eBiz Tomorrow by Chris Salazar

I just finished reading an interesting blog post about what matters most to bloggers by Darren Rowse, and I can’t help but put my own two cents. Keep in mind though, some of the topics might overlap (note: ive only read the bold bullet points, I have not read his full explanation yet, I want to see if we are similar or not)

I’ve been blogging for a little over a year now and I’ve seen the ROI. It might not be monetary in my case, but my network has definitely grew and I’m left with a feeling of fulfillment. However, there’s several tips I like to follow on my own when writing blog posts; similarly, this is how I look at other bloggers/blog posts as well.

The 4 C’s of Blogging

1. Content: the content of every blog is key in attracting an audience and retaining loyal readers. A good way to narrow down the blog content is to establish a foundation/purpose for what content will be published; whether or not its general topics, industry-specific, or who the target audience is. I’ve seen many good examples of this, here’s one; I picked this example b/c Marc has managed to generate a great amount of traffic/comments/ROI in just a few short days. Although, the key is to stick to it and not drift off to far from the overall purpose (unless you’re evolving with time/industry/users).
2. Clarity: this has probably been the hardest obstacle; often, I have trouble conveying my thoughts clearly and instead some blog posts are full of unnecessary text. So I’ve adapted a motto that less is more. If I could, I’d go back and revisit some of my old blog posts and rewrite them just for kicks. I’m sure (at least I hope) that I’ve improved as a writer/blogger…if so, then that’s all the ROI I need.
3. Cost: there’s no real, tangible cost for blogging, at least for what I do. However, the opportunity cost is very clear as time plays a big factor. If I wasn’t blogging, I could be doing other things like Tae Kwon Do, Salsa dancing, working (hahaha!), or even watching TV. But, I have a passion for blogging and thats what counts. To me, its not a cost, but a privilege to have somewhere to express my thoughts and have others add in their own input.
4. Conversation: the phenomenon of blogging. Engaging others in a conversation about something you’ve started is very rewarding. These conversations are almost like reading a text book with commentary b/c on the surface there’s opinions, but when you dig deeper the facts arise. Through the research you gain so much more than what you started for and it almost leads you to another topic/journey of knowledge. Its a never ending conversation.

• BONUS - Customer: this is really a bonus, because not many people get this. Believe it or not, your readers are like customers…you have to shape your posts according to the audience. This will help keep your blog posts focused and it will keep users coming back. As a user, I like bookmarking a site that I know will always have relevant information to me. It actually makes me feel good that someone out there cares about my interests, cares about what I’m reading, and cares about me.

I hope I’m pointing in the right direction…if not please let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts as well. Later, I’ll update this post with Darren Rowse’s/ProBogger’s thoughts.

Of course MySpace is going to acquire a few enemies here and there. It’s possible and expected. Yet, if you are going to hate MySpace, please have some valid reasons…

Social Media is something I’m passionate about and love. The idea of forming your own communication, vocalizing your views, and showing your true colors is very intriguing. However, some people don’t share the same passion, which is okay, its not for everyone.

AC The People’s Media Company, posted their top 8 reasons why they hate MySpace. You can read up on their article, although, I have to admit, most of the reasons are why I like MySpace, isn’t that ironic? I’ll tell you why…reason by reason (their claim is in bold, my response follows):

1. You are not an HTML programmer/page takes too long to load - The complaint is that MySpace users are not tech-savy and have to rely on tools/widgets to update their MySpace. As a result, it takes too long to load a page. Let’s face it, MySpace users are not tech-savy, in fact, the majority of the users are my parent’s age! So these tools, although they might create html/css errors, it helps users customize pages to their own liking! Besides, the number 1 reason why pages take too long to load is because they are filled with loads of pictures, videos, sound clips, etc…and thats a good thing!
2. Who decided 8 was the limit? - Granted this post was made a while ago, but users now can add a Top 16 list. Although, his argument wasnt the number, it was the whole idea of a Top “something.” Actually, this is kinda cool! So cool, that T-Mobile is “copying” this idea, with their Fave Five! Seems to me, people like this idea!
3. Your music sucks - Sorry that my music sucks, but its a way for me to express myself and my interests. Not everyone has the same taste in music. In fact, b/c of MySpace I’ve taken a new interest in alternative rock (result from visiting my friends’ myspaces a hundred times a day). And, im completely happy…I’ve found a new genre of music to explore. Be open to others’ taste in music, and its okay to not like my music, I probably dont like yours either. (only kidding).
4. Those stats aren’t you. - Some people do put bogus ages and interests, but its okay. Why? I typically only accept invitations from my friends, so I already know how old they are, religious affiliations, and their likes/dislikes. It’s only a problem if you start surfing into the realm of stranger-ville…but I don’t. Its mainly a tool I use to keep in touch with friends only…I know them already!
5. Those pictures of you with a tan are a lie - Like I said, the majority of MySpace users are my parents…they have a life, they work, and their pictures are real! So what if lighting makes you look a bit more tan, its not MySpace’s problem. Geesh, pictures are pictures…and most people post pictures of themselves. Besides if you are my friend, I know what you look like, I know what pictures are real…so its not that big of a problem for the other 1% that post bogus pictures, they aren’t my friends.
6. Your dad is so proud - Facebook, Flickr…all other image hosting platforms have pictures of partying…so what? If thats how you want to portray urself, go ahead, its a choice. MySpace isn’t pulling your arm! MySpace provides users with tons of freedom! Here’s to “freedom-space”
7. We’re not friends - Again, MySpace gives you the opportunity to approve friend requests. Why not just approve your real friends? It’s as simple as that. Sure there’s spam, but spam is everywhere…I get tons of spam here on this blog. Just ignore it. Just keep a network of your real friends…its okay, if its only a few, hopefully it will grow some.
8. You are a loser - I guess they think all MySpace users are losers! Having a MySpace is the same as having a facebook account, linkedin account, or even a webpage. Again, its a form of expression, its a way to show your creativity, show who you really are. If anything, its a way people will remember you. Your right, MySpace does live on…and thats a reason in itself to have one that documents your interests, friends, and key events in your life.

I’m not sure if their post was a joke, or if they really do hate MySpace. But I hope my short analysis has shed some light. As I said before, their top 8 reasons why they HATE MySpace is almost my top 8 reasons for LIKING MySpace. This is just to show that its not for everyone.

Here’s what other people have to say about social media:

• More Presidential Battlegrounds; Facebook and Ustream
• Developing Rules for your Online Community
• Facebook Polls | Market Research meets Social Networks?
• Community 2.0 - Meeting your users

Take a loot at some of my other posts about social media:

• Can Facebook win the battle over MySpace?
• Top Five Reasons why Social Media Works
• Video isnt whats most important about YouTube
• Facebook is using feeds now

Marshall Kirkpatrick announces that eBay is set to integrate blogs and wikis in the already successful platform. It sounds like a good idea, especially since it’s already community driven! They are just becoming even more sticky, I suppose, but will users really benefit or even use them?

Steve Rubel makes a convincing argument that users can actually use these blogs to talk more about products, sellers, collectibles, and even listings. I’m an avid eBay user and seller, so I think this is a great idea. On the side, my family and I sell and collect rare oldie music (link to our eBay seller profile)…I’ve even started a blog for us to promote our newest release. Perhaps it will be a bit easier to engage users if we had a blog on the eBay platform, but here’s my feelings:

• Will users even participate? I’m sure a great deal of them will, but for all the others, is blogging a value-add service?
• Its good for research purposes. You can tell a lot about a person from their blog. Are they nice to other users? Do they have a loyal fanbase? Do they even respond to users?
• eBay’s global community will be broken down into several micro-communities. This is good, b/c each community can create its niche. I know my dad would love this…he’s passionate about oldies, and whats better than to talk with other passionate people?
• Easy for advertising. Ah ha! I know once we have our next CD out, i’ll be scouring the blogs on eBay and commenting like crazy advertising our new release. Yep, ill be using it for commercial purposes…is that what eBay wants?
• How flexible will the platform be? Can I post pictures, sound clips, and videos? How will the comments workout (i.e. will there be a spam blocker?).
• MOST IMPORTANTLY - Keywords will come up in Google Search. Yes, this is the primary reason why I’d start a blog. Already eBay listings come up pretty high, but adding a blog will just make my chances of attracting outside customers even higher! My google ranking as a seller will sky rocket to the top! Thats of course, if im the only blogger. =)

Believe me, I’ll be keying you in on my experience with my new eBay blog. Who knows maybe I’ll even see you there!

Here’s how eBay is already embracing social media:

• eBay Chatter
• eBay Developer’s Wiki

The rise of social media sites has got some people wondering about how politics might/will play an important role in future elections. Some even think that the election will be online. Either way, what’s going to happen? Can these really exist on one platform?

The future will tell, but already political developers, AKA political enthusiasts, have started using social media to their advantage. Mike Davidson, a web/design consultant, dives into MySpace and Facebook quite often. One of his interns, even created a facebook widget, “I Voted for Al Gore.” Whether fake or not, there’s no stopping politicians from creating widgets like these on MySpace and Facebook.

What does this mean? It means that Social Media is changing how users receive their content, either through RSS feeds, widgets, social media sites, users/voters are evolving. Politicians need to evolve as well. Here’s where the power of ONE really kicks into gear. Have one person add the widget and before you know it thousands of users will have it on their site.

Here’s some snapshots of the cool widget…

This is how you add the widget to your facebook…very easy!

Here’s what the end result looks like

Lunch 2.0 is coming up soon at Ning…I’m very excited. I enjoyed my last experience at NetGear, I think I made some really good connections. In fact, one of my newest friend, Lisa, is calling out the chocolate blogger to bring some sweets to the next lunch 2.0 event. I’m in too!

Lisa and I are collectively (via the power of blogging) trying to convince Brian to bring some of his famous chocolates to the next Lunch 2.0…will he bring some? Let’s hope so, I’d be happy with anything… =)

Here’s the address to Ning:

Location: Ning, Inc.
Address: 167 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 300, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Date: Thursday, June 14th, 2007. 12:00PM - 1:30PM

I encourage all of you to signup at Ning so you can get the best out of Lunch 2.0. Comment here to RSVP

This is a very interesting topic that I would like to take a closer look at and see if there really is a difference. Jeremiah eludes to the relationship between journalists (old media) and bloggers (new media), but what is really happening? I’m sure some journalists absolutely hate blogging/techmeme and what’s its evolved into. But, truth is, its the NEW media. I check techmeme at least 5 times a day, how often do I go read news articles online…close to never!

Its happening, online users are evolving and the gap between bloggers and journalists is increasing. Instead, these two mediums should connect with each other and become “journoggers” (rebecca’s term). Why don’t journalists talk with bloggers and include them in news? This way, journalists can let out some real facts, instead of filtered media.

At this point, I believe that bloggers ARE more connected than journalists. Before you doubt my statement (if you do), consider the following:

• Blogging is community-driven: It’s a fact…bloggers are connecting with other bloggers to form a conversation. Conversations drive the blogosphere! Its the back and forth arguments and “pats” on the back that keep blogging interesting and “real.” Nothing is held back, everyone blogger is in for his/her self.
• Relationships are built: No matter what happens (disagreements or not), relationships are still between as two bloggers converse with each other. In most cases, these relationships carry on to future discussions. But, each person brings their own community and own relationships to the table.
• Communities grow and grow: As I read other posts and talk about them on my blog, im bringing my community into the discussion. So what do we have now? Now we have my community, plus the original blogger and his community all talking and conversing. We’re left with one BIG community that will continue to grow.
• We’re a global neighborhood: Shel has become the innovator of this term, but its true. No longer are we having “naked” conversations, now its bigger…its global. Everyone (globally) is talking with each other. It does not matter where you are in the world, nothing stops bloggers from meeting new people
• Bloggers breathe openness and transparency: I’m sure for 99% of the bloggers out there, this is their oxygen, its their food that keeps them typing along. It’s really what this platform is for…be completely honest, let everything hang out. There’s nothing stopping you and most of the time at least someone out there will feel the same way you do
• Bloggers are real people who accept both criticism and praise: If you are putting yourself out there and expressing your thoughts, there’s going to be some people who do not agree. Thats ok! Be open about it, stay close to your blogging enemies, it keeps the conversation going…oh and it probably will attract more users too!

I admit that it sounds like I’ve been praising blogging to be some remarkable practice, but its not. It’s rather simple: be honest, be open, engage others, and build relationships.

Should journalists go away? Nope, in fact I believe journalist can become great bloggers, just with some fine tuning of course. There should be no battle between bloggers and journalists, instead…embrace each other for what you offer. Here’s my recommendations on what journalists should do:

• Use your credibility: Some journalists have far more credibility than bloggers, so why not use it BUT engage the bloggers too! Help us! We’ll help you in the blogosphere
• Be open to criticism: Despite being criticized, don’t stop what you’re doing! You are doing something revolutionary…it’ll pay off.
• Stay away from the fluff: Sometimes, I can’t trust everything journalists write (of course not everything bloggers say is right either), but at least other bloggers will clear things up!

Take a look at what other people are saying about journalists and bloggers:

• Farrell Kramer - he talks about how technology is changing how journalists work, but not what they do; and he also comments about a question asked of how it would be like if a bunch of bloggers got together to write about something
• Jay Small - he argues that technology can be both a friend and an enemy; and perhaps adoption is a keyword for journalists
• Dan Rosenbaum - talks about why newspapers aren’t dead yet