Blogs are So Much More than Ranting Diaries
I have found some of the best information, insight and advice on blogs. In most cases from new friends, not even the people I’ve known for years. I’m starting to think that anyone who says blogs are just ranting diaries of meaningless information, simply don’t take the time to really read blogs. They are not taking the time to find the people who can make a difference in their lives and enjoy the conversations along the way.
That’s only one piece of the blogosphere puzzle. Through blogs and social networking, you have the incredible ability to meet people. No, I mean really meet people. When I first started social networking, I felt a little like a fish out of water. It took me a really long time to participate on my favorite blogs and let people know what I was thinking. As a matter of fact, there are still many (and I mean many) blogs that I read and still don’t feel comfortable commenting. And, then there are my favorites: Brian Solis’ PR 2.0, Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang and Steve Crescenzo’s Corporate Hallucinations. I also admire Shel Holtz’s blog and Guy Kawasaki’s How to Change the World from a far. I also really love micro blogging on Twitter (www.twitter.com). Since my earlier experiences, I have met social networking “friends” in person for coffee and lunches, and have corresponded outside of the blogosphere.
Let me just focus on Twitter for a moment. I never thought that I would encounter the interactions that I’m experiencing on Twitter. For a micro blog that only allows you to enter 140 characters per post – how do you make friends and meet people? It just comes with the territory. Similar to traditional networking, the more information you give about yourself, the more that people are attracted to your personality and want to continue to interact with you on a daily basis.
I’m constantly amazed at the people that I “follow” on Twitter. They are very intelligent, passionate, funny, and the best part of all, caring. For instance, I was having a hellish day at work and didn’t even have time to go on Twitter to post what I was doing. I’m usually on every day, all day. Things were hectic and frankly explosive at my company. I had posted an early morning message stating I was excited to go to Rhode Island for the weekend. Then, for the first time, I went silent for many hours. When I finally posted again late in the day, one of my followers replied to me, “You were so quiet today, I thought you were already on the interstate…. :)” It always feels good when someone takes the time to notice…..I really felt like a member of a community.
So what can you find blogging that goes beyond ranting and raving? I think a great deal. But, don’t take my word for it, you should find out for yourself.
March 3, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
Excellent post Deirdre!
I’ve been writing an online profile about Gary Vaynerchuk who says to use blogs, and Social Media, as a place to promote your brand, your ideas, your expertise. He’s absolutely right. Instead of using Social Media to rant, make it work for you. Share meaningful content that represents your niche! In turn, find and share the content that also inspires you! We’re all in this together…
March 3, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
Thanks, Brian. I agree with you. The more time we invest in blogging and engaging in meaningful conversations, we see just how much we’re all in this together!
March 4, 2008 @ 4:21 am
Deirdre, I felt so unworthy to be quoted in your blog today. I promise you, I read in tears… Please e-mail me anytime.
Your faithful friend,
Dwight
March 4, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Dwight, thank you for your kind words. It’s that type of sharing of information and caring that builds great communities. I enjoy being a part of the Twitter community and it’s people like you who make it an even more pleasurable experience.
March 7, 2008 @ 10:43 pm
Deirdre – I’m so glad i’ve stumbled – thank Google – into your blog. I find blogging so bizarre, because, although i’m not an active blogger, or fully fledged blog reader, my light bulb has suddenly just been switched on, and all this Web 2.0 comms that available is finally sinking.
The scary thing is, I’m only 27, and already there’s a tech disconnect between me and younger colleagues…it’s fascinating.
Anyway, after searching high and lo for some decent info about all PR 2.0 i’ve stumbled across your blog – thanks. Looking forward to reading more in the coming months.
March 7, 2008 @ 11:36 pm
David, I’m so happy you found my blog. Thank you for commenting. I also recommend another great PR 2.0 site at http://www.briansolis.com. I talk a lot about Brian in my book PR 2.0 and I’ve probably mentioned him in some of my blog posts. I think you will enjoy his blog too. PR 2.0 is really exciting for communications professionals and challenging at the same time. I look forward to discussing more with you!
March 11, 2008 @ 1:43 am
I’ve been blogging heavily since August. At first I was skeptical because of so many failed attempts to blog successfully in the past. I jut had a hard time finding my voice. While I am still testing different topics, I decided to use my blog as Brian recommends here. But this was before I saw Brian’s post here. Several digital colleagues (DC) have asked me to be a post blogger for them, and to contribute in to their company newsletters. Re response as been great enough that I’ve had to turn some invitation down because I’m in the last of my Master’s degree and obligations such as a thesis and comprehensive examination are crewing into much of my time. The fascinating thing, however, is that people are recognizing me, and I’ve been approached by a local agency for a potential job too.
I think I’ll try Twitter, but maybe not until this summer once I get my life back and my thesis published. Hopefully some of your guys here will follow me.
March 11, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Hi Rodger, thanks for commenting. I think the more we put into our blogs and the comments we provide, the more we will find recognition, great networking opportunities and friendship. You certainly have your plate full with your thesis and Master’s program. I wish you the best of luck! I think it’s a good idea to try Twitter in the summer when you have more time. It’s very addicting and I find myself getting lost in everyone’s comments. There’s so much information and personity – I feel like I can never get enough! Let me know what you think once after you get started.
March 14, 2008 @ 2:58 am
great stuff.
i enjoy your posts
March 14, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Thanks, Evan!