Want to See More Interesting Blogs? Let's Nurture Smart Writers
12.23.2009 | Chris Bailey
A few weeks ago, Mack Collier asked the question of whether your blog is losing its identity. To a great extent, Mack’s post was about the increasing degree of homogeneity in blog content. His perception is that most blogs are going the route of How-Tos, Echo Posts, and Top 10 Lists. It’s an interesting observation considering that most folks will say that its these types of blogposts that get the most visibility and attention.
The post also provoked a slightly different reaction with me. Below is the comment I left with some subtle updates:
Mack, here’s the problem and it’s one that I believe affects all media, both new and old. Do people really want to read original and fresh ideas? Or do they want to read overly-provocative posts from familiar and famous sources? For old media examples, we see hyper-provocative personalities on TV and print get all the attention as well as find run-of-the-mill sitcoms and stagnant dramas remain on-air year after year. This is while smart voices and excellent programming struggles to gain visibility and survive.
If we’re really serious about wanting more innovative and interesting ideas from our blogs, we not only have to write them…we have to nurture them in others. It starts with stepping out of our comfort zones and reading new blog sources. If someone writes really great stuff but it goes unnoticed, it’s very likely that they’ll stop writing altogether or submit to the more formulaic blog writing ideas that seem to attract the most eyeballs.
Now, let’s all do something positive and introduce great AND NEW writings to our own readers.
I honestly believe that if you carry influence in the online space, you have an obligation to use your voice to not just lift up familiar folks you know, but perhaps more importantly, give visibility to smart and talented folks who are less known. This goes triple for A-listers, some of which are better than others in this regard.
So for 2010, let’s make it a point to share visibility with other smart folks who need more attention to their ideas. And I’ll start…here are a just few who I’m excited to see more of their work:
Kelly Stonebock (@kellyopoly): kellystonebock.wordpress.com
A.J. Bingham (@ajbingham): readaj.com
Roxanne McHenry (@roxannemchenry): roxannemchenry.com
What will you do to help bring visibility to smart folks you know?
6 Responses to “Want to See More Interesting Blogs? Let's Nurture Smart Writers”
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I'm excited to begin a new blog project in 2010, and my plan is to bring ideas together to create new ideas. On both a personal and professional level, I've found that I go to familiar and trusted blogs, because there's no easy way to find new blogs, and it takes a lot of time and effort to do so. When you go to a bookstore, they have displays with new authors, and tables full of "themes", so it's a lot easier to browse. Not so easy with blogs.
This is a good idea, and I'll be sure to keep it in mind as I begin blogging in earnest in January. Thanks for the valuable insight.
My recent post Endorphins, Novelty, Trust and the Viral Video
Verilliance, I can't wait to see what you have cooking for next month. Let us know when you launch
Chris, that is incredibly kind of you. Made my day. Thanks for you never-ending encouragement. It really means the world to me. Facing the new year, I was looking back on my move and thinking of those who helped make the transition an easy one– you were a key player. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!
You're so welcome. Back when I was getting my start as a professional, I had a handful of people who eased me into the nonprofit association profession. Ever since then, I've tried to pay that goodness forward. It's been a great year for you and so happy you landed in a good gig. I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be even better.
Chris– Thanks for the mention, and link (a tad belated, I know)! I look forward to working with you this spring.
My recent post Placing The Pieces
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the shout out here!
My blog is in full swing now, and I'm having evil amounts of fun discussing topics where brain science and marketing intersect.
My recent post Apple: Brand, Cult, or Religion?