Social media changed the marketing and journalism game because it enabled anyone to be a publisher. Some would say that we should each contribute: that we have our own valuable opinions to share. Others maintain that at some point we’re just all adding noise and it becomes more difficult to find worthwhile content. Given my blog post title, I think you know what side I’m on.
I can write a blog post about Google Wave or Twitter Lists, and it may not be the best article about these topics. But for those individuals who see me as a trusted source of information, I make it available. At least monthly I speak at a conference or training session, and people ask me for resources or insights. As I explain to them: If I have to answer the same question to two people, I write a blog post about it. I figure if they want to know, so too do others. Also, it gives me a post to point them to, that they can then share with others.
Are my insights the strongest in the industry? Are my posts the most beautifully crafted? Perhaps not, but they are still of value to my network. And so too can yours be.
Perhaps because I feel so passionately about online publishing, I feel sad when someone hesitates from setting up a blog because they don’t feel they have anything to offer. Remember the Long Tail? Even if there are only two other people in the entire world who are concerned with the long term effects of the blue dye used on Smurfs in the late 80s, setting up a blog can be a way to provide information and connect with those people.
There are plenty of Google Wave tutorials and posts out there, but my coworkers and friends are asking *me* about it. I’m the information gatherer and synthesizer: they just want the Cliff’s Notes version.
Setting up a blog and writing in it is time-consuming, to be sure. But don’t be afraid that you’re imposing on others or not offering anything of value if you have a topic you’re interested in and passionate about. You may be amazed with the people your words can touch.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m with you Andrea. Although there are many posts describing similar topics, they are all written in a different style with different degrees of complexity. Where one post may be completely confusing to one reader, another post may make perfect sense. If we were to deny those posts, the Internet would be a lot poorer for that decision.
Follow me on twitter: AussieSire
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Precisely: can you imagine if Newspapers all said “well we’re not going to run this story, as it’s likely going to be written about elsewhere?”
…
they’d all be out of business sooner, I guess.
Follow me on twitter: afhill262
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Yeah, and if those guys in Hollywood said we’re not making that movie for the same reason. Time changes as do peoples perspective, and it’s good to have a selection of articles and opinions.
Follow me on twitter: AussieSire
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