I recently read a post (which will remain anonymous) that spoke on the topic of garnering online celebrity status through means that seemed…well, I’ll just say that I did not agree with. Telling you to make your online interactions not about the substance and the content that appeals to you or through thoughtful sharing of your true opinions and ideas, but by essentially name-dropping and instigation through automatically taking up opposing stances with the post’s author. All in attempts to garner traffic through to your own site. This makes your actions all about you, and not about the author or the content that you are commenting on, and certainly not about the community.
I am here to offer a different approach, one that is certainly less narcissistic and self-serving, but that indirectly benefits you and your online status among the community. Because generally if you set out to improve and aid the community, then the community will respond to what it is you are doing. You will garner the traffic and attention that you hope will find your blog and your work, but you will do so in a thoughtful, less antagonizing manner. And given that you are responding from a place more true to yourself, that means you will be more passionate about it. That always makes people respond to what you have to say.
So here are a few Shakespearean words of advice that can apply in the search for clout for your design blog. Tips that will tend to draw eyes from the community, while keeping you in a helpful, favorable light, and less of a self-serving narcissistic one.
To Thine Own Self Be True
Be honest with yourself and your audience is key to gaining clout among the participants of the online design community. In fact, if you speak to them honestly and share your opions and ideas as I previously mentioned, chances are, more people will respond to what it is you are saying. Rather than just saying whatever it is you think will be the most contraversial and challenging.
Another great quote from the Bard that applies in this aspect is the following.
False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
Again, if you are not speaking from a place of honesty, then you have to don a false face and argue points that you do not necessarily stand behind. This will automatically diminish your points and the effectiveness of their reach. So be true to yourself, the benefits are numerous.
Ambition Should Be Made of Sterner Stuff
Once again, it is not all about you. Your goals and intentions should be overall about serving the community you are working in, not just about serving your own needs. This will garner positive growth of your blog’s readership because you will prove that you are not just out to serve yourself, and that your ambition is fixed on improving and contributing to the overall whole. Not the individual.
Another great Shakespearean quote that serves as a reminder in this area is the following.
As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him.
Not that the blogosphere is so ruthless that you can expect someone to be slain over self serving exploits, but if you are only pushing yourself and your site on social media, the only honor that you are likely to receive is to be unfollowed. A social death of sorts as you relegate your role to that of a veritable social pariah.
For My Part, it Was Greek to Me
Know your stuff, and do the diligence to have a firm grasp of your topic, otherwise your ignorance will immediately be recognized and called out. This will have a huge impact on your readership, just not the kind you are hoping for. If people come to your site and are immediately turned off by your unresearched, unthoughtout discussion it will more than likely be a while before they come back.
To further elaborate on the point, here is another quote from the Bard’s pen that is just as applicable.
I say there is no darkness but ignorance.
Plain and simple, the words near speak for themselves. There is no way you can shed light on a topic for your readers, if you, yourself, remain in the dark about it. So be sure that when you decide to tackle a topic, that you research it from multiple perspectives so you deliver on the promise you made by undertaking it.
The End
So those are a few words to take to heart if you would like to raise your clout among the online masses, while simultaneously building and strengthening the community at large. Leave your thoughts on the topic below.
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CONTRIBUTE
Design Informer
December 14, 2009
Some deep stuff in this post.
I do agree with you though. It’s not all about us sometimes, and trying to be famous or popular just by taking an opposite stand against someone isn’t the right way to build your name.
I like the cool Shakespearean quote. :)
Leighton Hubbell
December 14, 2009
A very interesting take on being true to yourself and others.
Being a publicity hound and going around being a general purpose jerk never got anyone anywhere – for long. Eventually, they burn themselves out or ruin their welcome or both.
A very insightful post with a well-selected celebrity spokesman;)
Sneh Roy
December 14, 2009
awesome analogies Rob! To Thine yourself be true indeed! I have always felt that being yourself is not only liberating, but you just can’t go wrong!
Destiny Islands
December 14, 2009
As always you’ve created one awesome post. I love coming to this blog because you never know what info you’re gonna find… thanks for the post!
Brian McDaniel
December 15, 2009
Excellent points and truth, Rob! I admire your use of the Great One’s quotes, which simultaneously inspires while giving your message extra clout. Who can argue with Shakespeare? Passion, honesty, integrity of intention and inspiration will always draw true community, interaction, constructive discussion and faithful readers – I completely agree. Unfortunately the numbers will not always add up to what some desire to see, but quality always trumps quantity. I’ll take a few intelligent conversations and real community over thousands of “Great post” comments any day.
Benjamin Rama
December 15, 2009
good post dugg that yes great use of quotes
Rob Bowen
December 15, 2009
Thanks for the great responses, everyone. Glad that it lands with you all.
@ Brian – Thanks, man. I totally agree with you. I will always take a few good thoughtful discussions over the other, like you said. It is a much more meaningful interaction.
@ Leighton – I thought the same thing. Acting that way would do little more than turn me off to anything you have to say. It is automatically diminishing the effectiveness of your words. So why do that?
@ Sneh – That it is the only way I know to be. ;p
Laurent Jouvin
December 15, 2009
I entirely agree with the points you made, and I enjoyed reading your post.
I think a blog should be designed and written with passion, enthusiasm and desire. It makes it much easier to come up with insightful and informative content. If a blog is created out of necessity, cupidity or pure ego, it loses all credibility… in my opinion.
Thanks for the post.
Mike
December 15, 2009
Amazing post…. seriously I choose to review blogs on a blog for this very reason. I found that there was so much great content out there, I had no room to compete…So I didn’t. Looking at the market I decided it would be better to let other blogger’s know they were getting seen… through positivity. I also figured that sharing what was being done well would only make everyone’s content better.
I’m about a month in and writing new posts is a highlight for me. It’s fun to research… and share.
Seeing this post is like a big huge encouragement that I’m going in the correct direction with it. I know so far this comment has been shameless self promotion but now is when I get to give back… if you are interested in having your blog highlighted let me know..
On twitter @mhandy1
or head on over to the blog in the linky…
Again great post!
P.S. I only highlight if I have permission from the owner first.
Douglas Bonneville
December 16, 2009
I hope 2010 sees the death of the ubiquitous-regurgitation-list post. It was cool for 2007, 2008 and part of 2009, but that has to die off, like so much web 2.0 chicklet-with-gradient-and-sunbeams-in-the-background nonsense! For the most part, excellent blog posts in the design community are as much entertainment as they are information. I hope to see some truly entertaining posts in 2010. I’m going to work hard to pull some off, for one. I know that if I laugh 2-3 times on a site, they are bookmarked near permanently. It takes hard work to educate someone and make them laugh too…
Kamila - Darc Vanilla Design
December 18, 2009
I really like your insight supported with Shakespearean words.
I entirely agree with the spoken issues in this post.
I would add that only original content may have chance to have ‘Clout’ between all these millions of blogs.
Again, congratulations on great post
Chotrul
December 19, 2009
Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful post. ‘To Thine Own Self Be True’ definitely hits the mark. It’s always good to see someone’s heart on their sleeve, if I could change the metaphor. I particularly appreciate posts based on insight, rather than controversy, which is so easy to generate.
Crystal
December 20, 2009
Excellent post and equally excellent points. I completely agree that the only path to success is being true to yourself, and not having only the success in mind.
Rebecca
December 22, 2009
You make some excellent points. People who are too self-absorbed end up providing poorer content and the all about my ego style can be quite a turn-off.
Michelle
December 22, 2009
great post :) and I agree with you, people should take a step back and wait at times…perfection takes time but also lasts the test of time.
keyur parmar
January 1, 2010
hi Rob,
actually i am new to your blog and found that your blog post are highly helpful to finetune my blog. will be visiting back ever week for new updates. thanks for this great work.
Stephan
January 8, 2010
We really like your insight supported with Shakespearean words.
Seeing this post is like a big huge encouragement.
Keep going its great stuff
Rob Bowen
January 13, 2010
Wow, I am really blown away by the replies. Thanks so much for all the feedback and kindness. It is inspiring to know that so many are responding positively to the post. :D
Laura
January 22, 2010
Nice read and taken from an interesting angle – the quotes were a nice touch. Thanks Rob.
I agree with your points too – make sure you know your stuff, otherwise you end up with egg on your face!
My first time to your blog, and I’m sure I’ll be back again.
Tom Ross
January 24, 2010
Hey Rob, nice post. I really agree that controversy is not the way to go, an honest posting voice and a certain transparency in your online actions are vital.
keychains
April 28, 2010
I agree with your points too – make sure you know your stuff, otherwise you end up with egg on your face!
hoho , good words.