Blog networks - we need to clean this up
Scrivs posed the question an excellent discussion about measuring networks and the validity of the numbers. Of course yesterday I questioned what the definition of a network is. All this measuring is pointless unless the person measuring discloses:
- The definition of a blog
- The definition of a network
- Honesty about the sites included - don’t leave any out that fit the description
Unless those three things are disclosed the numbers are meaningless. Of course focusing on the numbers does not always work either.
See, the numbers will be breakable (although more valid) because technology has entered the picture. All throughout my blogs you will find IM, phone, email, and Skype information to contact me. Method of contacts that are not measurable. An example, someone made a joke about my last name, which prompted one huge session of the name game. I received over 50 emails, 30 IMs and 20 phone calls from complete strangers just wanting to have fun but we also discussed a wide range of topics, like their opinion of blog networks. Yesterday the same thing happened when I wrote about what a blog network is. Interaction is not always measurable.
If an advertiser is smart, they are looking at which blogs in the network has more power, meaning the ability to influence. That is the bottom line isn’t it? Advertisers want to sell products, bloggers want to make some money - we all have to eat right? Advertisers tend to look at large numbers because they figure the larger the pool the better the chances at selling their product, but they aren’t stupid. They do realize the numbers do not always add up.
A smart blog network will realize the right time to strike.
Related posts:
Martin Bell Says:
From my research on the issue the main focus is money. Getting more sites on the network. What is being produced in most cases in nothing but a link fest.
There are a lot of great bloggers out there but instead of focusing on making the network the best out there even if that means only having 5 excellent blogs, they focus on being the largest.
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Tony Says:
My job is to find places to advertise on the internet. I hope people listen to you because it would make my job much easier in picking the right place to advertise our products.
I subscribed to your site because I like your principles.
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Marcella Says:
I think you are like Dave Winer. You see things way before anyone else then it ends up coming true. Being a visionary is rough, but you have an advantage of launching products or services before the competition and making them eat your dust!
Why isn’t a study formally done? They do studies on just about everything else!
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Tyme Says:
Martin - a lot of blog networks do focus on the money and in shows in the blogs they pick, the content that is generated, etc. That is one of the reasons why I picked 9rules because they are not about the money (but yes they do have to make money - all businesses do).
Tony - Thank you.
Marcella - I sympathize with Dave. I will blog something and it is crystal clear to me, people read it and the average person gets it, the A-listers don’t and there is drama. Six months later what I said ends up being but the cycle has already started with something else.
Today I realized I was approaching it all wrong. People only see what they are willing to see.
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Sean Says:
Are you going to do a podcast about blogging? I miss that.
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Larry Wright Says:
Legitimacy of numbers is important. We demand it in other areas but on the net we seem to let it slide.
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Jose Cole Says:
You’re doing a great work here. I enjoyed visiting here very much. Thanks! Black Corner is always Coolblooded Gnome: http://www.eweek.com/ , Astonishing Cosmos becomes Astonishing Round in final Collective, Curious, Big nothing comparative to Small , right Girl will Do Circle without any questions Black Opponents becomes Profound Cosmos in final
Posted on November 22nd, 2005 at 4:11 pm