Nicely said. And 100% agreed. Social media is still new and seems to change daily, that I often wonder why we have so many *gurus at all. If being a member of the "privileged few" is based upon the number of followers like it seems to be, I'm happy to take a back seat but am honestly becoming bored with the 101 courses.
I tweeted this the other day: Where are all of the gurus for the social media *experienced like me? I'm not a newbie, and can only read about the benefits of Twitter so many times :) Say something insightful that doesn't link to yourself at least once each day. Then maybe I'll continue to follow you.
Mr. Brown, Thank you for this post. As a writer new to the blogiverse I appreciate your stand. People like me, while trying to "improve the brand" really just want to join the conversation. We use a few, but not all of the tools available to Social Media users. I am in awe and do respect those in the know for their experience and accomplishments, and they are examples to aspire to. I feel a bit intimidated commenting on some blogs because the people who post them come across as very high powered, and a little judgemental. If we are to truly be a "community" of writers, we have to have an inclusive approach to anyone who is credible and articulate, despite the number of apps and widgets are associated with thier name and brand. I know you PR people are intense, but not everyone is pushing out here in blogland, some of us are just trying to connect.
The Lovable Rogue
· 1 year ago
I actually read the comments referenced above last week. I was quite surprised by the content. They reminded me of comments made by Keen in his book 'Cult of the Amateur'. Both seem to suggest that information generation should be left to the professionals. I believe the phrase 'elitist', as used by Keen best defines this attitude. Whilst Keen is admittedly more open to his rejection of user generated content, RS is less blatant. The value given to the opinions of each of the authors will invariably depend upon the recipient, however this seems to me to represent a step backwards.
When I blog, I like to think that I am contributing to existing knowledge whilst simultaneously developing my own understanding of the medium. I am young, and have never profited from the social media, so there remains a lot to learn from social media giants such as RS. I feel increasingly less inclined to do so however when my contributions are discounted by such authors purely because I lack the reach which they achieve through their efforts. Arguably, I would love my thoughts to be more visible, but it is unlikely that such visibility will be quickly achieved.
In any case, I am happy in the knowledge that people are able to see my thoughts on social media and perhaps even learn from them. Perhaps RS should remember the reasons why he started blogging and recognise that maybe, just maybe that is the reason why the social media has taken off the way it has.
Thanks again Danny, another great article. Keep up the good work.
@ Mich. Thanks Mich, and glad to know it isn't just me that feels this way. :) I agree, it does seem that because social media is still so new, some people feel that they should be declared the voice of it all and that everyone should follow that opinion. I'm not saying the opinion itself may be wrong; but the approach of "do as I say or you're not relevant" certainly is. Hopefully as the medium continues to grow, so does the attitude towards it.
@ Virginia. Firstly, welcome to the wonderful world of blogging! :) I know how you feel, and hopefully I'll never come across as sounding too "high powered" or "judgmental". At the end of the day, we're all in this together and every person has something of value to say - reputations are no replacement for courtesy and involvement. As far as PR goes, I know where you're coming from - although, again, I'd like to think I stay apart from much of the old-school PR industry and offer a more involving and open approach that includes everyone's opinion - promoting what you want to read about as opposed to promoting what you should read about. Feel free to correct me if I ever stray from this :)
@ The Lovable Rogue. Thanks Chris - I wholeheartedly agree with you. It seems that the more popular a medium becomes, the more people start to take over and impose their thoughts on how it should be. I'm a little surprised it came from RS - I would have thought of all people, it would come from someone that isn't as ingrained in the community he's complaining about. As you rightly say, at the end of the day it should be about the taking part and building upon what social media already has going for it, as opposed to forcing people away because of elitist views.
Thanks for reading and commenting, guys, I appreciate it.
George Cozma
· 1 year ago
Oh well... this sort of thing was bound to happen eventually. People always take themselves too seriously, especially if they're involved in the technology scene.
Ultimately though, these views, no matter how controversial, only have as much value as you give them. These gurus might believe that they hold the monopoly on truth, but the whole web is much too diverse to hold any absolutes.
Scobleizer has his own ideals, his own principles and his own way of doing things. Nobody says they should be yours too (except Scobleizer that is :) )
I guess that's the nature of the beast with some folks... ;-)
jenniferabailey
· 2 months ago
Here's the other side of that coin: Opinions have been expressed through newspaper and magazine writing for decades. In columns and editorials people sharply push their viewpoint upon other readers. Not because all of the readers will agree, but because the readers value what those "thought leaders" have to say. Good or bad.
We as readers have a responsibility to sort through the writing in blogs, just as we have for many years in print materials.
Are you suggesting that we have no social media leaders or thought leaders in this area at all? Certainly I am not accusing you of this, simply playing devils advocate to make a point.
Danny Brown
· 2 months ago
Not suggesting this at all, Jennifer :)
It all boils down to choice, as you mention. I stopped reading certain newspapers because of journalists on it, and I unsubscribed from blogs where it's "you should" as opposed to "you could, and here's how."
The great thing is we have the choice; the trick is for some that believe their own hype to accept that too ;-)
All Comments
I tweeted this the other day: Where are all of the gurus for the social media *experienced like me? I'm not a newbie, and can only read about the benefits of Twitter so many times :) Say something insightful that doesn't link to yourself at least once each day. Then maybe I'll continue to follow you.
<abbr>Mich´s last blog post..michsineath: @PressReleasePR Did you change your blog theme? I like it</abbr>
Thank you for this post. As a writer new to the blogiverse I appreciate your stand. People like me, while trying to "improve the brand" really just want to join the conversation. We use a few, but not all of the tools available to Social Media users. I am in awe and do respect those in the know for their experience and accomplishments, and they are examples to aspire to. I feel a bit intimidated commenting on some blogs because the people who post them come across as very high powered, and a little judgemental. If we are to truly be a "community" of writers, we have to have an inclusive approach to anyone who is credible and articulate, despite the number of apps and widgets are associated with thier name and brand. I know you PR people are intense, but not everyone is pushing out here in blogland, some of us are just trying to connect.
When I blog, I like to think that I am contributing to existing knowledge whilst simultaneously developing my own understanding of the medium. I am young, and have never profited from the social media, so there remains a lot to learn from social media giants such as RS. I feel increasingly less inclined to do so however when my contributions are discounted by such authors purely because I lack the reach which they achieve through their efforts. Arguably, I would love my thoughts to be more visible, but it is unlikely that such visibility will be quickly achieved.
In any case, I am happy in the knowledge that people are able to see my thoughts on social media and perhaps even learn from them. Perhaps RS should remember the reasons why he started blogging and recognise that maybe, just maybe that is the reason why the social media has taken off the way it has.
Thanks again Danny, another great article. Keep up the good work.
<abbr>The Lovable Rogue´s last blog post..To Regulate or not to Regulate? That is the Question...</abbr>
@ Virginia. Firstly, welcome to the wonderful world of blogging! :) I know how you feel, and hopefully I'll never come across as sounding too "high powered" or "judgmental". At the end of the day, we're all in this together and every person has something of value to say - reputations are no replacement for courtesy and involvement. As far as PR goes, I know where you're coming from - although, again, I'd like to think I stay apart from much of the old-school PR industry and offer a more involving and open approach that includes everyone's opinion - promoting what you want to read about as opposed to promoting what you should read about. Feel free to correct me if I ever stray from this :)
@ The Lovable Rogue. Thanks Chris - I wholeheartedly agree with you. It seems that the more popular a medium becomes, the more people start to take over and impose their thoughts on how it should be. I'm a little surprised it came from RS - I would have thought of all people, it would come from someone that isn't as ingrained in the community he's complaining about. As you rightly say, at the end of the day it should be about the taking part and building upon what social media already has going for it, as opposed to forcing people away because of elitist views.
Thanks for reading and commenting, guys, I appreciate it.
Ultimately though, these views, no matter how controversial, only have as much value as you give them. These gurus might believe that they hold the monopoly on truth, but the whole web is much too diverse to hold any absolutes.
Scobleizer has his own ideals, his own principles and his own way of doing things. Nobody says they should be yours too (except Scobleizer that is :) )
Regards, George
<abbr>George Cozma´s last blog post..More Link Love, an Upcoming Contest, Some Twitter Musings and Why Entrecard Sucks</abbr>
We as readers have a responsibility to sort through the writing in blogs, just as we have for many years in print materials.
Are you suggesting that we have no social media leaders or thought leaders in this area at all? Certainly I am not accusing you of this, simply playing devils advocate to make a point.
It all boils down to choice, as you mention. I stopped reading certain newspapers because of journalists on it, and I unsubscribed from blogs where it's "you should" as opposed to "you could, and here's how."
The great thing is we have the choice; the trick is for some that believe their own hype to accept that too ;-)