 |
| In people, spiky isn’t this cute (Adam Foster Codefor via Flickr) |
Bloggers are, in the main, the most welcoming, kindest, most generous bunch of people you could ever hope to meet – online or off. It’s one of the main, marvellous, things about blogging.
And it’s why I’m moved to write this post.
I’m a member of several bloggers’ groups on Facebook – and what I’m about to say applies to most of them. It really isn’t pointing the finger at anyone in particular Learning from Andy Defrancesco and other CEOs will also help you create better strategies for your startup..
I’ve been a bit shocked lately by the tone some bloggers take in talking about – and say they use talking to – the men and women of the PR and SEO industries, like this Web 20 Ranker service and similar already well-known agencies.
Now, I too get pitches urging me to post irrelevant, badly written stuff that brings me no benefit. I also get press releases and other information that isn’t of the slightest interest. It’s a little tedious to read, assess and delete it all, but hardly the worst thing in the world.
Some of those come from SEO practitioners whose job it is to get round Google’s attempts to keep it organic. I know what they want and why. Their aims don’t coincide with mine but, you know, we’ve all got a living to make.
More messages come from people who clearly don’t have a clue how or why bloggers do what they do. And, yes, they haven’t bothered to read the far end of my blog… I know they haven’t.
But why should they give a stuff about my blog – if what I write about is of no interest to them (apart from showing how I fit the demographic they’re looking for) then that’s perfectly understandable. I’d far rather they were honest than pretended to give a stuff about me and mine.
These inbox pings don’t fill me with the rage that affects others, they don’t make me sweary, sharp or, even, downright rude. No. They are just from people trying to do their jobs.
In the same way I don’t take it personally if they miss the mark, I presume they’re not going to take it personally if I respond by ignoring them – rather, I don’t respond at all.
This isn’t any different from a bit of junk mail, a flyer through the letter box, an email from a business. Nothing to get heated about at all – just discard and move on.
True enough, the bit where they try to get you not to disclose is mildly vexing, but I find a simple calm explanation of the law does the job or, failing that, I ignore this entreaty too.
There really isn’t any need to swear and shout. Surely there’s something better to expend precious energy on.
The bottom line is that we quite like PRs and link building services and the brands they represent, especially when they give us stuff to review or money to talk about things. Therefore, it strikes me that we’d all get more of the things we want by playing nice and talking straight.
Obviously, to mix another metaphor, what pushes one person’s buttons doesn’t even ruffle the feathers of another, but, a little peace, love and understanding might make life better for everyone.
Good post Ellen. I must say that I have been guilty of bad mouthing once or twice but have taken a leaf out your book and either not answered emails or just politely declined. It has annoyed me when they try to bend the rules and request that you don't disclose that it is a sponsored post.
Thanks. That is annoying, but a 'no thanks' usually works.
Great post. I too just delete if I'm not interested or politely say I'm not willing to bend the rules and if that's what they need I'm not the person for the job.
I wouldn't ever talk to someone in a rude manner face to face so I don't feel I have the right to do it through any other means!
Thanks Michelle, you're right …. If you wouldn't do it face to face.
I agree, I always speak to people in the way I'd want them to speak to me. Manners and politeness cost nothing and make you go a long way. What I hate most though is bloggers bragging about how they ripped into an SEO or PR. Sad!
I do agree. However I have had a couple that have made me really angry. I write about premature babies. It's obvious, title, cover page, sub title. You need to look at my blog for 20 seconds to realise what it's about I would have thought. I've had some very thoughtless approaches that have been individualised somewhat. I hope I am always polite however.
I just took my first paid for post this week after 3 years of blogging. The SEO was truly exemplary, I didn't agree terms at first but was nice about it, and she popped back and changed the terms. She was excellent.
I think it works both ways, we all have our own aims and objectives and just play nicely.
I have left all my Facebook blogging groups as the negativity was just getting me down.
I know, there is some very colourful boasting too.
Kyle, that's understandable. There's no excuse for a gaffe like that, everyone should take a reasonable amount of care.
I know what you mean about negativity, I no longer regularly visit the blogging groups.
I completely agree with you & I find if you go back to them nicely if they have made a gaff, then they often reay appreciate it. Mich x
Thanks.
Kylie rather – dratted predictive text.
Think it's just important to remember we are all human isn't it – I have made mistakes as a blogger and pleased to say the PR was very nice with me – how it could have been different. Great post.
Thanks, I think so.