Ten Reasons I Should Stop Blogging!

This morning in my ClickZ column I outline "Ten Reasons Why I Should Stop Blogging."  There's no short supply of candor and humility here, to wit: 

• I'm on the Late Show
• I'm Irrelevant
• I'm Surrounded (by other really good bloggers)
• I'm Getting Sloppy
• I'm Selfish
• I'm Boring
• I'm Not Reaching Out
• I'm Confused
• I'm Still Struggling With RSS
• I'm Tired

Here's the rub.  I've watched hundreds of folks start and retire blogs.  I've seen companies and brands enter the blogosphere with almost unrestrained confidence only to be humbled by the realities and imperatives of what it takes to really get a "conversation" going.  Getting the blogging equation right takes work...and practice, and self-criticism, and yes, humility.  What I'm really trying to suggest in this self-flagellation of a piece is that we need to constantly ask key questions of ourselves as we strive to be relevant, meaningful, and conversational in this exciting new environment (which extends well beyond just blogging to all forms of marketing communications). As I note at the end of my column, "The rewards can be rich – nay, incredible -- but it takes work, patience, active listening, iteration, allowances for failure, and a very long-term view."

Oh, and don't get me wrong, I'm still dedicated to this blog, but rest assured, I'm not taking your loyalty or your depth of engagement for granted.    

Comments

[Bruce]

"The rewards can be rich – nay, incredible -- but it takes work, patience, active listening, iteration, allowances for failure, and a very long-term view."
I think the active listening is one of the most important elements for success . . . that, and having a very, very tough skin.