Can Nice Blogs really finish First?
May 14th, 2008 by Rich JacobsonAs an avid blogger, it’s been an interesting ride thus far. Technology has been advancing rather rapidly in the real estate industry, and the early adapters are usually the ones who benefit the most. I’ve always prided myself on embracing the latest and greatest. So when the marketing paradigm shifted to Web 2.0, I jumped in with both feet! Static went dynamic. The need/demand for interactivity made conversational blogging a perfect venue for meaningful exchange with today’s computer-savvy consumer.
But blogging has an established tradition of stimulating somewhat ‘lively’ debate. Access any number of popular political blogs, and you’ll quickly discover what I mean. While viewpoints and opinions are freely shared, so are vicious barbs and slanderous jabs. Personal attack and public humiliation seem commonplace. And unfortunately, many times, it appears that the ones who are the most ’successful,’ or at least generate the greatest amount of traffic/comments, tend to be the ones who are the most caustic, abrasive, and condescending of the bunch.
Things are a bit more sedate in the Realty Blogdom. However, I have noticed here lately, a few similar trends. Some of the blogs that appear to create/attract the most interest, tend to be overly critical and negative. Sensationalist and provocative titles are employed. Targets are chosen and eviscerated before the viewing public, and all for the sake of ranking. Forget about helping to empower and educate the consumer. We’re having way too much fun dragging someone’s character in the mud!
It reminds me of a guy I used to work with in a previous life. I’ll call him ‘Elvis’ because he loved ‘The King,’ even to the point of sporting huge pork chop sideburns. “Elvis’ was God’s gift to the business world. I had the privilege of accompanying him on a week long sales road trip from Hell. As we traveled along, he confided in me that God had blessed him with superior intelligence. But that his penance in life was to put up with everyone else’s ignorance (his exact words!).
There are some blogs/blog authors who are like that. They’re obviously graced with tremendous smarts and a wonderfully endowed vocabulary. But they seem to be lacking somewhat in the humility department.
So I guess my question is this: Can Nice Blogs finish first? Or do I have to be abrasive and demeaning to succeed? Do we pander to the publics obsession with sensational, provocative, and controversial? Do we sacrifice substance for traffic/ranking? Is content still the King, or is it my buddy, Elvis?
[...] Blog Revolution Note XXIV At SoundBiteBlog I stumbled (or rather twitter-comment-followed) an excellent post about how much the poisonous / ranting writing styles of many blogs help them succeed. The author wonders if nice blogs can finish first … [...]
Melina – thank you. You captured the essence of my predicament. I do think its possible to create intriguing, thought-provoking content, without stooping to sensationalist or negative/demeaning assassinations. There is enough of that at the check-out stand at the grocers. I don’t need to add to it! Thanks for stoppin’ by SBB!
It depends on how you define success. Are you taking about success in numbers of visitors or financial success?
IMHO, a boring blog with no comments is successful if it brings clients in the door. A popular blog with lots of comments is a failure if the commentators are all peers and potential clients are intimidated and go elsewhere.
Rich,
Caleb makes a good point I think. But, like you, I stay away from the “Flame Blogs”. They remind me of a teenager having a tantrum because he has learned tantrums get him what he wants and he never learns more sophisticate social skills. He just sticks with what worked in the past.
If you want to be proactive, I found this today in my endless prowl around the internet
http://bfletcher.wordpress.com/
He’s an excellent writer I have never “discovered” before now. AND, he’s blogging in a very quiet room. Just like we were when we started! Why not leave a comment over there? I’m sure it would be appreciated.
Mark
Negativity works. It gets people riled up and talking about you. That is what some people want…
I guess if I can’t make it being boring and nice, then I’d rather not make it. Not to say that I don’t have opinions on something and won’t voice them, but I’m not going to write nasty blogs to get better “numbers.” Attack ideas, absolutely. Individuals…never.
I’m not willing to get that one one feed, or subscription at the expense of someone else. If that means I lose…I guess I lose.
The reality is that “nice” blogs don’t warrant comments. What’s there left to say but I agree with you?
Good comments require passion, and passion comes from controversy. Nobody is going to get fired up over a photo of your grandson, but tread into the darl worlds of politics or religion and you’ll face a barrage of ordnance unlike any other subject.
You have to decide, who are you writing for? Yourself, or the inflamed masses?
Personally, I love posts that are critical, but sensational stuff, I’m not so attracted too. There’s so much content to digest that I find myself gravitating toward the blogs that value my time the most. Ones that give me a new idea, or provide some sort of value on a consistent basis.
I often find that “sensationalized” postings, to be somewhat dishonest, and really they don’t offer much value toward me. So while perhaps “nice” isn’t the word I’d use…I’d say honesty goes a long way.