Brazen Careerist’s Ryan Paugh featured me on his blog today, which I really appreciate. There are some people in this world who have an undue amount of patience for me, and when it comes to my blogging, he’s one of those people.
One of the questions Ryan asked me was what I would change about blogging. At first, I didn’t have an answer, but I then remembered how cynical I am and how easy such a question should be. The word “groupies” quickly came to mind.
My initial thoughts on blogging groupies are in Ryan’s post, but my answer generated a lot more thinking, particularly about the types of groupies I’ve encountered on the internet. I believe there are four types, in order of the increasing level to which they can frustrate:
The girl in the front row who’s obsessed and screaming loud, in your ear, the whole time.
This groupie is the one who would take an autograph right on her chest. She wore the low-cut tank top just for that reason, Sharpie is in the back pocket. She is a fierce admirer and follower. Her comments read more like run-on compliments than they do conversation-creators. She believes that everything the blogger does is awesome, and she is motivated by her admiration.
The name dropper who texts you to announce when even a pseudo-celebrity is near him.
This groupie is more of a lurker than an out-and-out fan. He’s not in your face screaming accolades, but you’re going to hear about it when even the smallest, most peripheral connection is made. At dinner, he probably tells his mom he talked to Robert Scoble on Twitter today and expects her to appreciate how important that is. This groupie not only thinks the blogger is awesome (like the admirer), but also believes even small commonalities are genuine association.
The “If you like The Beatles, you’ll love us.” groupie.
This is the groupie who would love to latch on to the coat tails of a successful blogger and ride them for the fan base. The motivation is popularity. This groupie might be a blogger who is spending more time hawking her posts than developing good content and real relationships. She finds the large audiences of established bloggers very appealing, and in her lust for quantity over quality, she tries to attach herself to them by appearing to align with what they offer. She’s likely to use the strategies of the name dropper, the compliments of the admirer, and a healthy dose of self-promotion to boot.
The “I’m with the band.” groupie.
This groupie may already have more popularity than the others, but perhaps not as dedicated a following, and not anywhere near the influence leading bloggers have. Influence is really what motivates this groupie. He claims he’s an expert, but he tends to be the only one saying that. The community may follow him, but has not necessarily embraced him. It’s kind of like the “viral campaign” that some marketers say they are “planning”. Can it really be viral if it’s not passed along and shaped by the community it is targeting? Can a blogger really be considered influential if his work is not creating new conversation or generating excitement within his community?
For what’s it worth, I think we’re all groupies of different kinds at one point or another, especially of the adoring fan variety. I used to spout Beth Kanter’s name around the office like she was the only one doing anything right with nonprofit social media, and I was giddy the first time I met Rosetta Thurman, a young professional I truly admire. I’m not afraid to admit I’m a dork and really love connecting with some people… but my intention is not to be a fan forever. My hope is to genuinely and intentionally become a co-creator.
Tomorrow, I’ll offer ideas for being a blogger and community member instead of a groupie.
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As someone who is new to blogging and trying to learn the ropes, I’ll make a mental note not to be that person! Great post.
#3 is annoying not just to bloggers, but to the other readers as well. I see it especially at The Pioneer Woman: http://www.thepioneerwoman.com. She literally gets hundreds of comments per post within a couple days, so there are plenty of hangers-on.
I’m looking forward to reading the flip-side to this list tomorrow. I don’t think any blog-reader WANTS to belong in any of these categories. And those who do fall into your categories probably mean well for the most part. I think that’s important to remember when you’re annoyed.
First Em, I have to say, I loved the feature. I had totally forgotten about Jenny Jones. Man, good times.
Second, I really want to thank you for all the great food for thought you provide. I must confess that my initial response to this entry was much longer, as your words have sparked a rather complicated internal debate as to the merit of my blog and so forth (despite the fact that this isn’t what your entry was about. Go figure).
I am struck, all the time, in reading what you have to say, how very little I know, and how much I want to know. Thanks for the education. I cannot wait to see what you have for us tomorrow. Meanwhile, I might just finish the rant I started here and blog about it elsewhere.
T
Wow, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a blog groupie. I haven’t run into anybody like that on my blog and hopefully, I won’t turn into that for anyone else’s either. Great insights – it has definitely made me think about the “hidden” motivations to leave comments on blog sites.
Too me, the difference between a groupie and community member has always been the amount of their own intellectual capital they add to the conversation. I am looking forward to your next installment tomorrow. Creating better community members is right up my alley!
Hi everyone — thanks for reading and responding!
@Becky — do you have a link to your blog? I’d love to read along as you get started.
@Anna — ThePioneerWoman.com is a great example! I visited it once a few months ago and never went back, feeling a little too overwhelmed by the whole scene. I hope you like the ideas tomorrow and throw in some of your own… I’m definitely just an observer and not an expert on this stuff. :)
@Tania — I’m glad to do anything that gets you excited about blogging again, so I will try very hard to keep you thinking!
@Raven — Thanks for your thoughts, and I’ve added your blog to my feeds. Looking forward to reading more.
@Ryan — Intellectual capital is definitely the asset we’re talking about when it comes to community building, and I think a great community is one where even its spectators (members who are present but don’t create original content, like a blog) are encouraged to add their intellectual capital. It’s kind of like finding a meaningful role for everyone in a volunteer project… some people will lead, some will make the big “asks”, and some will do quiet work behind the scenes.
This is an informative post. Thank you. I was totally shocked when I attended a conference about a year ago and someone on reads my blog came up to me and, well, expressed her gratitude for my writing. I was flatted but I was also embarrassed .. I blushed. It’s sort of strange, but I when I started writing my blog, I had not intention of becoming someone who have groupies – I just wanted to place to write.
Anyway, I love the concept of co-creators! Looking forward to reading you! And, maybe we’ll even get a chance to meet – I might be coming to Michigan in the Spring.
Thanks for asking Emily – this is me. http://www.chickinthemiddle.co.uk
I actually read your interview over at Ryan’s site and am glad I followed up with this one. Groupies are a pet peeve of mine too, but I think they’re inevitable in any community. I think that a better word to describe them are the “me too” people.
I just did a video interview with Ryan that I feel you would find interesting. You can check out the video here.
Would love to hear your feedback and have you as a guest on Awesome Bloggers!
- Jun Loayza
Jun Loayza’s last blog post: Awesome Bloggers is Launching Monday, March 16th!!!