Not sure what really inspired this post, I think it could be down to the fact I have been evaluating the way I work and approach the site. This post isn’t going to say who is right or wrong, but it will hopefully show different approaches to things.
Darren from Problogger is sitting on a fortune. I estimate he earns around low to mid 6 figures a month based on some of his revelations about his earnings. So if he is earning say $250k a month on average, he’ll be on around $4,000,000 a year.
Gary ‘Crush It’ Vaynerchuk is the owner of a self confessed $70,000,000 business.
- Attitude
Darren takes the zen approach to business, just watch some of his videos, very calm and articulate. Clearly an intelligent guy and makes full use of his marketing knowledge. I have never met Darren in person, but having seen his interviews and video presentations I can educate a guess that he is very strategic and calculated in his approach to business.
Problogger does spend time with his readers, although openly admits (and hopefully will detail this more in the comments) that spending time individually with readers can be sometimes counter-productive, he doesn’t ignore them though, he will address the problem or request in one hit, like a post or forum thread.
Gary is much more intense and will openly tell corporations of the importance of replying to everyone. Gary work’s all hours he can to provide for his family, coming from a background which should have meant he would never make the big time never mind write a book. He constantly reminds people and company’s the importance of working hard, nothing is given to you ona plate.
Gary manages to get his point across without actually being that dimplomatic, swearing and quite likely to disagree with marketing myths if he thinks he is right, but that’s what makes his such a success. The market place needed someone who was the guy in the pub, the guy who had ten jobs to make sure his family had a roof over their heads.
- Worth
Darren Rowse, to me is at the top of his game at the moment. He runs a variety of different information based sites, of which ProBlogger.net is actually is third biggest earner, THIRD! His most recent venture is a paid subscription forum, raking in a few thousand dollars a month for a site which essentially runs itself, although it does have paid staff to monitor the posts very closely. In quite a few interviews Darren states his earnings as $275,000, $191,000 a month etc.
Darren is dwarfing 6 figure bloggers, by being the only 7 figure blogger I know. Add to the fact his sites are businesses I would say he is sat on a fortune if a consortium would try and buy him out.
Gary has built a $70,000,000 business out of his passion for wine. $70 Million! A normal guy who worked as hard as he could with a pure passion for wine and all he did was tell the world about it. Gary has gone from the average Joe who had a dream to ‘A’ list celebrity, but still has that fire buring as hot as ever and still replies to everything, although he would be the first to admit that it is taking longer to reply now.
- Who’s Better?
To be honest, it’s down to you to decide. Both completely different in their approach, both equally successful (once you have $5 million, whats another $50!) I fully expect the Darren Rowse fans to come out and sing his praises, as they should.
I never heard of Gary before Ben said I had the same approach as him. My immeadiate reponse was, ‘nah he’s is like me, not the other way round’ But I can totally see why Gary got where he did, I have the same mind set, go to bed late and be unique.
One last note, I don’t have any problem with Problogger or Gary V for that matter, I just wanted to expose the differences of two very successful guys in different markets and both with a huge following.
Which approach do you prefer?
Please Comment
Please Re-Tweet, Digg and StumbleUpon
Heather (257)
Eric (236)
Ralph (197)
Matthew Needham (192)
Ben Lumley (149)
Travis (142)
Olusegun (126)
Karen (123)
Steve Scott Site (107)
ray (106)
Eleanor Edwards (105)
Paul (80)
Rob Sellen (77)
Gordie (75)
Lees Shizzle (75)
Don Power (74)
Justin Matthews (68)
Ryan Hanzel (66)
Keith (61)
Tom | Build That ... (56)
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I like your approach the best
Gary Vaynerchuk´s last blog ..HarperStudio’s explains a little about the Crush It, the Remix | audiobook
[Reply]
FJ - No BS Fitness Blog
Twitter: fitjerk
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 19:52
Why thank you Gary, me too
Bruce Lee’s philosophy lives on to this very day, and it’s something I practice. “Take what is useful, disregard what is useless and create something that’s essentially your own”
FJ – No BS Fitness Blog´s last blog ..Interviewed By Stand Up Comedian Jordan Cooper
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:50
hey Gary and FJ,
yeah the way I do it is tops!
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Olusegun
Twitter: segedoo
Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 06:23
Hey Gary,
Lovely interview with Michael Dunlop BTW.
Your energy was very infectious.
Keep it pumped up.
Cheers,
Olusegun
Olusegun´s last blog ..How To Build A List Using A Squeeze Page And An Autoresponder
[Reply]
Twitter: benlumley6
January 22, 2010 at 19:30
I love Gary’s no holes barred approach but maybe that’s cos I’ve spent more time watching and reading stuff by him that it’s made his ways dominate in my brain.
Crust It is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Ben Lumley´s last blog ..The Keys to Unlocking Success: Part 5 Determination
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:49
dude I need to borrow it, but it would take me like a year to read it
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Ben Lumley
Twitter: benlumley6
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:50
But would it be worth it?
Ben Lumley´s last blog ..The Keys to Unlocking Success: Part 5 Determination
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:51
what you lending me the book or taking a year to read it lol
Ben Lumley
Twitter: benlumley6
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:52
No you taking so long
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:54
Ben, why is it one of the best books mate?
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
Ben Lumley
Twitter: benlumley6
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 22:00
It’s just an inspirational page turner Matthew. I did a review of it on 6aliens.com
Ben Lumley´s last blog ..The Keys to Unlocking Success: Part 6 Learning from Life
[Reply]
Twitter: TylinaVespart
January 22, 2010 at 20:19
I think I like both for different reasons. People like Gary, and you James, are like huge beacons of inspiration… whereas I can identify more with Darren. Not sure quite why that’s the case, maybe I find his calm soothing or something
The ideal approach for me would probably be somewhere inbetween the two. I think it’s important to be vibrant, respond to your community, and be yourself… but being calmer about it, providing good advice (not to say one type doesn’t, just trying to illustrate a point), taking the time to respond on a larger level than just by email if you do happen to get swamped, and having the time to spend on other things you love… these are all important. It’s down to how you map your own business/life/path/whatever
Heather´s last blog ..Review: 3D World Magazine
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:48
yeah I was thinking that a happy medium would be ideal, but then I thought I don’t think you could be in between one side of the persona would take over lol
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Heather
Twitter: TylinaVespart
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:53
Lol, ah well. Guess we’ll have to wait and see which side it is for me then
(my money’s on it being the more Darrenish side)
Heather´s last blog ..Review: 3D World Magazine
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 23:02
Yeah I would say that too, your an artist i can imagine you and darren looking at paintings talking about depth and perception, while me and Gary get drunk at the back! lol
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
Heather
Twitter: TylinaVespart
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 23:04
Hahaha – yea I could see that happening too. Actually laughing at the image
Heather´s last blog ..Review: 3D World Magazine
Twitter: kruby
January 22, 2010 at 20:33
James,
Actually, it’s Gary “Crush It”, not Smash It (based on his very popular book).
I have a question for you: Why do we have to choose between the two approaches?
I think that they both are fantastic role models for us to follow! They both obviously are very passionate, intelligent, business-savy guys who have definitely figured out how to make money from their online businesses. We can learn so much from them both!
Does he really make $70 million? I’m in the wrong business…
Karen
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:11
Hi Karen,
I meant to write ‘crush’ Told you I was a dumb ass! lol, edited.
You don’t have to choose, just thought it was a good and timely topic.
Yeah $70,000,000 the business is worth, god know’s what his take home is
[Reply]
Karen
Twitter: kruby
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:45
I’ve had his book on my wish list for a while, I guess you just convinced me to go buy it.
$70 million – good for him!
It is timely and interesting, but I couldn’t choose (well, not openly ).
Karen
Karen´s last blog ..Friday’s Links
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 21:47
Ha ha why not openly? ….
I’m not a book reader but I really do want to read it.
Ben read it in like a day so it must be good!
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
Twitter: ralphcarlson
January 22, 2010 at 22:22
All I know about Gary is reading about him in Trust Agents. All I know about Darren is trying to complete his 31 day blogging course and failing because I couldn’t get anyone to confess that they were reading my blog. I did join his forum among many other groups and systems but so far have not made it a regular resource. Right now I am paring back to systems that I either use or expect to use and people who are helping me. My blog readership has doubled merely from reading and commenting on TheInfopreneur. I haven’t got time to pick up more advice and running down different rabbit trails. Darren is only costing my $2/month and so I think I should make more use of his forum – or at least visit enough to know it’s worth. For now I’m going to pass on Gary. My money is on James right now.
Ralph´s last blog ..Getting Organized
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 22:50
Ralph thanks brother ! I commented on your site the other day, you will get there Ralph, you will do it
[Reply]
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:52
Ralph you make great points here. Focusing on what works for you clearly works for you. Like you I don’t make enough of the problogger forum. To be fair it’s good value but then we are paying the pre launch price. It’s now $5.95 a month.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
Twitter: theblog_log
January 22, 2010 at 23:02
Jeeeeezz, you guys make an older fella such as myself feel tired. Now, back to work. It never ends, it never ends…
Ray
Ray´s last blog ..DAY TWO – GOALS
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 23:03
hey brother, you’re only as young as you feel! off to check out your new site
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Ray
Twitter: theblog_log
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 23:10
…only as young as I feel? Well, that explains it. creeeek! What was that? Oh…it’s just one of my joints…nevermind.
Ray
Ray´s last blog ..DAY TWO – GOALS
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 22nd, 2010 at 23:34
ha ha maybe that should be ‘as young as you were’ Awesome new site brother!
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
Twitter: bloggersmarket
January 23, 2010 at 01:45
I just came from a meeting if you will ……. where the topic of conversation was potential earnings for the 11 blogs that are managed under “The Bloggers Market Group”. Darren Rowse came up in this conversation today and I was quick to point out the fact that Darren has been at it about 7 or 8 years now. He certainly deserves our respect, he is however in the top 1 percent of bloggers, and with over 133 million blogs out there competing for the pie, the majority will go hungry. The best approach to life as a blogger is to live it a day at a time and the money should take care of itself.
Let the boxing match between Problogger and Vaynerchuk play itself out. May the best man win! As for me and my efforts $250,000.00 will do just fine. Now ………. where’s my glass of wine ?
Jeffrey´s last blog ..Yes, You Can Change Your World With Your Blog
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 08:35
Hey Jeffrey,
Yeah man Darren is way up there. $250,000,000 you’re selling your self short there brother!
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Twitter: KiwiGordie
January 23, 2010 at 04:18
I’m a pragmatist, so I pillage from all schools of thought. I try to take what works from anywhere and dump the rest. Darren Rowse and Gary Vaynerchuk are both awesome and show that there’s more than one way to eat a tomato.
Gordie´s last blog ..Six Things You Should Do Daily To Succeed.
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 08:37
I like that, yeah I call it ’save and delete’ I think more of me is like Gary, but maybe I should pay more attention to how Darren does it….
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:43
The important thing is be yourself. Just because one thing works for one blogger on one site, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
Twitter: segedoo
January 23, 2010 at 06:45
Hmm..
Lovely post and i love the fact that the topic drew me in. Great job.
I frankly will not compare both of them. I have listen to several interviews with Gary and i think he is a great guy – very real and down-to-earth.
He built a tangible business and is now leveraging on his success and the platform the internet provides. He values people and think bloggers who ignore their readers are idiots and have refused to see the value of someone investing his time reading their blog.
Darren Rowse is a great guy in a different sphere. He “Stumbled” into what he said his wife called “the crazy blogging thing” – she totally supported him of course and he has built a virtual real estate empire. I have gotten direct emails from Darren so i know, he never jokes with his readers.
Now, Darren is making a killing from his leadership in the blogosphere which he rightly deserves.
Any how, both men are people we should learn from and then go find out own way to success.
I LOVE THEM BOTH.
Cheers,
Olusegun
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 08:39
Hey man,
Yeah it’s a cool way to look at how two different people do it to pretty much the same effect
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
I never heard of Gary Vaynerchuk until you made this post. Your post made me Google him, because of his approach.
Which approach do you prefer?
Gary’s approach!
Rose´s last blog ..Alexa Ranking Explained
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 08:40
Hey Rose,
Yeah it’s wierd, Gary is huge but I had never heard of him until recently… Me too!
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Twitter: bluepop13
January 23, 2010 at 07:27
I don’t think it really matters which side you chose as it does helping people with what you do and if you make great money, great!
As far as actually choosing which one to like more for whatever reason, well, it all comes down to what works best in your situation. We’ve all heard that different approaches work better for different blogs.
There’s my take on it!
Eric´s last blog ..The Way I Blog With Ease
[Reply]
Twitter: robertbravery
January 23, 2010 at 07:47
Great post James. Very well constructed and a great tribute to both bloggers.
Just shows you the different approaches to blogging. Each having their merits. But both are doing exceptionally well. These guys are earning money that I can’t even dream about. Well I suppose I do, but won’t tell anyone.
THey have been at it for a long time. So there is no reason why you and I can’t be up there in the next few years.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..The funny side of blogging
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 08:42
hey Robert,
Yeah the important thing about all this is to realise that people don’t stay at the top forever, they get replaced with guys like us!
theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
[Reply]
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:40
When you’re number 1, there’s only one place to go unless you have a strategy to stay there which is better than the competition.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
Interesting – I can’t find anyone who has actually come out and said who they prefer.
Having spent some time with both for a book we recently launched, I agree with the suggestion that the best strategy is to learn from both.
From a personal perspective, I prefer to read Darren. Gary’s just a little too “in your face” for my delicate Brit sensibilities, and I also prefer to read rather than watch.
Incidentally, it’s Gary’s wine retail business, which his Dad started, which is worth the $70M.
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:53
Hi Mike,
Yeah it was his wine business which I was refering to, brother where you from? I’m up in Derbyshire.
I prefer Gary’s approach to everything because he is like me in that respect. Darren is very good at what he does though
[Reply]
Mike CJ Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:08
Everywhere! Born Hong Kong, moved to UK when 13, lived in Dorset. Then progressively travelled north with work. London, Derby (!), Cheshire. Moved to Canaries 10 years ago. Flit between Canaries and Madrid now.
Mike CJ´s last blog ..Saturday Discussion – Video Logging is the Future
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:17
Holy cow now that’s what I call the good life, canaries or madrid…. Does your site pay for all that?
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:37
Where abouts are you in Derbyshire then? I used to live in Derby, just moved to Nottingham.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:44
in the peaks not far from matlock, nottingham isn’t far at all, is that junc 25?
Robb Sutton Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 13:33
Yeah this is right. You might want to edit the post to add that Gary took his dad’s wine business from several million a year to 70 million a year by using social media.
That’s a lot different than building 70m from scratch from blogging and video blogging. Not taking away from what he has done…still amazing…but a little bit different than it is reading in your article.
Robb Sutton´s last blog ..Review: WooThemes Premium Wordpress Themes
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 13:49
Yeah the focus was more on the approach and attitude to it all, not so much how much they are worth but the working ethic. Either to take a million dollar business to $70 million business by social media and replying to everything I think is really important. To be fair though I haven’t read his book, maybe I should
Thanks for the comment Robb,
[Reply]
Mike CJ Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:19
Well, we have two sites and we recently launched a book, but yes, I earn my income totally via the blogs.
Mike CJ´s last blog ..Saturday Discussion – Video Logging is the Future
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:53
Mike congrats brother, I think I need to hit you for some advice!
Robb Sutton Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 01:53
Sure thing! I like the contrast between the two for sure. Proves that you want to be the next you inside of the next “fill in the blank”. Originality wins out every time.
Robb Sutton´s last blog ..Review: WooThemes Premium Wordpress Themes
Twitter: ShaneHudson
January 23, 2010 at 12:16
Ahaha great read! Both Darren and Gary are the best at what they do. I love Gary’s approach and I love Darren’s approach. I am probably more like Darren but admire Gary very highly for the way he.. well.. is.
Shane Hudson´s last blog ..Interpreting Song Lyrics
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 13:50
Hey Shane, when you gonna guest post for me? Yeah both excellent at what they do otherwise I wouldn’t be talking about them, I prefer gary’s approach though
[Reply]
Twitter: shokthx
January 23, 2010 at 17:18
I’ll take Darren’s approach for myself.
He took a hobby and over a few years turned it into what it is now.
I think his approach is something nearly anyone could follow.
I’ll be honest, I am not that familiar with Gary’s methods (although I have heard of him).
I think the best advice is in the comments above. Take what is useful and make it your own.
James´s last blog ..Do You Know Where Is The Best Pizza In Chicago IL?
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:15
Hey James, yeah I admire that about Darren, taking a hobby into a real business and he doesn’t seem to have changed all that much?
[Reply]
Twitter: marenkate
January 23, 2010 at 17:53
Great post! I love Gary since he is just so full of passion & life but Darren rocks as well since he is so laid back and professional. I guess it all depends on the way a person wants to take their business… But regardless $5 million or $50 you will succeed if you follow either of their routes.
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 23rd, 2010 at 20:14
Hi Maren,
Yeah totally right, Darren is like the baby jesus of the making money online world, can do no wrong and is nice to everyone. I like that. Gary is awesome a real powerhouse of fire, knows the meaning of hard work and replys to everything!
[Reply]
Twitter: lifenotion
January 24, 2010 at 07:19
James,
I really love this post because even though you are comparing two people with two very distinct approaches, it allows people to connect with one of them and use them as a role model.
I admire both Darren and Gary a lot! (as with mostly everyone)
But, Darren is a guy that intrigued me to start blogging last year and has really inspired many other bloggers to start blogging to earn some money. So, Darren is a great resource for the beginning and learning the very details of things.
On the other hand, Gary is a guy that is full of passion and perseverance . He aims to push people to their fullest. I just recently heard about Gary when reading Beyond Blogging and he has really inspired me on what I do on a day-to-day basis. So, Gary is a great resource for times when you are like, “what the heck now?!” or someone everyone should strive to look up to and follow some of his steps. His biggest advice (not to put words in Gary’s mouth), but I would say it is that anyone can do what he has done. You just have to have passion and work your butt off.
Derek Jensen´s last blog ..Allow Time for Reflection
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 08:08
Hi Derek,
Yeah absolutely right, Gary really does lay it out straight I love that. I sometimes think that because Darren inspired so many to start their own website, they, unknowingly, take on his relaxed zen approach wether it’s right for them or not.
Great comment
[Reply]
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:33
I think the important message in Jame’s post is to be yourself. There’s room for all types and all sorts of styles here. The important thing is that you connect with your readership.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
Twitter: problogger
January 24, 2010 at 10:15
Wow – another post about my approach on this site…. starting to get a complex here!
Not really sure what more I can say on my approach to spending time with my readers – you must have brought my approach up 4-5 times in the last month or two and I think I’ve tried to explain it a few times now.
A few corrections before I make a few comments:
I don’t make anywhere near $4m a year from blogging. I don’t make six figures a month (I’ve done it a couple of months but its not normal). I’m not sure where you got those figures but they are way exaggerated.
In terms of ProBlogger being my 3rd biggest income earner – again I’m afraid this isn’t the reality. It actually varies from month to month as to which of my projects earns most but if it was looking at the last year it’d be my photography site at #1 and ProBlogger as #2 (but I’d estimate that they’re pretty similar). ProBlogger.com (the forum/community) isn’t a big money maker at all at this point.
It doesn’t really matter on some of these details I guess but it’d be remiss of me to have my reputation beefed up without making those clarifications.
Lastly – some comments on your post.
I guess for me the thing I’d say is that if you got Gary and I in a room together you’d find that the two of us are pretty much the way you see us online.
I’ve met Gary once, for all of 90 seconds, as we passed in a hallway of a conference as we were both rushing to speak at the next session. In that 90 seconds he was pretty much the same as in one of his videos. Those I know who’ve spent longer with him will say the same thing. He’s energetic, he’s engaging, he’s a people person and he’s an extrovert (off the scale).
I on the other hand am a people person but I am a slow paced person, I’m thoughtful, I’m rather shy and I’m very laid back. On all the personality test I’ve done I’m an introvert (off the chart).
I guess what I’m getting at (in my slow paced way) is that Gary and I do what we do online as an extension of who we are. I believe we’re both being true to ourselves in the way we approach business/blogging/social media.
As a result we will probably also attract (and repel) different personalities with our approaches. I’m at peace with that and suspect Gary is too.
I’m actually pretty pleased that this blogging/social media game is possible for both types of people (and all in between). Isn’t it great that people of all personalities, backgrounds, geographic locations, educations and styles can be successful!
[Reply]
Mike CJ Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:23
….and if I may add something, James. You’re really going to damage your own credibility coming up with “facts” that are clearly incorrect.
This post had Darren earning $4M, the Problogger site as his third biggest earner and Steve Pavlina only just starting to make money from his blog! All incorrect as it turns out.
If you’re going to specialise in writing about other bloggers, you need to do more or better research.
Mike CJ´s last blog ..Blogging and job security
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:30
Hi Darren ,
Glad you found the time to read and contribute, if I may just respond first to your your corrections.
Your recent guest post for the Australian site did suggest you earn 6 figures a month as you stated you earnt $190k that month (exact figure I can’t remember but it was roughly this), I have also read on your site that problogger is your third highest earner, I can only go off the things I am reading you have published.
Either way you are making some serious cash, as far as your personality goes, yeah you are laid back and proffessional but that’s no bad thing. Just look at the reaction of the comments on this post praising you.
Good job brother and I can assure you I’m no tax man!
[Reply]
Darren Rowse
Twitter: problogger
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:39
Actually – in the article you’re talking about I said that “in November it generated more than $100,000″. There was no mention of $190k for the month. It (my e-book) made 80k in launch week and $20k over the full month. This was one of two months that I’ve earned over six figures in a month.
Link to the post: http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/seven-rules-of-blogging-from-a-legend-of-the-craft/
In the end it’s not a big deal but I guess when people talk about my income I like to keep things accurate – I don’t want people accusing me of exaggerating my income (or letting others do that by mistake).
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..The Blogger’s Guide to Becoming rich (Instead of Just Famous)
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 10:54
OK fair enough Darren, While you are hear then, how much (roughly) did you make last year? I will edit the post accordingly. I must be confusing that amount with another post you talked about your earnings.
Again $100k or $190k still bloody impressive!
Darren Rowse
Twitter: problogger
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 11:04
While I’m happy to say that it’s well under $4m I don’t tend to go into details on exact figures apart from on occasion when I’m writing about one aspect of things.
Lets just say that November last year was a big month but not normal and that six figures in a month is not something I’ve experienced too many times.
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..The Blogger’s Guide to Becoming rich (Instead of Just Famous)
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 11:28
OK well keep going and I’ll see you on the red carpet some time
Olusegun
Twitter: segedoo
Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 06:10
One of the things that make you so special Darren is the fact that you actually take time to “invest” in other people’s blog comments.
I hope someday all other A-list bloggers we all want to be like will do the same.
Relationship marketing is the best thing in the blogosphere and it is certainly the future – Thanks to the FTC.
My friend’s getting me your book this week. Thanks for those replies.
All the best,
Olusegun
Olusegun´s last blog ..How To Build A List Using A Squeeze Page And An Autoresponder
Twitter: travisamorgan
January 24, 2010 at 12:57
WOW!!! So many comments!!
Well, though I am in favor of both approaches, I just completely enjoyed getting a thorough background and brief bio of both bloggers.
Thanks tons bro. It’s inspiring to hear Gary’s story… I don’t know as much about Darren though. I should read up on him. I actually just got Gary’s new book, “Crush It!” in the mail yesterday, so that’s exciting.
Travis´s last blog ..Hey Guys, Too Many Options!
[Reply]
Matthew Needham
Twitter: bigredtomato
Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 21:27
Hello Travis, I’ve never actually seen Gary V’s site, but I have heard a lot about the passion and excitement he generates. Once you’ve read the book maybe you could post a review?
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..How to make a difference whilst making your fortune
[Reply]
I enjoy Darren’s comments as much I enjoy the article.
100k a month in blogging must be the biggest income a blogger can get.
ZXT´s last blog ..Blog Monthly Stats
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 05:46
Hey, yeah the comments really do add value. Sky’s not the limit brother, aim higher!
[Reply]
Twitter: allynpaul
January 25, 2010 at 15:58
Great comments here all around. I would say this:
Gary Vaynerchuk does with blogging what Darren teaches on his site about blogging. You get that?
Darren blogs about better blogging, and Gary has a niche blog (wine) that is successful using many of the tactics/ideas that Darren teaches.
I can’t speak for Darren, but I’d bet he wishes more of his readers would start sites in real niches like wine and spirits, sports, DIY, etc instead of more “blog about blogging” blogs.
In this thought line, Darren is the “king maker” and Gary is the “king” in a round-a-bout sense.
AL
Allyn´s last blog ..Sold For $30K: The Commitment To BIG Posts
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 20:19
Allyn,
I like this way of looking at it, very clever as always brother
[Reply]
Allyn
Twitter: allynpaul
Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 21:28
I sent you an email.. hit me back ok?
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 22:11
yeah will do brother, replying to all the emails in a mo, think I have 36 to reply to!
Twitter: AgentDeepak
February 3, 2010 at 21:59
I love Darren’s style. I have always tried to be like him but its not that easy.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..MARKETING vs SELLING Your Blog
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
February 3rd, 2010 at 22:57
Be yourself Deepak! Take what you like from Darren, but do it your own way
[Reply]
Why bother to compare them? Oh, yeah, right, I’m making a comment so obviously you got my attention.
Of course I know Darren a bit and since I don’t drink Gary’s blog is of no interest to me.
But seriously, they are just different.
Years ago Bucky Fuller talked about a maximum wage… the idea was, as I recall, that there is a number that is what people need after they’ve bought the airplane, the boats, etc. etc. After that amount you’re either gathering for your kids/grandkids or finding out how to give it away or totally nuts.
Darren and Gary are obviously different, and should be.
Anne Wayman´s last blog ..Would You Use A Forum Here? A Survey
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
February 11th, 2010 at 18:40
Hey Anne,
Yeah good point. I think it’s a good example of different work ethics and approaches, different is good and shows if you are doing it a different way you can still do it.
[Reply]
Twitter: consciousmeblog
February 18, 2010 at 14:01
I haven’t checked out Vaynerchuk yet, but I’ve caught enough glimpses to know that “intense” and “extrovert” only scratch the surface. I’ve been reading Darren for some time now and have a lot of respect for him.
I suppose the Carlos approach will find itself in the middle. I really enjoy the 1 on 1 communication with readers, but I have never been a guy that enjoys 60-80 hour work weeks.
I’m working that hard right now so that I can drop my day job and focus on blogging full time, but I want more personal time than that. I’m sure that when my blog is seeing high volumes of traffic, I will have to be selective on where I put my time and energy as Darren is, but intend to do that with real sincerity and energy, taking a page from Gary’s book.
I want my readers to be ok with me not responding directly all the time, because they trust that when I do, it’ll be worthwhile.
Carlos Velez´s last blog ..About The Pre-Writing Challenge: This Will Greatly Benefit You Bloggers
[Reply]
theinfopreneur
Twitter: theinfopreneur
Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 14:22
Good attitude Carlos,
I think the middle ground is a good place to be, although ultimately as Gary said to me, your approach is the best one. I too want to improve my personal time via my site, but for now, it’s sleeves up and hard work!
[Reply]