I'm still reeling a bit having been named an "influential advertising blogger." It's not that I don't appreciate the recognition and the attention, I do. I just don't quite understand how a blog so assiduously un-read and un-popular can be influential.
This probably sounds like a modern-day Rodney Dangerfield joke, but here goes: "I have a negative Klout score."
Nevertheless, here's what I have learned about blogging (and myself) since May, 2007 when I started Ad Aged.
1. I am a happier person when I write everyday. Being "present," that is, writing regularly, beats being profound. If you're present often enough, profundity might follow.
2. Don't be afraid of showing the world as you see it. The worst that can happen is someone tells you to cut the crap. Or you have to take a post down. I've had to do that exactly once.
3. Don't worry about your blog not being popular. You're writing for yourself. Not riches, celebrity or mammon. Who reads you isn't really important.
4. You don't have to be perfect. Just consistently decent.
5. As the "owner" of the blog, you can write whatever you want. Any topic you choose is "on topic."
6. I personally loathe self-promotion. So I don't do it. This has probably cost me a couple readers. That's ok.
7. If you're angry at the world, you're paying attention. It's ok to be angry. In fact, it's good.
8. Find some "go-to" sites that seem to have interesting things you can comment upon. They're good for when you feel you have nothing to say.
9. When you have writer's block, write through it.
10. Learn who to listen to. There is no shortage of advice in the world. Take the good, leave the bad.
11. If you're a writer, it's ok to be 99% words. Don't kill yourself looking for pictures if they aren't your thing.
That's all for now.
