I’ll just start this post by saying that my only tie to Darren Rowse is that I occasionally post a comment on ProBlogger and Twitip. We’ve never conversed and he doesn’t know me from Adam. He’s a big boy and he’s been around so I’m sure he doesn’t need Tumblemoose to be his knight in shining armor.
With that said, as I was reading and commenting on blogs over the weekend I came across two separate blogs that had posts telling bloggers that if they wanted to increase their stats, then one of the best ways to do it is by targeting a negative post at Darren. Yes that’s right. They didn’t say, “Go after the biggies.” or, “Choose a high profile blogger.” No, they specifically encouraged folks to post something negative at Darren in order to rile him up and drive traffic to their blog.
That stinks.
I’m not going to point a link to those dregs because I don’t want to support or encourage that kind of behavior.
Now, understand I’m not saying that Darren or anyone else is above criticism. If you feel you honestly have a beef with ProBlogger or any other blogging site then I say start a conversation, get feedback, see if others feel the same. But, it needs to be in the spirit of resolution and it needs to be sincere and heartfelt. If you toss your barbed hook in the water just to see what you can “troll” in then I’ve not much use for you and I think it speaks to your character.
Without getting too new-agey here, I’ll say that when you participate in these kinds of antics you devalue yourself and it will come back to bite you. Sure, maybe you’ll drive up your numbers a bit for a period of time but the long term outlook for you and your site will be bleak. As it should be. It’s the equivelent of taking the lazy shortcut instead of doing an honest days work. Even if you “get away with it” how good could you possibly feel about yourself?
For me, the tortise wins the race. I’ll take the high road, thank-you-very-much. I’ll get to where I’m going and I’ll feel pretty good when I get there.
So, my question is: How about you? Have you done this type of thing before? Do you feel this is a legitimate path to build your base? Have you participated in these kind of antics and how did you feel afterwards?
Am I missing something? Do I need to open an account at Backbones R Us?
Hi George – I’ve also read that. I certainly wouldn’t want to be labeled as a troll, just to gain readership. I’m with you, another tortoise who takes the high road and feels good about what I do and say.
Barbara Swafford – Blogging Without A Blog´s last blog post..A.S.K. Darren Rowse – Problogger – What Is The Future Of Blogging
I’m glad I don’t read those kind of blogs! I agree with you, we should be writing things that reflect what we think, what our values are and what matters to our readers. We should be able to criticise big hitters if there’s a point and a purpose to it, but not if it’s just for the sake of getting (short term) hits.
Besides I think that Darren is a really good guy, and works ridiculously hard to share what he’s learned with others.
Joanna
Joanna Young´s last blog post..What Do You Look For in a Book Review?
I don’t think people should be afraid to write something negative if they have a good reason. Recently someone on Twitter was afraid to unfollow some popular people on Twitter because she thought there might be a backlash …
But Darren Rowse? He seems like the nicest person and I can’t imagine why someone would have an issue with him.
Kim Woodbridge | (Anti) Social Development´s last blog post..Stuff This In Your RSS – 11/11/08 – The Simple Dollar
I don’t believe in hurting others to gain something – however IF I feel wronged, I’m not afraid to use my words either. But, I wouldn’t go to a person’s site and mouth off just to piss them off for more readers.
Just my opinion…
Ashley´s last blog post..Chance?
Good Morning George:
I like Dr. Phil’s advice – if they’ll do it with you, they’ll do it to you! How do you like that?
I can’t imagine you will get a confession from anybody saying they have pulled some dirty punches to get ahead. pathetic.
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..The Harder I Work
Hi George,
I agree. I have seen so many people try to use these tricks. The general agreement on these tactics is that they are very short lived.
To build a site you need to build value, not drama.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Day´s last blog post..The Complete Noobs Guide to the Economy
I totally agree with you George! There’s no place for “Cheap Shots” on a blog! Even if you’re frustrated and feel you need to vent; try taking a break and working out. In the long run, Cheap Shots won’t hurt anyone but you and your blog.
AverageGal´s last blog post..Guest Post On Steven-Sanders.com
@ Barbara: The tortise method has worked for me before, it’s what I know and that’s ok. I’m surprised by the amount of folks who are saying they saw the same thing.
@Joanna: Short term gains for long term losses is kind of a yukky strategy. I agree, write from the heart. I’ve also heard that Darren is a stand-up guy and I know I’ve learned a lot from his tips and such.
@ Kim: I followed (no pun intended) that thread on Twitter as well. I think that if you have a sincere gripe, you should put it out there for sure. Isn’t that kind of freedom what this is all about?
@ Ashley: Me too. I’ve also learned to put my pissy stuff in the outbox overnight, read it again in the am, and THEN send it if I still feel the same way.
@Dee: Point well taken. I guess I can’t imagine anyone really ‘fessing up either.
@Jeremy: Value, not drama! I love it!
Thanks for the great comments, all.
Cheers
George
Agreed, that is a cheap shot and cheapens the person who does it. Best avoided.
Sharon Hurley Hall´s last blog post..Writing Talk – Rates Rant
Very interesting way to look at it. Not sure why making rude comments towards Darren or any other big name blogger would drive traffic to a person’s blog.
I’ve seen trollers before, and all they seem to manage to do is get a few nasty comments returned to them on within that same blog.
I’m glad to see all of you taking the high road.
Keep doin’ what you do!
Steven-Sanders´s last blog post..Build Your Blog’s Creditability Brick By Brick
I would have to agree with you. This is probably the least effective way of generating traffic. Maybe you get a lot of hateful comments back on your blog. Possibly turning away the repeat visitors he/she had. Challenging someone who is a expect in their field, just doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Cash2Blog´s last blog post..Defining Your Blog
I can honestly say such a thing has never occurred to me to do on purpose.
However, I also run a message board and I have to say there is nothing like cross poster drama to make the traffic go crazy. I don’t encourage it, of course, but people are attracted to a trainwreck.
@Sharon: Thanks. It does cheapen the person in my belief as well.
@Steven: It is always a pleasure to see you here, Steven. Insightful comments and a real motivator
@Cash2Blog: Mitch, wise comments and for those of you who haven’t given http://www.Cash2Blog.com a visit, head on over. It’s really a great site.
@Tracy: You are so right. It can make people go nutzo and the traffic spikes are tremendous. Trainwreck. Hehe. That’s so true. I worked as a Paramedic for a long time. Referred to the crowds that always gathered as the “Uh-Oh Squad”
Well, I don’t like conflict so I certainly wouldn’t take that route.
Seriously, though, it amazes me how many people miss the eons-tested fact that the only way to grow successful in the long run is to provide real value for people–to help them improve their lives, to entertain them, to give them a community to belong to, etc.
Everyone in the blogosphere is so obsessed with being noticed. The thing is the tortoise route works just fine. So many blogs fizzle and die that if you just provide helpful content and do some self-promotion (without attacking anyone), you’ll get there in the end!
Hi Lindsay,
My point exactly. Sure I want to be noticed, but I’m willing to do it the right way!
George