When blogging jumped the shark

I think blogging jumped the shark in about fall of '02.  If you'd like, I could pinpoint the exact date.  It coincided with the debut of the Technorati blog ranking site.  We bloggers are a vain bunch, and - let's be honest - we were all checking stats long before there were any rankings.  But Technorati was different.  It created a pecking order for blogs, and most everybody started mimicking those at the top in order to increase their blog rankings.  Suddenly, you were supposed to blog a certain way.  Then you could increase your ranking to a certain point that you could (gasp!) make money from blogging.

You had a lot of people blogging about blogging. Not very many people made money from blogging, but it sure did get boring.

Here's the problem: nobody gives a %$&@ about your blog stats.  If you're blogging in a certain way about certain things to get a certain number of people to read your blog, you might manipulate the process a little bit.  Your Technorati rank may even go from 250,000 to 249,999.  But who cares?

What do people care about?  Quality, concise writing by people they deem "experts" in certain areas.

• Instead of worrying about your stats, you should be worried about great writing. While there is no shortage of blogs, there is a huge shortage of quality writing. Focus on writing better.
• Instead of worrying about your stats, you should focus on your expertise.  Hugh Hewitt likens it to being a sherpa leading people up the mountain. What area are you most interested in?  What do you know even a little more than anybody else?  If you do this and write well, you can quickly establish yourself as an expert in your field. You might not make money directly off of your blog, but I can assure you that blogging can help you increase your impact in your chosen field.
• Instead of worrying about your stats, focus on your audience.  What do they care about, and what do they want to see you write about?  Use a tool like Skribit to find the sweet spot between what you want to write about and what they want to read. 
• Finally, BE CONCISE! I know earlier I complained about people telling you that you're supposed to blog a certain way.  But it's a fact that people are very busy, and there are literally millions of blogs out there.  Don't kid yourself into thinking that people have a lot of time and that they don't have other places to go!

So there you have it.  Blogging jumped the shark for sure. But if used correctly, it still has the potential of being your primary medium of communication.  Just because Fonzie jumped the shark didn't mean Happy Days didn't still rule... 

Good luck, and let me know what you think!

Comments

[Scott Egan]

Hey Mark...
I have never heard the phrase "Jump the Shark". You guys were SOLID on Craig Ferguson the other night. I'll twitter you.

[WIlliam Silvers]

Hey, you guys are great!!!

Blessings William [email protected]

YOU ARE MINE Lyrics William Silvers 9-10-08

Can you hear me calling
My Mercy is falling
I'm calling out to you
I'm Faithful and True
Now is the time
I will make you mine
Just look in my eyes
No greater love you'll find

chorus

My arms are open wide
In them you will find
Love and forgivness
Mercy and healing
The joy in your eyes
As hope is realized
I've giving you new life
Now you are mine

Bridge
My child, you are mine
Just look in my eyes
No greater love you'll find

I'm yours, and your mine
Go now, let your light shine
Wherever darkness hides
Let it shine so bright
Go show them my love
Words are not enough
I want to make them mine
Thats why I gave my life

repeat chorus, and Bridge

Copyright 2008 William Silvers

[Joan]

Brilliant!
I didnt know about stats...but I am not surprised.

Thing is how does one know if they indeed do have an audience or if they are basically writing to themselves?

I began a blog so I didnt take up the INBOX space of my friends. Now I have to email them to tell them I have blogged and the subject matter answers their questions. lol.
CRAZY.

[Genna]

They have rankings for blogs?? I didn't know this. 0.o

[jordan fowler]

Best book to improve you writing period. Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter group gives 50 amazing short lessons with great example and is an accomplished journalist. http://www.worshiptrench.com/?p=411

[joanne]

IMHO, blogging and three dot journalism is going the way of SMS speak! im not able to keep up. how r u doing w it? LOL! c u!k?

[BUSH]

hahaha...i agree. i have the same thoughts about Mr. Linky. i hate that plug-in. i wish bloggers would just come out & say it...'i'm using you to get my ranking higher..that's all...i'm not worried about what you write...just give me the link' :)

God Bless Mr. Linky

[ultraspy]

Ah maaan, I forgot to care about the rankings! The thing is, I blog for my amusement and the occasional opportunity to call my brother and insist he check out the website because I've posted one of his embarrassing childhood photos. For me, blogging and tweeting are a way for me to have fun and accidentally connect with others. It's the one place I can say "AWESOME" and "DUUUUDE?!?" without people thinking I'm crazy. I would also like to say that numbers aren't nearly as awesome as cartoons or photos of people's kids.

[Reg]

Mark,

Case in point. Just got my "Twitter Ranking"...11.25!!! That is pathetic by ranking standards, but I have more folks "following me" versus those I "follow" because I write about stuff that is important to me and apparently important to others in the worship community. Thanks for your post and sharing your incredible journey with all of us.

[Alastair]

Great thoughts Mark! It's so easy to fall into the trap of trying to increase your stats rather than the quality of your writing.

[Shelly Pierce]

I enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you on the stats.
You cannot get to caught up in that.
I believe that if you are doing what you love, your work will shine. Also, if God called you to do something specific and you listen, he will make a way for your blog to reach those in need.
Blessings,
Shelly Pierce

[Tracey]

I so agree. This is why I don't have a "mom blog". It's not my strength... I learn more from others and don't have anything original to add. And it is a totally flooded field. I do however know a thing or two about cardmaking.

I must admit I sometimes struggle with the numbers game, but I'm learning to relax. I'm becoming satisfied with my little readership. If I can inspire or educate one person for each post, I'm happy! Thanks for this... you're making the blog world a more interesting place! ~:-D

[AnnieBlogs]

So true! Have you read Brody today? He has a similar post up about the importance of returning readers (versus seeking out unique visitors).

[Jason the Mod]

Quality writing *is* the key.

[Elizabeth Grattan]

:)

[Brody Harper]

Totally agree... Big numbers can't replace a real community of involved readers.