Not real writing

Writing a blog is simple. Simple to the point that anyone with a tiny bit of drive, and the ability to string together a few words to make a sentence, can create, write, and update a blog.

Because of that, I think, people and companies tend to be dismissive of blogs. And I think that's a big mistake.

I'm not sure what makes someone a "real" writer. Is it a degree in writing? Some sort of accreditation? Or is it just, the desire and some ability to, well, write?

Of course, there is plenty out there to dismiss. But to just put a blanket dismissal on blogs it to not only miss out on some sources of excellent information, but from a business standpoint, to see what the people are saying about your product or company.

And that's important. In pretty simple terms, if a lot of people are saying good, or bad things, about you and/or your company, that's obviously something you'd want to know, right? If there is a response, do the credentials of the responder truly matter? Again, exceptions to every rule, but for the most part, these blogs matter.

A really fantastic analogy I've heard - something I first read in David Meekman Scott's fantastic book "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" is that most people still think of the internet and blogs as an extension of traditional newspapers.

But that couldn't be further from the truth. Bloggers, for the most part, have never claimed to be "real journalists". So instead of seeing the Web as a broader version of a newspaper, see the web as a giant city, filled with individuals and individual opinions.

Scott said "It is better to think of the Web as a huge city teaming with individuals, and blogs as the sounds of independent voices, just like those of the street-corner soapbox preacher or that friend of yours who always recommends the best books."

I think that sums it up perfectly. Some blogs you can just walk past, and chalk it up to them being a bit of whack job. But other blogs are vital sources of information, and to bypass them is to bypass something so simple and quick and chock full of knowledge that could end up helping you and your business.

Don't be so quick to dismiss the blogosphere. There is vital stuff out there.