Ginette Perea dancing Sevillanas at Tapeo. March 15, 2008 8:58pm (photo by Rosie)

But through my website in general and more specifically through the thousands (yes thousands!) of photos over the past twelve years, I've brought the flamenco community closer together. Everyone has gotten to know a lot of the local performers by simply checking out my website on a regular basis. They know who's performing where and when. There's a greater awareness of what's going on because of me!

In fact, people have told me that when they visited DC from other parts of the US and from around the world, they already knew the names and face of the local performers. What other local flamenco community can make a similar claim?

So while my many volunteer photographers over the years have been busy taking pics for me, I just wanted to make sure I got the credit for selecting and editing the pics and diligently publishing them on a regular basis. Although recently, I've sort of had a slump where I haven't been publishing as much as I used to, but I'm getting out my little funk and publishing more frequently again. People have noticed however (thanks Aleksey!).

Ginette. March 15, 2008 8:58pm (photo by Rosie)

Typically, it takes me about one to two hours to publish a blog entry. Between selecting and editing pics and uploading them, I've got to think of stuff to write, not to mention write the code manually cuz I like the text and pics to be presented in a very specific way. The process is something I enjoy. It gives me an opportunity to reflect on the past evening as I review the pics and think of what was going on in my mind at the time. The pics are also a constant reminder that I'm very very fortunate to be making a living doing what I love to do.

Miguelito. March 15, 2008 8:59pm (photo by Rosie)

Although I have asked for permission to publish pics of performers and audience members alike, over the years, I still have had a few requests to remove pictures and names for a variety of justifiable reasons. Usually it has to do with the person's day job. Still, I can't help but take it personally. I know I shouldn't but when you put in so many hours, days, weeks, months and years on a website like mine, it does hurt at least a little bit.

Ginette. March 15, 2008 9:01pm (photo by Rosie)

I was talking about this with a journalist a while back and he suggested I ask the person who is making the name/picture removal request: "If your name or pic appeared in the Washington Post, would you ask the Post, years later, to remove it?"

Now, before you get into your head that I'm comparing my website to the Washington Post, stop! It's not that way at all. My guess is that most people would be thrilled to have their name mentioned or pic published in the Post, assuming of course it's not about something negative. Let's just say they appeared in a pic or an article related to flamenco. If they say that they wouldn't ask the Post to remove their name or pic, why would that person want to remove their name or pic from my website?

Miguelito. March 15, 2008 9:01pm (photo by Rosie)

OK, so I started writing something about our fans and supporters and somehow went off on a tangent. Hehe. Still, I'd love to hear your thoughts about promoting the DC flamenco scene versus individuals and personal privacy. Talk to me!

P.S. Speaking of which, I know of at least two other local performers who have blogs. Local dancer Genoveva has been updating her blog for a little more than a year now. Guitarist Richard Marlow has a blog on his brand new website, but has yet to write an entry. It would be interesting to see how things develop as they get into blogging like I have.