Several Developments over the last couple of weeks; Bernos has really grown. So much so, that as of this week we are averaging over 1000 visitors a day. Not page loads but actual visitors, all of whom spend over 2 minutes browsing. We have 63 feed subscribers and 288 email subscribers.
A testament to power of the network is; when I asked our readers to contribute five dollars for the AFC kids cause, they donated 260$ within 6 days. We have received 13 hate emails regarding our post on Abeba Lakew song; I guess some people must love such crappy music. We were asked to review music by the likes of Hamelmal Abate, Feker Sound, Chachi Taddesse, and Melakamu Tebeje all of whom gave us free CD’s. Ethio Jazz brought musical content that really matters that our pages have been graced Francis Falcetto himself. A cartel is broken; one Injera producer is selling Injera at five dollars.
Working together is Ethiopian; I was really enthused to hear that Habeshahookup and now extinct Habeshathing are merging. Both are social networking sites, which connect young “Habesha’s” together. A real verification for young “Habesha’s” aged under 22 wanting to interact with each other; an untapped territory of young Ethiopians that even organizations such like ESAi was not able to make use of. The total number of users will exceed 5000; this is a real tool to reach otherwise unreachable group of young people. (most of these kids are and will continue to be on Facebook & MySpace)
What’s next?
I personally believe in slow growth. And I guess the Bernos bank account agrees with me. Regardless, November will be a big month for us. We will most likely hear from the 9rules network if we have been accepted to be members. The network which is a little bit techno-centric is growing really fast and diversifying, if we indeed get accepted, it will be big not just for Bernos but for Ethiopian bloggers everywhere, who have hit a big of a snag because of the governments blockage.
I encourage all Ethiopian bloggers to continue to post away. We are making a difference! The next step is to work together. If your traffic is light, merge with another bloggers. Don’t be selfish, work together and you will grow reach more people and grow. I will volunteer my services if you guys want to work with us or with each other. There is no reason we shouldn’t have a network such us Global Voices.
Wordpress, which is our CMS has just released a light discussion forum management system which can be integrated to the blog. This is a great tool we can use to make Bernos more interactive. We will incorporate in December depending upon the level of participation we get from you.
Our next set of T-shirts will be printed, and we are planning to have a bigger better Bernos photo-shoot during the thanksgiving weekend. I’ll write more on this next week.
I want to personally thank, a few of our supporters. Celebratelife who has contributed on our goal to bring content that brings as back to Ethiopia. She has played a major role; we look forward to her continued support and participation. And Ethio Jazz who has made my long drive to and from work the best part of my days. They might be Oldies but they sure are Goodies. I’ll continue to post more great music. You should make sure you leave your 2 santeem on it. And Last but not least, Maki from Bole2Harlem, one of the two Ethiopian celebrities known to wear Bernos T-shirts while they are performing.
Published by October 27th, 2006 in Bernos.Send this post to a friend
intereting, i have jus bought a tshirt to show my support for th conetent u bring…
13 hate emails, you should post thos ; that is funny
hmm… Nolawi, you should thank and kiss the webteams of abesha and ESAi for keeping the sites down. That is why you’re getting all this hits. and I think Bernos has gotten hotter since the w’rCH season hit esai and abesha… and chances are no one will go back to esai and abesha.. Bernos is like the new AmereeKA ager.
and yeah… I plan to be the next “celebrity” to rock bernos t-shirt… while patiently awaiting for the release of Merkato and the Alien Ethio t-shirts.
iGo now.
Thanks Nolawi! The reason I wear the T-shirts… 1st of all it’s great concept and love the Forum here at Bernos.. I’m a regular visitor at least twice a day! So, make sure you read my posts discuised under a few names..
Peace,
~Maki~
PS: Check out myspace page! Off Da Hook!
http://www.myspace.com/mcMaki
Although I was not one of those people who got the thank you message, I am proud to say I am a big fan of this site….and that I will support this site in any way I can.
You are getting more visitors because YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!! The topics you have chosen have been entertaining, educational and thought provoking. Thank you.
Re: T-shirts, I am eagerly waiting for the new designs to come out.
I too enjoy reading Celebratelife’s blogs. Am looking forward to her next one:-)
Nolawi,
All of you, at Bernos, are doing such a fabulous job it is a pleasure for me to do what I can to support you. I believe in what Bernos has to offer and you guys have what it takes to keep it going. You live up to your every word and you don’t just say it if you can’t deliver, and that’s what’s most impressing. A true example of how every Abesha business should be.
The service I received when I ordered the t-shirts was above and beyond my expectation and that alone kept me coming back for more. The quality is amazing and you keep outdoing yourself with every new design. If you build it, they will come….Cheers to Bernos!
Thanks Timo…
Shalom I don't think the core group of bernosians are esai or abesha.com people.. first this group is a lot older- late 20s early 30s… but i have no data to back up my claim… just that when i was as the ESFNA thing this year.. this woman came up to me and asked me if I' nolawi from bernos… she lives in idaho somewhere and she is married.. anyways she introduced me to her hubby… i suspect she had to be late 30s…minamin… for example the users of abesha & esai are located in mostly eastern us.. and some in southern california… the users of bernos are more diverse.. see below fromt he last 48 hours -
some in europe, some in cananda and some in midwest..'
thanks maki, timo celebrate
arif nuew, but lately you havent posted the music that i come here to listen too, what do you say more music and less jibber jabber
Great resource you have here, well put together. I find the information very informative.
Hi, I just got introduced to this website just this week and I am already addicted. Well Done!!!
I have three questions about the tshirt sale
1. Is shipping charges to Quebec Canada the same price?
2. I really wanted the Bikila tshirt in medium. so if it is unavailable, is that like it is over for it seeing as it is not the latest design or you will get more? If so, when?
3. I was wondering if you guys ever thought of printing these design on tank tops. I personally only wear these regular tshirts to bed and indoors AND I know it is not just me, my high school friends, my sister, sisters friends….I just find this design isnt ladies-friendly:) especially with small frames like myself. Please think about it….
La Joconde; welcome
1, yes
2, we most likely wont get reprints! but did you check the american apparel sizing charts… http://www.americanapparel.net/garmentspecs/index.asp?garmentspecid=2001
3, we have never though about it… but the xs small is a ladies cut… tight fitted.. we had that for bikila but sold out.. same for addiss classic… the next set of shirts will have these as well!
email us of various questions!