NEW CRITIQUES

http://www.blackberricafe.com

By Charisse Massay

There are many under represented groups out in cyberspace. Because of race, gender, class, sexual preference and many other traits, millions of people are left without online communities during this massive shift towards the internet. Lesbians of color are often lumped together with other lesbians even though their culture may be drastically different. Two women (L and J) have put together a web community specifically for women of color. As a colored lesbian couple, they have pooled their efforts to create "a safe, nurturing place for lesbians of color to hang out". And they have done an excellent job in my opinion.

 On the homepage, there are five major links as well as contact links that are not on the side bar. The contact links include "About," "Guest book," "Tell a Friend," "Contact," "Sponsors" and "Links." All of the above pages are pretty self explanatory and simple. In the "Guest book" section, the user has the ability to look at everyone else's signature. It makes for interesting reading. Most of the women who post here are new to the website and are excited for the content. Some are short and some are long. I didn't sign the guest book, I wasn't sure of what to say.

The five major links on the webpage include "Menu," a brief introduction to things that are new on the site. Its an excellent starting place for the new visitor. The other links are "Mix and Mingle," "Do Your Thang," "Chill in FiFi's Lounge," and "Blackberri Xpressions" which is an E-tique where the user can view and purchase products such as videos, books and more that have been recommended by the website. I was forwarded to another site when I wanted to actually purchase an item.

In "Mix and Mingle," visitors to the site can chat with other lesbians of color in age-divided chat rooms or post messages, personals and classifieds as well as acquire free email and a community calendar. I tried entering the chat rooms (you do not have to be a registered user to enter the rooms although they to request it) which are hosted by java applets, but there was no one there at the time. "Do Your Thang" divides chat rooms and message boards along with specified resources along the lines of interests. They have about 20 options including Parenting, Literature, Health, Business and Cooking. I entered the Literature section which included (along with chat, message boards and resources) a continuing hypertext story created in parts by visitors to the site. There was also an option to post some of your work in the gallery. "FiFi's Lounge" is a large collection of articles, magazines and books divided by interest. These categories are similar to the "Do Your Thang" section. There were links to articles online as well as the ability to purchase recommended magazines and books.

Overall, I was fairly impressed with the site. I am not part of any particular online communities therefore I cannot rate whether or not I felt comfortable in the website. Many of the visitors to the site were very impressed and were more than happy to rave about their experiences. The website was inviting and I did feel welcome there. It covers many aspects of both black and lesbian culture and it settles in a very nice niche that is not often carved in our society.