Facing intimidation head-on!
Posted by PRGirlz Alumni on June 27th, 2006
As a fairly new entry into the PR world (I’ve been working for about 10 months) I have the advantage of being aware of the blogosphere and the role it plays in the communications world from the start. That being said, I haven’t embraced it all together with open-arms and an open-mind. There is the skeptical part of me who feels that blogging, as it were, could be a fad- one that arrived on the scene quickly and swiftly and may leave in a similar fashion. However (I am just full of contradictions today) I do enjoy reading blogs. I have several that I subscribe to and look forward to new posts, comments and opinions. It’s refreshing to be able to read about someone’s life and views- someone you have never met, nor are likely to ever meet outside the realm of the blogosphere (sorry, Mary Ellen, there’s that word again).
Now for the intimidation part. I read blogs several times a day and despite having a comment, I have never posted one on any site. I find it to be a scary notion- passing judgement on someone else’s view or contradicting it where the whole world can read it and then comment on YOUR comments. It’s all so very OUT there. So what better way to confront my demons than head on? Post my thoughts on my own blog and see what everyone has to say about my views. Maybe now I’ll be more comfortable posting comments on the blogs I read- keep an eye out for me! I look forward to doing the same.
Posted to Introductions, Social Media
June 27th, 2006 » 7:55 pm
Joscelyn, you clearly are NOT the only person intimidated by blogs — especially not if you compare the comment to traffic ratio of blogs with comments enabled.
One of the big challenges that “conversational” bloggers (vs. pontificating bloggers) face is, just like a host or hostess in any other venue, helping guests feel comfortable enough to join the conversation. I hope that in your role as a reluctant commenter, you’ll be able to shed some insights on which blogs, if any, do help you feel comfortable enough to comment — and how they go about doing it.
I also hope you’ll come out of your shell and start leaving comments, because as the TF veteran bloggers have probably already told you, contributing to the conversations on other blogs (and leaving your blog URL in the process) is one of the most effective ways to publicize your own blog.
Finally, as to whether blogging is a fad…David Maister published a post on his blog a little while ago entitled Is Blogging Dead?, that addresses the question from the opposite point of view. (Full Disclosure: David Maister is a client of stresslimitdesign.) David makes the case that when the “get rich quick” sizzle of blogs is long gone, the steak will still remain. I’d love to hear your responses and how his take on blogs fits into your vision of blogs as fad–I have a feeling you may be fairly likeminded on the topic.
Best wishes on the new blog, which I am already enjoying greatly. (With such a clearly great crew, if I ever move back home to Canada, I may have to apply for a job at TF myself!)
Shaula
June 27th, 2006 » 9:11 pm
Hi Shaula,
Thanks for your comments and encouragement! Now that I’ve plunged head first into the world of blogs, I’m sure commenting will become far easier. I have indeed been told by the “TF veteran bloggers” that I should take part in the conversation and now that I see it’s not so scary, I think you’ll see me come out of my shell.
Thank you also for the link to David Maister’s blog, I think he’s probably hit the nail on the head. As I’ve come to discover, blogging could be a full-time job and those who don’t commit simply fade away….
June 27th, 2006 » 9:27 pm
Funny, I feel that way – fearful – about the telephone. I never call anyone or answer the phone. Someone might be there and I might have to engage them. It’s a horrible feeling. Engaging people that is. Unfortunately, the longer you blog the more likely it is that you will actually have to meet these people – the regular commentors, your blogroll. Unless they live half way across the world. Then you’re safe. If I knew that the only people ringing me up on the phone were bill collectors and distant people from foreign lands I might answer more often. But the thought that it might be a neighbour or a friend or someone with some shared interest really frightens me. You’re right. It’s OUT THERE.
June 28th, 2006 » 12:05 am
Joscelyn,
Demons confronted. Demons vanquished!
Congrats on a good, honest, authentic first post.
June 28th, 2006 » 1:29 pm
BMO – That’s so incredibly sad about the telephone. It’s an excellent line of communication, having the advantage of being very personal (you’re talking to someone) and sort of anonymous (you don’t have to see them/they don’t have to see you) at the same time. If you’re afraid, use your voice mail and call back those with whom you want to engage. I’d hate to think that while gaining so much by blogging (which is really just everyone having a personal news column, isn’t it), we’re losing the desire to TALK to each other. Rethink the telephone. I think it’ll be a good thing to do.
June 28th, 2006 » 3:05 pm
Welcome Joscelyn and all the rest of the ‘Girlz’ contributing to this blog! You all have had some interesting reads so far. I look forward to more.
I can very much relate to your timidness about leaving comments on blogs for the first time. I have often said to people who ask me about blogging that the most stressful part of partaking in the blogosphere (sorry Mary Ellen!) was the very first comment I left. You type it out and then hit ’submit’ and then, well…panic for a few minutes. You are absolutely right, your comment is out there for all to see – good or bad. But, I think you have come up with a great way to face that fear by making your own post! Congrats. See? Your computer didn’t implode…now go buzz around your favorite blogs and join their conversations, too. You’ll be great at it.
June 28th, 2006 » 3:59 pm
Thanks, Donna for your kind words and encouragement!
I agree, that minute you hit “submit” or “publish” there is a panic- it’s a great adrenaline rush actually! I am already enjoying the blogging world and think it will only get better as I become more involved.
June 28th, 2006 » 4:07 pm
“Welcome to the world of blogs,” was one of the first sentences that came out of my teachers mouth, Robert French. I am currently enrolled in his PR Style and Design class at Auburn University. One of the requirements for his class was to blog and comment on other people’s blogs twice a week. We all know that he is pretty much a pro at this, but my initial thought was, “What’s a blog?” and not only that, but, “I have to comment on what other people are saying??”
Little did I know that a whole nother world out there that I had no idea about. Sitting in front of the computer, trying to comment on someone’s blog was the hardest part for me. To be honest, the ’submit’ button was my intimidator, like Donna’s. But once I had that comment posted, I was proud. Not that it was a great comment or anything, but I had actually put myself out there.
I have only been blogging for the past 3 or 4 weeks and still find myself apprehensive when it comes time to write. But i always remind myself that you write what you know and eventually you’ll learn and grow from your experiences as well as others’ perspectives. Not only that, but commenting and blogging opens lots of doors professionally!
Needless to say, I have enjoyed your posts! The topics are great conversation starters! Keep up the good work and I am sure that I’ll be visitng your blog often!