BOBBY SHOCKS CITY ANNOUNCING BROWNSVILLE VOICE PLANS TO ACCEPT ADVERTISING

Bobby Wightman-Cervantes

Bobby Wightman-Cervantes, our city's self-described "unbought" blogger, caught me by surprise recently when he suggested in a blog comment that I start taking ads on my blog to "supplement my income."

A few days later, on April 14, Mr. Wightman again raised the issue of my blog, the Brownsville Observer, opening itself up to local advertisers.  Here is Wightman's blog comment about the Brownsville Observer, which also contains some constructive criticism:

"With the exception of the moderating I am extremely happy with his blog and how it is making Brownsville more informed. I wish him the best in getting valid ads. Honest lawyers might consider taking an ad."

Again, while I appreciated Mr. Wightman's concern for my financial well-being and his best wishes on "getting valid ads," I admit to being a bit puzzled as to the rationale for his concern about the ad policy on my blog.(Bobby's gentle criticism about "moderating" has to do with the Whine with Cheez podcast live streamed each Sunday.  Actually, Erasmo Castro moderates that podcast and it reflects his style. My only role is to prepare 3 or 4 questions and, if Erasmo has time to work them in, he does so.)

Bobby's sudden  interest in my blog's ad policy became clear today when the blogger announced HIS new policy of accepting advertisements from "lawyers and them maybe other businesses."

Wightman set a few conditions for those he will allow to advertise on the BROWNSVILLE VOICE:

"Here is the deal - the fee is $250 a month for an ad you submit. It cannot be demeaning to the profession. Brownsville has a lot of good lawyers. They will be permanently placed on the right side. First come first served."

Wightman also makes a firm rule, but then says he might change his mind later:

"As a lawyer, if you run for office, the ad will have to stop. . . . . . Hence no ads for lawyers who run for public office. I may eventually try it. If I do there will be no third party payments."

Up to this point in Wightman's article, he's only mentioned allowing ads for lawyers and possibly later on, businessmen, but now Bobby illustrates how "candidates" could benefit by advertising on his blog:

"From my perspective I think I can actually help the candidates, even those opposing each other, if they are running ads because they will keep an open door with me and I can give them my honest opinion about matters. By allowing me to challenge them while they run ads, tells the voters they are transparent and open to discussion. Not a bad thing for the record."

Let's sort this out.  Wightman will allow ads from lawyers, as long as they are not candidates, although that might change later.  

Someday soon, Wightman may take ads from businessmen.

Candidates will benefit running ads with Wightman because of his "open door" policy, but those candidates should have a profession other than that of attorney.

Mr. Wightman also explains why, after all these years of blogging, he's just now deciding to accept advertising:

"My roll top desk is about 17 years old, my computer is about maybe 8 years old, and my printer is brand new.

The money will help fund my work. Financially I am getting back on my feet. I just got a project which will pay all May bills. I lost a lot of work time this year. Thank god for gay divorces. They are really no different than any other divorce but the lawyers do not see it, so they are paying me to handle everything. There is absolutely no difference between a gay and straight divorce. The issues which can come up are identical. I know a troll who knows nothing about the reality of straight divorces will claim differences, but there are none."

Bobby expects his advertising program to be a success:

"If just one lawyer takes an ad, I think it will expand. I will not cover their cases unless it is a high profile case and they will be treated just like opposing counsel."