I listened to a Skypecast sponsored by Typepad today, with Seth Godin. I knew him briefly in my days working with Fast Company, read most of his books and have always liked him. He didn’t disappoint me this time either, declining to pitch his new book Small is the New Big by saying if we were interested we would go to his blog and buy or download it. But what he did say warmed my heart.
His message was simple. He talked about blogging being a force for authenticity in the world,
citing the fact that one couldn’t really lie consistently day after
day, and eventually the real ‘you’ would be known. And once we let
ourselves be known, people begin to relax and others can’t help but tend to love us.
In answer to someone’s question about the best, fastest way to build a massive readership, he said that it didn’t really matter. If we were telling the truth to 5 people, it was far better and more effective than talking crap to 50,000. He gave a big boost to all the small bloggers who were there, and prioritized the sharing of what is real and true in our lives rather than slavish devotion to some supposedly effective business strategy.
You can listen to it yourself here.
Hi Amy,
Thank you for “Beauty Dialogues” – I love this site and wanted to let you know how much your lovely photographs and authentic style have blessed me in a time of depression and difficulty. The way you have expressed yourself here brings a breath of fresh air and a feeling of being “glad to be alive” to previously dark corners of my soul.
I just began a first time blog myself, but am too embarrassed to reveal it just yet – it seems very amateurish and rambling. But I welcome any free advice you may have for “virgin bloggers”. I appreciated Seth Godins’ advice about talking truth with a few people, rather than bullshitting many. I find myself wanting a place to be real and share my soul with others, but I have many fears and misgivings about doing so. How do you handle these worries about rejection, criticism, people who want to argue and tell you you’re wrong, etc? Do you have any secrets on how to feel free to be yourself in social media, and enjoy the process? How to keep yourself safe if you are a very private person?
Again, thank you for your beautiful presence here.
Many Blessings: “PurpleDragon”
Dear Friend,
Your post moves me; thank you so much for reaching out to thank me. The generosity and articulation shown in your words reveals a lot about you and I can’t help but feel your blog will be of value to others as well as yourself.
One of the great advantages of the internet for people who are shy or introverted can be the relative anonymity it offers, so you might want to start off writing anonymously, if that feels more comfortable.
I have personally been very encouraged by other bloggers who speak truth from their hearts, even though many are professionals who could easily be ridiculed for doing so. They give me perspective and strengthen my own capacity for being honest and heartfelt.
Think about the books that have really effected you in your life… Chances are that part of the reason they move you is because they speak to something deep inside you, to what you know as truth in some fundamental way. That’s the kind of magic we can do for each other.
Take your place at the table and write what is true for you. You may never know who you impact, or what good your words will do in the world, but then again, maybe someone will write and tell you!
Thank you, again, for your kind note.
Warmly,
Amy
Dear Friend,
Your post moves me; thank you so much for reaching out to thank me. The generosity and articulation shown in your words reveals a lot about you and I can’t help but feel your blog will be of value to others as well as yourself.
One of the great advantages of the internet for people who are shy or introverted can be the relative anonymity it offers, so you might want to start off writing anonymously, if that feels more comfortable.
I have personally been very encouraged by other bloggers who speak truth from their hearts, even though many are professionals who could easily be ridiculed for doing so. They give me perspective and strengthen my own capacity for being honest and heartfelt.
Think about the books that have really effected you in your life… Chances are that part of the reason they move you is because they speak to something deep inside you, to what you know as truth in some fundamental way. That’s the kind of magic we can do for each other.
Take your place at the table and write what is true for you. You may never know who you impact, or what good your words will do in the world, but then again, maybe someone will write and tell you!
Thank you, again, for your kind note.
Warmly,
Amy