February 28, 2010
the next generation of “blogging about blogging”?
[The “CFA” print. One of my favorite all-time cartoons. For sale here etc.]
“Blogging about Blogging” was an early phenomenon in the early Blogosphere.
It was such a new medium for us early-adopters, it was very exciting to us. The possibilities it offered us seemed almost endless, and we wanted to explore those possibilities, and share what we learned with our fellow bloggers. So a huge percentage of our blog posts ended up being just about blogging– at the expense of other stuff– art, politics, literature, science etc.
But we all know what happened– after a while we got sick of hearing about it. We’d been doing it for a while, a lot of these “blogging about blogging” posts started sounding like old news, started sounding the same.
So a lot of us early bloggers pretty much stopped talking about it a couple of years ago. We had moved on to new adventures, as one does.
But recently the subject has gotten interesting to me again.
Why?
I’m beginning to notice a lot more new blogs online– a next generation, as it were. More specifically, I’m noticing a lot of artists and entrepreneurs suddenly getting the blogging bug. Highly-driven, smart people trying to sell their work online, as opposed to more traditional avenues. Paintings, software, freelance gigs or bathroom tiles, who cares? It’s the worldview that matters.
Like I said in my previous post, blogs are old news in Social Media circles, but that doesn’t mean that they’re still not an extremely interesting, powerful medium, that millions of artists and entrepreneurs could do very well by figuring out how to use them properly, even if they weren’t “early-adoptors”.
I’ve been blogging a long time, I know a lot about it– what works, and what doesn’t. Google my ass if you don’t believe me.
i.e. I’m in a perfect position to help these artists and entrepreneurs with their blogs– “Share what I love” etc. Why not? It would be an interesting conversation, at least.
Thoughts?
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So you’re blogging about blogging about blogging? I think I’ll blog about this!
Junior, did you come up with that one yourself, or did you have to hire a writer?
Is that post-blogging?
I think it’s now becoming about networking, not writing about blogging. There’s an excellent post at Network Weaving (http://networkweaver.blogspot.com/2010/02/4-laws-of-networks.html) from a few days ago that focuses on networking, innovation, influence, and growing networks.
This new generation links across blogs, using Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, among social networks, plus their own product/art/expertise websites in addition to their blogs (Hazel Dooney’s art site and blog for instance, or in a different approach, Jen Beckman’s 20x200, tumblr, Twitter presences?), gives connection to each other. This increases the network effects of having a full cadre of peers, colleagues, friends, and audiences available.
These connections ultimately drive a new level of interaction leading to new possibilities for each, as well as inspiring each other (or if not inspiring, simply sharing what’s possible) and providing the tools, or links to the tools. Success then builds on success, and, again, the network helps each member of it. It’s no longer just about A-list linking for the sake of linking, but everyone increasing value — not a zero-sum, but additive.
As you say, why not?
The take that you would be presenting, of course, is how to use the craft and medium as a way to build an audience and sell your work. As such, I think you’ll be less “meta” and more practical.
When you think about it, it’s really just a new wing, or room, to your work, especially in light of your book.
I’d love to hear more Hugh! In addition to writing about sci fi, I’m playing with the idea of comic strips + artwork on my blog. Would be great to hear more from someone with your experience
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sounds like a blog-mentor role, a blogTor/MeantLog/BlogMent… pretend for a moment that that is the case and consider a few questions… will there also be the day when what you (and other bloggers of your calibre) say is the exactly what people will rebel against? Knowing the cycles of evolution, perhaps your blogging generation could actually aim for that and glow in the glory of rebels you create.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Read the blog all of the time and loved your book.
I’m a musician and I’ve started a relatively new blog about improvised music in the Southern California area. SoCal is a region that gets little to no mention in the national or international community despite its rich musical history.
Right now it is mostly performance listings and a couple of CD reviews, but I am taking it to the next level and I have started interviewing musicians associated with the scene in an attempt to get them wider recognition and to put some of this history down in writing.
Was wondering about pointers to move forward and traps to avoid, if possible.
Just finished “Ignore everybody.” I love it. I think I’m going to do a blog give away and use your book for that.
nicodemusatnite.blogspot.com
Sounds wonderful. I’m in.
I’m a dinosaur. I’m relatively new to this blogging phenomena. I’m trying not to project, but I think some businesses (classical music) might be as behind the curve as me. Blogging is an excellent medium for bringing attention to a field in trouble (classical music), for discussing resurrection (sandow’s blog), for being a bright, entertaining, attractive spot (denk’s blog). I’m not sure that all fields are on the same point of the curve — oversaturated and nearly bored with blogging.
ps. loved your book.
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Please, please do it!! I’m new to blogging and I’d love pointers, etc. to know how to put my best face forward into the blogsphere and how to reach the most people.
I suppose I fall into the entrepreneur/artist category, although my “products” are still in development, and most of my posts are meant to educate.
I think that you are correct and there are lots of us that could use your experience and asssitance.
Kara
//Oops wrong email address in previous comment, here goes again.//
Cheers to that Hugh!
I have been an avid reader of your blog since before you published the book. I get the changes you have made to the site, they seem sound from a business point of view.
I hail from Denmark and started my own blog as a vehicle for my own artwork and frankly because it’s great fun and a fantastic way to connect with clients and allies.
I’m not too savvy on the technical aspects yet, but with a little help from getfriday etc. I manage to make it look decent IMHO. Would love your feedback and insight.
This crazy wonderful life of creativity and art saved me from a life of bank employment about a year and a half ago. So much for 2 years in graduate school…
I am truly convinced that we are on the brink of breaking the traditional mechanisms of the art scene, galleries, monopolies etc. Thanks for being a beacon in this respect.
cheers, Carl
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