Yesterday I went to the Printer’s Row Book Fair (one of the many interesting events in Chicago) to check out all the cool books for sale and meet up with a few local writers. Not surprisingly, many authors have blogs that they use to promote their work and share their stories. However, just as many seem to either dismiss both the internet and blogosphere as a community of dilettantes and plagiarists.
Although everyone is entitled their own opinion, I think that neglecting to realize the full scope of the web is dangerous. There is some great content online, and for many, the web is their main source of news, information and entertainment. Younger generations even tend to view search engines as an extension of their brains.
Blogging has democratized publishing - anyone with a computer and an internet connection can become a writer. Granted, there is a whole lot of chaff out there, but once you separate the wheat you see how blogs can be a very powerful promotional tool and means of expression. You don’t necessarily have to be the next Hemingway, either. Just write simply and clearly about what you know. It’s a way to build your personal brand and share your expertise with current and potential employers, clients, and customers. Even the New York Times (check out this article entitled “Can Blogs Become a Big Source of Jobs?”) has recognized the value of blogging!
If you’re really worried about plagiarism, encourage people to link back if they quote you (this is just good “netiquette” anyways) and add a Creative Commons license to your site.
In closing, here’s a cool book to pick up if you’re interested in how digital media is changing publishing, I picked up a book called Bookmark Now: Writing in Unreaderly Times. It’s a collection of essays by young writers about writing, technology, and the web. Edited by Kevin Smokler (who has a blog, naturally), it’s a good read even if you’re not part of the media world.
