I’ve decided to stop following a lot of blogs I was following for several reasons.
A main one being that they were self-promoters. They were pastors who just promoted themselves via their blog. I mean, i understand that a lot of blogging is self-centered, but i sense that too many blogs are a revenue stream for pastors.
Now before you get upset, hear this: I have NO problem with monetizing your blog. I just think that – once you attach a price tag to your blog, you’ve compromised your message. I mean – If the message I want to get out is supposed to be “free for everyone” – but I charge people or I try to make money off of it, then I’ve tainted the message.
So yeah, if your blog is a little self promoting scheme to get more people to click your links or sell ads, I stopped following it. (oh yeah, and I stopped following you on twitter, too)
But if your blog/twitter is just a open space for the exchange of ideas, then you’ve got my full attention.
Great thoughts. i did the same thing a few months ago.
…i’ll add; i stopped reading your blog when it became mostly a platform to sell your book.
great point. agreed.
Hmmmm…this part of the reason I don’t like Seth Godin (selling his book).
And I think he is pretentious. I think not liking Seth Godin is blogging heresy.
I love seth’s blog, but i don’t sense that he’s just selling his books, but i could see how you could get there…..
Yeah…it’s just personal preference. I am sure there are tons of people out there who dislike my blog and/or me. For the record I’d rather read your blog than his…makes me miss youth ministry!
Great post, Adam. I really enjoy reading what you have to say!
For some strange reason, I am more open to someone using their blog to sell a book than I am for someone who is doing it to become more popular or increase their following. Book-sellers tend to be more honest about their intentions (“buy my book, dammit!”), where as those who want “followers” seem like they’re trying to sell you on the IDEA of their public persona. I don’t know…it just seems more manipulative when a blogger wants you to invest emotionally in them, whereas a book-seller just wants your money.
Of course, what you’re touching on is really at the heart of a blogger’s motivation. Why do I have a blog? Why do we choose to use our names for the URL? Why do I have a Feedburner badge that indicates how many people have subscribed to my blog? What topics are blog-worthy? Who is my audience? Why do I think people are interested in what I have to say? How much of what I’m writing is done with a twinge of self-promotion?
I think all bloggers fall victim to varying levels of narcissism. Affirmation and recognition can be addicting…especially for church workers who are notoriously underpaid and under-appreciated for their efforts. It’s annoying to read people who have fallen in love with their own intellectual capital…but I know I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit to falling into the same traps.
Thanks for keeping my mind engaged!
Great point. I guess it is just a gut reaction I have to come blogs/twitter accounts.
I’m not against gaining a following or selling ads or whatever, but I sure as heck don’t have to take part in it. I can opt out.
For me, blogs/twitter is just a place to have conversation, share ideas, ask questions, and learn. Sometimes selling/promotion gets in the way of that.
But I TOTALLY agree that these forms are narcissistic in varying levels.
Agreed. It would be disingenuous for me to say “come to my blog, koinonia, and let me know what you think”…and then, when you arrive, you’re bombarded with ads, offers to buy a book, and extended self-congratulatory profiles. I love the discovery of these new methods of communication and collaboration. Here’s hoping that the sincere exchange of ideas prevails over our tendency to monetize everything.
I will not be following your website. I do not agree with your support of the exchristian website. Their website is an abomination to Jesus Christ! I cannot believe that you support them. I cannot believe the language you used on their website. I couldn’t tell the difference between you and them. It is truly sad and unchristian of you! I will be in prayer for you.
Thanks for the prayer buddy!