The Blog is Dead, Long Live the Blog (or: what blogs do you read?)

file-dec-05-1-29-20-pmFacebook is an incredible tool for connecting to our fellow humans. As a platform, it provides an awesome way to connect to fellow groups and communities. The last time I checked, something on the order of 52% of web sharing is occurring within Facebook.

That’s a staggering statistic.

It’s masking several problems, though, two of which I’d like to elaborate on.

First, the 52% statistic means there is 48% of web traffic Facebook users who rely on this medium alone are not seeing. Personally, I believe this risks building an echo chamber of sorts. Breaking out of the Facebook bubble we’ve built may expose us to alternative sources of information. And I don’t believe that is a bad thing.

Second, Facebook does not, in my humble opinion, lend itself to in depth conversations. This is not to suggest blogs do so, necessarily. However, a blog is a more static platform. I personally find it easier to track conversations in vs. the non linear nature of the way our Facebook feeds us informations.

What are your thoughts?

Please also feel free to share any blogs you frequently read. Personally, I am a Seth Godin fan, as well as find Scott Adams a good read (side note: his content often challenges conventional wisdom).

10thHuman: On blogging and ‘leaving a trail’

image from pixabay
image from pixabay

Last week, I posted about the idea of developing a sustainable battle rhythm as a career decision. Seth Godin indicated he viewed his habit of blogging daily as one such decision he’s made.

I wanted to share another component of the conversation. Blogging, Godin says, “leaves a trail.”

What possible benefit could an entrepreneur derive from such an activity?

There are several that I can think of:

  1. It helps to document your thoughts and ideas. This blog, 10thHuman.com, is the formal implementation of my professional journal.
  2. It demonstrates authenticity and commitment to your ‘tribe‘. People following your posts are able to glean insight into your character and positions.
  3. It establishes credibility. In my profession as a RealtorĀ®, I post content videos on YouTube and write “From the inbox:” posts in response to questions I think are broadly applicable to consumers. It’s my hope and intent to help inform consumers and clients about the market and industry. In doing so, I hope to earn their business.

What would you add to the list?

22 September editĀ 

I have been thinking about this a lot recently and would add one more item to the list, for now. That is, if you blog the platform is YOURS. Some of the systems out there, like Facebook or WordPress, are promoting the idea of blogging within their system. Facebook also penalizes the sharing of external links in terms of reach. However, in this lies the very reason not to abandon your platform.

Other systems will come along. Facebook WILL be disrupted. If you’ve maintained your content on your own platform, you alone control the disposition of the same.

Just something to consider!