September 7, 2008 172 Comments

Can we Bitch Our Way to Change

bitchybetty Social bitching. Can it be? Twitter friend Aronado sent me to his project, Bitchy Betty. It is, near as I can see, a social site built around the idea of seeking change through griping and complaining. From the site:

bitchy betties see a need, we put it out there and find a solution. betties want to make changes (big or small!) in our world and we are kicking *ss and taking names to get it done.

The site itself had a lot of the features you might expect from a social site: a way to make a profile, a way to link to bitches and betties that you like, and tags and things like that. It looked nice, aesthetics wise, and everything worked as promised.

So what’s your take? Is this a good way to begin a conversation about change? Are you ready to be a betty?

Bitchy Betty

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  • http://successwithmarc.com Marc Smith

    It’s going to be difficult to get around the perceptions of the word “bitchy”. I see above in comments that the site is designed to state the problem and come up with a solution. This is called problem solving, or possibility thinking, not bitching.

  • http://dantcer.multiply.com Linda

    You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I don’t see a solution forthcoming from a place like this. Just reading what it’s about is enough of a reason not to click on the link.

    Some people have way too much free time.

  • http://dantcer.multiply.com Linda

    You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I don’t see a solution forthcoming from a place like this. Just reading what it’s about is enough of a reason not to click on the link.

    Some people have way too much free time.

  • http://dantcer.multiply.com Linda

    You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I don’t see a solution forthcoming from a place like this. Just reading what it’s about is enough of a reason not to click on the link.

    Some people have way too much free time.

  • http://dantcer.multiply.com Linda

    You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I don’t see a solution forthcoming from a place like this. Just reading what it’s about is enough of a reason not to click on the link.

    Some people have way too much free time.

  • Carmen Villadar

    *Bitchy Betty* ROCKS. I came across the site from a tweet by @typeamom. The name was interesting so I sauntered over. Once I saw the tag line “b*tching for a change”, I knew the site had a mission.

    I absolutely did not take offense to the term “b*tch*. I think people need to let go of the old negative connotations the word has and take it up a notch.

    As for “complaining”. You can call it what you will. Complaining, Pet Peeves, ‘things that piss you off’, things that are annoying, WHATEVER ..

    The thing is, it IS a social networking platform where people can share and express opinions. The beauty and potential of this site lies in the fact that perhaps a small movement may start. The movement may simply be AWARENESS to things you may not have looked at before. And from there, an individual can impact a change through what they DO in their life. One person at a time.

    The site is not at all about merely complaining and sitting back and doing nothing. I should know. I’ve b*tched enough on the site and for every b*itch I pitched you can bet that I am walking the talk! That’s just the kind of PRO-ACTIVE person I am.

    Like @typeamom, I too was knocking my head thinking why I didn’t think of that concept first! Augh. Kudo’s to @aronado and his wife for developing the site.

  • Carmen Villadar

    *Bitchy Betty* ROCKS. I came across the site from a tweet by @typeamom. The name was interesting so I sauntered over. Once I saw the tag line “b*tching for a change”, I knew the site had a mission.

    I absolutely did not take offense to the term “b*tch*. I think people need to let go of the old negative connotations the word has and take it up a notch.

    As for “complaining”. You can call it what you will. Complaining, Pet Peeves, ‘things that piss you off’, things that are annoying, WHATEVER ..

    The thing is, it IS a social networking platform where people can share and express opinions. The beauty and potential of this site lies in the fact that perhaps a small movement may start. The movement may simply be AWARENESS to things you may not have looked at before. And from there, an individual can impact a change through what they DO in their life. One person at a time.

    The site is not at all about merely complaining and sitting back and doing nothing. I should know. I’ve b*tched enough on the site and for every b*itch I pitched you can bet that I am walking the talk! That’s just the kind of PRO-ACTIVE person I am.

    Like @typeamom, I too was knocking my head thinking why I didn’t think of that concept first! Augh. Kudo’s to @aronado and his wife for developing the site.

  • Carmen Villadar

    *Bitchy Betty* ROCKS. I came across the site from a tweet by @typeamom. The name was interesting so I sauntered over. Once I saw the tag line “b*tching for a change”, I knew the site had a mission.

    I absolutely did not take offense to the term “b*tch*. I think people need to let go of the old negative connotations the word has and take it up a notch.

    As for “complaining”. You can call it what you will. Complaining, Pet Peeves, ‘things that piss you off’, things that are annoying, WHATEVER ..

    The thing is, it IS a social networking platform where people can share and express opinions. The beauty and potential of this site lies in the fact that perhaps a small movement may start. The movement may simply be AWARENESS to things you may not have looked at before. And from there, an individual can impact a change through what they DO in their life. One person at a time.

    The site is not at all about merely complaining and sitting back and doing nothing. I should know. I’ve b*tched enough on the site and for every b*itch I pitched you can bet that I am walking the talk! That’s just the kind of PRO-ACTIVE person I am.

    Like @typeamom, I too was knocking my head thinking why I didn’t think of that concept first! Augh. Kudo’s to @aronado and his wife for developing the site.

  • Carmen Villadar

    *Bitchy Betty* ROCKS. I came across the site from a tweet by @typeamom. The name was interesting so I sauntered over. Once I saw the tag line “b*tching for a change”, I knew the site had a mission.

    I absolutely did not take offense to the term “b*tch*. I think people need to let go of the old negative connotations the word has and take it up a notch.

    As for “complaining”. You can call it what you will. Complaining, Pet Peeves, ‘things that piss you off’, things that are annoying, WHATEVER ..

    The thing is, it IS a social networking platform where people can share and express opinions. The beauty and potential of this site lies in the fact that perhaps a small movement may start. The movement may simply be AWARENESS to things you may not have looked at before. And from there, an individual can impact a change through what they DO in their life. One person at a time.

    The site is not at all about merely complaining and sitting back and doing nothing. I should know. I’ve b*tched enough on the site and for every b*itch I pitched you can bet that I am walking the talk! That’s just the kind of PRO-ACTIVE person I am.

    Like @typeamom, I too was knocking my head thinking why I didn’t think of that concept first! Augh. Kudo’s to @aronado and his wife for developing the site.

  • http://www.contagiousbehavior.com KenVernon

    Well said Linda.

  • http://www.contagiousbehavior.com KenVernon

    Well said Linda.

  • http://www.contagiousbehavior.com KenVernon

    Well said Linda.

  • http://www.contagiousbehavior.com KenVernon

    Well said Linda.

  • http://www.catskillcottageseed.blogspot.com Richard Reeve

    Even if the venture a small as the lemonade stand giving away free lemonade (see other CB Post today) when the proprietor needs to spend time defending, explaining, or asking others to look past the name, its energy that could be spent elsewhere. I get the ‘getting attention’, purple cow thing, but it really is possible to get stuck in branding. How much lemonade could you give away if you put a tagline on that lemonade stand like “it looks just like pee”?

  • http://www.catskillcottageseed.blogspot.com Richard Reeve

    Even if the venture a small as the lemonade stand giving away free lemonade (see other CB Post today) when the proprietor needs to spend time defending, explaining, or asking others to look past the name, its energy that could be spent elsewhere. I get the ‘getting attention’, purple cow thing, but it really is possible to get stuck in branding. How much lemonade could you give away if you put a tagline on that lemonade stand like “it looks just like pee”?

  • http://www.catskillcottageseed.blogspot.com Richard Reeve

    Even if the venture a small as the lemonade stand giving away free lemonade (see other CB Post today) when the proprietor needs to spend time defending, explaining, or asking others to look past the name, its energy that could be spent elsewhere. I get the ‘getting attention’, purple cow thing, but it really is possible to get stuck in branding. How much lemonade could you give away if you put a tagline on that lemonade stand like “it looks just like pee”?

  • http://twitter.com/jamesIII James O’Connor

    Interesting concept. I feel like the term “bitching” certainly has a negative connotation off the bat. Though in the “What Is This” segment (or more commonly; “about”)on the website, @Arondo offers this goal “we will help to improve the lives of many people by LISTENING, CARING, and ACTING.” All very positive sounding, no doubt. So I see the catchyness to the concept, but not sure of the foundational strength of reaching this goal via this portal. Also, the gender connotation of a “Betty,” or a “Bitchy” one at that, may be neglecting a unisex appeal.

  • http://twitter.com/jamesIII James O’Connor

    Interesting concept. I feel like the term “bitching” certainly has a negative connotation off the bat. Though in the “What Is This” segment (or more commonly; “about”)on the website, @Arondo offers this goal “we will help to improve the lives of many people by LISTENING, CARING, and ACTING.” All very positive sounding, no doubt. So I see the catchyness to the concept, but not sure of the foundational strength of reaching this goal via this portal. Also, the gender connotation of a “Betty,” or a “Bitchy” one at that, may be neglecting a unisex appeal.

  • http://twitter.com/jamesIII James O’Connor

    Interesting concept. I feel like the term “bitching” certainly has a negative connotation off the bat. Though in the “What Is This” segment (or more commonly; “about”)on the website, @Arondo offers this goal “we will help to improve the lives of many people by LISTENING, CARING, and ACTING.” All very positive sounding, no doubt. So I see the catchyness to the concept, but not sure of the foundational strength of reaching this goal via this portal. Also, the gender connotation of a “Betty,” or a “Bitchy” one at that, may be neglecting a unisex appeal.

  • http://twitter.com/jamesIII James O’Connor

    Interesting concept. I feel like the term “bitching” certainly has a negative connotation off the bat. Though in the “What Is This” segment (or more commonly; “about”)on the website, @Arondo offers this goal “we will help to improve the lives of many people by LISTENING, CARING, and ACTING.” All very positive sounding, no doubt. So I see the catchyness to the concept, but not sure of the foundational strength of reaching this goal via this portal. Also, the gender connotation of a “Betty,” or a “Bitchy” one at that, may be neglecting a unisex appeal.

  • Loriloo

    to the above comment …..
    YOU obviously have time to post this comment about this site…I actually think even you could find a “Bitch” to pitch on in this website. There is a subject for everyone….The object is to either say whats on your mind OR if have a solution to someone else’s problem…you can share a solution that you might have for them…so you say you would not click the link…knowing its about real people’s problems and they are reaching for either solutions or just someone to ease their mind that they are not alone..I have been a member for over 1yr now and have made LOTS of friends…and have received lots of great advice…

  • Loriloo

    to the above comment …..
    YOU obviously have time to post this comment about this site…I actually think even you could find a “Bitch” to pitch on in this website. There is a subject for everyone….The object is to either say whats on your mind OR if have a solution to someone else’s problem…you can share a solution that you might have for them…so you say you would not click the link…knowing its about real people’s problems and they are reaching for either solutions or just someone to ease their mind that they are not alone..I have been a member for over 1yr now and have made LOTS of friends…and have received lots of great advice…

  • Loriloo

    to the above comment …..
    YOU obviously have time to post this comment about this site…I actually think even you could find a “Bitch” to pitch on in this website. There is a subject for everyone….The object is to either say whats on your mind OR if have a solution to someone else’s problem…you can share a solution that you might have for them…so you say you would not click the link…knowing its about real people’s problems and they are reaching for either solutions or just someone to ease their mind that they are not alone..I have been a member for over 1yr now and have made LOTS of friends…and have received lots of great advice…

  • Loriloo

    to the above comment …..
    YOU obviously have time to post this comment about this site…I actually think even you could find a “Bitch” to pitch on in this website. There is a subject for everyone….The object is to either say whats on your mind OR if have a solution to someone else’s problem…you can share a solution that you might have for them…so you say you would not click the link…knowing its about real people’s problems and they are reaching for either solutions or just someone to ease their mind that they are not alone..I have been a member for over 1yr now and have made LOTS of friends…and have received lots of great advice…

  • Loriloo

    Just relax…
    It got your attention with this name……just like a billboard….thats the point……the creators did this ON PURPOSE…..for this reason..they want it grab your attention and join in ! I really am not sure WHY “Bitchy” is sooo bad, it has to be used in a negative to be negative….when you read…Bitching for a change…..that should change your tune as well….

  • Loriloo

    Just relax…
    It got your attention with this name……just like a billboard….thats the point……the creators did this ON PURPOSE…..for this reason..they want it grab your attention and join in ! I really am not sure WHY “Bitchy” is sooo bad, it has to be used in a negative to be negative….when you read…Bitching for a change…..that should change your tune as well….

  • Loriloo

    Just relax…
    It got your attention with this name……just like a billboard….thats the point……the creators did this ON PURPOSE…..for this reason..they want it grab your attention and join in ! I really am not sure WHY “Bitchy” is sooo bad, it has to be used in a negative to be negative….when you read…Bitching for a change…..that should change your tune as well….

  • Loriloo

    Just relax…
    It got your attention with this name……just like a billboard….thats the point……the creators did this ON PURPOSE…..for this reason..they want it grab your attention and join in ! I really am not sure WHY “Bitchy” is sooo bad, it has to be used in a negative to be negative….when you read…Bitching for a change…..that should change your tune as well….

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Richard Reeve

    Point well taken. If we would have named it ie “letschange.org, or changingtheworld.org, or openup.Org” would we catch peoples attention? Maybe, maybe not. I am explaining the branding because it is a bit *edgy* and it is a startup.

    People posting a “bitch” isn’t even half of the point of the site. If someone really wanted to see, look at the “pitches”. If the “pitches” give someone an idea how to solve their own problem or a problem of the world, then we have achieved our objective.

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Richard Reeve

    Point well taken. If we would have named it ie “letschange.org, or changingtheworld.org, or openup.Org” would we catch peoples attention? Maybe, maybe not. I am explaining the branding because it is a bit *edgy* and it is a startup.

    People posting a “bitch” isn’t even half of the point of the site. If someone really wanted to see, look at the “pitches”. If the “pitches” give someone an idea how to solve their own problem or a problem of the world, then we have achieved our objective.

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Linda thank you for taking the time to post. But, did you take time to review the site. The “pitches” are the solutions.

    People are trying to help other people regarding things big and small. Nothing more nothing less.

    cheers
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Linda thank you for taking the time to post. But, did you take time to review the site. The “pitches” are the solutions.

    People are trying to help other people regarding things big and small. Nothing more nothing less.

    cheers
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Linda thank you for taking the time to post. But, did you take time to review the site. The “pitches” are the solutions.

    People are trying to help other people regarding things big and small. Nothing more nothing less.

    cheers
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Linda thank you for taking the time to post. But, did you take time to review the site. The “pitches” are the solutions.

    People are trying to help other people regarding things big and small. Nothing more nothing less.

    cheers
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Michelle Sullivan

    Thank you for taking the time to post ;)

    I can assure you, WE are DOers. If you would like I can send you a detailed list of board seats, clubs, community service activities the founders have been involved in over the past 10 years. judging a book by it’s cover? That’s totally fine but, maybe a little closed minded. Again, if you care, look at the pitches and you’ll see REAL people helping REAL people.

    Thank you
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Michelle Sullivan

    Thank you for taking the time to post ;)

    I can assure you, WE are DOers. If you would like I can send you a detailed list of board seats, clubs, community service activities the founders have been involved in over the past 10 years. judging a book by it’s cover? That’s totally fine but, maybe a little closed minded. Again, if you care, look at the pitches and you’ll see REAL people helping REAL people.

    Thank you
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Michelle Sullivan

    Thank you for taking the time to post ;)

    I can assure you, WE are DOers. If you would like I can send you a detailed list of board seats, clubs, community service activities the founders have been involved in over the past 10 years. judging a book by it’s cover? That’s totally fine but, maybe a little closed minded. Again, if you care, look at the pitches and you’ll see REAL people helping REAL people.

    Thank you
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @Michelle Sullivan

    Thank you for taking the time to post ;)

    I can assure you, WE are DOers. If you would like I can send you a detailed list of board seats, clubs, community service activities the founders have been involved in over the past 10 years. judging a book by it’s cover? That’s totally fine but, maybe a little closed minded. Again, if you care, look at the pitches and you’ll see REAL people helping REAL people.

    Thank you
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @ Liz

    Thank you for taking the time to post. Change begins with US, and I’ll take “5″ over ZERO “0″ any day.

    cheers
    Aronado

    Let bitchybetty be judged by it’s actions not merely the label.

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @ Liz

    Thank you for taking the time to post. Change begins with US, and I’ll take “5″ over ZERO “0″ any day.

    cheers
    Aronado

    Let bitchybetty be judged by it’s actions not merely the label.

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @ Liz

    Thank you for taking the time to post. Change begins with US, and I’ll take “5″ over ZERO “0″ any day.

    cheers
    Aronado

    Let bitchybetty be judged by it’s actions not merely the label.

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    @ Liz

    Thank you for taking the time to post. Change begins with US, and I’ll take “5″ over ZERO “0″ any day.

    cheers
    Aronado

    Let bitchybetty be judged by it’s actions not merely the label.

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    Thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to comment here. We appreciate your time and please know, these comments have opened our eyes to different perspectives and ideas.

    If it’s possible, I am even more motivated now than ever.

    Thank you all so much

    my best!
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    Thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to comment here. We appreciate your time and please know, these comments have opened our eyes to different perspectives and ideas.

    If it’s possible, I am even more motivated now than ever.

    Thank you all so much

    my best!
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    Thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to comment here. We appreciate your time and please know, these comments have opened our eyes to different perspectives and ideas.

    If it’s possible, I am even more motivated now than ever.

    Thank you all so much

    my best!
    Aronado

  • http://bitchybetty.org Aronado

    Thank you to EVERYONE who took the time to comment here. We appreciate your time and please know, these comments have opened our eyes to different perspectives and ideas.

    If it’s possible, I am even more motivated now than ever.

    Thank you all so much

    my best!
    Aronado

  • http://kelbycarr.com Kelby

    I felt compelled to come back after seeing so many people who think the term “bitchy” is a negative that has to be overcome.

    This is a niche social network. People who are offended by the term bitch probably will not use it. What you forget is not EVERYONE thinks bitching, bitchy and bitch mean something negative. Personally, I take great pride in being a bitch. I don’t take crap off of people, and I happen to think I can bitch with the best of them. And trust me. When I bitch, things tend to change.

    Anyway, I don’t think many people pointed out that the term bitchy doesn’t HAVE to be a negative or ONLY something said to gain attention. Some of us like the idea of being on a social network for bitching. Just like that, and branded that way. To me, it says in the branding that we aren’t going to put up with the crap anymore.

    And I’ll just say this. When I discovered this site on Twitter and tweeted about it, several people commented about how cool the name was. These are people like me who will connect with that term “bitchy.” A good term.

  • http://kelbycarr.com Kelby

    I felt compelled to come back after seeing so many people who think the term “bitchy” is a negative that has to be overcome.

    This is a niche social network. People who are offended by the term bitch probably will not use it. What you forget is not EVERYONE thinks bitching, bitchy and bitch mean something negative. Personally, I take great pride in being a bitch. I don’t take crap off of people, and I happen to think I can bitch with the best of them. And trust me. When I bitch, things tend to change.

    Anyway, I don’t think many people pointed out that the term bitchy doesn’t HAVE to be a negative or ONLY something said to gain attention. Some of us like the idea of being on a social network for bitching. Just like that, and branded that way. To me, it says in the branding that we aren’t going to put up with the crap anymore.

    And I’ll just say this. When I discovered this site on Twitter and tweeted about it, several people commented about how cool the name was. These are people like me who will connect with that term “bitchy.” A good term.

  • http://kelbycarr.com Kelby

    I felt compelled to come back after seeing so many people who think the term “bitchy” is a negative that has to be overcome.

    This is a niche social network. People who are offended by the term bitch probably will not use it. What you forget is not EVERYONE thinks bitching, bitchy and bitch mean something negative. Personally, I take great pride in being a bitch. I don’t take crap off of people, and I happen to think I can bitch with the best of them. And trust me. When I bitch, things tend to change.

    Anyway, I don’t think many people pointed out that the term bitchy doesn’t HAVE to be a negative or ONLY something said to gain attention. Some of us like the idea of being on a social network for bitching. Just like that, and branded that way. To me, it says in the branding that we aren’t going to put up with the crap anymore.

    And I’ll just say this. When I discovered this site on Twitter and tweeted about it, several people commented about how cool the name was. These are people like me who will connect with that term “bitchy.” A good term.

  • http://kelbycarr.com Kelby

    I felt compelled to come back after seeing so many people who think the term “bitchy” is a negative that has to be overcome.

    This is a niche social network. People who are offended by the term bitch probably will not use it. What you forget is not EVERYONE thinks bitching, bitchy and bitch mean something negative. Personally, I take great pride in being a bitch. I don’t take crap off of people, and I happen to think I can bitch with the best of them. And trust me. When I bitch, things tend to change.

    Anyway, I don’t think many people pointed out that the term bitchy doesn’t HAVE to be a negative or ONLY something said to gain attention. Some of us like the idea of being on a social network for bitching. Just like that, and branded that way. To me, it says in the branding that we aren’t going to put up with the crap anymore.

    And I’ll just say this. When I discovered this site on Twitter and tweeted about it, several people commented about how cool the name was. These are people like me who will connect with that term “bitchy.” A good term.

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