Nick goes on a rant about how unfair the blogging world is. It’s an easy way to get links (hey, he’s getting mine for the first time), but his post is complete nonsense and shows that he has no idea what blogging is all about. His central thesis is that the big blogs have just replaced old media in trying to create an entrenched, defendable position. The big blogs, he says, are supported by the peasants (small blogs), occasionally throwing them a bone (link) as an incentive to keep linking to them.
None of this is accurate. The “biggest” blogs have changed dramatically over the last year since I started writing. Guys that commanded large audiences have fallen, new people have risen. Sure, there are massive politics and games involved, and a lot of mud gets thrown about. But at the end of the day those people with interesting things to say tend to get listened to. Those that don’t…dont.
Many tools have been created to even the playing field. Digg is the most important one. With Digg, a group of 20 people, bloggers or not, are far more powerful than any single blogger. Those 20 people can (and do) get the content of their choice in front of tens of thousands of people. Blog search engines, TechMeme and other services further the democratization of the blogosphere.
So he’s wrong. But he’s also missing the main point of blogging.
It’s not so much about how one blog can rise through the ranks and get popular. What I love about blogging is the fact that an ecosystem exists, where conversations spring up about anything at all, involving all who wish to participate (through blogs, comments and trackbacks), evolve and move on to other things. Geography, time zones, and cultural differences are mostly irrelevant. It’s about the purity of ideas and the two-way web, where we get to say what we think when we disagree. And trust me, I see disagreement on a constant basis in the trackbacks and comments on my blog. But I’m just happy I’m part of the conversation. Is the system perfect? Nope. But its the coolest thing I’ve ever encountered, and my non-sleeping life is now dedicated to being a part of it.
Blogging is not about the individual. It’s about the power of the blogosphere as an entity.
Nick, I see you struggle to find your relevance in this new world. Lashing out at people was good for a few links and page views. Now I see you taking on this Robin Hood “defender of the little guy” approach. It’s good link bait, but it’s still nonsense and people know it. You are a kick ass writer, but is there any substance whatsoever underneath it all?
If you find that you are blogging just to get influence and attention, you should stop because you are going to be dissapointed. No one wants to hear about your woeful stories of bitterness, despair and rejection (except Nick of course). If you are writing because you are absolutely passionate about whatever you are writing about, and you can’t stop yourself from writing, keep doing it. You’ll be happy, even if no one is reading.
Aww Mike – sorry to hear you got a hard on for Nick, him bein’ a Richard Head an’ all.
The world needs curmudgeons so we don’t all end up as brown nosers – don’t you think?
lol
Who’s zoomin’ whom? Is this a real controversy or some elaborately staged pro-wrestling contest? Do bloggers have to graduate from the Monty Python Argument Clinic before posting?
Just remember that, anatomically speaking, the asshole is still way ahead of the long tail. It’s lonely out at the end.
Nick’s post was beautifully written and held my attention.
That Mike responded with such vehemence–and that so many are talking about this–suggests that Nick hit a nerve. Just sayin’.
The best tech marketers wrap their wares inside a messianic change-the-world ideology. It’s always some variant freedom, fulfilment, self-expression–the very top of the Maslow pyramid.
Bloggers are no different. Officially, we get all Woodstock Nation. Let every voice be heard.
But bloggers are people, too. The other classic motivators—lusts for power, affiliation, admiration—are lurking in there too.
The blogosphere, by virtue of its exponential growth can’t help but be a pyramid scheme. It has to be harder for the late-comers.
But on the other hand, has there ever been a pyramid built with more chutes and ladders? This is as fluid as it gets in human interaction.
Nick gave eloquent voice to some of the disappointed.
And for that, I sent him a link.
Mike asked whether Nick is an a**hole. For that he gets a comment, but no link. He doesn’t need one.
From each according to his abilities. To each according to his needs.
It’s all good.
I live in the enterprise world so do not read your stuff much but if Dennis Holwett respects someone I do too.
But as I wrote on my blog “Hey Nick Carr, I love being a blog pleasant”.
What Nick is completely ignoring is the investment that it takes to keep what he calls the “castle” going. I am ex Gartner and it has to spend almost $ 450 m a year in SG&A infrastructure to get its analysts publicity and distribution. And another $ 50 m a year in proprietary publishing standards and tech.
For a few sheckels a year, us peasants are able to get a channel of our own. What we use it for is then up to us.
My Robin Hoods are Google, Technorati, Typepad for bringing me that affordable channel…he can long for his castle. Ain’t too shabby in the simple life -)
Who cares? Seriously… It’s like listening to 2 children argue over whose dad is stronger.
Man.. you guys have to grow up !!
Both of you have such bloated egos’ !!
Manual Trackback http://www.touchstonelive.com/blog/2006/08/why-arent-you-paying-enough-attention.html