So while I was away I made it onto the Most Influential Online Marketers of 2008 list. Not that I don’t appreciate everyone who was nice enought to vote for me, and all the hard work that went into putting a list like that together, but I wonder about the culture we create and want to live in where people strive to be on lists like this and use them of some measure of personal or professional validation.People who set out to make sure they are known by the “right” people or make it onto the “right” lists worry me. Sure it’s cool to be a celebrity and get invited to all the cool parties, but it’s much better if you actually did something other than stroking the egos of the right people to get there. Let’s face it who wants to be “that guy” who poeple invited because they had to, not because he was interesting or informative (and I use he to mean everyone male and female not just men so don’t be hatin’ on me).
So please don’t be playing the fame game and like Loren Feldman says don’t be obsessing over personal branding, instead focus on doing good work. At then end of the day making onto some list and being internet famous is a waste of time unless you can figure out how to make some money with it, because it’s “tough to pay the bills with a wallet full of famous” (credit Lee Odden).
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I have so much that I want to say, and respond to this, but the only thing that seems to come out is – WELL SAID!
dude, you in a wig made it onto the most important list of all….
http://www.streko.com/2008/12/18/2008-top-20-people-who-didnt-suck-or-at-least-not-a-lot/
so please, don’t let that goto your head.
get home safe, bro!
Amen.
Affiliate marketer? Go earn some money.
Consultant/agency? Go help your clients earn money.
Fame seeker? Get in line – the really long one with all the other chumps.
While I agree with much of what you said… Sometimes it’s nice for the folks who are doing something right to be recognized like this.
I think that “focus on doing good work” is a good plan for 2009. If getting on a list comes as a byproduct so be it.
Agreed, first thing that came to mind was, internet marketer circle jerk… then link bait…
True, people waste all sorts of time trying to be internet famous with no monetary benefits. I believe the best way to monetize is through opt-in list building.
damn, I didn’t make the list *again* this year.
(yawn)
I think it’s odd that they compiled a list of 100 people which is only of interest to an audience of 500. The other 400 people will read it, and feel bad. Like the fat kid that didn’t get chosen for the soccer team, year after year (aka me).
Michael, I think next year you should make a “top 10000″ list, and just backfill it with everyone who left a comment on your blog. Can I be #666?
This is no silly list.
Chris Hughes didn’t make it to the top out of luck.
If you are good at what you do and work hard people will see that!
Perhaps being on the top 10 would be a better achievement though.
Good Luck!
DAMN! I guess they forget me once again
tell me bro what I have to do to be on list? Sue Google? Ask Julie Of SEO Chicks for a date? Invite Rand from seomoz for a dinner.? Or say that Google i God..Google is God…(say it for forver..)
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http://www.linkedin.com/in/haseebnajam
Very well said.
Like a bunch of hungry wolves…
I knew there was a reason why I was pissed for not meeting you at the conference. Reason why?… because I damn sure like you. No really.
Yeah, but, you seem to be the kind of SEO’r that puts his money where his mouth is, so I find it hard to believe you would only be on the list because of politics and lipservice. Congratulations, and speaking of earning money; I would think being 48 on the list (on the list at all..) is worth a fair share of credibility for any client that may need a little nudge.
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