Just went through this idea. It might be interesting to think about the intentions of the bloggers. A key to understanding people is to link their actions to their intentions.Trying to find the right intention often helps focus on the right interpretation of an action.
So why do bloggers blog? What are they looking for? What are they expecting from their blog? There is obviously more than one reason. After twisting these questions around, I identified 4 mainstream intentions spheres. But of course, a blogger is a dynamic person and so can jump from one sphere to another.
- NETWORKING :
Making a blog to relay or share information. Family blog, friends networks, hobbyists, etc.
- KNOWLEDGE :
Making a blog in a quest of information, for a specific research, personal quest, asking questions, finding answers.
- POPULARITY :
Making a blog to become famous, to become an influencer in a specific field, to relay politics, etc.
- BUSINESS :
Making a blog to enhance or develop business, make professional contacts, take contact with target group, share business experience... sell things.
Nice! Those spheres often overlap one another though, don't they?
Just as a blogger can jump from one circle to another, the spheres themselves can also overlap to create new and subtle twists to the meaning. In my mind, for example, "Networking" and "Knowledge" are closely linked.
Posted by: Ann Handley | September 19, 2006 at 03:49 AM
Ann,
You are everywhere! I think you have clones.
Luc, I really like the visual. And this might be your style. It's pretty unique. Ann makes a good point, there are probably overlaps—but nevertheless, it's a nice tidy way of looking at different motivators.
However, I'm not sure blogging is in the middle. It's almost invisible throughout. More like the vehicle that gets us to that fulfullment of whatever it is that drives us. Maybe that it what is in the core. Satisfaction. (Though are we ever really satisfied?)
;)
Posted by: David Armano | September 19, 2006 at 06:12 AM
Ann,
Thank you for your comment. Well, this is a first draft visual. Yes, those spheres definitely overlap one another. I tried to illustrate that by the background light grey shadow of each sphere, but it obviously isn't clear enough. And I agree with you the categories within the spheres also interact. I'll try to apply this idea to the visual.
David,
Glad you like it. Indeed... blogging should not be in the middle, but probably more invisible and around.
Posted by: mindblob | September 19, 2006 at 10:09 AM
I created a personal blog in order to serve the marketing public, and to collect best experiences and professional practices.
I don't look for "success", I will generate a blog to support a marketing think-tank.
The blog discussion should help professionals to know several points of view, and to get innovative ideas.
Posted by: Claudio Iacovelli | March 12, 2007 at 03:00 PM