There’s a raging debate about whether there are A-list bloggers and blue collar bloggers. It might be a bit hard for the A-list to see how far they’ve come and just assume the perks they enjoy are simply open to all. Here’s are some quick exercises to see how different blogging is for the A-list blogger and blue collar blogger.
If you are an A-list blogger:
Start up a brand new blog, don’t tell anyone the domain, write exactly what you would write for 3 months. Keep tabs on the traffic and report back.
Or A-listers and blue collars could:
Switch blogs with a blogger you like (preferably with a similar writing style) for a month and report back on your observations.
Now, I’m not in any way saying the A-list bloggers don’t deserve their success or recognition because they do, especially for being pioneers, but if you had to start it all over again without your name you might not find the same amount of exposure. I think that’s a fair point that A-listers could easily grant because it’s the truth.
The dumbest argument in the blogosphere: A List vs. Blue Collar
I agree. Most of the current A-Listers got into the game several years ago when there was far less competition. These days most of the major niches are covered.
That would be the true test of an A-lister. Can they create a new blog that competes with their existing A list blog?
I guess that’s why you always want to get in at the top but you never know. There could be a shakeup or a new medium evolve out of blogs.
I’m launching a new blog this month. I’ll post details once it is all ready to go!
the whole argument misses the entire point of what blogging’s about anyway—building community and being social through your writing (or podcasting or vlogging). yes, you can make a name and reputation for yourself with absolutey nothing. I’ve done it…came into the blogosphere with no real solid profession (graduated college in ‘05, worked retail, freelanced) and actually have a pretty good reputation for my journalism and social media commentary. What I make of that reputation is testament to my abilities to network—not sitting on my ass and kvetching about the A-list (all the time giving the A-list loads of links to keep them on top.)
Tish,
You have a good point. But more importantly, thank you for bringing your blog to my attention.
I’ve got a whole army of blogs I’m connected with as we speak with A-class material. Where any of us will be 2 years from now is anybody’s guess. I do have a liberal link out policy though, it introduces too much drama to something that should be just an exercise in goodwill.
I’m a bit tired so sorry if this reply is rambling and I know it is.