I once wrote that “Nobody’s a blogger anymore, we’re all publishers“. The point is that at some point in the last few years of blogging growing up, and social media grabbing hold of us, that the reasons we started blogging became different. It wasn’t only about expressing our thoughts… it became more.
It became a business. Ok, you know what I mean. You start a blog today because you’re looking for something. Either to build your brand, or generate revenue, or to get publicity, or get a new job, etc… Therefore, since your intentions have changed, you no longer are a blogger… you’re a publisher.
A publisher is someone who’s looking to get something by producing content. A blog is just a tool you can use to do that. Same with Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc…
Now, what’s interesting to me is that we’re seeing the same shift happening in social media now that just happened with blogs. Albeit, we’re several years early for mass adoption of this meme, but I feel the trend happening. More and more people are getting into social media with a goal in mind.
The goal could be figuring out how to make money, or build their brand, or find a new job… whatever. But it’s more than just “socializing” as the intent is my point.
Why is this happening? Well, it could be that people have finally realized that it’s possible to “do something more” than chat with friends. People are now beginning to see that these tools can be used to help them accomplish something, and frankly, I don’t think that’s such a bad thing.
Why shouldn’t we have goals?
How long will it be before more and more people begin to become aware that social media is more than a glorified chat room and friend finder? Time will tell. But in my opinion, that trend is moving faster than you think.
It may be coming faster than we think, but as soon as the majority of users stop using social media in a social way, you'll see people moving out and trying to find something to replace it. That's my prediction. People who like social media for the social aspect like it because there is so little advertising or pimping of one's services. If that goes away, if more and more people start tossing pitches to their friends and family, we'll see it start to die. What can replace it? Who knows? And maybe that's the only thing keeping social media alive right now, that there's nothing to replace it waiting in the wings.
That's my theory. I could be wrong.
I think the good news is that there are so many people using social media that it won't matter. As opposed to blogging which really isn't for everyone.
Really fabulous work blog and informative things. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jim,
I was introduced to your work by your video tutorials, and now I have found your blog! :cool:
I am new to this whole world of developing a business online, there is so much to learn and so little time especially when one has a 2 year old! :lol:
I completely agree about your opinion on social media. I was only introduced to facebook last year. I know I am a bit slow :D However in saying that once I became addicted I realized the massive potential of all of these social networking sites from both a personal and business development tool. Yes for developing presence online especially if we are trying to create a business online.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I now have you marked in my Google Reader and I am sure I will be back here very soon.
Looking forward to learning more. :P
Kind Regards
Jacinta :D
(An Aussie mum trying to learn how to create a business online while her 2 year old sleeps! :D)
I agree with you and we can do a lot
of this other then making new friends,
we can Increase transparency in government
and organizations and Democratization of media.