This seems to be a hot topic as of late and I can definately see why. The battle is simply between those who think blogging is only for the elite and blogging is for everyone to engage in the conversation.
Some strongly believe that the elite bloggers who have all the right things to say make the blogosphere go round. In fact, the claim is that the blogosphere is losing key components of the online conversation because "we are not building some kind of governance into blogging. We're losing standards and rules. We're losing form. We're losing the opportunity to adopt widespread opinions."
What a bold move to say that we need to implement governance into blogging. Then what's the point of blogging? I thought blogging was about writing down one's thoughts (like a diary) to engage in an online conversation. Yet, others are telling the world that need a government body to monitor blogs…WHY, so we can articially control the content around the blogosphere? Sorry, but that ruins the point of a blog…looks like PR firms dont get it.
I am glad others agree with me, including Mike Sacks, who believes that everyone should have the right to blog and PR is: engaging in conversation with a target audience.
Take a look at Robert Scoble and Shel Israel, authors of Naked Conversations. The conversations that make the blogosphere go round should be UNFILTERED. We don't need a government body telling us what content we can and cannot post. THE BLOGOSPHERE IS ONE BIG CONVERSATION!
:sigh: Anyone else with me, Robert, Shel and a select few?
Christopher,
Thank you for the comment in my blog, and for this post. I’m new to this whole world, and think it is important for any PR person who wants to remain current (and thereby valuable) to know how to use this medium effectively. What I don’t buy is “blogging experts.” Of course, building a readership takes time. Appropriately engaging in conversation relevant to a client strategy takes practice. It takes dedication and sticking to a few best practices. But frankly, those best practices can be imparted during an hour-long meeting, no matter if you’re a PR rookie or an establish player. If engaing the blogosphere can be justified in an overall strategy, then fire away. If not, save the new toy for a client who needs it.
Hi Mike,
I agree. Blogging is just a matter of talking about something you are passionate about and having others agree/disagree with you. There is really no secret to blogging, but letting all your thoughts out.
Good comments!
Chris
Christopher, I like your style and agree with your thoughts. I can see how some people might not think about blogging in the same way you do, but that’s probably your point – that blogging as a culture unto itself demands freedom to say as one pleases, so why the fuss over whether all blogging should be controlled by a handful of A-listers.
Hello Easton,
You are exactly right. Some do not agree with me, which is okay, but the mere fact that I am having this conversation about blogging with you and Mike clearly illustrates that blogging is EVERYONE’s BUSINESS. Not just the A-listers, but me too. Without me and other people, perhaps the blogosphere would not be complete. Although I have a lot of respect for A-listers, I do not believe that they should control the blogosphere.
Thank you for your comments! Hope to hear from you again!
-Chris
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