2008-12-09 09:09:58 - Political bloggers in Vancouver "shocked" at surprise nomination for Currents

Bloggers in the run up to a major vote in the tech mecca of Canada's west coast are up in arms over a surprise nomination for the Best of 604 awards.

A late-in-the-campaign nomination for Vancouver-based political commentator Jonathon Narvey under the Best Politics Blog category for his blog, Currents, has outraged some voters. They suggest Narvey's blog should be disqualified on a technicality.

"It's not really a political blog at all," says social media consultant Dave Olson, author of the Choogle On With Uncle Weed blog. "Sure, he's been on top of the crisis in Ottawa, and his posts on the local election were not entirely lame. But half the stuff Narvey writes about isn't even politics. He wrote about

his favorite iPhone song on Saturday! Sure, he's a nice guy, but he doesn't have the right experience."

Others took issue with Currents' confusing title and domain name mismatch. "The blog is called 'Currents, I suppose referring to current events or something, but the website is www.jnarvey.com," notes fellow Vancouver blogger Raul Pacheco, nominated in several categories for his blog about the environment, Hummingbird604. "So which is it? Who is the real Jonathon Narvey? And what is the full story about his connection with Joe Solomon at EngageJoe.com?'

The Currents blog author said he was trying hard to stay above the controversy. "I'm happy to be a part of this democratic process, along with some other great bloggers whom I respect. I'm glad we get a chance to explore ideas together and get just a little recognition for our efforts. In the end, that's what this vote is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?'

The Best of 604 Awards Reception happens in downtown Vancouver on Thursday, Dec. 11, hosted by 2008 Tech Woman to Watch Rebecca Bollwitt, better known under her famous blogging persona of Miss604.