Cheap Date: Faye Penn On Five Years Of Brokelyn

For the past five years, Brokelyn has been providing important coverage on the cheaper side of our borough, from debunking Dr. Bronner’s to judging tiny boners. But did you know that Faye Penn, the woman who started it all, lives right here in Ditmas Park?

Before they celebrate their anniversary with the Brokelyn High Homecoming Dance this Thursday, October 16 at The Bell House in Gowanus, we asked Faye about the site’s beginnings, where it’s headed, why people should describe our neighbors as “seedy,” and more.

DPC: Tell us a little bit about how Brokelyn got started.

Faye Penn: Right as the magazine industry was imploding along with the rest of the economy in 2008, I inherited around $50k from a taxi driver I wrote about in my first New York Post story. Instead of investing it in real estate as a shrewder capitalist might have I founded a web site that endeavored to make people feel better about their bleak finances. Brokelyn debuted the following year. It was not born of altruism or asceticism so much as my own desire to have fabulous things I couldn’t afford.

How is the site different today from how you initially intended it?

At the time it started, I had just done tours at New York Magazine and InStyle, so there would be 20 edits on a post about $10 bouquets. The first iteration was girlier and bougier than it is now. But as things went along, most of the writers who turned up at our meetings — anyone is welcome — were 20 years younger and into young people things, so out went posts like my great score of cheap Mikasa dishes at Amazing Savings in favor of how to make extra money selling your underwear online and bars with wifi. We’ve been lucky to attract super eager, talented contributors and smart, funny editors like Dave Colon. It’s all them at this point and very little me.

What do you think the site will be like in another five years?

If things continue on in Brooklyn as they are, I predict stories like “where to find the best $25 turkey sandwich” and “Canarsie: the new Bushwick.” Also, the artisanal thing will have run its course so we’ll probably just write about Chipotle and Uniqlo.

You have $20 to spend — how would you spend it to get the most bang for your buck in Brooklyn?

Come to our Homecoming Dance this Thursday night ($12 cover) at 7:30 and drink three $1 beers in rapid succession (Brooklyn Brewery is sponsoring while supplies last) and use your remaining $5 to but three raffle tickets. We have amazing prizes, almost all over $100 in value. You could win the brand new bike from Ride Brooklyn and make a 11,000 percent return on your investment. Then you’ll be rich and can start reading Brownstoner.

Describe your own homecoming experience in one sentence.

My go-to gay friend I didn’t know was gay (he didn’t either) asked someone else and my class president political rival gamely stepped up and we went as frenemies. That’s why I’m so excited for a do-over.

How has your own writing career evolved since starting Brokelyn?

I’d rather talk about the Brokelyn alumni club’s collective accomplishments. The last editor, Tim Donnelly, is now a feature writer at The New York Post, and others have gone on to big jobs in social media and flourishing freelance careers. At least three Brokelyn writers have gone on to write books, and one is opening a coffee bar. Another one is an editor at The New York Times magazine. (See how I sidestepped the question about my own writing?)

How do you balance Brokelyn and your position at the New York Observer?

Brokelyn runs itself most of the time, but I tend to get up really early (4 or 5) to squeeze it all in. The real challenge is reconciling the audiences: uptown one percenters vs. scrappy Brooklyn twentysomethings.

How did you decide to settle in Ditmas Park?

My husband Joel Tishcoff grew up on Rugby Road so it was inevitable. Plus, it’s still cheap relative to much of Brooklyn. What’s not to love?

Anything else you’d like neighbors to know?

Yes, and I’m glad you asked, Mary. Dear Ditmas Parkers: for heaven’s sake, do not go on about how great DP is in the presence of Park Slopers or other people flush with brownstone cash. Refer to the crime rate as “soaring,” the commute as “eternal” and the people as “seedy,” lest our neighborhood become the next Dumbo. Nobody else needs to know about the quality of life here, OK?

Awkwardly ask Faye and the rest of the site’s crew to slow dance at the Brokelyn High Homecoming Dance — tickets are $12, and available in advance.