Full Circle Associates

Finally, we get down to common sense. Ramblewoman rambles on with a delicious essay on the current topc of blog popularity from the perspective of her pet betta fish, Bert. Bert and I, Bert and I, Bert and I goes to that soft spot you will recognize: some people have the magic.

I know from my work in community, that people who want to get noticed can increase the odds. There are a couple dozen good practices that are surefire winners whether you are talking urban renewal, activist groups, PTA, message boards or blogging. People who want to build community can and do every day.

You may go to their grassroots meeting or read their blog or board and think "why is this person so popular and I have nothing? They can't write. They have dopey topics and who wants to talk about this day after day?" But everyone you know is crazy about this person. Then you see, this person radiates a wee bit of magic, that magic comes from passion, for the topic, either a natural magic because of whatever sent that particular person to want to build community regarding that topic or the magic of just being passionate about community (or yes, a good paycheck, that seems to work well particularly for money-motivated folk).

And don't miss the analysis of Bert the betta's ego and liFe among the guppies.

The other part of that is what Bert has, an overly well-formed ego that can keep going even when no one is talking back. A dedication to the belief that this post, this blog, this community is important, even if you don't get the positive feedback from a search engine, bigger puffier fish in the sea, or even the people who you know are reading but remain lurkers combined with that resiliant ego is the key. No, it may not be the answer to the link, don't link, Technorati, do whatever the SEO folk say is the best Google strategy week, don't do any of these things question. It is the answer to building a community you love and can live with day after day year after year. So if you are a guppy, there really is an answer, if community is your goal, build it and don't worry about the A-list unless you need the reinforcement of that sort of indicator. If you are a Betta, you know the answer as well, puff yourself up, show off and swish by obligingly when you have an audience. But remember...bettas can be lonely even with a mirror.

I started blogging to understand the role of blogs in communities online. I'm a guppie and love it. I recognize the value and importance of betta strategies. But honey, guppies are the BOMB for me!

Now, BACK TO WORK. Really. (Ramblewoman, we are bad for each other!)

community_indicators,, onlinecommunity,, technorati, A-List