Over the weekend there were some great articles written on a couple of blogs I try to read on a regular basis. One of them is Nathan Hangen’s site, he wrote about social media being a virus. The other was James from InfoPreneur, he wrote about people being jealous of Chris Brogan. Both articles are great, and the comments on them get even better (I commented on both). While Nathan’s article discusses more on people expecting too much from social media and using it to essentially badger big names and companies, James writes about how people are jealous and bash others for being successful. Another related article would be making your own luck, where Nick from SiteSketch101 talks about working hard to create a successful site instead of working hard to get a big name to link to you. I want to bring all this together and discuss 2 main topics: Online Relationships, and being a Sellout.
Nathan asked the question in his article about Twitter blowing up, and who would you try to reconnect with in another way. With social media in mind, I like to think that over time, most of the same connections would be made. I would seek out certain people that I have built relationships with through this blog and other forms of social media, I also think that others would seek me out. Therefore, most of the connections I have would eventually be made again. I am talking about real connections here, not bots on Twitter looking to get you to their long sales page to purchase something and they don’t actually make real connections.
On the other side of that, if social media were to blow up, would the same connections be made, I doubt it. Luckily, I don’t see that happening.
Some online relationships are not real relationships anyway. They come, and they go. The ones that last for me, are usually the ones that are truly interested in what I have to say. Other relationships are built on false pretenses. Maybe somebody builds a relationship with you because you have a do-follow blog, maybe they build a relationship with you only expecting something in return. An example would be, I had built a relationship with someone recently (I won’t name any names because I don’t have any hard feelings), we spoke on skype, we talked on the phone, we commented on each others blogs. Then one day the guy calls me up pissed because of other people I was associating with, he didn’t like them, and he didn’t like me linking to them. I have tried numerous times to talk to him since, but he has ignored me. Should I worry about it? No, I don’t. It is obvious to me, that the relationship was built on false pretenses, and he “expected” things in return. Well, here is my answer to the problem we had, it is simple, this is my site and I will link to who I want, when I want. I won’t be pressured to link to somebody just because they linked to me.
This brings me to the next point, envy and jealousy. I see so much of this going on, it makes me sick. And I used to be a part of it. I wrote about A-Listers before on this site, so I won’t go into the same details. I want to say this, if we spent as much time looking at how we can improve our business model (unless you like blogging or marketing for free) as we do criticizing people like Chris Brogan for not replying to comments on his blog, or because he charges $22k per day as a speaker, then maybe we could see things that might help us build a better online business. For me, it was just envy. And until I figured that out, I was stuck, since then I have been able to grow my site(s) exponentially because I concentrate more on my own business model and pay less attention to everyone around me.
I have seen this bouncing around on comments and blogs lately. If you decide to make money, even though you have given plenty of free information and help on your blog, then you must be a sellout! This is utter BULLSHIT! Get a grip people! What are you building an online presence for anyway? So you can go around telling everyone else how they are doing it wrong? I get encouraged now when I hear of people doing well with their online businesses. I look to see if I can learn from watching them. What are they doing better than me? Can I use any of it for my business model?
It is a complete waste of time for you to dwell on whether or not Chris Brogan is answering enough comments!
What do you think? Have you done this? Does it help you if you have?
Related posts:
This is a really good post Keith. It’s the most bizarre thing when people write posts or comments telling us all how Blogger X is doing it wrong, or Blogger Y is some kind of sell out.
And they all miss the irony of the fact that the people they’re talking about are more successful than they are in just about any metric you can think of.
At best these posts are often simply link baiting by using a big name blogger in the title, and at worst, they’re just a waste of everybody’s time.
As you say, just focus on doing what you do.
.-= Mike CJ´s last blog ..Adopting Core Principles to Move a Business Forward =-.
@Mike CJ, Sadly, that was me a few short months ago. Once I realized what and how I sounded, I tried to change my direction.
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Blog Tip: Secret To Success =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal, It’s good that you become self aware and you realize that you sound like that. I don’t personally remember that you ever sounded like that, Keith, but as I said, it’s good to see it in yourself, to learn, and to grow better because of it.
Hopefully more people will wake up to this plague in our circles as a result of this discussion.
.-= Nicholas Z. Cardot´s last blog ..The Golden Nuggets of Negative Feedback =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal, I don’t recall you being a basher.
.-= Dave Doolin´s last blog ..Why the Apple iPad Will Make Me More Productive =-.
@Dave Doolin, You are the 3rd person to say that over the last couple of days, so I am glad that when I did nobody noticed! LOL
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..How To Leverage Video Marketing – Become a YouTube Partner =-.
Excellent article. I followed you here from a RT from Nathan. I read both of those blogs, Nathan’s and James’ and the whole topic is rather interesting. I am just now trying to find my own way into social media and seeing where I fit in. If anywhere. I have found that the guys at the top, for the most part, ignore me. When I stick to people on the lower ladder they will actually take the time to pause and chat. While I understand it all, I also see why there would be a lot of jealousy and badgering. It’s easy to do in an online world where everything can be taken out of context so quickly. In my real life, people love me and I’m the life of the party, online, I’m an invisible face that just gets passed by. I’m learning, slowly but surely. And blogs like yours help me sort things out. Until then, I may need my blankie…
@Richard Scott | Jewelry Secrets, That is also the the beauty of it, even if you are not a “life of the party” person, you can be online. It takes some time to find your way, but even in a niche like yours it is possible.
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Are You Setting Yourself Up For Failure? =-.
Your last paragraph summed it all up perfectly. People act like your selling out if you make any attempts to profit from your ventures online. Would you tell a plumber that he’s a sellout if he tries to charge you for working on your sink? He would slap you in the face and remind you that as wonderful as it sounds to give away his services for free he still has to feed a wife and daughter at home.
Making money online is not unethical if it’s done in a way that is ethical. If you can make money from selling a valuable product that you create, from advertising with Adsense, buysellads or any other advertising platform, or by selling affiliate products and making commissions then you are not a sellout. You are a business person.
Who are we to demand that people immediately respond to our comments on their blog or even respond to them at all? I’ve come home from training exercises as a member of the United States Army and found comments that essentially criticize me for not responding to them sooner. I had been away from the internet entirely because I was serving my country and these people had the gall to criticize me. It was ridiculous.
We need to stop whining about others successes and simply develop the skill of learning from them. In the Army, I’m often placed under leaders who may have character traits that I don’t like. I don’t, however, have the luxury of bashing them or publicly stating how much I dislike their style. Even if I had that right, I wouldn’t use it. It’s distasteful.
Rather I learn from them and determine that as I grow, develop as a soldier, and get promoted I will be a better leader. I will learn from the character strengths as well as from the flaws and I will determine to do better.
You’ll not hear me bashing the ‘A’ listers. I hope someday to be among their ranks. I won’t be doing things the exact way that they do them. As I’ve made clear, I’ll learn from the things that I don’t like about them and determine to do them differently, but I won’t let the few things I dislike about them deter me from learning the many great things that I can absorb.
I don’t know about you, but I’m headed to the top. I hope that you’ll come with me. I’d love to see you up there and although I’ll do my best to answer your comments on my blog when I get there, I may not get to every single one of them.
Call me a sell out if you will, but I’m going to keep learning and growing.
.-= Nicholas Z. Cardot´s last blog ..The Golden Nuggets of Negative Feedback =-.
@Nicholas Z. Cardot, do your superiors still hunker down in the trenches to lead their troops, or do they sit at base and squawk commands over the radio?
If they were not in the trenches with you Nick, I’d hazard a guess and say while you might still follow you orders, you’d have 0 respect for your superiors and if that’s the case god help you all in battle. Right?
I agree, there is no need to bash the A listers, but there is nothing at all wrong with making your own observations, and having your own opinion, then leading your own tribe by example.
.-= Andrew´s last undefined ..Response cached until Tue 23 @ 23:39 GMT (Refreshes in 23.71 Hours) =-.
@Andrew, you’re exactly right. I won’t come out and say what I think of them but it will be there in the back of my mind. But I’m not going to talk down my leaders to the soldiers around me. That wouldn’t be good for anyone. I’m going to get the mission done and someday when it’s my turn to lead then I will do things differently.
I like your approach to it. It’s a great idea that you brought up. Good concept.
.-= Nicholas Z. Cardot´s last blog ..The Golden Nuggets of Negative Feedback =-.
@Nicholas Z. Cardot, totally agree that it wouldn’t be good for anyone but let’s be honest – that’s exactly what happens right?
Then the Sgt comes along and says alright boys thats enough, knowing what is happening to moral. So you all shut up and do the proper thing.
All the while, in the back of your mind you are just so frustrated because this superior officer is forcing us to do things that he is not prepared to do himself.
Some soldiers refuse to follow orders, others do a half assed job, and morale suffers anyway as a result.
The point here is simply this. In the military you have no right to make an observation or have an opinion for obvious reasons.
In the civvy world though we can, and we do, and as far as I am concerned – we should.
My view is and always will be – lead by example, or shut up and follow. If you’re not leading by example you’re not a leader at all.
.-= Andrew´s last undefined ..Response cached until Tue 23 @ 23:39 GMT (Refreshes in 23.30 Hours) =-.
@Andrew, I completely agree about leading by example. But I would ask first, “What are the A listers leading us to do that they aren’t doing themselves.”
And secondly, I would point out that even in your military analogy you admit that the lower enlisted, immature soldiers are the ones grumbling and the sergeant are hemming them up and telling them to act right. The mature soldiers who know how to get the mission done are the ones who are willing to shut up and step up and they’re the ones who are on their ways to being the higher leaders and filling those shoes.
So do you want to sound like a brand new recruit or like a rising soldier?
.-= Nicholas Z. Cardot´s last blog ..The Golden Nuggets of Negative Feedback =-.
@Nicholas Z. Cardot, I couldn’t agree more.
At the same time though and to answer your question, they are apparently leading us in the direction of social media success.
SO my point is if they are not doing the things they say they are, then it takes people like you and I to make those observations, to correct behaviour and mindset of the troops, and lead them to victory – because we are the soldiers on the ground, and they are sipping tea in the tents.
.-= Andrew´s last undefined ..Response cached until Tue 23 @ 23:39 GMT (Refreshes in 23.10 Hours) =-.
@Andrew,
What are they not doing that they say we should, and who specifically?
I think I see where you are going, and although Nick is respectful, I wish he’d have just come out and say it…which is that you can’t have your cake and eat it to. You want them to be perfect and have faults…help you and not help you…make up your mind.
Sounds like jealousy to me.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, my mind is clearly made up. I follow leaders who lead by example.
I’m not really talking in riddles, I saw what I mean and I mean what I say. The only place I am going with it is that the bottom line is that no matter who, what where or how there will always be people who have something to complain about.
I covered that pretty well in my comments.
But I also said that excluding the flat out whiners, people like myself, that is people who may not feel satistfied but DON’T go and deface peoples blogs or websites, want leaders. Not seagulls.
There is a great book called The Seagull Manager. Very relevant to this discussion.
@Andrew,
Right, but what I want to know is why you don’t think Chris leads by example? Especially why you say Gary does, but Chris does not.
@Nathan Hangen, that I can answer easily. If we take away all the hate and the anger from what the haters have said then what we are left with are the fundamental reasons why Chris is getting such negative feedback while Gary doesn’t.
@Andrew,
That’s not an answer at all. Gary gets plenty of negative feedback, but still…what are you saying…not everyone else…you.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nicholas Z. Cardot and @Andrew (based on your replies to Nicholas’ comment), I don’t know that I fully agree with the whole “What are the A listers leading us to do that they aren’t doing themselves.”
The A-Listers aren’t “leading me” to do anything.
I do watch to see what they are doing to gain ideas at times, but it stops at that…then I test to see what works and what doesn’t for myself and my business.
Here’s why…
What works for a Chris Brogan or Gary V, or anyone else for that matter, might not even work for me (or fit for my current business level), even if they are in fact “practicing what they preach” etc…
…and the reverse could also be true… what they are “preaching” might work for me even if they aren’t actively doing it.
Or vice-versa in either case above.
But in the end…
You don’t build a business like Chris’ or Gary’s without practicing what you preach (at least for the most part) IMHO.
@Nicholas Z. Cardot, We all know you are too nice to be a sellout Nick!
@Keith Bloemendaal, Thanks Keith!
.-= Nicholas Z. Cardot´s last blog ..The Golden Nuggets of Negative Feedback =-.
Keith, I absolutely love this post, Lets start from the bottom to the top…
People dont realise that time and effort are taken to write posts and simply moan and cry like babies the day when people decide to start making some real money off it, probably more time to write more article, more quality, to improve the site..
It’s a shame…
Online Relationships…
I believe most people start a connection with someone with a return in mind, and sometimes i wonder if it is wrong or right? I can’t really come out with an answer…although i do believe that eventually you will filter out those who are just using you for your popularity and online credibility….
But sometimes i feel..Are we not all using ourselves…??
.-= Joseph´s last blog ..University student at birmingham city Dave Scotford on how he started his own record label =-.
Keith this is the kind of stuff I love. Raw honesty, putting it all out there for the world to see, warts and all.
With regard to such comments as sellout ans so forth, yes I agree, it’s mostly due to the factors to talk about. In my country we call it the tall poppy syndrome, and the envious try to cut down those taller poppies.
However I feel the need to say this. We speak regularly Keith and we recently spoke about Chris Brogan and Gary V. As I explained I had never taken the time to really investigate Gary because based on my experiences, he cam across as just another social media Guru telling me what I’m doing wrong and how I need to be a different person.
We did discuss how folks like Brogan teach people to do things that may not be comfortable for them. I’m not talking about the proverbial “get out of your comfort zone stuff” I’m talking about character and personality traits.
When people like Chris Brogan come along, people listen, usually because they want to learn. They want to learn from a leader. And they want to learn from someone who leads by example.
If we can exclude those that are jealous and envious, at least for the rest of us, I think you will find that this is the real issue. Maybe Brogan doesn’t have time to answer all the comments and emails.
And sure he is extremely busy. But since he is teaching people that they themselves should be doing these things, does that now mean because he has climbed the tree and sits somewhere near the top that he no longer has to lead by example?
Is that what General Patton did?
People want real leaders. Leaders are people like Gary V. The type of people who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. I’ll refer you back to the video of Gary that you introduced me to. In that video he say “if I can do it, and have $70Mil business, why the fuck can’t you?”
Am I envious? Probably, I’d love to be earning $22k a day. Does it affect my judgement on this? I’d like to think it doesn’t. I believe that my disappointment with people like Brogan is that they come across as all hot air if they are no longer prepared to get in the trenches and get their hands dirty.
We can all make justifiable excuses to avoid doing anything. That is not leadership. That is where I have issue.
@Andrew, Whether or not we agree with how Chris does things doesn’t really matter, and I don’t think it should be aired out on your blog, or on his in the comments. It is quite one thing to disagree with someone and have a healthy debate, but it is another to constantly go to their blog to undermine them and tell them what they are doing wrong. If you don’t like what is on TV, change the channel.
The difference between you and what others have done, is we had a private conversation about the differences between Gary and Chris. I admire both, but I knew your personality of being an in your face type of guy would mesh well with Gary V.
I am not saying that Brogan or anyone else is right or wrong, what I am saying is why waste valuable time you could be spending figuring out the best course of action for your own business model…..
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Blog Tip: Keyword Research =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal, fair point and totally agree that airing the dirty laundry is probably not the way to go, but constructive criticism, a valid opinion or observation supported by well founded thoughts and concepts I think is perfectly healthy.
Yes Gary V meshed well with me but not so much because of his energy or his in your face style. Its easy to be in your face and still be a bull shitter.
But Gary V tells it like it is, honestly, warts and all. He has no problem calling you out. He teaches what he does and he does what he teaches.
I’m certain any of us, like him – or hate him, could honestly say the same about Brogan.
You won’t ever see me go and deface his blog with ridiculous rants and expectations, but you’ll also never see me take advice from someone who doesn’t take their own advice.
If you really analyze the people who have anything even remotely sensible to say, I think you’ll find that this is where the dissatisfaction lies.
Essentially, these people, who have bought into Brogan emotionally are feeling like they’ve been ripped off with their emotional investment.
.-= Andrew´s last undefined ..Response cached until Tue 23 @ 23:39 GMT (Refreshes in 23.21 Hours) =-.
@Andrew,
That’s where I disagree with you…Gary is in the same boat as Chris, only Gary promotes personal brands, whereas Chris promotes business brands.
Even Gary has realized that this shit doesn’t scale, which is why he rarely returns emails and/or Tweets any more. It’s not that he doesn’t care, it’s that he has more important shit to do…same with Chris.
Sounds like you have blinders on.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, well as I am only just really learning about Gary V I can’t really comment on what, how or why he does certain things. If you could provide any links to help me understand why you know what Gary has realized and how much he cares or not that would be really helpful to me.
For what I can tell, Gary’s wine business is nothing even remotely close to a personal brand. But as I said I am still studying his history.
Maybe we don’t have the same point of view Nathan but you clearly take a very obtuse attitude towards anyone who seems to disagree with you. If it sounds like I have blinkers on then I’d suggest you take those ear muffs off.
My comments could not have been more clarified or qualified.
@Andrew,
Gary’s wine business is not a personal brand, but the Vayerchuck business is…much of what Gary speaks on is personal branding. Not all of it, but much.
What I find interesting is that you keep dodging the questions I’m asking you. Do you feel ripped off by Brogan personally? If not, then how are you qualified to claim what others feel?
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, that is THE most ridiculous argument I think I’ve heard ever.
I think the better questions would be when did I become answerable to you, what is it about my 16 comments on the topic already that you don’t seem to be able to understand, and what makes you qualified to take me to task on it when you can’t seem to string two facts together in a two concurrent posts.
I haven’t dodged a thing Nathan. I’ve said my piece plain and clear for the world to see. How about you get some balls and do the same.
Come on Nathan, man up. Instead of just trolling this post baiting me, actually put up a real argument with real foundation instead of the straw man arguments you’ve been throwing at me so far. I was starting to like what you had to say but this sort of self endorsed authority you seem to think you have over me is rather boring.
@Andrew,
You are more than welcome to walk away Andrew. I’m not baiting you at all…it’s called debate and dialogue.
I’m not the one bashing anyone, so I don’t really need an argument & I never claimed authority…I’d like to see where I did.
I’m not here to win you over or to make you like me. I’m here to defend what I believe to be right. You’re doing the same. Good on you.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, I’m not bashing anyone either.
Just to clarify, debate/argument = same thing.
@Andrew, I get what you’re saying Andrew, but why are you investigating at what seems to be such a deep level?
Are you looking to build a business that exactly resembles Chris Brogan’s or Gary V’s ?
Even if you were, do you think everything they teach (and/or do) in their business is something you can immediately apply to your own business?
I’m not trying to be a smarty pants here, I’m curious.
.-= Joseph Ratliff´s last blog ..I’ve Been Thinking… =-.
Hey Keith thanks for the mention brother,
I think Chris did a great thing replying and the post hopefully showed how people are as Mike says wasting their time if they solely focus on hating other people, whether they be top flight or not. Now the thing with the post raised some really good points, excellent maturity from some and some real fire in theirs that won’t be swayed to think another way.
I really have to say that Chris is someone to look up to, not because of how much money he makes nor because he speaks at events, but because he is doing his thing regardless of the haters.
Top work Keith
@TheInfoPreneur,
I have to wonder dude, if you look up to him so much, why do you bait him and then feed him to the wolves on your blog? Why did you badger him on Twitter to respond to your post?
I just don’t get it man…you have so much potential but you’re pissing it away with those negatrons that live on your blog. Pitting people against each other for the sake of getting more comments isn’t cool.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by nhangen: Are You Being A Cry Baby? http://hotblogtips.com/are-you-being-a-cry-baby...
I don’t have anything against the ‘A-Listers’. In fact, that’s what I strive to be one day. I have said, even posted about, those that spend all their time chasing the gurus are wasting valuable time. To me, it’s better to build relationships with people that at least know you exist. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn from them.
Not too many years ago, if you told me you could build a single relationship or friendship online I would have wondered what went wrong in your childhood. Now, having experienced it myself, I value my online friendships every bit as much as my off-line friendships. I’ve been friends with several people online for close to tens years now.
It’s true that many relationships are built on false pretenses but that’s true with offline relationships too. I’m afraid we will see more and more of this the more success we find.
.-= Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..Do Banner Advertisements Work On Blogs? =-.
@Brian D. Hawkins, Luckily, not all relationships we build online or even offline will be disingenuous. Some people are just honestly looking to help others and to get help for themselves.
I have a small group of bloggers and internet marketers that I chat with on Skype nearly everyday, and we help each other out, not expecting anything in return. It has honestly built more personal relationships being able to interact more closely.
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Blog Tip: Secret To Success =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal,
Keith you are spot on with this
On the relationships, I think the solid ones need to “graduate” at some point from Twitter, Facebook, or wherever they originated from online. They “graduate” to a phone call, Skype, personal face-to-face contact…etc… whatever.
Good stuff dude.
Thanks for the post Keith, really like what you’ve been saying lately, and I find the honesty refreshing.
I’ve gone back and forth with people both on my blog and on other blogs about my problems with the SM and blogging scene, but I can tell you that Chris is far from the problem…in my experience.
The problem is the people who want to cry foul and talk about emotional investment like Chris owes them something. It’s preposterous!
I say we all need to cut the bullshit and play it real.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, I don’t understand what is preposterous. For example, I look around the web and want learn this new medium called social media. So I hunt around to find the best people to learn from. I buy the book, read the blog, study the methods and take it seriously when I’m told my mentor will make himself accessible to me in some sense since this is his theory I am following along with and that’s exactly what he’s teaching me to do.
Do I have the right to expect that this person who sold me his book, convinced me I am doing it all wrong, tells me I need to be different, more personable, perhaps funny (things that are not part of my personality or character), should at the very least be demonstrating his ability to execute the same plan or process that he is telling me I need to follow?
Emotional investment – yeah you bet!!!
Emotional investment is what is responsible for every single cent that people have ever spent on anything above Maslow’s 3rd tier. That is anything that doesn’t feed you, keep you warm, or keep you safe has some emotional investment else you’d never have bought it.
People don’t buy the products, they buy the person, the emotion, the experience. They want their own little piece of him. After all that’s how he sold himself. They want the piece that connected with them during the pitch, whatever that piece may be.
Is it wrong to be upset because the product, which is in fact the man, didn’t live up to the expectation the was built in the mind of the customer.
Absolutely not as far as I am concerned. In fact it happens every day with virtually every product. And its simply the inability to meet the unrealistic expectations that were placed in the mind of the customer either by themselves or from the pitch.
What is wrong, in my opinion, is the people who feel so inadequate about themselves they feel the need to go to his blog and abuse or bait him. That’s not going to help anyone least of all themselves or their situation.
But to try to silence those other people who have a legitimate and well founded view or opinion and want to voice that opinion is just farcical.
And I’d love to play it real with so lets. You’ve made an attempt at indirectly trying to say that I have somehow cried foul using my own statement of “emotional investment”. Yet what you clearly fail to see Nathan is that I’m not crying foul at all. If you look at my comments it should be very apparent that I am the type of person who doesn’t care.
My personal view is that Chris Brogan fails to lead by example. Therefore my opinion is that he is a poor leader. And therefore he lost my respect and my interest. Do I feel the need to bash on him? No and I haven’t done so at any point. I don’t think I tried to hide that.
I have also drawn some attention to the way of thinking that the “other side” most likely has. The people who do have legitimate complaints. Why shouldn’t they be heard. We all heard what you had to say about 3rd tribe. You did in a way that was polite, respectful and well founded. Isn’t that the way it should be? Just because I agreed with your standpoint should have no bearing over it. You had an opinion, you gave it gracefully, and you were heard.
I’ve also given crystal clear comparisons between to ‘guru’s in the same market who have completely different approaches. I have also drawn the conclusion that I prefer one over the other and have given all my reasons for that.
I didn’t insult anyone. I’ve shown complete respect and I didn’t make any demands of anyone.
And you are telling me that because I can think, have drawn my own conclusions, have an opinion, and have gone ahead and calmly and politely articulated those views that somehow I am crying foul.
See this is the other half of the problem. It takes two to tango. These online arguments would never take place if those fools who are out there doing the things Keith has talked about in his post wouldn’t do that crap. But it would also never happen if all the defenders actually meant what they said, followed their own advice and simply moved on and continued to follow their leader while the whiners words fall on deaf ears.
Ignore them and they will go away.
@Nathan Hangen, I will have to agree Nathan, and while I understand why people think he should engage more in his comments, it is not up to me to cry foul when he doesn’t. I just read his comment on Jame’s blog, and he said it as true as you can “if you don’t like it, leave”.
I feel the same way here. This is my blog, it is my business, and when my products are released you don’t have to buy them. You (speaking in general) can call me a sellout or whatever, I don’t care because yes I sellout to take care of me and my family. This isn’t a personal blog, it is a business. I am happy to write articles several times a week sharing my experiences, but when I decide to launch my products (and I will this year) will you shun me? Will I care?
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Are You Setting Yourself Up For Failure? =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal, pal, I’m sorry but I have to say it.
That attitude is all good and well when you can command $22K for a days speaking, or are making 6 or 7 figures from your blog and your products. You’re clearly not running out of customers any time soon.
I just wonder how much your business might benefit though if instead of getting up on a high horse like an arrogant prick (I am one and have a stable full of high horses so I know what I’m talking about), that you take a moment, take a step back, to look and ask, what exactly is the problem here, and is there a way to solve it.
Sure people can leave, and rest assured they will if you can’t satisfy them. And when the very last one has gone, then what are you left with? Exactly what you started with – nothing but you and your blog and an empty bank account.
Businesses, the ones that last longer than a few years, and the people who run them accept and understand unconditionally that they are dependent on customers. It’s not the other way around.
We need customers, and we need happy customers. We need them to buy our shit and we need them to be happy so that they tell their friends just how damn good our shit it is and sell it for us.
We need them to give us their money so we can fill our bank accounts.
But why do they need us? Seriously. Give me one solid reason why the customer needs you. If they need you, then you wouldn’t have to learn about marketing, techniques, copy writing, headlines, none of it would be relevant.
If customers needed us then we’d simply say buy this shit because I said to, and they would. Have you ever seen any marketer suggest that you do this?
Of course not because they smart guys know how it works. They know they need you to buy their shit so that they can build more membership sites to teach (tell) you how they did it. They need you to buy more of their shit so they can buy that new HD camera to make another beach video to show to you.
Why do they do it? Because that’s what YOU want from them, in fact its what you expect from them, and they need YOU!
But hey, I’m just a regular guy. I’m no guru. Maybe I’ve got it wrong. I don’t think so, but its always possible.
@Andrew, You are missing something here Andrew. It isn’t up to me to tell someone else how they need to be doing it. If he is getting $22k per day for speaking, then he is doing something none of us is doing, right?
I see it like this, my post was to inform people that it is ok to look up to people, but don’t go crazy bashing them publicly just because you think they should reply to more comments.
I am not a customer of Brogan’s, so I am sure he could give a rats ass about me. But that doesn’t bother me. I have my own flock to care for.
Point being, who are we to tell someone else how to run their business?
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Blog Tip: Secret To Success =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal, right but lets keep in mind the discussion evolved some.
If we’re getting back on topic then my response might be a little different.
Right, he is doing something different. Who is willing to define what it is he’s getting paid 22K to do? I’ve tried, it seems to be constantly ignored.
Perhaps its the difference in culture but for me its not about how much money you make. See I’m a marketer. I understand that the price you pay is not what something is worth, or costs to produce. The price you pay is always going to be as high as you are prepared to go.
Keith do you remember how our skype discussion got started? I was asking why everyone suggested I follow Chris Brogan to learn about social media because his tweet were just out of control. I showed you the stream.
9am: Going to the airport
9:30 I’m at the airport
10:00 Im at Gate D10 ready for my flight to [destination]
10:05 Signing books at gate D10
10:20 Signed 3 books at gate D10. Waiting for flight.
10:21 Boarding the plane
10:30 About to taxi, see you when we land.
And while that is not an exact portrayal, it very closely resembles what the stream was like. Now lets all be fucking brutally honest for just one moment.
That IS NOT the social media style that Chris Brogan sells.
So what is he doing differently Keith? He’s selling social media, he’s not necessarily good at it. And why can he get $22K? Because business people have been sold on social media, and he is just the man to deliver it. They are desperate to get their hands on this information.
A desperate business will pay almost anything you ask for.
I’ve known many millionaires and not all of them were honest or ethical. Should I follow their advice because they can close deals worth a million dollars in 15 minutes?
I’ll say it again. I’m not bashing on him but I have not been impressed by him either. I don’t read his blog or follow his twitter stream anymore. I’ve been smart enough to do what you suggested without having to be told. Sensible, rational people will do that.
But so far I’ve been called jealous and blind because I voiced my opinion and had my say. I guess I understand how that girl felt when Brian Clark jumped all over her on her blog because she just happened to give his products a bad review.
But its her problem somehow because Brian is a 6 figure blogger and she isn’t so he should be able to just shit all over people.
Sorry. Not my style. I have more class than that.
@Andrew,
My problem is that you’re using this “mysterious other” as someone that is unhappy with Chris and that you don’t care….but you’re the one voicing the angst the loudest.
The lady that wrote a review of Brian’s product didn’t have good intentions in the first place. Just like James’ blog, or Griz’s blog, or any other…they feed off of the negative to fuel their community.
She had some great points, but they were lost in her bias.
But now, it seems…that you’re getting mad at Chris for Tweeting about regular stuff…but you pointed out 7 of his maybe 30-40 Tweets per day.
I don’t know what Chris does behind the scenes with big biz, but the Fortune 100 isn’t stupid, and they didn’t get there by being so…so he must be doing something right.
But…saying Chris isn’t the best is much different than saying he’s unethical.
Lastly, I bought a lot of things this week and last week…I didn’t buy any of them because I had an emotional investment…I bought them because I had a hole in my pocket and buying stuff feels good.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, well Nathan once again you’re so far off track about me with your assumptions of what I am thinking or feeling.
This must be like, what, 5 times now, no I don’t care, that’s why I chose to stop following him.
I really don’t give a rats if it was 7 tweets or 17. It was junk, crap, waste of my time, not shit I need to know about or even care about and certainly doesn’t build any type of connection nor provide me with value.
Build connections and provide value. Isn’t that the Chris Brogan catch cry?
So I would say that my statements, clearly void of angst, or hate, are based on experience and rational thought and behavior.
But okay I’ll be completely honest, you got me. I “did” care that I was wasting my own precious time on him. So I stopped following. Simple.
Now I’m really not sure what you next part is saying but I don’t remember calling anyone unethical. Please point it out if I did.
But I love your final paragraph Nathan. It really is an absolute pleasure to debate calmly as adults and get to this point. Let me tell you why – take a lot of notice.
That shit you bought. The shit that made you feel good. That feeling from buying the shit. The shit that caused the emotion of feeling good. You seeing the pattern yet?
There’s you’re emotional connection right there Nathan. I’m not going to try to teach you marketing. You’re clearly happy with yourself and your achievements and that’s fantastic.
But unfortunately from what I can tell you can’t see the forest for the trees.
Wasn’t it you that said lets keep it real?
No emotional attachment – you’re too funny.
@Andrew,
Andrew, what are we going to do with you…this reminds me a lot of our first conversation…I don’t know how people claim to put up with you.
“I’ve known many millionaires and not all of them were honest or ethical.” is a line that drew parallels between unethical businessmen and Chris Brogan, no?
I bought an iMac because it was an emotional investment…but that book that came in the mail? It sits there and I couldn’t tell you when I plan to reading it. I look for things to buy, not people to connect with. I’m really not that desperate.
I’ll agree with you in part, because it does happen, just not in every case.
I bought coffee because I wanted to drink some coffee, and the beer I bought last night was on sale…etc.
I bought Trust Agents to support Chris, not because I wanted to feel closer to him or because I was “emotionally invested” in it. It was a business decision.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, I’m a failure as you see it. You pointed that out in our very first skype chat. So it shouldn’t make any difference if I alienate people simply due to ignorance or some idea of superiority. Because I am already a failure.
You however are the 6 figure blogger so you do need to care don’t you. Yet you clearly have no marketing ability or understanding and still you come out, guns blazing, blind fold on.
No. It doesn’t draw parallels to a point of ethics. It draws parallels to the decision making process of who to model yourself or business on. All you have come up with so far is that he earns a lot of money. Not the smartest reason to follow someone. But if it works for you – go for it. You’re the 6 figure blogger. You can do and say what you want right.
But I’m not sure who to feel most sorry for. You or the people who listen to you. You have absolutely no concept whatsoever about marketing Nathan.
If you honestly believe that you buy STUFF and not the emotional experience you attach to that stuff, then you still have a very long way to go, and I wish you all the best of luck.
To answer you’re question, people don’t claim to put up with me at all. Whoever listens likes what I have to say. Often they test my theories. Since their tests of my very own theories work, they trust me. If a theory isn’t mine, I let them know about that too. And finally if it doesn’t work I listen to the problem and fix it.
I lead by example and take great pleasure in it too.
Now straw man, get some heart.
@Andrew,
I never said you were a failure, and I have no opinion on that honestly. My only opinion is that you remind me of Ellsworth Toohey.
The fact that you’re now resorting to personal attacks tells me that this conversation is over.
Be careful when speaking in absolutes
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, haha and now you cry wolf.
You’ve made dig after dig at me finishing up with “I don’t know how people claim to put up with you” and now you want to cry “personal attack”.
If you expect to be the next all your face guru, then you have to also expect some of your shit to splash back.
You’re just angry because you have a need to be right all the time. I’m simply considering what life might be like for the other side. That doesn’t feed your ego and you don’t like it.
I’ll call a spade a spade every time and I really don’t care what your bank balance is.
And what have we learned from you here? Even though the best marketers in the world for the last 40 years along with the best psychologists in the industry all agree, that this emotional investment, attachment, and expectation is real – we should just dump everything we know to be true because Nathan Hangen said its wrong.
Hah yeah right.
Sounds to me like you’re angry because I don’t subscribe to your opinion.
@Nathan Hangen, For me, beer is a very emotional investment. Nathan, you are an anti-beer-ite! Jerk!
HA!
AL
.-= Allyn´s last blog ..The Walmart Blog, A HUGE Failure, Here’s What We Can Learn =-.
@Allyn,
lol, I think it depends on the day…but I’m definitely not anti-beer…it’s my greatest source of creativity!
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
@Nathan Hangen, I will say this (and it may be off topic for this discussion) I was not impressed with the way Brian handled that issue. Would have been better for him to ignore it in my view. I don’t know him other than reading Copyblogger sometimes, but I learned a valuable lesson watching him act like an ass in the comments of her blog.
The old me would have written an article to bash him for it, and I came really close. But instead, I decided to learn from it, and I hope if I have a product that is popular I can handle complaints better, whether I think they are warranted or not. Sometimes it is better to just not say anything, I am not sure I am capable of that though! LOL
While that product is mostly a good one (Scribe) and I have used it, the main complaint in the review was actually a real problem. She handled it wrong using the word “scam”, but he handled the issue incorrectly.
What can be learned from that? That is where I would rather spend my time. If I were to review a product and have a negative review, I would try to word it so hopefully the company/person that made the product would actually address the issue. On the other hand, if someone puts a negative review of my product, I would probably try to address the problem and if the problem was unwarranted I would do my best to ignore it….
@Keith Bloemendaal,
Brian did lash out, and it was probably the wrong thing to do, but what I do respect is that he isn’t going to take shit from people.
Take your refund, cya later.
Is this the same lady that attacked 3rd Tribe, Teaching Sells, and every other CB product?
If so, I’d go a step further and blacklist her from buying anything at my store (were I him).
You’re right, tact is important…however having been in crosshairs before (beyond blogging) I will admit that it’s very tough.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..The Other Side of a Virus =-.
What if Twitter blew up? Who would I try t reconnect with? Great question!
It really made me realise how few of my contacts I can actually remember, without seeing their name in Tweetdeck. Part of it is my reliance on technology rather than memory, but the more interesting thing is that there ARE some that I do remember. Why is that? Is it because they are remarkable, providing value in their tweets, genuine insight? Or because somewhere along the way a relationship has been established? I don’t have relationships with all the people I follow or who follow me, but I have made an investment or learned a great deal from those who stand out in my mind.
.-= Cashdoodle´s last blog ..Why T-Shirts Are Great To Get Your Work Noticed =-.
OK then. I’ve been sitting here for several minutes debating on commenting or not.
I’m settling on not.
Instead, I think I’ll write my own post; there’s a mess of folks I wanna link/reply to here.
.-= Dennis Edell @ DirectSalesMarketing´s last blog ..Would You Like a FREE Banner Ad Position? =-.
@Dennis Edell @ DirectSalesMarketing, What? Have we rendered the comment king speechless?
Looking forward to your article….
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Blog Tip: Keyword Research =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal,
Hardly my good man. Would you like me to leave an 800 word comment?
.-= Dennis Edell @ DirectSalesMarketing´s last blog ..Holy Power Outage Batman, Not Again! Yep, Another Two Days Shot to Hell… =-.
@Dennis Edell @ DirectSalesMarketing, Do you think I would complain about you leaving 800 more words to my article!
Looking forward to yours….
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..20 Podcasts About Marketing Your Blog =-.
[...] This article is a public response to Keith Bloemendaal’s article entitled Are You Being A Cry Baby? [...]
Wow, is all I can say.
I agree with you in that a lot of people like to whine about other people. But I think learning to take the good with the bad, no matter where it comes from, is part of the process of life.
I am of the belief that people should practice what they preach, but I also don’t think we can assume what kind of lives these A-listers live. No doubt they get a ton of email and have a ton of responsibilities that I can’t even imagine taking on at this point, and so I often times give them the benefit of the doubt. Should they sacrifice time with their family so that they can respond to more comments? No!
But I don’t know the whole story behind why everyone is whining…and I did not read all of the comments in this thread. But I did like the article!
.-= Chris Roane´s last blog ..Beginning PHP Part 1: Working with Variables =-.
Keith
I think that people bash the A-listers because yeah they are jealous but more that they feel inferior. The unbelievable bashing of CB over that he makes $22K for a full day consulting with a company (not for his speaking gigs) suddenly put him in a class above the rest and that did not sit well with people. I mean the guy who helps people, gives away free information and talks endlessly to people to teach them is a step above. The bashers are the ones that feel that social media marketing is easy and that they were on his level until he showed that he is not. He ultimately hit a nerve that made people see that they are not on the same playing field as Chris. Ego.
Selling out – I agree here as we have to feed our families and make a living. Look if you have a product or a book or something you will advertise to sell it. Advertising and marketing 101. Now, I believe that people who attack and call others a sell out happens when the blogger goes outside of the expected and perceived behavior. We all develop our own feelings about bloggers or people in general and when do something that we feel is outside what we think they should do we either praise or bash. Here is a bashing as it is a hit to their ego as they are not able to sell things themselves. It is also that people feel that they are entitled to continue to receive things for free from them. That entitlement leads people to bash. the how dare you” charge for that.
People will continue to bash and write posts about it so they can get traffic and links. It is what separates those that work hard and those that try and get it for free.
@SuzanneVara
.-= Suzanne Vara´s last blog ..10 Tips for Building an Online Community =-.
I have criticized Brogan for not being social on his blog, even though he is a social media guy. This did not take much time, in fact, less than 10 minutes total for the few comments I have posted about it, including a couple directly at him.
I did critique him, however, because some personal ‘friends’ of mind were sucked into some of his paid service and I felt I needed to help defend or encourage or salvage them.
The gripe I have with Brogan is that he is not social on his own blog where he talks about social media. That’s hypocritical, like an auto mechanic blogger who never changes his oil or a religious blogger who never goes to church.
Brogan doesn’t like that… thinks he is too important… I call that “smug”
done,
AL
.-= Allyn´s last blog ..The Walmart Blog, A HUGE Failure, Here’s What We Can Learn =-.
@Allyn, I have criticized him for the same thing, the difference is when people go out of their way to badger someone telling them how they need to “do it” when they don’t know how to “do it” themselves.
If it gets to the point of affecting productivity, then that is headed to self destruction.
Hey, where the hell have you been anyway?
@Keith Bloemendaal, I a have been on a content creation binge for my money sites. It’s that time of year!
.-= Allyn´s last blog ..The Walmart Blog, A HUGE Failure, Here’s What We Can Learn =-.
@Allyn, Same here (that time of year, we are in similar niches for money sites). Good to see you around again though…
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Are You Setting Yourself Up For Failure? =-.
I have no problems whatsoever with what people charge for their products or services, or how much money they make. I’m all about “you’re worth whatever someone will pay you for it”, and I applaud anyone who can make a lot of money.
On the other hand, I do decry those people who don’t respond to comments at all on their blogs, mainly because many of them seem suddenly hypocritical. What you’ll usually see is that, on almost every one of these people’s blogs, is an article that talks about how to get more visitors and subscribers, and invariably there’s the post that says “respond to comments”. I think all of us recognize that at some point one has to be perspicacious in how to handle comments when the numbers start getting astronomical. But to totally disengage and suddenly feel as though your time is too important to ever talk to anyone, especially after they’ve taken the time to visit your blog and read your missives, is disingenuous.
I will add this, though, just to clear up any misconceptions. How people decide to do their business is up to them. I don’t spend that much time dealing with how others treat their business; I worry most of the time about myself. But you can believe that if I don’t feel there’s at least some type of give and take, and I don’t necessarily mean with me, I’m gone, and that’s on blogs, Twitter, or whatever. If you’re going to market to me, you’d best talk to me, so to speak. Great topic!
.-= Mitch´s last blog ..Tips For Guest Posting =-.
@Mitch, Thanks Mitch, and I agree with you about bloggers that don’t respond at all, I just think it is a waste of time to bash them on your own site. I wouldn’t say it would be a waste of time to write about it without naming names and pointing fingers though.
Thanks for the great conversation over on your blog too!
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..Are You Setting Yourself Up For Failure? =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal, I’m enjoying it as well, Keith. And the only blogger whose name I regularly “out” as a non-communicator is Seth Godin, and only in comments, not the actual posts themselves. And it’s not because he doesn’t respond to comments, but because he doesn’t accept them in the first place; my mind says just have a website with articles rather than call it a blog.
.-= Mitch´s last blog ..Meatloaf; My Story =-.
@Mitch, Hi Mitch, you bring up some interesting points of debate here…
Seth has written thousands of posts that contain what amounts to thousands of dollars worth of advice (subjectively) on his blog. He is extremely responsive via email (I’ve emailed back and forth with him numerous times).
So, he turned off comments…call his site a blog, or a collection of his thoughts that I want to pay attention to, whatever, those are just labels to me.
I could care less if he doesn’t choose to communicate via comments on a blog, that’s just the way he chooses to operate, and there’s no law that says he has to have comments turned on to write it.
.-= Joseph Ratliff´s last blog ..I’ve Been Thinking… =-.
@Joseph Ratliff, True Joseph, it’s his right to do it his way, just as it’s my right to gripe about it. Seems elitist to me, which is why I refuse to read it. Some say I might be losing out on a lot of knowledge; trust me, I’ve lost out on many other things in my life. However, I’m going to hold to my own principles, and I’ll feel secure on it at the end of the day.
.-= Mitch´s last blog ..What Will You Go Out Of Your Way To Do For Your Blog? =-.
@Mitch, Fair enough then.
I know that Seth isn’t an “elitist” type of person, but you’re absolutely right Mitch, we are all entitled to our opinions and principles.
.-= Joseph Ratliff´s last blog ..The Great Filtering Of Online Marketing… =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal,
Honestly, what’s the deal with comments anyway?
Do people comment because they want to add to the conversation or because they want to attract people back to their site? Maybe attract favor of a blogger?
I’m not saying any of that is wrong…but if you didn’t have comments enabled for this post or any post it wouldn’t break my heart. You write for yourself, just as any other blogger does.
I don’t understand the hangup on comments at all really. In fact, I’ve thought about removing them from my site and keeping the interaction on Twitter, Facebook, and email.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..Protected: Twisting Turning Through the Never [GCN-8] =-.
@Nathan Hangen, Honestly I have tried limiting my comments that I wanted make on other sites, and I usually have way too much to say to fit it in 140 characters along with the link and the Twitter handle of the author.
I like having comments here on my blog, maybe it makes me feel good that people want to comment on my writing, maybe it helps my ego, I don’t know.
I somewhat disagree with the writing for myself part too, yes there is an ultimate goal here that is for “self”, but I like to think that some articles actually help others…
@Keith Bloemendaal, You’re article here as an example seems to have pushed on what I would call a “strange” hot button for blogs, and communication.
Whether you had comments on or off wouldn’t have mattered, the article resonated with me, and I would continue to pay attention to your writings.
Comments allow a discussion, but if you (or anyone else) didn’t want that discussion in this arena for YOUR business…well…you don’t have to (until the FTC or someone says you do that is
).
.-= Joseph Ratliff´s last blog ..The Great Filtering Of Online Marketing… =-.
@Keith Bloemendaal,
What I meant by “for the self” was not that your writing is solely self-expressive, but that you write for your own interests…which might be to recruit customers, make people think, teach people, etc.
I’m just saying that bloggers write for their own purposes, not to please commenters.
.-= Nathan Hangen´s last blog ..Protected: Twisting Turning Through the Never [GCN-8] =-.
@Nathan Hangen, Ok, I get what you were saying now Nathan.And one thing is certain, rarely do commentors turn into customers, but they do help pave the road by creating more content and adding value (hopefully) to the content, which may help a site grow exponentially.
Personally, I like comments, but there were times that I didn’t care about them….. I probably wasn’t getting many then.
Great post as always Keith.
I agree with you, there are a lot of people complaining about the little things other bloggers do. I get tired of it. Telling my why I shouldn’t listen to certain bloggers or take tips from bloggers that are pros, just because they really do not help out the blogging community enough.
As for social media, there are very few Twitter followers, that I would reconnect with or try and be friends with in real life. So far I have only met one person, through social media that I would reconnect with. But I am always looking for ways to meet knew people and make friends more than just Twitter or facebook.
When someone complains about who you are friends with and stops talking to you because you promote them or are just friend with them, is just childish and those types of people need to grow up and get over it.
.-= element321 @ evolutionary designs´s last blog ..How Add Author Bio to WordPress Without a Plugin =-.
What I’m wondering is, since you got so many comments on this post, are you going to show up on the ComLuv homepage? Wait, let me check….
No, your post isn’t there. I see others with way less comments 39, 32, 29…
Looks like the page will be updated on Friday (tomorrow) and since I am currently leaving the 68th comment, this post should show up under Top 5 CommentLuv sites (I think).
I know that this sounds like it’s off topic but I don’t mean to be. It’s like getting on the home page at Blog Engage – once you land your traffic goes up, more people read your post, you become more popular etc. it’s like making it to the (little) big time. The bottom line is that I haven’t read Nathan’s post yet and I’ve never visited Chris Brogan’s blog – but I like this one
.-= Ileane @Blogging´s last blog ..Dealing with Negative Blog Comments =-.
I saw this the other day on Facebook and I think it certainly applies to this discussion.
If you don’t like my point of view, you have the right not to read it, In turn I don’t have to read yours, BUT I support your right to say it.
.-= Danny ´s last blog ..DoFollow Vs NoFollow Debate =-.
@Danny, Great statement, I tweeted it out but didn’t have enough room to give you credit, sorry
@keith, I do remember when you were really harsh in your responses.
Really like the more mellow you on this site. You have strong opinions but you aren’t attacking when someone else disagrees.
Good on you..
@Glen, Thanks Glen, I knew someone out there would remember the mistakes I made
I do try to learn from my mistakes, but sometimes I am a little hard headed!
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..20 Podcasts About Marketing Your Blog =-.
It’s amazing how some people hate those who are successful and then resort to gorilla tactics to hide their own failures. Instead of learning from other and being grateful for their success.
Nothing wrong with being harsh and to the point. One can criticise and still remain positive not truing to destroy another persons character. No one is above criticism. But keep it civil.
.-= Robert Bravery@blog blogging programming´s last blog ..Webdevelopers Carnival – March 27 edition =-.
@Robert Bravery@blog blogging programming, I liked part of that statement so much I just tweeted it out.
.-= Keith Bloemendaal´s last blog ..20 Podcasts About Marketing Your Blog =-.
hey man,
Glad you were true to yourself.
It’s not natural to envy because we all are designed to grow and succeed – it is every easy to do though.
I can bet your blog truly started growing when you dumped A-list bashing and envying.
And the reason is simple – what you despise, you cannot attract.
Great to see so many comments on your blog Keith.
All the best brother.
.-= Olusegun´s last blog ..I’m back – Rising from the Ashes like a Phoenix =-.
“It is a complete waste of time for you to dwell on whether or not Chris Brogan is answering enough comments!”
LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That simple sentence makes more sense than anything i have read this week.
I came across so many of these bashing posts in the last month, that I was ready to puke. I completely agree with you. Focus is important and the frenzy over useless and irrelevant crap only takes away from what I need to do, and that is make money online!
.-= JR @ Internet Marketing ´s last blog ..Free Automated Social Bookmarking Service =-.