One of the Cool Kids
August 15, 2009 by Allison Boyer
Filed under Jobs
Allow me to be frank for a moment, though I’ll try not to rant.
When it comes to people who blog about blogging, writing, SEO, and other kinds of content, there are really two categories – the ones who every know and the ones who few people know. There are “celebrities” in the world of blogging about writing, and while these people come in all temperaments, I’m calling them celebrities for a reason.
Image: sxc.hu
Like Hollywood personalities, these bloggers are either loved or hated. They may be respected, but they aren’t always good at giving advice without being condescending. Sometimes, they rely on their high profile to drive traffic, writing crappy posts that are rehashed ideas or not well researched. Sometimes, what they write isn’t relevant because of the disconnect with readers who aren’t as popular or successful. I mean, they’re popular for a reason, and in this industry, that reason is usually that they are good at writing or giving out writing advice.
But sometimes they are very “I’m better than you” with their comments.
Being one of the cool kids in the world of freelance writing has its advantages. You’ll have your online following, your supporters who will defend you to the end. You’ll make more money than the average online writer, and your websites will get more traffic. You’re more likely to get free stuff to review, as well as free or discounted trips to conferences where you’re asked to guest speak or just make an appearance.
All of this comes at what moral and ethical price, though?
It’s funny. The world is such a big place, yet I feel like if you are in the online writing industry deeply (ie, you do it full time as a career, not just as a part-time hobby), you start to recognize names and know people’s reputations. Being good at your job doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll end up a celebrity in your field. I consider myself good at what I do, but few people actually know my name. There are names we all recognize, though…and while some of those people are awesome (I’ve actually met some in person), they aren’t always all they’re cracked up to be.
The fact of the matter is that I’ve often emailed these “famous” online writers or commented on their sites with specific questions and never received a reply. I’ve been attacked by their rabid readers for respectfully disagreeing with them on topics. I’ve had comments deleted because they were negative, even though I wasn’t mean spirited or disrespectful. When I started writing here, I suppose that is somewhat legitimized me in some of their minds, and I got responses where I hadn’t before. And that’s not fair. I should matter as a reader, even without working for b5media.
This is my plea to all of the members of the cool kids’ club: Please, respect your readers as equals. Your success may be on a different level, but that doesn’t necessarily meant that you’re better than they are. People get e-famous for different reasons, and there are a lot of good great writers out there who we will probably never know for whatever reason.
Personally, I hope that I’m never one of the cool kids. It’s nice to be recognized for my work, but the Freelance section here at Bizzia isn’t about me doling out advice as I sit on my throne. Many of you have more experience than me, and that will never, ever change, even after I’ve been freelancing for decades. Even if you’ve only been freelancing for a few weeks, I bet there is something you can teach me that I would never know otherwise.
In short, this isn’t just a place that I call a community of writers as I tell ya’ll what to do. This is a place for us to help one another. I respect each and every person who reads what I have to say here, regardless of whether you’re a subscriber or just passing through. Please leave a comment, even if you disagree with me. Please visit the sites of other readers who comment here so you can network with like-minded writers. And if you ever become a “celebrity” in the world of online writing, please remember what it was like to be one of the little guys.
Keep fighting the good fight. You do a great job here.
I’ve noticed much of the same on several other internet sites, including my own. I’ve been promoted rapidly from thing to contributing on a fairly sizable sports site in just 9 months. I can see some of my peers, who have risen up in nearly the same quickness already show signs of thinking they’re the cool kid.
It probably is worse in the world of sports writing just because you get many more people who are less educated and believe anything their favorite writers say. Our site uses a reader based rating system on comments, and it simply amazes me to what ends they’ll protect their favorite authors, and how badly they scorn the slightest disagreement to their sheltered opinions.
Your blog has become part of my daily reading, because you obviously care enough about your readers to provide useful information. And you manage to do this without looking down your nose at them. A thoroughly do-able thing, right? Yet, as you say, there are so-called celebrity bloggers, who also give sound advice, but seem to take themselves too seriously, by far.
I’m reminded of a blogger (no names, to protect the guilty) who actually referred to themselves as a “rock star.” I mean, as if. The blogging world is big, but the world of blogging about writing is a small one–yes, we do run into each other a lot. But being recognized by other bloggers about writing does not make one a rock star, in any meaningful sense of that term.
I mean, really . . . get over yourself, you so-called rock star bloggers. Sheesh!
I don’t make a habit of commenting on all that many blogs, but I do have to say, I’ve received responses for the most part.
Lothie, glad to hear that you’ve had different experiences than I’ve had. Not all bloggers suck when they reach “stardom” – I guess it depends on the blogger.
formerlyanonymous, you make a good point that this isn’t just a problem with writing bloggers. In every niche, there are those writers who just start to think their schtuff don’t stink when they get any sort of recognition for their websites.
Debbi, so happy to hear that you’re a regular reader!! It still amazes me whenever I hear that people care enough about what lil ole me has to say that they subscribe or bookmark me. That’s funny that you’ve run across someone who calls him/herself a rock star. I mean, I say stuff like that in a tongue-in-cheek way sometimes, but some people really need to get over themselves!
Be careful! One day you could be an A list blogger, and you’ll eat those words (while you’re scrambling to find the 8 hours a day it takes to respond to all comments and emails).
I don’t think it’s personal, or about thinking they are too cool for school. It’s a time crunch issue.