to accommodate the pc police. They will never accept 'Sandmonkey.' It makes them cringe amd squirm in their panties. Worse yet, it's funny.
dcr
New post: DEATH TO THE IMAMS?
This is better:
Be forewarned: The writer of this blog is an extremely cynical, snarky, pro-US, secular, libertarian, disgruntled sandmonkey. If this is your cup of tea, please enjoy your stay here. If not, please sod off.
You gotta be you.
U are such a dumb ass motherf*cker. I will no longer be your friend, no longer try to find you a wife I will and tell everyone you love here in Beantown that you have sold out and no longer worth their time if you change the name of your blog. Well...that may be stretching it a bit ... or a lot depending on how you look at it...I know I'm lying through my teeth but you cant change the name of your blog it goes against everything you stand for. Are you really that much of a conformist that you can't live breath and love the name you created for youself? Ok Sam you know I love you with all my heart and it would break my dear little heart if you changed it that's all I'm saying. And I'm in a mildly pissy mood cause its my bday and no fucking presents. Got flowers and balloons at work but damn greg gave me my gift early cause he's dumb and my dad is at work so mommy said no presents. What the hell is a birthday with no presents. All I want to make me happy for my bday is for you to keep your blog as is. K? Thanks (I'm such a conniving little sh*t huh?)
thewiz ... I'm just joking around with a good friend of mine ... no need to to get ur panties in a bunch
Instead of changing the name of the blog, why not just adopt a pseudonym?
Right now you call yourself "The Sandmonkey" and I've seen you called "Sam" in these comments.
If you adopted the name, say, "Sam in Cairo", you could sign your posts "posted by The Sam in Cairo" and reporters would have something else to call you to avoid using the 'S' word.
you should change it, think of it as a haircut or a new suit or something. All it is is a name..who cares. I think what is most importnt is your thoughts and ideas.
One vote for not changing the blog's name. Love from the MSM is fleeting, but readers will be more likely to remember a blog name like yours.
Wait. You want to change your name to accomodate journalists? So that is, you want to change your name so you can be given more credit or quoted more often?
Makes one wonder what the real goal of this blog is?
Sam,
I've never been able to bring myself to call you Sandmonkey, but I do sort of admire what the name stands for.....I would have to hear what the alternatives are before casting my vote. I mean, replacing Sandmonkey with some vapid thing would be out of the question, but maybe something else equally in your face, but less laden with white guilt. You could have another contest.
Bridget
I saw your story shortly after it was published and gave you credit for it on my blog later on, and told a mess load of people about it. For what its worth you did awesome, excellent stuff. That is amazing about the massive amount of hits! Whenever you get spare time, (you know inbetween making ground breaking stories) you should check out my blog i am pretty new to it though... Anyway this is my new favorite blog your stuff is thought provoking and gives me some satisfaction in knowning not everyone is insane.
Do whatever you want. If you'd like a new name, though please make it as interesting as your first one. Maybe "Egyptian Snark", "The Cairo Grouch", or "A Conspiracy of Weirdness". Or "Good King Kong of Kahira". [I'd recommend a "A Conspiracy of One" were it not already taken by a CD by a band called Offspring.]
Hello!
I just found your blog. I really don't think you should change your name, and this is why.
Long ago, during the American Revolution, the British would call the American Rebels "Yankees" or "Yanks." This was, of course, a derogatory word meant to humiliate the rebels. So what did the rebels do?
Being the stubborn and contrary cusses they were, they adopted the word for their own, proudly bearing the moniker of "Yankee" from then onward. This spawned songs such as "Yankee Doodle Dandee."
So now everyone calls Americans "Yanks" and Americans are, for the most part, proud of that term.
So, I say, be contrary. If you like to call yourself a sandmonkey, who on earth has the right to tell you that you shouldn't?
Political correctness has gotten way out of control, imo.
HeatherRae
P.S. Keep up the good work!
I love the name,yet understand why it might be offensive to Arabs and pc types.Maybe you should let your readers vote on keeping it,or perhaps choose between a few new ones.Dan
If you don't have a problem with it i don't se why anyone else should. but if you really really really really want to get your name in the papers, keep sandmonkey in profile but get a PC address. Me thinks.
Stay true to yourself and don't change!
...you mean, like in case you OFFEND someone and they cause a RIOT and questions are asked and the media gets hold of the story and...well...you know...? NO! F*CK 'EM IF THEY CAN'T TAKE A JOKE!
In the Netherlands some twisted people use the name "sandnigger" for Arabs (which is double offending for our negro brothers and sisters (not for the fact that Arabs are called like this by these twisted people, but because the word nigger (a swearing for them) is used to swear Arabs)).
Btw, heard they found some recent mummies in Egypt. Perhaps you can use a name deriving from this archeological treasure. :)
Regardless of wether i agree with the name or not i don't think you should change it, matfal2as-sh lel media (don't be the media's prison bitch)
the reason you named the blog in the first place was to try and change the term like black people did with the "N" word so have some guts man, STICK WITH YOUR ORIGINAL PLAN
keep up the good work
kareemfromegypt
Don't change your name. You are the one and only Sandmonkey!
To me, it represents someone with confidence, who's not afraid to poke fun at labels, and won't pander to the PC crowd. Please don't prove me wrong.
Besides, it's a name that people will remember. Changing the name could end up being a ticket to obscurity.
Shari
Well, I've been standing off watching one of my favorite guys get a lot of accolades as well as the unfortunate number of insane people dropping their load of feces in the comments.
I hope you didn't have these things turned on to go to your email address at work. LOL
Also, I take it that you were not too concerned with some of the foolish not so transparent death threats that were being banted about. I have to say, not being close to it (ie, not the writer), I found a lot of the comments amusing. Loved the Norwegian guy who said something about not burning down mosques or embassies even though it's winter and he was freezing his arse off. LOL on that one.
You are famous now, though I hope with all sincerity that you do not become too "infamous" in your hometown. We need a code word or something that says "def con four, give emergency donations for escape fund now!" Hoping of course that it doesn't come to that or my comment does not make you too paranoid to post.
in regards to your name, we know why you took it and, at most, you can do as suggested previously putting a little link under your email titled "why sandmonkey". though, it seems the concept was lost on some of your Arab and non-Arab commenters. Heh...people with no sense of humor is the whole reason for this kerfuffle in the first place.
Thus, my vote would be to keep the name. It says everything and then some. Besides, as someone noted, fame is fleeting and the lack of PCness in your name won't matter in a few weeks or even days so do whatever pleases you.
However, if for some bizarre reason you decide that you need to change the name, may I suggest an original concept from early posts:
Arab Parallel Universe
But, again, I'm a "no" vote. The Sandmonkey, the big Pharoah and the Religious Policeman are some of my favorite folks. Without their names they'd blog the same, but it wouldn't roll off the tongue right.
Big hugs and kisses.
PS...Maybe you can get a writing position and get paid for snarking. It would solve some other problems, yes?
There is no reason for you to deny your heritage.
Sandmonkey, remember when you gave us a whole post why you chose your name ? Well stand by it now man don't chicken out because you want more quotes in the new ;) . Because that makes your readers think what was your agenda in the first place...So my dear friend if you care my vote is 'no don't change'. As for the Western journalists, they have 'freedom of press' don't they what pc are you talking about ? I'm sure they are not going to balk at your moniker and fear that they are offending us Arabs ;) , they did not balk at the Prophet, so who is a blogger in comparison ? As for the Arabs they got used to you by now you've argued your case convincingly,if you back away you will just give them reason to say they were 'right' about you after all...very tight rope indeed mush kidda ya basha, fame or not fame that is the question.
I would like to extend my congratulations to FFE and you for this 'scoop' and for being all over the news ;) This was you carpe diem !!!! Mabrouk
How about "The Blogger Formerly Known as Sandmonkey" (heh)...Kind of defeats the purpose, I guess. I really like the spunk that Sandmonkey has but you could make Rantings of a Sandmonkey a Subtitle (demote it, but don't get rid of it) so that at first glance the world of journalism might take you a bit more seriously. Finding some impressive, pompous-sounding new name is the hard part.
I'm with you no matter what you call your blog. I just plain like your ideas and your writing.
Quite honestly, I'm scared by the muslim world these days. You give me hope for a better world. Keep up the good work.
I really liked your original rationale: to take an insult, and change its meaning, thereby depriving hostile people of any power they might think they have over you. And, the name is memorable. So, I would say, keep it, and keep telling people why you orginally decided to use it. You should tell the reporters that every time you talk to them.
Valerie
Dear Egyptian Sandmonkey,
Your outstanding detective work was spread out also here in Brasil. As you and your readers should know, here in this country muslims, jewish, catholic, protestants and many other religions live side by side, without stress, as the black-and-white keys of a piano keyboard.
We brazilians respect each other, as God ordered every creature to do (and
all religions that I know have this same principle - respect each other).
And all this mess around the "cartoons" published in the press is due to blind fanatism. At least, in my humble opinion. And blind fanatics are
dangerous, since they can be guided by non-blinded smart guys.
So, I congratulate you for your brilliant work and for your nerve spreading it out. And I encourage you to go ahead, without changing your web identity. As we use to say here in Brasil, "do not change anything in a winning team".
I am trying to write in English because I am sure you would not understand my post if it were written in my Brazilian Portuguese.
Be lucky and healthy. Take care. Peace for you. Salam Alekun. Shalom Aleichem. Pax. Paz.
I like your name. I think it shows a sense of self-irony that others could learn a great deal from. It is also one you remember; simple yet unique. I have already twice forgotten your specific address but managed to find my way back because of the name.
As for protests in Denmark over the name I haven't heard any either, like someone else commented. In print or in the media.
Don't change just because some schmucks have no sense of context :).
Dear Sandmonkey, I've also cited you. Here:
http://oglobo.globo.com/online/blogs/cat/post.asp?cod_post=8971
Congrats from Carlos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cheers!
- c.a.t.
http://catalisando.com
I bow to you Sandmonkey!!
Don't change!
Yesterday when I found out about the Egyptian newspaper I sent a link to the largest Norwegian newspaper, and I'm glad they mentioned your "name"
Don't self-sensor. You are the Sandmonkey - don't change because someone senor you.
Keep on rocking!!!
Respect!!
(I love this Blog world - they can't keep telling lies, 'caus we will tell the truth..)
If we all learnd one person how to blog, and find information - or learnd someone to read/write - THAT will make a difference.
Sandmonkey, you made it to the print edition of Der Standard (circulation ~ 370.000) today!
Here's the online version:
http://derstandard.at/?id=2336429
Congrats!
I love the name sandmonkey; it gives me hope that I am not the only one who felt FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE THAT ISLAM IS FUCKED UP! Thank you for reporting from behind the lines...
I wouldn't change the moniker, I think it is both memorable and representative of the content. If I had to suggest some change, I'd go with the previous suggestion of signing off with "Sam in Cairo", or something else that doesn't upset the pc-fanatics. That would give theones who are genuinely conflicted something to latch on to, while allowing you to remain the Sandmonkey to the rest of the world.
I think Comedian Lenny Bruce or maybe it was Bob Dylan said it best when he said " Eventually we all end up growing up and selling out".
I don't think that you should necessarily change the name of this blog, but if you have time, just maintain another blog that has a more professional sounding title, and where you present your ideas in a slightly more traditional journalistic manner.
Then the next time someone wants to quote you and put your message out there they'll be able to do so under this other blog's name, and you won't get screwed like this time around.
Hey your ultimate goal, I believe should be to reach the most people
with your message. These couple of people that claim they won't come back to the page if you change the name, are just running their mouths. They love the Sandmonkey's message and enjoy reading you too much to abandon you over something like this. So if maintaining another blog simultaneious along with this one isn't an option, then screw them, because real friends would want you to reach your full potential and wouldn't be trying to hold you back with petty B.S. like "your selling out by losing the Sandmonkey name".
Some cool companies start in a garage, but when they got a great product eventually they have to step it up and get a giant company's headquaters. You my friend can no longer run your blog operation soley under a blog name that is the equivalent of operating out of your garage. Luckily in the blogosphere all you have to do is change the name and the general presentation of info a bit and you can accomplish this headquarters feel that I'm talking about, but definitely don't loose any sleep over possibly loosing any of your initial fan base, because those of us that are worth not losing understand what needs to be done.
Hey not everyone is tapped into the blogosphere and you shouldn't limit your message to those of us with the least amount of power. 40 and 50 year old people aren't dying any time soon, and I'd like to see more of them get tapped into the world of blogs and more specifically into the world of logical, clear thinking, Middle Eastern blogs so that they will continue to put their support behind the war and other initiatives that help to bring freedom and democarcy to your part of part of the world. Since it seems like the MSM is quoting and directing readers to blogs more and more often, and that for understandable reasons can't quote a guy named Sandmonkey, you must adjust in some way to accomodate your growing status as a source of information for readers around the world.
Just like you list your eros site off the Sandmonkey Blog do the same for your new more professional looking blog, and these new/older readers can be brought into the world of Sandmonkey more gradually.
I know it would be a lot more work for you, but hey if people start stepping up the donations then maybe we can help to free you up a bit from other things, so you can pull this off. I'll start making my modest donations to the site more frequently, and I recommend that other people do the same. I know you would probably have to keep a job as a front even if the donations were sufficient to get you through, but since you risk your safety to make the world a better place I think some of us could be a little more generous from the safe confines of whever we're at.
DON'T CHANGE A THING. If they have a problem with the name you have chosen for yourself, then that's their problem.
I've been called everything from racist to worse when I've posted your blog in some liberal sites. Even after trying to explain that "Sandmoney" was by your very own choice, I still got booted and blocked.
To hell with them. If you change your name, they'll just find some other reason to scorn your blog. Since you say you like Bush, reason enough right there. They'll just say something foolish like you are secretly a conservative, right wing, fundamentalist christian nutcase funded by the CIA........and they can prove it blah, blah, blah.
You can't carry on intelligent conversations with liberals (U.S. liberals) whose skin is so thin or any other thin skin group for that matter.
Been reading the Sandmoney for so long I've forgotten when I first came here. Keep up the good work
I'm in australia. We have a lot of immigrants.
When the immigrants arrived a lot of audstralians called them wogs.
it was meant as an insult
eventually the immigrants started calling themselves wogs too.
Wog is not an insult anymore.
I am a gay male.
people call me fag and queer as an insult.
I call myself queer and fag too.
it is not an insult anymore
when we hijack insults and use them ourselves we disarm the insult and the insulters
Beside when I think of a sandmonkey I think of a monkey who lives in a sandy place. it's kinda cute. it never occurs to me that it's an insult.
it's a great name - keep it and be proud of your individuality.
Word Veri: tuvcsd ---- Yippee!!!
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