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On one particular day this past week, I received two emails from readers asking why we don’t have any African American Bees. That same day, I received another email asking why there were so many Asian and Caucasian bloggers on Weddingbee. We get a lot of emails from readers requesting that we feature bloggers of a certain ethnicity, geographic region, budget, religion or gender. We haven’t blogged about diversity and the hive since May 2007, so I thought it was about time to revisit the topic.
While we’d love to have the most diverse hive possible, we can really only select bloggers from our pool of applicants, so our Bees are indicative of the type of applications we receive. In the past, we’ve encouraged bloggers of all different backgrounds to apply, but other than that, we don’t have too much control over the types of brides (and grooms) that apply.
So how do we decide who becomes a Bee? Well the Bees help us decide — they know what it’s like to be a Weddingbee blogger better than anyone. 
While we do look at many different factors when evaluating applications, ultimately it comes down to the quality of the blog. We’re not going to turn a blogger away because their demographic is already represented on Weddingbee. And we’re also not going to accept a blogger who has a weak blog for the sake of diversity. Do you think this is a good policy?
We’ve had Caucasian, Asian, Southeast Asian, African American, Hispanic, groom, lesbian, bisexual, plus-size, Jewish, Christian, Catholic, Mormon, British, Canadian, encore brides, brides with children, big budget and small budget bloggers on Weddingbee. I hope that we’ve made it clear that potential Bees of any and every background always have been and always will be welcome!
Is the diversity of the Weddingbee bloggers something you think about? Do you think we need to be taking specific steps to make the hive more diverse? If so, what? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
I have thought it strange that it does seem to be predominantly Asian and Caucasian bloggers at the moment. But, I thought it probably just comes in waves. For example, if you have a lot of Asian American (or any other group) bees blogging at one time, that would lead to more Asian American bees finding the site and wanting to blog on it. The site is extremely diverse but it would be nice to have it even more so. 
I would guess that your bloggers represent your demographic.
However, as Weddingbee expands, I think it would be good business practice (and good for the hive) to expand that demographic.
If you can recruit bloggers from un- (or under) represented bees you might be able to bring their readers into the hive as well
On some other blogs I’ve read, they’ve asked readers to nominate bloggers that they read elsewhere to join the community. Perhaps you could have a nomination process for a new round of Bees (with a focus on unique perspectives- be they gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, etc)? (I think you did something on the boards looking for Pros)
I think it’s something to keep in mind. I’ve noticed several times the large quantity of Asian bees, and the near non-existence of African American ones. I’ve also thought it would be nice to see more gay and lesbian weddings. I also get the overall impression (though someone with real data is free to contradict) that the average bee wedding budget is a little on the high end.
As much as we’d all love it if it did, diversity won’t magically come on its own. You have to have diversity to attract diversity, which means that if it’s something that you decide is important, you will need to actively seek it– maybe not by accepting weaker applications, but by doing some active recruitment for good ones.
rosychicklet - The problem with asking bloggers to join Weddingbee is that it’s a huge commitment, and we really want bloggers that are serious and able to make that commitment.
We could definitely start threads asking for specific types of brides/grooms. Do you guys think we should do that?
Also Pros are a little different because they always say yes. 
@Julie: Very true that diversity attracts diversity. Brides see a Bee like themselves on Weddingbee, and they apply. The reason why we’ve had so few African American brides is probably because we haven’t had many AA brides, so we get virtually no applications from them.
Do you have any ideas on how we could actively recruit diverse bloggers with strong blogs?
It has crossed my mind . . .
I would love to see bloggers who represent lots of different views. For example, when I first read that Mrs. Avocado was LDS, I did a doubletake (sorry, but true). However, when I took the time to read all that she posted about herself, the ceremony, and the beautiful symbolism of her religious beliefs - I LOVED EVERY MOMENT! In fact, it has become one of my favorite blogs because it is so rich and full of meaning and I feel like I learn something each time.
I understand that the hive is only as diverse as its members, but maybe the beekeepers might want to focus on ways to encourage different bees to join and let their voices be heard!
@Mrs.Bee- I suggested the ‘nomination’ type process because I’ve seen it work on other blog communities to recruit new people.
If a bride is blogging elsewhere (enough for Weddingbee readers to be aware of them) they may be willing to join the Hive.
You can always make the commitment known to them and give them the option of refusing.
You could also try something- like have the nominees guest blog for a week and then have readers vote or something? (The voting may actually draw a lot of the nominee’s blog followers over to Weddingbee if they are eager to support him/her and help increase Hive diversity that way)
Mrs. Bee,
Thanks for writing this. I’m glad you’ve come out and really addressed this. I have to admit that I have been a bit upset at times because I really do love this site, but as Black woman I feel wholy underrepresented amongst the bloggers here. I think the lack of diversity in terms of Black/African American bees to some degree may deepen the lack of applicants. If you don’t see yourself represented, then you might feel that you may not be welcomed. I do agree with your policy though. I’d rather someone here with quality blogging skills than for any other reason. While I have been pretty hesitant to apply, I may reconsider. Thanks again for being open about this.
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions — we are definitely taking it all in!
caribqueen — you should definitely apply!
I don’t know how you can best diversify the blogs. Honestly, I think you have to look at the demographics of people who usually DO blog. Based on that- how many of them are blogging about their weddings?
Honestly, you can only work with what you get in applications. I am not complaining. I can see how you try really hard to work with what you have.
And I joined weddingbee back before the whole (ah-hem) merger… and the integrity you maintain to keep up this blogsite is incredible. I give you kudos for that.
Just work with what you get- and hopefully the blog itself will continue to inspire future bloggers…
**as a side note… I never considered to apply to this site because I do not have a personal blog & I know that is a ‘pre-requisite’. But- I would have loved to have applied and shared my wedding process. I am Puerto Rican and my Fiance is Taiwanese- so I wonder… how many other culturally diverse brides would be willing to be featured who don’t have personal blogs, but are tech savvy, and willing to share? Just a thought.
@Sparkles: I don’t have specific data I can reference, but I do believe that certain demographics are more likely to blog. The demographics of sites like Facebook and Xanga tend to support that theory.
Sparkles: I agree, I think WB just represents the demographics that are out there blogging. I’m not quite sure how to encourage others to apply but for me (I’m a Boston girl marrying an Australian, living in Sydney and planning a destination wedding in Hawaii) I don’t have a personal blog and that is the only thing stopping me from applying! I just have no idea how to start my own blog, I checked out Xanga but it couldn’t figure it out. And didn’t see the point of starting a random blog out in cyberland that no one (cept maybe a few friends) would see. I want to share with other people that are just as wedding obsessed as me.
Right- so if certain demographics are more likely to blog- then that is why your site represents mostly those demographics. Your ‘pre-reqs’ are for people who have personal blogs and maintain them. so that right there- narrows the pool down further. A) they have to blog & B) are they blogging about their wedding? all I am saying is- if Caribqueen wants to see more Black/African American bees, how many of them blog? and how many of those who do are in the middle of the wedding process? So… either you are willing to have people who don’t blog but accept them because they are willing to share, then that is something to consider… I understand blogging is a different type of conversing with an audience. But… for those who feel under-represented, it’s a matter of evaluating how much that demographic blog. period. Weddingbee isn’t indicative of not wanting AA or Hispanics etc who are brides be featured. It correlates with the who do blog. Am I making sense?
i do think there is diversity among the current batch, even though racially it may be a little skewed towards Asian/Caucasian.
but we do have 2nd marriages, ladies whose grooms are remarrying / have children, age diversity (from 23 to 36) and varying budgets - although i do concede that it seems that many of the Bees have more substantial budgets.
however, i don’t think there should be a deliberate sense of seeking out ‘minority’ brides, because that’s sorta like, reverse discrimination?
when all’s said and done, i just want to say that i’m a happy reader of weddingbee because it brings all brides-to-be together, for us to share in each other’s planning process regardless of locale, ethnicity, budget or style.
thanks Mrs Bee, for the fantastic concept!
I read in a business book once that managers tend to hire and promote employees that are similar in background and socio-economic situation to themselves. Not to slag you mrs. Bee, but maybe your subconcious plays a role in what bees end up making the cut? Also, maybe you can share with us what defines a “good” blog from a “weak” one? Maybe if the rules of applying were more defined, that would make things simpler for people of all backgrounds to have an equal chance to become a bee! Although I really think you are off to a good start by asking everyone their opinions!
aloweha- I read your entry after I submitted mine- And I totally am on the same page as you are. If I blog- no one is going to look at my blog except my fam (in Puerto Rico) and my grad school friends and maybe some random co-workers and maybe some close friends… and my fiance is HUGE on privacy- so I would probably have a private blog on top of that.
@Kirst: I hope that’s not the case!
Honestly, I read the blogs that would add diversity to the hive extra super duper close, and give them a little special consideration. Mrs. Penguin actually processes all the applications and then the Bees weigh in. The decision is definitely not mine… in fact I consider myself pretty low on the totem pole. If the Bees say no, I usually listen!
we have a page on what makes a “good” blogger here: http://www.weddingbee.com/blogging-tips-and-guidelines/
Maybe if you did features on different culture’s wedding traditions and let ladies from each of those backgrounds guest post about those traditions you would see more diversity in the women (and men) visiting this site. Also, the guest posts may be the first step in inspireing some women to apply or start a blog.
Just a thought…
I have to admit that I, too, have noticed that the majority of Bees have been Asian or Caucasian. I notice the influx of Asian bees more perhaps b/c I am Asian myself… I would LOVE to see more diversity on Weddingbee! It’s so interesting to see weddings from different cultures!
I am a first generation Dominican-American and have also noticed the lack of under represented African American and latino bees. I do not blame you, Mrs. Bee. A while back I had considered starting a blog so I could apply as a bee, but as usual my life got in the way. I do really enjoy commenting in the boards and reading the blog. I am so glad I found this site.
With regards to luring more diverse bees, why not expand the wikipedia part of wedding bee to include culturally diverse items. Such as ‘Arras’ ‘Rosary Lasso’ ‘Jumping the Broom’, forgive me if these items are listed there. I just think that you will be likely to reach those groups while searching for info (like myself).
Good luck!
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Mrs. Bee, New York Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet Engagement Date: May 7, 2004 Wedding Date: March 5, 2005 Venue: Westside Loft, New York About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
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