A blog (a contraction of the term “Web log”) is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.

As you can see, a Blog is not a well scripted from start to finish, nor a fictional book. One of the most famous ‘flogs’ (fake blogs) was Wal-Marts, ‘WalmartingAcrossAmerica,’ disguised as a blog, it was actually a well scripted and plotted campaign rolled out by Wal-Mart and their PR firm.  Based on an article from Intuitive Wal-Mart set up a ‘flog’ in which they attempted to make people believe that ‘Walmarting Across America’ was being written by a couple that traveled across America in an RV and parked it in Wal-Mart parking lots along the way. Only it turns out, they had scripted the entire thing and people found out.

Another piece of media that stands out in my mind is the book ‘A Million Little Pieces,’ by James Frey.  He sold the book as ‘memoirs’ meaning that they are true in his mind, not necessarily factual, but true in his mind and in his perspective. After appearing on Oprah, it was found to be ‘A Million Little Lies.’

I wanted to share these examples up front in hopes that my points for the importance of being genuine while blogging will be a little stickier. All of us are gullible, some more than others. Think of a time where someone ‘got you’ good. Maybe it was small or big, important or not, joking or serious.  How did you feel?  Betrayed? Angry? And how easy is it to trust what that person says now? This is exactly how the people that read your blog would feel if they found out it was not truly who you are and the way you feel. As stated in the opening, a blog is regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material. People read blogs because that is what they expect. Don’t label your site a blog if that is not your intention. Don’t label your book a memoir if, in fact, it is fictional.  Remember that feeling you have when you are on the other side. People are smarter than you might think. They WILL figure you out. And the up rise from people that feel betrayed, angry, and can’t trust you is one that I never want to experience.

RECAP:

• Know what you expect when writing a blog, because that is what your readers expect.
• If you are taking a different angle, that is fine, just be clear about it.
• Wal-Mart has a lot of money to plan this out, and they still got found out.
• You can fool Oprah (one person), but you can not fool everyone.

Do any examples stand out in your mind of ‘flogs’?  What are some other reasons to be genuine while blogging?

Related Posts of Interest…

• Know What You Are Talking About, Because Your Readership Sure Will.
• September Bloggers Meeting
• Measuring Social Media Efforts: It Is More Than Traffic.

When you write about something, and often, people assume you know what you are talking about and see you as some sort of expert. When you slip up, you lose all credibility. It is like the marriage counselor that come to find out, is cheating on their spouse. Once credibility is lost, you are no longer going to be a hub for any network regarding said topic. And the ultimate goal of a social media strategy is to create a great network where you are the connector.

Everyone always remembers the connector. Seriously, think about it. Who is one of your best friends? How did you meet them? Was it through another friend? Can you name the person that introduced you? Exactly. Connectors are the people that lead. And leading is what you do as an expert. It goes full circle. Do not let it slip away by one careless blog post in which your readers know more than you and discredit any of your expertise. I am not saying that you have to be the smartest person in the room, but be able to hold your own. If you comment section turns into people correcting you, kiss your readership goodbye. They will gladly read the blog of the person that is able to correct you. So know what you are talking about before you talk about it factually. Because if you do not, the blogging community is too savvy to not recognize it and crush your credibility, thus crushing your social media platform. Social media is about community and sharing information. The information is expected to be correct information.

Related Posts of Interest…

• The Importance of Being Genuine While Blogging
• You Are An Expert (No Really You Are!) Part # 1
• Collaboration Is The New Productivity
• September Bloggers Meeting