I subscribe to Seth Godin's blog and he recently posted that the individual blog is dead and that the way of the future will be taken over by groups of people writing about the given topic. I would have to agree with him. Certainly, Agent Genius and Bloodhound provides us with models hard to aspire to.

When we look at the blogosphere and how evolved it has become, it is more of a celebrity arena. It certainly is fun to be out there reading all these creative minds and their endeavors in blogging. I do think that when you have a very talented and gifted group of people with diverse perspectives the result can only be one of interest.

On the other hand creating group sites does not always work and the degree to which they succeed or fail is directly related to the group of individuals and how they blog. The skill that comes from having been a blogger for five years moves that bar pretty high up for most. New bloggers have a long way to go and much to learn to compete on this level. Now some may have professional writing skills and that can speed the process, however there still remains much to learn about the blogosphere even for a professional writer.

I guess we will see some of these groups emerging and that they shall grow, learn and improve. Some will make it and some will not. The way of the future is always paved with success and failure. Those failures usually lead to some new success. It's all good.

 

86 Comments on Seth Godin Says the Individual Blog is Dead!

NOV
30
2008

You know, I was actually thinking about this very same thing this morning.  Seth and I share a birthday...great minds think alike?  Oh, I wish! 

But, sometimes topics need to be fleshed out a bit.  And, comments just don't cut it every time.  But, I still think, that for the most part, we have a pretty good format here.  And, once in a while, I go back to a blog that was written a month past to see what new comments have come in because I'm curious and someone may be able to change my mind on a topic with great documentation or oratory skills!  My mind is a blank slate.  LOL!  Some days more than others! 

9:06am • #1
139,335 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

So very unpredictable when blogging either in a group or solo. I think it depends of the individuals.

9:08am • #2
7 Featured Posts

Marketing Naples FL  SETH GODIN is the authority, although I have to say I LOVE the individual blog. I am all about marketing yourself as an individual and unique "product", and if you are good at blogging, then it is a powerful way to connect with your target market and keep constant contact with your existing database of clients.  Naples FL real estate is seasonal and when most "snow birds" are home, keeping them informed through your blog has shown to be priceless!  So I believe, it will still be useful for some.   THANK YOU for posting!

Elayna Fernandez  - Marketing Naples fL

9:12am • #3
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router

Not sure about that. It seems to be pretty effective and  still get calls from potential clients. Doubt that a few thousand on AR would agree with that. Maybe down the road, but who knows. perhaps he is trying to stir up some publicity for an idea he is about to launch. it wouldn't be the first time someone had their own self-interests at heart. Than again, I am still somewhat new to all this, so I defer to the more experienced and knowledgeable out there.

9:14am • #4
108,049 Points Outside Blog

Hey Jeanean, thanks for this information. I am happy to hear that Seth Godin is giving group blogs a thumbs up. I do think as far as group blogsphere is far more creditable than indiviudual blogs. The reader or the consumer can click through wide range of similar topics to reference each blog topics instead of relying on one source... Have a good Sunday!

9:21am • #5
1 Featured Post

If what he says is true, why do I still get daily individual blog posts from Seth?    ;)

9:33am • #6
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Hello all, thanks for commenting on this post. I don't think that he's implying that the individual blog is really dead....just that it would be hard for us to reach the top 100. He does....but he's rather unique. All good points made here and I also have very good results from my individual blogs. Just food for thought....that's what is so great about the blogosphere.....new ideas and opinions that provoke dialog!

10:16am • #7

A combination of group and individual is necessary for success utilizing this marketing environment.  The benefits of a group blog are substantial but it is the knowledge and skills of the individuals along with the common thought-process that make up the group that brings the success.  These individuals must have an outlet to retain their personality and promote their own branding that many of us share and enjoy.  I would disagree that the individual blog is dead or even trending towards its demise.

10:18am • #8
650,412 Points 264 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jeanean, I'm surprised you didn't mention AR in your group blogs. That's exactly what AR is and it's far superior to anything else out there.

I don't agree at all that the individual blog is dead. Group blogs and individual blogs are two different animals. On AR we have the best of both worlds.

5:23pm • #9
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Suzanne, thanks for coming in on this. I agree that we do great things here in the RAIN. I think that Seth's point is that when we look at the top 100, it might be hard to compete, however we do have individual blogs in that top 100. Seth's blog is among them. He's just writing to those inquiring minds that want to ponder the point! Controversial subjects are the way to lead in the top 100.

7:21pm • #10
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Lorraine and Loretta, I totally agree on your point. It's all good and on any given day either point can be made.....and so the point of the post.

7:23pm • #11
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Elayna, you make such a good point about the individual blog. I completely agree. There is no right or wrong in this discussion. Seth has a way for us all to learn about blogging and that is to turn it upside down. The group blogs may rule in one way, however for us on a personal level our individual blog can only rule for us in communicating with our consumer. Thanks for a great comment!

7:26pm • #12
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Michael, I don't find issue with your observation. I totally know the value in Google Juice from the RAIN. It has brought me most of my business this year. However, it is always wise to look toward the trending market and how it is adjusting. I do think that it may not be realistic that our individual blogs will be in the top 100. However, they can be and there is no reason to not aspire to be there. It is what it is! Sorry Bob! A group blog does generate more diversity and creativity than one person can manage. The way of the future is always a compromise. Individual blogs will also have their place. We just have to work at it. I'm up for it....that's for sure! How about you?

7:31pm • #13
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Eileen, I believe you get the gest of Seth's post on this subject. They offer a broader spectrum and a more creative level of connection to a market of professionals and consumers. We can play, however we will have to work harder to achieve that same level of performance.

7:33pm • #14
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Jim, obvious you got the same post and I find your comment relevant :)

7:35pm • #15
106,451 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I think that many people are now focusing their efforts on more than one blog -- they may have a personal blog, another that they contribute to on occassion as well as a group blog.  I think that the individual blog serves a purpose, although it may not be a contestant for the Top 100 or Top 500 blogs.

8:35pm • #16
104,349 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I am new to Seth Godin, but I see the value of the group blog as far as the amount of content and differing opinions available.

8:37pm • #17
592,709 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

AgentGenius and Bloodhound have some very good contributors, but they usually write on a much broader, high-level scale. It would be very difficult for them to consistently compete for market share at the local level with a solid local blogger. They simply don't have access to the same grassroots data and experiences.

8:38pm • #18
10 Featured Posts

I agree with BB ... that they're two totally different things. A group blog most likely appeals to the blogosphere. I just don't see them pulling in traffic from buyers and sellers. That's where our blogs come in. Our individual blogs give them the local market news and local listings info that they crave. The group blogs tend to discuss the latest and greatest new widget, or SEO, or rant on one of the real estate search engines. I don't believe clients care about such info.

8:38pm • #19
293,955 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I see no group bloggers that write about real estate in my market. I may still be one of the few agents that has kept up blogging on a regular basis. I do see more corprorate type of blogs from local newspapers, television stations, and media outlets. Good to be alone.

8:46pm • #20
243,605 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Visionaries like Seth Godin are speaking into the future and no one truly knows how the future will flesh out. Wasn't it said 10 years ago that realtors were 'dead'? That with the internet we wouldn't be needed anymore? I agree with BB that we have the best of both here in the Rain and with Localism, I think there will be business aplenty for dedicated competent bloggers.

 

8:56pm • #21
178,377 Points 13 Featured Posts

Hi Jeanean,

I do agree with this statement:  "the individual blog is dead and that the way of the future will be taken over by groups of people writing about the given topic."

It just makes so much sense for both the bloggers and the readers who want the content.  I have always believed that success is nearly impossible while working in a vacuum and group blogs certainly support this belief.

8:57pm • #22
381,697 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jeanean, As a huge fan of Seth Godin, thought everyone might like the opportunity to read his post.  « Death of the personal blog? 

Notice there is a question mark at the end of his title 

He quotes

 " A quick look at the list of the 'top' blogs in the world will show you that almost all of them are written by teams of people. There isn't one in the top 10 that's personal.

8:58pm • #23
218,900 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You know it all depends on perspective and what you want to accomplish with your blog. Seth Godin is the big thing right now -next year it will be someone else. Still teamwork always fairs pretty well.

9:05pm • #24
381,790 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I think there are all types of consumers our there -- some will like the very intellectual discussions of real estate and some will look at the more folksy down to earth approach -- We have seen that many AR members have had clients find them here so I don't think one necessary has to be a top blogger to have clients want to work with them after reading their blogs on a platform like AR.

9:12pm • #25
317,722 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Jeanette - I have noticed of late that a number of 'gurus' or groups of 'gurus' all seem to be proclaiming the same thing - that individual blogs are no longer the way to go.  And yet, they're still teaching their own individual 'students' the concepts of individual blogging.  And that just makes me wonder if they're telling the world to ditch individual blogging so they can teach their own students and make them look great because so many others stopped....

Just thinking 'out loud' because so many who have large audiences seem to be saying the same thing lately.  Hmm......

Ann

9:16pm • #26
373,682 Points Outside Blog

Seth is usually onto things before they happen -- but not so sure the individual blog will go away . Just my 2 cents.

9:23pm • #27

What I know is that my blog posts on Active Rain as well as my individual blogs are indexed well in Google and drive traffic to my site.  My goal is to increase my business and give potential, current and future clients a place to go to learn about my community and the home buying process..... my own Localism but where I am the only agent. I guess it comes down to the reason one blogs.

http://savannahgarealestate.typepad.com/

9:43pm • #28
7 Featured Posts

Well, since I don't believe in the "group" mind any more than I believe in the group "stomach" I have to disagree with Seth. Individuals have ideas - not groups. Individuals can work together to make a number of contributions in common - even on a blog - but that's called a conversation or teamwork. And that is what great "individual" blogs sometimes feature. But let's not confuse teamwork with idea creation. Teams usually can work well to implement an idea; but it is the individual mind that usually comes up with it.

In fact, the idea of a "group" anything seems to be ANTI Seth Godin. Wasn't it just a few years ago when he was proclaiming the "Purple Cow" to be the right path in marketing - to make something (singular) "stick out" from the herd. Now he's proclaiming the herd to be superior? Sounds fishy to me. Oh, sorry, that's a school, not a herd...

LOL!
Matthew

www.matthewferrara.com

9:43pm • #29
324,421 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Jeanean -

I respect Sean very much, but I'm not sure I agree with him.

If the purpose of the blog were to have only THE BEST, MOST ACCOMPLISHED writers and writing teams post according to their expertise, it would be self-limiting, like a daily newspaper.  Part of the power of individual blogging is to allow EVERYONE to say what is on their mind.

Now, of course, some write better than others, and some don't hit all the blog "hot buttons" for readership and SEO.

But blogging has become FREE SPEECH at it most pure form, in addition to being a fantastic business communication device.

It will evolve, I am sure, but there will always be a place for the individual, and the individual business person, in my opinion.

My two cents, anyway!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

9:54pm • #30
1 Featured Post

Funny observation by Seth as his blog is an individual blog!

Seth does have a point.

The HomeGain blog clearly is a success because of the joint efforts of our Homegain members and our distinguished guest bloggers.

Sometimes we hang too much on the words of thought leaders like seth.

Didn't Seth think that his company Squidoo was going to be the next big thing?

 

10:05pm • #31
320,092 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi there,

While he's definitely the expert, not so sure I agree with him on this one. I think there's room for both.

10:15pm • #32
121,426 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

congrats on the feature!  and i think that the group blog is the wave of the future BUT i am just wondering if active rain doesn't kind of count as a group blog in a way?

11:14pm • #33
DEC
01
2008
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I think the individual blogs will stay.  If we want group blogs, we can subscribe to an industrial magazine and site fort that, but for people who want a personal connection and understand an individual's view, then an individual's blog is where they will be reading..... For what most of us are trying to accomplsh - build our business - then the personal blog will be what our clients will be looking for to learn about us as individuals.

1:19am • #34
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Kenneth, good points and I also don't think we will see the individual blog go away. As we continue to evolve, it is of value to assess how we develop our individual blogs to get the best performance possible. The group blogs often time raise the level of blogging to a higher plane based on their diverse and creative group consciousness. We can all learn from this exposure and benefit with enriched content on our own blogs. Getting out in the blogosphere only raises the bar for us all.

2:15am • #35
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Bryant, I rarely disagree with you, however I don't think that AR really compares to these group blogs that Seth is referring to. However, I personally think that AR goes beyond those blogs in a much broader sense. Just as a few people coming together can have a greater or more interesting effect then extrapolating that out for AR only makes sense. I don't think the personal blog will ever really be dead.....it just will be hard to be in the top 100 let alone top 10. For the sake of discussion, I've been using the top 100 blogs rather than the top 10. Seth referred to the top 10 not having any single bloggers.

2:20am • #36
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KERRY, I think I would agree. I've found myself using my Google reader to keep up with group blogs and individual blogs and I do see a higher level of contribution coming from the group blogs. They are just more provocative. It's changing the way I write and defining better who I am writing for. Thanks for coming in on this discussion.

2:26am • #37
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Morgan, I would agree. Thanks for commenting.

John, you've made a very good observation and I agree. They are very different and hence my reference to almost a "celebrity" status. There are lessons however than can be applied to our individual efforts that will raise the peformance of our individual blogs and that is the purpose of this post. Thanks for coming in with this relevant point.

Elaine, I will tag off on the similar response I gave John. I do agree that they do have a different audience and voice. But if we want to be in that 100, there are things that can be learned from these groups and their efforts and applied to how we get performance out of our individual blogs. I see opportunity to raise the level of contribution to a higher and broader base just as I see and identify a drill down opportunity in Localism. If we are doing the one, why would we not be seeing the opportunity to voice at the state or national level, as well. Thanks for coming in on this discussion.

2:30am • #38
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Eric, I don't have a successfull group blog in my local area either. My company is building one, however it will never be in the top 100 list of blogs. We are speaking of the top 10/100 rated blogs. It is a good goal to have. Great blog! Thanks for commenting.

Sharon, Seth Godin and other Thought Leaders always give us food for thought. I thought this a provocative subject. I've seen some correlations on a similar vein while out reading in the blogosphere. It's just always good to open up my dusty one-track mind and consider how improvement can occur. Extrapolating some key elements of the group blogs will help our own individual blogs and their performance. Thanks for coming in on this discussion.

2:44am • #39
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Mark, thanks for coming in on this. I have a background in building teams and so there is some past experience here that allows me to see potential for us all. Group dynamics are powerful as we witness each and every day here in the RAIN. Thanks for your relevant comment.

Margaret, thanks for commenting and providing the link to Seth's post. I wasn't really trying to quote him directly....but discuss the implication of his statement. Glad you added the reference for all to read.

2:52am • #40
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Ken, I would agree with you.

Joan, I think you make good and relevant points here. Being a learning junky, I am always out there correlating what it all means to me and how I can improve on what I do and deliver. Thanks for coming in on the discussion.

2:54am • #41
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Ann, interesting observation. I don't think we'll ever really see our individual efforts go by the way side. Our goals may be that one day we are asked to contribute on one of these very successful sites and drive traffic to our own individual blogs. That would be the model that makes sense going forward. There will always be the "Gurus" who teach and coach....but one must graduate some day and begin to think on your own. That's the nice thing about AR....we've been doing that from day one....learning and learning! It's a good thing.

Bob and Carolin, I would agree.

2:59am • #42
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Thomas, I think we are trying to expand your awareness here. Thanks for commenting.

Mathew, you have me completely confused. Thanks for commenting.

Dean, I don't think our discussion is about the purpose of the blog. It is about being in the top 10/100 blogs and what get's you there. Thanks for commenting. Your points are certainly valid in terms of why we blog on an individual basis. However, where I disagree is when we think that a group of people are not more dynamic than an individual. That would not always be the case. I can think of a few that can hold their own, but generally speaking group consciousness will bring a more powerful result.

3:07am • #43
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Lynda, I would agree....of course. I just love provocative thought. I can remember when I first started blogging...my world was so small. It a joy to grow and learn on a daily basis! Thanks for coming in on this.

Emily, I think it does in a big way. As I make the point on the group post being powerful, I believe that AR provides an even more powerful platform. We represent the consciousness of the industry. Big time power!

Silvia, thanks for commenting. You make valid points.

 

3:12am • #44
494,124 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I am looking to build up my individual blog.  I see a big benefit to it.  I am inspired by Eric Bouler, he has done a great job.

3:31am • #45
317,722 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Jeannette - I came back to read more on what others think of Seth's proclamation on individual blogs, and it looks like plenty disagree with him.  Funny also that someone mentioned his squidoo lens, too.

Anyway, I think he's off the mark on this one.  Too many people have been reaping the rewards of their efforts on their individual blogs and one will never convince those of us who fall into that group to abandon individual blogging.  The number of 'gurus' advocating this of late really makes me suspect of the motives behind what they're saying because they continue to teach their own 'students' how to blog successfully on their own sites.  Interesting....

Ann

5:38am • #46

Wait!

I didn't say it was dead. I ASKED if it was dead. My answer was "no."

seth godin
6:03am • #47
1 Featured Post

Whether participating in an individual or group blog, blogging is a good way to focus your thoughts and improve your communication.

6:08am • #48
167,670 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

New media imitating old media ....What else is new? Nothing! Nothing is ever really new just recycled in a different format.

7:09am • #49
Outside Blog Hit Router

To me this speaks to specialization and niche blogging.  Like some famous realtor said, "become the expert of your own street".  The big guys can not possible cover all the detail out there.

7:18am • #50
224,550 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I think I would agree to disagree with Seth---heck, many people are just getting started.

7:19am • #51
305,058 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Whatever works for the reasons you're doing it will be what continues.

For that reason I believe Mr. Godin is wrong about individual blogs being doomed.

My blog still works for me without any partners.

7:24am • #52

Jeanean - Great post; I personally, am not one to think that I am smarter than Seth Godin :)

I also understand the time & energy that it takes for ActiveRain, Twitter, Facebook, My Space, etc., and can see why a team (Virtual Assistant, etc) could handle the demands, research, etc better than one person.

 

7:26am • #53
579,730 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I can understand this. I see a lot of people (over time) leaving AR and going onto other platforms. Recently Twitter, which gives almost instant gratification seems to be the platform of choice...

Merry Christmas!

Charlottesville Santa

Your Friend in Charlottesville!

7:32am • #54
381,697 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Did anyone notice that Seth made a comment above? He did not say it was dead, he asked if it was dead?

"Wait! I didn't say it was dead. I ASKED if it was dead. My answer was "no."

12/01/2008 06:03 AM by seth godin

8:06am • #55
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Margaret, funny that we seem to run on. As Margaret has pointed out we may have a comment from Seth. His post is about questioning the idea and he doesn't say it is so. I just stirred up the pot here. It sounds like we are all pretty much in agreement that we don't think the individual blog is dead. Whew! For me it does provide the notion that we can raise the bar for our endeavors in that area. Thanks Seth for giving us food for thought....if that was really you. Somehow, I think he would say a bit more?

8:27am • #56
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Maragret Rome just called me and guess what....that really was Seth Godin! She gave him a call about the post and so we've had a comment from Seth himself! OMG! How cool is that. Well, we can all sleep better knowing that our individual blogs are alive and well!

From Seth's article:

Who cares that you're not writing a mass market newspaper? The point is not to show up on a list, the point is to start a conversation that spreads, to share ideas and to chronicle your thinking. That's the work of an author, and I think rather than kissing author blogs goodbye, someone should just start a new list.

I guess we started some dialog on this.....

8:37am • #57
198,523 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I do think this is true, individual blogs of most agents get little attention. However, an individual blog can be used effectively for other purposes such as announcements, communities involvement or to gather information on one site for marketing use. Since many blogs sites are free-use, I take advantage of using them.

8:39am • #58

The sites that have lots of blogs together are more like directories, a place that lists a selection of blogs.

You can still add your personal blog to these directories, just like you can use an outside blog here at active rain.

8:46am • #59
418,736 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

There are those of us who like to read the newspaper or a magazine because we get a variety of information from a large number of people. However, there are also those of us who love to read a novel, and that will never change.

Put another way, we like our associates, but we love our best friends because of who they are. It's no different with a blog.

Elizabeth Weintraub Land Park Real Estate Agent in Sacramento

9:09am • #60
149,655 Points

So is Active Rain viewed as an individual blog or is it a group of blogs? That is the question! I don't belong and blog on Gather or some of the other sites he may be referring to. I guess I need more clarification.

9:15am • #61
213,987 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thank for the information and I will have to subscribe to his blog as well.

9:17am • #62
380,473 Points 22 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Never thought of this.  Good post....that's why Im here at AR~!

9:17am • #63
201,479 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Yet another interesting idea from Seth. I'll admit, I don't always agree with him but I like the thought he provokes. I'm with Broker Bryant, I think there is room for both. There have been so many changes in the blogosphere just this past year that I've been a participant that I'm certainly not going to make any predictions about where all this is going.....it's awfully fun to watch and participate in thought isn't it?

9:30am • #64
381,697 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jeanean, Actually it was an email and not a call but that was him. Enjoyed speaking with you and congratulations on your featured post

9:38am • #65
211,455 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

from a lead conversion point of view , you need less traffic to to get leads and that you dont have to share with the group , so dollar for dollar it may be closer to a wash , just my humble opinoin

10:16am • #66
226,201 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Isn't that the way that AR is going with the drop down menu where you put in the topic? I think that AR is looking ahead on this very thing. Buyers will just go to the posts which feature home buying, etc. It's going towards 'topics'.

Maybe I'm not getting it but that is my 2cents.

10:35am • #67
238,941 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I would tend to disagree. There is more money with group blogging since that is just another avenue for some folks to make money but I personally disagree and feel that the individual blog if worthwhile still has a future in the blogosphere.

And as a group blog, Active Rain sure counts!!

10:57am • #68
152,049 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I have always loved guest contributors and think that is a great way to expand the depth and content of your blog.  I also read blogs that are group authored like Agent Genius and BloodHound Blog.

BUT, I would hate to see the death of the individual blog as it is the individual blog that allows a reader to connect witth a blogger.....than connection leads to "Know, Like, Trust"...that confidence leading to contact from consumer to professional- a strong relationship all born from a post or two or more.

Blogging is one of the best things to happen to real estate because it bring the real estate professional into a transparent light never experienced before by consumers and it allows the consumer's walls to come a tumbling down.

Individual blogging is fantastic for real estate pros, even if they contribute to communities and multiple author blogs.  Unless a real estate agent works on a team, it's important for that professional to still strive to build their own readership and their own community.

11:09am • #69
17 Featured Posts

I like Seth's analogy of a group blog being like a newspaper, and personal/local blogs being like an author or editor. So there are huge benefits to both. As a real estate consumer Group blogs are fun and informative to read, but I think for real viral local info I would stick with someone with a great personal blog:)

11:13am • #70
2 Featured Posts

What a great, short, concise post with a lot of value. Thank you for writing this. I agree for the most part but I do think that individual blogs still have a very big place in the internet, bigger, "team-based" blogs just tend to have more clout.

3:44pm • #71

I think he is wrong but wouldn't want him to know it, especially since I have applied to be an apprentice or something like that ( he doesn't call it that) but who knows I may get the gig.

4:44pm • #72
204,209 Points 64 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I agree and I dissagree. Most agent bloggers do not realize that are blogs are not like seth's or like agent genius. They are like web sites that people who want to buy or sell homes will find through search engines. For blogs like my local blog it doesn't matter if anyone ever reads it or if it has regular readers all that matters is that the people who are looking for me find the blog and they will. They won't find the content I write on localism or any where else.

5:34pm • #73
173,461 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

I still believe that a personal blog is a way to be found by consumers...  Search Engines still look for content and drive people to your site...

7:44pm • #74
270,801 Points 27 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

It is all good !  Time will tell how the blog world will shape out. 

7:51pm • #75
5 Featured Posts

Hi Jeanean ... however the blogging thing works ... I'm not sure on all the details ... it just works!  pippa

9:13pm • #76
634,297 Points 34 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I think that T above hit the nail...  For my blog, there are readers that come back and read again and again, but there are many more that wander in and read something and then leave.  My goal is to make them readers... but that isn't always practical. 

I think a lot of it comes down to the size of the subject.  Some things CAN be tackled by a lone blogger, but others are just too big.  Gruop blogs have advantages there... and also for the fact that it isn't up to one person to create all of the content.

10:04pm • #77
DEC
02
2008
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Hello everyone, I had a long day yesterday and another today. I'll try to get to individual responses later today or tonight. Thanks everyone for coming in on this including Seth. It was a good topic and dialog. I personally find value in the blogosphere period. I continue to think the more exposure we have and the broader the sphere, the richer the content will be. Group blogs serve a purpose and the individual blog serves a pupose. This post was about pondering the effects of one on the other and whether we could see a glimmer of the future. I know I continue to be shaped by the blogosphere.

8:38am • #78
381,697 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jeanean, Instead of adding yet another comment, I wrote a post and linked it to yours.

Was It a Question? It was an Exclamation!

It's hard keeping up with all those comments, isn't it?

7:16pm • #79
DEC
03
2008
281,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Margaret, I'm going to comment here and on your post. I think you've made a very valid point. I see this often, the tread of my post is missed and I keep having to connect each post with the intent. This post was a random thought on my part and dashed off whether quiickly. I read Seth's post some time ago....a week or so.....seems forever ago. The thing I walked away with was his title and the question. I pondered it for days and hence the post. In those days it change in my awareness from a question market to an exclaimation point. It really wasn't intentional the exclamation point....it's just where my thinking had gotten me to. I really did want explore the topic.

After you made your comment, I realized that it might not be such a good idea to misquote Seth and so we tried to straighten things out. That's where it is rather interesting to see that we couldn't do it. Again, having to keep coming back in the comments to make the point. It is a lesson for me in writing more provocative post, however I will want to NOT misquote Seth going forward. It was not intentional and I should have incorporated the post in my post. It is interesting once again, however to realize how powerful the blogosphere is and that reading a post by Seth or any other person changes our awareness and opens our minds to new possibilities....well at least some of us. Thanks for engaging in this post and taking up for Seth! I love his comment. All day yesterday.....I kept laughing about "Wait". Only Seth would say it that way!

6:16am • #80
381,697 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jeanean, "This post was a random thought on my part and dashed off whether quiickly.  "

Discussions and  changes  start with just a random thought by one person!

8:26am • #81
613,610 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Came here after reading Margaret's post. Yikes lots of misunderstanding here about what Seth said. I have been encouraging my team to blog. So I think I may let them be guest bloggers and get use to it. That would help me tons.

5:15pm • #82
286,420 Points 6 Featured Posts

Jeanean - When I first began blogging (this Spring), I did so more out of curiousity than anything else.  I felt blogging might end up being another fad that hits the cyber dump like an old 1983 Apple 2E.  But, as all things with technology, we evolve while participating in the experiment.  I will say whether blogging stays, morphs, or disappears, I've enjoyed the experience of learning and networking with people in our profession.

11:44pm • #85
DEC
07
2008
399,712 Points 23 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hmm fascinating.......group blogs are fabulous - but they will replace individual ones instead of compliment them?  Hmm I wonder why.......will have to subscribe to Seth :-)

12:10am • #86

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Jeanean Gendron ~ Redding & Shasta County Specialist

Redding, CA

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Coldwell Banker C & C

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