This post was very nearly called ‘The Mistakes Probloggers are Making’ after a debate kicked off on You Are Nothing Without Your Readers. I decided to turn it into a more positive post that still hammers home the point. I have plans for the future (everyone should) but I will never go down the lines the rest of the ‘pros’ have.
I accept that they are making great money through their sites and mailing lists. But later this year I will prove that you can make money through your website without screwing your readers for even more money or selling the same expensive ebook that everyone is selling, which contains information which can be found everywhere.
- Reply
I promise to reply to any request for help, comment, tweet or email (as long as it needs a reply and it’s not spam etc). I can’t tell you how passionate I am about looking after my readers and know the only reason why this site is doing so well is because of it’s readers. I talk a lot about how I will help anyone and continue to help anyone I can. I’m no expert on anything, but I’m motivated and if a dumb ass like me can do it, I’m more than happy to help anyone else do it.
The ‘pros’ that say they just don’t have the time to reply to everything because they are so busy, is ridiculous to the point of insulting. Yeah Darren Rowse, John Chow, David Risley, Yaro Starak all great money makers, but all of them will be the first to say they just don’t have time to reply to everything. Get a grip! Look at Sire, he has great traffic, a tremendous following and replies to everything, he has a full time job, a family, which all in all probably doesn’t leave him a lot of time to work on the site, but he does it perfectly.
Maybe if the ‘pros’ didn’t earn $210,000 travelling the world they could earn $210,000 actually committing to the very people who put them in that position in the first place.
- Help
I promise to Help. I’m always banging on about helping others and it could come across a bit wet. Honestly though I must get 20/30 emails a day asking for advice or help with getting to the next step etc. As I said I’m no expert, but I’ve made a ton of mistakes which can be used to help others. No matter how busy this site gets (It will get just as busy as the problogger’s websites in a few months) I’m dedicated to helping everyone, providing they want to help themselves. I have read a statement on the ProBlogger site which basically says, due to the large amount of emails I get etc etc I can’t reply to everything, why the hell not?
If you have bought anything from these guys then that should be the golden ticket to getting their attention. Sold over 16,000 copies of your ebook? Get ready to earn your money!
- No Sales
I promise no ridiculously priced, regurgitated information wrapped up in a clever little ebook, no selling you something then immediately try to sell you something else you don’t need and definitely no affiliate emails that they all send out at the same time (just re-worded). Don’t get me wrong I will monetize the site in coming months as I want to do this full time (currently holding down a full time job 12hrs a day) and I completely understand how sales work. I get why these guys are squeezing every last cent out of their readers, it’s big money, in fact Darren Rowse, David Risley and Yaro Starak all talk about how much they earn, which can be a great motivator.
But read between the lines, what are they selling and is it really worth what they are selling it for.
- Heart
I promise you my heart. The passion for this site is complete and utter obsession, I’m obsessed to a scary level, maybe that’s why I write so much, not only on the site but to everyone who asks me for help. The readers are the blood of this site, of any site. Without blood pumping into a healthy heart (the site) the whole thing will die. I love being the motivator, the guy people turn to when they just don’t where to turn or need a quick push in the right direction.
I will never be the guy who thinks ‘I could sell them this to them to make a quick buck here’
- Me
I promise as much of me as I can give. What you see is what you get with me. I was in the military for 10 years, joined straight from school. I have no qualifications and I don’t mix in executive circles. I love spending time with my family and my wife’s brothers and sisters. I’m a normal guy, who has lived. The old saying of ‘university of life’ could be used here, if it weren’t so cheesy. I know what it’s like to grow up with nothing, I know what it’s like to be scared to my very bones and I know what it’s like to be grateful.
Look at the people I have been talking about (although not a specific attack on any, just using them as well know examples) can you really relate to them. Did they go down the same path you have? Do they sacrifice earning a few more dollars to actually help just one more person.
As I said it’s not a specific attack on one person or a group of people. I have used Darren, David, John and Yaro as examples of ‘probloggers’ who have been mentioned in the past as the very people who aren’t giving back.
The aim of this post as well as putting it in cold hard text is to show that by being committed to your readers is the only thing that should be on your mind. Everything else will come.
So what does everyone think?
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{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re an interesting blogger. On one hand, you are a regular reader of my blog (as I’m sure you are the others), you and I have interacted on many occasions both in private and in public, yet you still go down this road of saying we don’t give back and that we don’t interact. It is perplexing to say the least.
None of the people you mentioned (including me) would even be being talked about in this post had we not given a lot to our readers.
You’ve got a great blog, man. I admire your passion. However, your vibe in this post is misplaced, to say the least.
David Risley´s last blog ..How Can I Help You In 2010?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 22:46
Hey David,
Glad you have made it here. Yes we have traded emails and tweets and commented on each others sites, I also have read your latest posts which credit to you is saying you will help others and kudos that you use backtype so you can contribute to sites that do mention you.
The focus of the post was my promise to the readers of this site (which includes you David) that I will never become one of these people who only stratigic replies. Not saying you do, but I would be extremely interested in the percentage of people you respond to versus the amount of requests or comments you get etc.
Being at the top of your game earning a forunte, ‘probloggers’ have got to be committed in giving back, not just stragegic commenting, but real help, @’s, emails that ask for advice, comments, snail mail anything that comes your way from your readers you need to read and reply.
Maybe you made it onto this list because of the things I hear from other people, or maybe it’s the way I kind of disagree with your marketing (Completely understand why you do it, but not sure if it’s right).
What I think this serves to do though David is a; give people a chance to air their opinions and b;Let you give yours. I would expect Darren to pop by sooner or later to comment, but I would be extremely surprised if any of the other ‘pros’ do.
Any thoughts David?
You seem rather pessimistic about probloggers and I’m not sure why. Disagreeing with the marketing, saying we “strategically comment”. Underlying this kind of attitude is a true pessimism. Why is that?
This debate about commenting has been going around awhile. Every blogger does it the way they do it. I try to reply to comments, but I’m not going to reply to every single one. But, to say one way is right and another way is wrong is just pointless. At the end of the day, it comes down to “Are you providing VALUE to the reader?”. I think my readers benefit more by a valuable post or a report or a video than me replying to every single comment.
On the marketing, I’d be really interested in how you would propose doing it and, at the end of the day, whether it will work. I advocate relationship marketing and it is pretty damn effective and genuine. Hard to fake it, really. People see right through it.
Lastly, don’t be so pessimistic. The vibe of this post and a few others I’ve seen on this blog is rather negative toward those who have achieved a degree of success in this business. You tend to assume things are happening which are not (i.e. “strategic commenting”). Personally, I’m still floored people are calling me a “guru” at all. I’m just a dude who happens to make money as a blogger to support my family. I’ve gotten good at it because I’ve worked my ass off. Everybody who gets successful worked their ass off. Instead of pointing at a self-perceived divide between us (which there is none), instead just learn from what we do, discard the advice you don’t like, and pave your own way.
My two cents. Off to hang with my little girl.
David Risley´s last blog ..Do You Have Any Blogging New Years Resolutions?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 23:36
Hi David,
I’m anything but pessimistic about people who make their own way to support their family.
I would like to pick on a point you made you said ‘At the end of the day, it comes down to “Are you providing VALUE to the reader?”. I think my readers benefit more by a valuable post or a report or a video than me replying to every single comment.‘
Why can’t you do both? This is your full time job, why can’t you do both?
David, no-one can tell you how to live your life or your career, but this is my promise to my readers and hopefully it will show people that they don’t have to send out the same email affiliates that are being sent by everyone else on the same day, just re-worded slightly.
I would love to see you turn round and say, you know what ‘Im going to work along side some of my readers full time and help them get where they want to be, I’ve earnt a good amount from this so far, I can afford to work with these people who put me in the first place’
David you are a normal guy and this isn’t a personal attack on you more on the ethics behind it.
Have a good day with your family.
Twitter: lifenotion
January 6, 2010 at 05:01
James,
David makes great points and I do agree with you in how you are going to try and be different. All of us bloggers are trying to be different than everyone else (setting ourselves apart).
But to be honest and really brief I am really sick of this ‘bashing’. I know you said how you want to make this more of a positive post, but when you say probloggers do not care about their community or are ‘lazy’ it is really uncalled for.
It seems like more and more blogs are bashing these ‘probloggers’ and its really helping out no one by bashing and ‘arguing’. In the end we are all respecting of each other but don’t we blog to help out others. Instead this post and some others are turning into a discussion board that attracts these ‘probloggers’ and negative conversation and gets us really no where.
I am positive David, Darren, and others all want to be engaging with their readers and community. But, to tell you the truth it is easier said than done and they also have other goals outside of blogging. (family and other adventures that we all need to respect).
So, I charge that us bloggers look up to these experienced bloggers (not ‘probloggers’) for how they started, their mistakes, and how we are going to effectively engage our readers. This does not mean to bash other bloggers which is all in all less meaningful and does not provide much help.
James, I get your point and I think many and many bloggers do. I wish you the best of luck. But, I came to The Infopreneuar and not WhyI’mNotaProblogger.com
I hope you and everyone else understands what I am saying. I am just tired of reading posts about why these experienced bloggers are not doing enough and reading more negativity (but respectful) in the comments.
Best Regards.
Derek Jensen´s last blog ..Meetings in One Office Chair with Tinychat
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 08:49
Hi Derek,
Get comment, this post was my promise to you. My promise that I will continue to help, but I really think we have hit on something here, you have David and Darren’s back, great these guys do a lot of good and have a lot of content to learn from which is free.
But, why has no one come said Yaro or John help? So maybe I got it wrong about Darren and David. David I know does help, but as I said I disagree with the way the marketing is done, emailing the same affiliate emails out at the same time etc etc.
Derek, I’m glad you come to this site and contribute but this post is squarely aimed at saying, hey let’s focus on our readers, if it means going to bed later or not starting that new venture because you won’t be able to reply to everything then I think, personally, you owe it to the readers, who put you there in the first place, to give them 100% attention.
Good to have your input
Twitter: lifenotion
January 6, 2010 at 09:32
James,
Agreed. I see your point now. Basically, they need to keep in strong support of their ‘customers’. Not annoying them, but also not talking to them.
Best Regards.
Derek Jensen´s last blog ..Do You Use Skype?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 09:35
Hey Man,
Yeah I don’t have a problem with making ton’s of cash online, but be honest about it and maybe re-think the whole ‘I use aWeber’ system
Twitter: Bigredtomato
January 5, 2010 at 22:13
Many people set out on the path that they want to blog and generate an income so that they leave the mundane day job and start blogging full time.
That may be great for some people, but in reality they are replacing one full time job with another.
Which may be fine, but you need to look at the objectives for wanting to blog in the first place.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to be a better leader in 2010: The best of The Big Red Tomato Company 2009
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 23:59
good point, done properly it is a really busy job. A great one though I think
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..My Promise to You
Twitter: TylinaVespart
January 5, 2010 at 23:08
I think that you make a valid point with your promise, and I’m inclined to agree for the most part; there are people out there that do seem to respond less or always be out to sell you something new. What I would say is that in some cases they still offer very good advice, at which point I deem it completely forgivable.
Yes, it would be nice if they could reply to every relevant comment and every email; sometimes this just isn’t possible. Just because one person with massive amounts of traffic can do so doesn’t mean that someone else with the same traffic can. There are various other lifestyles, choices, and personalities to take into consideration here. I’d much rather have someone (for example) that responds to a certain amount of emails in a helpful, respectful manner than someone that responds to every one but ends up more stressed out as a result.
Don’t get me wrong, I love that you respond to everything ^_^ It’s one of the reasons I keep commenting on here, even if I tend to stay largely quiet on other sites still by comparison. I just think that its great that you can do so, but that maybe there are valid reasons for SOME other people not to do so. Personally I’ll be trying to follow in your footsteps, but no doubt after a while I’ll adopt my own style of replying.
Just some thoughts really
Heather´s last blog ..Hello and Welcome
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 23:15
I think you hit on something here Heather, ‘Just because one person with massive amounts of traffic can do so doesn’t mean that someone else with the same traffic can. There are various other lifestyles, choices, and personalities to take into consideration here’ I get your meaning on this, but honestly if someone can’t take the time out to reply and interact then there is something wrong.
I have lived my life, I know what it’s like to work hard 18 hour days, 7 days a week, for 18 months straight so if someone says to me I can’t reply to everything, The very first question I will ask is how much sleep have you had and how many hours have you been working today.
Good spin on it though Heather
Twitter: TylinaVespart
January 6, 2010 at 00:05
I understand where you’re coming from, and by and large I agree with you – just thought it’d be fair to point out that it may not fit as well with everyone else. I think it comes down to being a question of where your priorities lie; if you’re blogging to make money doing something you enjoy then I guess your priorities are going to be different to someone that is blogging to share something they enjoy and maybe make money on the side.
In my view its one of those things that definitely makes you stand out, but if you can’t quite manage it you’re unlikely to be condemned for it if you can also post quality content for your readers.
As a further point; do you think that (personally) taking a large amount of the same sort of query and making a post about it negates the need to reply to each email individually?
Heather´s last blog ..Hello and Welcome
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 00:10
You read my mind! Yeah a sort of FAQ’s definately would help. Put it does need to go further than that I think. I honestly believe that you have to give as much time to the readers as you can.
Twitter: TylinaVespart
January 6, 2010 at 15:57
That I can agree with! Though ‘as much time as you can’ will of course vary from person to person
Heather´s last blog ..Texturing Trick: How Mix Maps Make Your Life Easier
Twitter: DavidCantone
January 5, 2010 at 23:11
Very interesting discussion. Two different ways to run a blog. To my way of thinking both points of view are valid and respectable.
David | ilcantone.com´s last blog ..MUSIC TO DREAM: An Extensive List of my Favorite Relaxing Music
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 23:45
Thanks David
Twitter: AussieSire
January 5, 2010 at 23:24
James, you already know how I feel about this. Facts are that people choose how they want to allocate the way they use their time, and once they’ve made their choice they defend that decision.
I applaud you on the way you committed yourself as to how you will conduct you blogging career.
I know I will never be a problogger because I have no interest to build a huge email list just so that I can pepper my subscribers with a whole heap of junk mail in an effort to fleece some cash from them. If I believe in a product I will post about it and then leave it up to the reader as to whether it’s something they want or not.
Sire´s last blog ..What Is This World Coming To When It Comes To Morals
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 23:58
Hey Sire,
Thanks for the support
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..My Promise to You
I like your sentiment and heart here, and I hope you achieve what you want because it’s the same thing I want.
The only promise I can’t make that you’re making is what I will or won’t market. For instance, I worked on helping to market this particular book the last couple of weeks in December. The thing is that I read it first and liked it, and thus didn’t feel like I was harming anyone by recommending it and helping to push it as part of a J-W. True, if someone wanted to work hard and find something similar they could have, but the truth is that all that information was in one place, I liked what I read, so I pushed it. I would hope that you would modify your statement to say that if something really inspired you, even if you weren’t sure of its value to others, and even if some top bloggers were marketing it, that you would take advantage of a good situation and join in.
Enough of that; monetize this baby!
Mitch´s last blog ..Post #601 – Time For More Changes
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 5, 2010 at 23:49
Hi Mitch,
I have always said I will monetize, but I’m going to approach it differently. yes it will ultimately come down to selling something on the site, but if I do sell to the readers of this site it will be done properly. No pop ups, no emails constantly selling to you, no landing pages no funnels, just put it up there, if people like it they will pay for it. simple and definitely no second hits once they have bought it
I wish you the best of luck.
David Risley´s last blog ..Do You Have Any Blogging New Years Resolutions?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 08:57
You too David,
Rememeber our bet
Twitter: KiwiGordie
January 6, 2010 at 06:51
I can see that there is room for both types of bloggers.
When it comes to the probloggers, they are extremely busy. Remember, they tend to have more than just their blog to deal with. They have to write their emails, do interviews, deal with publishers, attend conferences as speakers, plus all their personal commitment.
I’m sure Donald Trump and Ted Turner don’t answer every email personally. These guys need to leverage their time. I think we come down harder on problogglers than other types of business people who ultimately make their living from customers of some sort or another.
I think it’s cool that you don’t want to go down the full on problogger route. I’m the same. But I still have to respect that they have chosen to do it their way and I can’t see what they’re doing as unethical in anyway.
Thanks for the stimulating post, James.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 08:34
Hi Gordie,
This is going to come up a lot, but with the money they are making do you not think they owe it to the readers (the very peple who but them there) there total attention.
I can totally see how busy people like Darren are, but to his credit look at David Risley, he spent time on this post and emailed me to talk about it further tonight. I know how busy I am with this site, but I work 12 hours a day and have a young family.
I’m glad you are taking the same route as me, the ethical bit comes down to constantly being sold the same stuff everyone else is selling, just re-worded differently etc.
What do you think Gordie?
Twitter: KiwiGordie
January 6, 2010 at 09:08
It’s like the Beatles when they moved away from Liverpool to London to make more money. Their Liverpool Fan Club who supported them complained, but thanks to them moving to London the whole world got to share in the joy of their music.
The music of probloggers is their content. The comments, while cool, could never replace, but compliment the content at best.
The other option would be what Leo Babauta from ZenHabits did when the felt he could no longer cope with all the comments. He just shut them off. What was your opinion of that?
Gordie´s last blog ..How Self-confidence Can Strengthen Your Lifestyle Design And Personal Development.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 09:12
Hi Gordie,
Great analogy, interesting that you suggested switching the comments off, I would be really interested to hear how others would make them feel. I know Darren shuts them after 90 days, maybe a limit on comments.
Not sure how it would affect things really. Good point Gordie
Twitter: bluepop13
January 6, 2010 at 08:00
Wow to say the least about this article. I don’t believe I’ve ever read one like it. There’s obviously two VERY different sides to this and both are very important.
I’m not a pro blogger and that is because I’m just starting out. I do intend to become a pro blogger because I want to help others reach their goals and dreams and show them it can be done if they are willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
I believe it comes down to what the readers are getting out of the content on the blog. If they are interested in your interaction with them then do just that – interact all you can. If they’re most interested in getting incredible content and they’re not so much worried about your specific reply to their comment, keep pumping out killer articles that have purpose and help them in their lives.
Ultimately, no blog is perfect, in my opinion. It’s what the readers get out of it. So here’s how I see it and this is just what I think.
Coming from someone who loves to read and who agrees with both ideas here: balance both. Comment as much as you possibly can to those that are benefiting the blog the most and keep providing great content to keep those readers commenting. If you can reply to every single comment, great. If not, and you’re at least replying to some, still great.
Each blog will have a different effect to how you present it and what you do with it. This is my opinion.
Eric´s last blog ..Happy New Year 2010
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 08:29
Hi Eric,
Totally right everyone is different and it’s a tricky subject to cover, I’ve taken a bit of a risk on this one, but I wanted to be completely honest about what the readers of this site can expect from me. My complete attention no matter how busy I get.
Great comment
Twitter: icantinternet
January 6, 2010 at 13:13
What else can I say about this post than “wow”! I love your passion, your respect, your drive to get there, but not by ramming stuff through people’s throat. Keep it up man!
Bjorn | iCan’t Internet´s last blog ..Adsense tip: First Impression is everything.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 22:15
Thanks Bjorn,
It’s a promise I intend to keep
Twitter: vinoun
January 6, 2010 at 14:06
What a bold and brave statement! I applaud your quest to serve your readers better. Once in a while someone may need it and it’s good to know where to.
Rick – vinoun.com´s last blog ..New Year 2010 – A promising year
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 22:15
Hi Rick,
Thanks for the support man!
Twitter: shackledmuse
January 6, 2010 at 20:29
Awesome post. I don’t think I’ll ever be a problogger. and quite frankly, I dont want to be… I want to be that girl who just blogs for the fun of it, giving advice and sharing my mistakes on whichever topic tickles my fancy, and if I build up a steady following and make a few bucks from it one day, then good to me.
On the topic of offering help… hehehe.
Any idea what the problem could be?
My commentLUV thingy is not working properly. As you can see, it doesnt include the link to my last post. I’ve even reset the settings in the cpanel but still no link
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 20:34
Have you gone into the settings of commentluv and updated the settings and tick the show by default tick box?
FYI where is your guest post for me Cheryl ? … lol
Twitter: nhangen
January 6, 2010 at 21:43
I hope it’s not Beyond Blogging that you feel this way about? If so, I’d be curious about your thoughts.
Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..Recycling Sucks
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 22:04
Hey Nathan,
Although I haven’t read the priced ebook, I’m a fan of your work and have heard great things about it. I think once you enter that world you are going to meet some opposition (although I haven’t heard any about yours yet) You are on the path of the probloggers and thats great I wish you every success, just remember who put you there.
Nathan your latest post is great advice and you clearly have a great mind set already.
Good luck, but be prepared to earn your money!
Twitter: nhangen
January 6, 2010 at 21:55
I’m curious about this debate, because you mention that the blogger owes their comments to the reader…but the difference is that readers can just turn off the blogger at any time. They unsub, stop reading, or unfollow…that’s why I don’t think it’s as black and white as you say. It’s all about finding the lines and trying to do the best you can.
I don’t expect Darren Rowse or Chris Brogan to reply to everything I say because I respect their time. Some do a great job of replying to emails, but then they get one back, and another, and another. At some point, it becomes unmanageable, don’t you think?
Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..Recycling Sucks
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 6, 2010 at 22:33
The customer is always right Nathan. It’s their right to turn you off anytime they want. I think dedication to your readers is paramount, it could possible come to a point where it becomes un managable, but I cover this in my latest post, Where Will I Find the Time?
Nathan I think you have an excellent work ethic, all I am saying is that when I monetize this site I consider myself owned by that customer, they are buying your product and to make yourself stand out from the others they should be buying your time too.
Read that post Nathan and see what you think, big fan of yours though
Twitter: problogger
January 6, 2010 at 23:55
I too wish you the best in this. I actually don’t think that your heart and my heart on this are too different.
I too wish to serve my readers, help those who read my blog etc. I too commit each year to do my best to help those who read me to grow. I guess I just find myself in a place where I choose to do that by spending as much of my time producing content that I think will help people rather than responding to every comment.
That’s not to say I’m not upping my efforts on the individual attention I can give – I’ve been trying harder on that front – but as I look at the time and energy that I have as well as the demand I’m at peace with the level of one on one attention I can give.
I’m over debating whether I’m right or wrong in this and am at peace with the different approaches that people take to it and what I’m doing.
I wish you and yours a great 2010!
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..30 Bloggers To Watch in 2010
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 7, 2010 at 18:05
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your input on this, I think it’s important to recognise your honesty about whether you think you are right or wrong.
I can see how you producing content based on your readers comments emails etc, can cover the all in one solution. I can also see how you are showing up a lot more in replying to things.
As the industry leader in this I think it’s important to lead by example. I would be interested in how you feel about Gary V working ethics?
Twitter: problogger
January 8, 2010 at 05:43
I think Gary is an amazing guy – but having met him he’s also someone who has a lot more energy than I do and that has a much faster paced personality than me.
I’m not sure if i come across this way online but I’m a fairly extreme introvert, this means that while I like people that I get energy when I give myself space to be by myself. I also tend to work best out of that place.
Gary in person (and online) seems quite an extreme extrovert. I suspect that people give him energy and as a result he’s able to sustain a high level of people contact.
I guess it comes down to knowing who you are, knowing how you best sustain yourself and working with that kind of rhythm and style rather than trying to be something that you’re not.
In the end I could probably sustain a couple of days of Gary’s style but it would end up leaving me drained, burnt out and unable to sustain myself or my business – something that helps nobody (including readers).
It’s not about not caring – but about working with one’s strengths and resources.
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..Help Us Update ProBlogger the Book
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 8, 2010 at 08:47
I recently saw a Gary V video and yes, he was his usual powerful self.
But what he said stuck with me, He was about to start replying to emails from months ago.
Granted sometimes he takes a while to get back to you, but he does do it.
I gotta say you are very zen-like in your approach and that does come across in your videos etc.
Maybe you should do a post for me, how to give your readers value without replying to everyone?
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..The Shocking Truth
Twitter: LisaMorosky
January 7, 2010 at 02:39
Here’s my take on this:
There are only 24 hours in a day. It’s easy to say you’re going to reply to everything and help everyone and whatever, when you’re just starting out. There isn’t as much to respond to. But when you’re Darren, or Dave, or John, or anyone who’s seen massive success in this business – there’s more of everything: more tweets, more emails, more comments, etc. If you respond to every single thing, you’re suddenly stuck idle. You can’t move your business forward, because you’re too busy putting out fires all day. And that’s just not good business practice (because blogging is a business, which requires many more things than simply writing and replying to comments – in fact, if blogging is your business, you know that the writing of posts is a fraction of what you do).
If you can do it, if you can reply to everything and never fall behind or stall your growth, more power to you. That’s awesome, really. But I don’t think it’s humanly possible for someone of Darren’s (or other probloggers – and I’m interested in why you put problogger in quotes. It makes it seem like they don’t exist. It just means they’re a professional blogger, like Tiger Woods is a professional golfer.) notoriety, for example, to reply to everything. And if they do want to reply to everything, chances are they have someone working for them to help them out with it.
It just seems like a non-issue to me, a “there’s only so much time in the day” issue.
But I admire your commitment and passion for your readers. You know you’re on the right track when you’re that passionate.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 7, 2010 at 17:58
Hi Lisa,
I take your point that it will get more difficult, but I’m doing this now working a 12 hour job at the same time. If you work full time on a site, I believe you do have the time or should have the time to reply to everything. Gary V did a presentation in which he talked about the NHL approached him to improve their marketing etc. He said reply to everyone, Gary does and he is (I’m sure) busier than most probloggers if not all.
This is my promise and I intend to keep it. the reply doesn’t have to come right away or the hour or two after, but a reply is indeed needed.
I gotta add David Risley has given me a huge amount of his time recently, so kudos there
Twitter: AlbanyInsurance
January 7, 2010 at 03:06
You know what I don’t like… Is the Bashing of the Basher… Especially when the Basher is not really bashing just expressing an Anti-Spam / Anti-Scam online marketing plan…
Thoughts…?
Ryan H.
Ryan Hanley´s last blog ..Will Your Insurance Carrier Defend You?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 7, 2010 at 17:52
Hi Ryan,
I think this sort of topic is always going to stir a lot of interest for sure. Are you refering to me as the person getting bashed for talking about my dislike for the marketing priciples being used at the moment?
Twitter: robertbravery
January 8, 2010 at 07:46
I think the main point here and lesson is really the attitude and heart. There is nothing wrong with setting goals and having a sensere desire to answer every comment.
I do not know the mind and heart of the A-list bloggers, but some in my experience to take their readers for granted. If blogging is your job, thenyou should spend as much time as you can, with in reason of course, to connect with your readers. With out them you are nothing.
Same goes for a company who disregards their clients. Soon enought they will move somewhere else.
This debate has been brewing for a while in the blogosphere. I don’ think that the crux of the matter is whether you, probloggers, or anyone else can and should answer every comment, but rather what is the attitude to your readers.
Already I see a change in a lot of the probloggers, in that there is more frequent interaction with readers and commentors. This is great.
I have great respect for the lkes of David Risley, Darren Rowse, Chris Brogan. I think these guys are showng and level of concern and interaction with their readers.
I think it is the attitude that counts, one intentions. Yes, if you get 500 comments a day, you might not be able to answer all of them. But how many can you answer. 10%-20%. I don’t see at the moment that there is even 10% interaction with commenter on most A-list blogs. That to me is sad. But just my personal perception.
James, I think I think you have the right idea, a promise to do everything you can for you readers is commendable.
ALthough My attitude is that I will try to interact with every comment, and that I wish that the A_list bloggers would interact more than they do. My reason for commenting on their blog, or any blog for that manner is not to get a response. Well most of the time. But to add value t the coment stream as well as to the blog.
I wrote a post a while back when this debate forst started. Entitled Why I comment on A-list blogs Basiclly there I note that I comment to add value.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..Top SEO Tools and Resources for Everybody – Firefox add-ons
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 8, 2010 at 08:43
Commenting to add value is a great reason to add a comment and be part of the community. I would love to see that percentages of how many comments, emails, snail mail replies .
That percentage figure would be really interesting.
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..The Shocking Truth
Twitter: robertbravery
January 8, 2010 at 09:51
Yes that would certainly be interesting. I suspect it would be vastly different from blogger to blogger. But I have my suspicions that a lot of the A-listers could come in at very low percentages.
But I have been known to be wrong at times.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..Amassing your blogging army to take over the world.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 8, 2010 at 10:29
Ha ha, I’ve asked Darren Rowse to guest post for me on this subject.
Twitter: travisamorgan
January 8, 2010 at 10:38
Wow, many many comments.
I Just want to say one thing.
In the end, it’s not about how much money you made, it’s not about how you freed your life up to do whatever you want whenever you want. It’s especially not about “leveraging” other people to get to that place.
But what it’s about is love. Were you faithful with those who were given to you and were you passionate in doing so? I suppose this takes a moral stance and is up for debate, and my opinion’s light shown through the filter of a different view could set off disagreement, but I’m willing for that risk to be taken.
This is truly what I believe this whole industry is and SHOULD be about–no matter what niche you’re in. keep on keepin’ on, bro. I’m so proud of you for where you came from and where you’re going. Definitely a rose among the thorns, one who is destined to go far and shake foundations. With an alexa ranking of 856, who couldn’t do some serious GOOD damage in this industry?
Travis´s last blog ..The Backdraft In My Heart
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 8, 2010 at 11:05
hey Man, Who’s alexa ranking are you referring to there?
Twitter: cadilacjax
January 8, 2010 at 18:49
I love it. Popped over from your interview with @dragonblogger and I find your enthusiasm encouraging. I’ve been blogging for just under 6 months and have ranked one of my blogs fairly well already. What I have failed to do that I care more about than the rankings is attract the reader comments. This is where it gets interesting for me and I’m sure others. You say why? I say because I have visited these so called “probloggers and guru’s” who claim to want to help me reach my goals and it’s always the same ole thing. Yeah that’s because it works for them I guess but as a newbie I find mostly that the emails and ebooks SUCK. No personal attack on anyone. Just my opinion. And not once has any of them ever replied with a personal response, or got back with me via email other than trying to sell me something that I can already find on the web for free. I made mention on copyblogger today about how I was getting ready to unsubscribe and went ahead and read the content etc.. I just visited your site for the first time today and I feel more connected with you than any other bloggers platform I’ve visited in the past 6 months. I got into this because of my love of writing. The lack of employment opportunities in my area ect..gives me that extra nudge to pursue my dream. I will say that I would know nothing about what I’ve accomplished so far without some of the content from the Darrens, Davids, and the likes of Brians sites. But it’s like they’ve no more to offer me. Just saying it is nothing new at this point in my journey to help take me that extra step. Anyone want to reach out feel free.
I have a mindset of developing a so called brand to which I could monetize and possibly make a living. Not get rich mind you but self-support by doing something I love. Which is write and help others. I use to work in the helping field and other various jobs. I also rose to the top in nearly everyone of them by putting in 12 to 18 hrs. a day. Accomplishing employee of the yr. and month yada yada by settling for nothing less.
I also know it takes patience and persistence and write write write. I want to be right up there with you if not ahead of you and will settle for nothing less. Thanks for giving me the courage to take that extra step and promote my sites by being me and not buying into all of the used car salesmen.
I find it interesting that they scrambled to defend their lack of continuing to be personal with their readers by commenting on your honesty. Kudos to you as at least you got some of them out of the closet. Too bad they feel the need to defend themselves, usually this means there is some truth to what you are saying. And for those who want to ride their coat-tails more power to ya. Glad your continuing to get what you need. As for you hope you can keep your promises by not letting your hat get to small for your head. Peace and good fortune to all.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 8, 2010 at 23:28
Hi Lee,
Awesome comment dude, I doubt my hat would ever get too small for my head, I’m a normal guy who knows the value of work and how to actually work hard.
I would be really interested if you get a response about potentially unsubscribing, keep us updated brother
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Somewhere, Seth Godin is Smiling … Guest Post
Twitter: mrplane
January 15, 2010 at 05:41
Just a short comment. This post is exactly why I like your blog very much. Honest and unique. Thanks
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 15, 2010 at 16:41
hey Jarkko,
Thanks for the support, it’s comments like this that make this site so successful
Twitter: segedoo
January 26, 2010 at 04:37
Hmmm,
A very passionate set of vows, I feel like you’re getting married
I like your sincerity and passion. I will tap into some of the energy to work hard smarter on my blog.
Thanks for the offer to help and all the best.
Cheers, olusegun
Olusegun´s last blog ..How To Build A List Using A Squeeze Page And An Autoresponder 2
Twitter: theinfopreneur
January 26, 2010 at 05:34
Back at ya dude
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