Interesting analogy, John. For my part, I've always been fascinated by letters to the editor (in a newspaper or magazine) that actually address another letter to the editor (generally disagreeing with the original premise), rather than a recent article in the publication. Using a third-party print medium to carry on a two-way debate seems rather ponderous.
The post you cited did get me thinking about how more and more it is generally/disproportionately bloggers leaving the comments on other people’s blogs (in addition to the general link love going around). I mean, considering the huge numbers of non-blogging PR/comms practitioners out there, you’d hope that at least some non-bloggers are reading your thoughts, n’est-ce pas? (Particularly because to a consultant the non-bloggers are potential clients, rather than probable competitors.)
So why aren’t more non-bloggers commenting?
Perhaps it’s the perception (if not the reality) that bloggers only want to “debate” issues with other bloggers. Which, if you think about it, probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, as from the get-go it limits the potential of the discussion/community/alternative voices.
And I guess that would make non-blogger me out of line for commenting…. Cheers, Judy
Judy:
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you about the readership of PR blogs. It tends to be primarily other bloggers -- the so-called "echo chamber" that we've all written about before.
I do know that I have some readers who are PR pros ... but not bloggers. However, most of them do not comment. Not sure why ... perhaps it has to do with being visible on an online forum?
For the record, I would love to have more non-bloggers read On Message, and comment. It would make this a more interactive, more well-rounded forum.
John,
I'm completely with you on this post.
http://
donteattheshrimp.blogspot...ticipation.html
One other thing that's notable here for people who write a lot, notice how many posts have picked up on the word 'weirdos," from Jeremy's post. Great example of how choosing the right word can create consistent messaging.
Josh:
Thanks for commenting ... like you, I believe it's important that we not lose sight of the folks who make up that "lunatic fringe" -- and it may vary widely depending on the topic at hand.
In other words, someone who is completely out of touch with one issue or product or interest may be a real trend-setter in another.
John,
When I write a post on the IABC Cafe,
the official blog of the International Association of Business Communicators, I always hope that some "regular" IABC members will comment. They rarely do. However, I know that many read the Cafe, and I talked with quite a few of them in early June at the 2006 IABC International Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Like you say, many feel too busy with their jobs to take the time to comment. Some don't feel that they have something to add to the conversation, other than a "I agree with you."
On the other hand, people who disagree with a point, or who just like to argue, have the emotional urge to speak up.
I'm more attentive to a thoughtful post from an occasional commenter than another rant from a "regular."
That said, even a regular's comments may echo the thoughts of many lurkers who wish to remain anonymous.
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