While this blog can stand on its own two feet, if you’d like to read the original, related post click here.
Something happened this morning that I’ve never done on WordPress. I un-followed someone. But not just an ordinary “someone”.
Purportedly, he is one of those walk on water, “blogging gods”. As such, within each of his posts, he incessantly brags that multiple thousands of followers are finding his website irresistible. He then attempts to capitalize on his status as the means for selling his services to his followers. Reading in between the lines of his sales pitch, he’s practically saying…
You are in the presence of god’s gift to the blogosphere. Cough up your hard earned money and you, too, can achieve that exact, same ‘eat my dirt’ status.
While I wish most online businesses prosperity, I find unabashedly boastful proprietors to be irritating… and unworthy of my patronage. Bragging is only acceptable when it takes on the form of genuine, unsolicited, clientele testimonials… i.e., when… IF… a businessperson has actually bettered a customer’s life.
While every blogger does hope for success, I find that dwelling excessively upon achieving such a goal counterproductive to the true blogging spirit. It robs all the joy and fun out of the entire experience.
Of course… one does have to wonder… beyond the cold, impersonal data found on the WordPress statistics page… is that man’s blog site really flourishing?
Additionally, how can he reconcile his success story with one of his other, oft repeated posts…
Ever since his computer has died, he’s been presenting his “oh woe is me” blog where he’s holding out his virtual tin cup and begging everyone to buy him a new one. Yep, he’s been shamelessly asking for donations from his followers (“even if it’s just one dollar”).
While I could accept such an appeal from starving musicians, authors and artists… and more importantly… from charitable causes… e.g… those which feed the starving and/or provide aid to the infirm… I do draw the line at con artists.
Of course, whether or not he actually is a con artist… well… whether or not he realizes it… his tactics to do tend to paint that portrait of him.
Even if he’s unworthy of that characterization, this still raises the questions…
Is he not concerned how his panhandling could easily undermine his “as good as gold” image?
Can website businesspersons even claim modest success if their fees cannot cover their operating expenses… inclusive of buying new equipment whenever needed?
CommonSenseTom 