The Idea Dude

CONNECTING THE DOTS ONE AT A TIME

Monday, January 21, 2008

What type of blogger are you?

Haydn Shaughnessy blogged recently about social media here and here. He talked about the different types of bloggers and how it important to it was to understand what constituency you were serving. It inspired me to copy and augment his list:

  • Reporters. My friend, Mark Evans would fall in this category. If you wanted the lowdown on what's hot in tech, his blog does exactly what Haydn says viz, picking up on interesting bits of news and trends and spinning out a good story, responding to people’s need for novelty.
  • Influencers. Folks like Guy Kawasaki or Robert Scoble would fall into this category. It is their opinion more than their knowledge that holds sway. (they are pretty smart people but it is their brand that makes them special) They can effectively make your product simply by saying, I have one and I love it
  • Mavens. These blogs will tell you how to cook, where to find the latest software fixes, how to replace the battery in your iPod. Simply great resources to search for when you're looking to fix and make something. This is where you learn to smack your Wii controller on the palm of your hand if it stops working because there is a small accelerometer that is stuck inside.
  • Inquirers, philosophers and mentors. They don't necessarily have the answers but they are preoccupied in exploring events around us, helping us make ourselves better while they do the same for themselves. Some of these are purely social commentators, while others take the form of leadership and inspirational tracks.
  • Lifestyle bloggers. They do it just because it's fun. Often it's about their travels, their home. It's off the wall commentary. Reality blogs. It's about being able to express themselves in another medium other than voice and touch.
  • Consumer bloggers. These blogs are about the latest gadgets and gizmos. It's about the latest games, toys, handbags, celebrities, sport cars.
  • Business. A great example would be the Lenovo blogs. They educate their customers and potential customers. They describe their designs, products and issues. They create dialog between business and consumer.
  • Fanatics. Gossip blogs, sports blogs would probably fall into this category. These people love talking about their passion or perhaps better put, their obsession.


Often these categories overlap, because the blog offers a broad canvas of opportunity. But Haydn's point is that we need to understand what your constituent is and remain true to that. If you have diverse interests, multiple blogs are better at making sure no-one gets lost along the way.

At Successful-Blog you'll find blogs that talk about business, changing the world etc. If you're looking at the more personal side to Liz, you'll find her at Letting me be, where her thoughts, poetry and heart is a perfect destination for the restless or weary soul.

Understanding yourself (heart), your canvas (blog), your paint (words) and your audience (readers) is key to a successful blog.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Actually you have a new post up and I am still reading this older one. I have been clicking on those links and heading in different directions than the usual. So that's a good thing Thanks
Anet

5:15 PM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Hi Anet,

Thanks for stopping by. I do admit my thoughts tend to be eclectic as my mood and my surroundings take me.

Vern

6:23 PM  
Blogger jules said...

Oh! I love this list - liking the idea of fitting myself into a few of the *types*.... great food for thought!
I know there are types that I aspire to, that's for sure ;-)

cheers,
jules

7:52 AM  
Blogger The Idea Dude said...

Hi Jules,

I think you already fit very well in several of these!

Vern

11:43 AM  

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