Do Advocates of Blogging Need to Blog Themselves?

I've always prided myself on being someone who practices what they preach.  As a client partner and consultant, I feel it's important for me to have first hand experience in all marketing, communications and advertising tactics.  However, a question was recently posed to me in regard to why there are many proponents of blogging out there that don't actually blog themselves?

Interesting question.  Well, it depends on the proponent; wouldn't you think?

Blogging is slowly but surely moving into more of an art form that only certain people have the ability to master.  Based on the nature of the space, there will always be Blog Pro's out there like Godin, Jaffe, BL, Mack, and Armano as well as what I like to refer to as the "Weekend Webloggers"... like myself.  There is an incredible amount of self discipline required to run a blog (aka. Small Business) and one doesn't necessarily need to be a blogger to understand the reach, influence and benefits of blogging.  For example, I know the value and influence a fresh coat of paint and a bathroom remodel would have on selling my home, but don't need to do the work (or sell the home for that matter).

Also important to note is that Blogging hasn't been around for 20 years, but just because the platform is new, doesn't necessarily mean that the message is always different.  If the proponent of blogging is a superstar marketer, does he/she need to blog to understand the impact and influence the blogosphere and social media will have on his/her brand?  If a PR executive understands the value of delivering a message and can effectively communicate that message to an audience, do they need to be a blogger to understand the value of the space?

What are your thoughts on this question?  If you believe in social media, blogging, YouTube, Podcasting, etc... are you required to participate?

Comments

[DA]

I always thought my blogging was a lack of discipline. I sould be writing a book instead!

;-)

Nice to see you are still keeping at it. Even if it's on weekends.

[Kevin]

I'd like to see a book by you, David.... but only if it uses canine analogies and all of the images contain at least one guy on a motorcycle!

Very good point though... I guess many of us do get into blogging to avoid what we are ACTUALLY getting paid for! : )

[Stephanie]

I do think it's mandatory to participate to some degree - it's the only way you can really understand the nuances of the medium (in this case blogging). That's why I started my own blog - so I could speak with authority to my clients; the joy I get from blogging is an added benefit.

Rubel's recent comments about his declining interest in traditional blogging in favor of micro blogging are interesting though: http://web2watch.blogspot.com/2007/08/every-blog-has-its-day.html. I know I've found it increasingly difficult to keep my blog updated with fresh content.

[Ron Coyle]

Kevin,

You've done it again. Another great post. And I might add that they get better and better each time. I do agree that one doesn't need to blog to understand its importance. In fact, I would compare blogging to driving a car. I don't know much about the inner mechanics of a vehicle, but I understand the benefits of driving. I simply put the key in the ignition, turn, put my vehicle in drive and go. Also, similar to most people, I don't have time to find fresh content daily since I work 10+ hours a day. However, I try to update mine between one and three times a month now. But returning to my analogy....Similar to blogging, I don't understand the mechanics behind a vehicle (i.e. My company may not have a corporate blog), but I am aware that I should provide regular maintenance to keep my vehicle from falling apart(i.e My company should be keeping up with the blogosphere to make nothing bubbles up which could affect our brand negatively).

[Toby]

Kevin - ditto .. great post. To bounce off of what Ron said, you may not need to understand the mechanics of how a car works but the fun of the wind in your hair riding with the top down or (if you're into racing) the rush you get from the burst of speed is something that only experience can give you.

With blogs you don't need to know the HTML under the hood to write a post. However, unless you do participate, I believe, you'll never really "get" the secret power of blogs/social media .. the ability to build relationships.

[Toby]

Kevin - ditto .. great post. To bounce off of what Ron said, you may not need to understand the mechanics of how a car works but the fun of the wind in your hair riding with the top down or (if you're into racing) the rush you get from the burst of speed is something that only experience can give you.

With blogs you don't need to know the HTML under the hood to write a post. However, unless you do participate, I believe, you'll never really "get" the secret power of blogs/social media .. the ability to build relationships.