Top Bloggers Don’t Think
- February 13th, 2008
- COMMENTS 14
Top bloggers don’t think. Simple as that. They got to where they are because they don’t think, they don’t believe, and they don’t hope. Top bloggers are at the top because a long time ago they figured out that if they started thinking, people wouldn’t believe them. What do I mean?
No, I don’t mean that they physically don’t think, that would be impossible. Instead they just don’t tell their readers that they’re thinking. Why? It is all because of persuading their readers that they know what they are talking about. Persuasive writing in blogging is like the butter on bread. Without it, you’re left with a stale hunk of tasteless food that nobody wants to eat (or read). To set an example, take a look at the following sentences:
And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure, and the state of our Union will remain strong.
Versus
And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure, and I think the state of our Union will remain strong.
The first phrase was taken straight from the State Of The Union speech given last month by the President. The second phrase was almost the same, except I added in the blasphemous words, “I think.” Could you see the differences between the two? The first phrase sounds strong, confident, and positive, while the second phrase sounds doubtful, unknowing, and insecure. While the meaning of the sentence didn’t change, the thoughts perceived from each are much different.
The point I am making is that people will trust you if you sound confident and sure of yourself. Any time you add the words “I think,” to your blog posts, it immediately gives readers the feeling that you aren’t quite sure of what you’re talking about. Take a look at 99% of posts written by so-called “A-List” bloggers. Rarely will you find them saying that they think something. Instead, they will say that they know something.
Again, blogging is all about persuading your readers that you know what you’re talking about. Make sure that your writing makes you sound confident. Once you start writing like you really have no idea what you’re talking about, your readers will leave you and find someone who does.
Brian , this is a strong post , good one buddy
Amen. I don’t trust a blogger
any further than I could throw him
I want to see the sources, the facts.
Thanks Don, much appreciated.
@Terry - I’m with ya on that one
Great post… very true. Damn thinkers..
If they don’t make users STOP THINKING they won’t have a blog lol.. Like you said with the butter, buts its more like taking candy from a baby :)… Everyone does it and manipulate others minds, but some actually take that manipulation to another level and actually make since if they know or don’t know the information ;).
thanks Jason!
Great tip, Brian. I think (scratch that) this was one of William Zinsser’s big points in On Writing Well. You’re definitely in sync with some great minds.
For someone talking about not thinking, you surely talked about ‘not thinking’ a fair bit which can only leave me thinking if you really did have to think about thinking about if it was a sound idea to actually mention about thinking in a post that is trying to explain that to think is bad, but you have to think about the idea of not thinking which in turn means you are yourself thinking and your point about trying to not allow your readers to see you thinking about an important issue has itself made me think that you think about thinking way too often so I think you need to think about thinking less about writing about not thinking so your readers are not left thinking that you had to think about making this point about thinking.
So sue me…
Graham
ImJustBlogging.com
Blog & Web Ramblings from ‘my’ Gutter
You play with the word “think” in a very nasty way. I don’t see blogging as persuading your readers about something. Of course it depends on the niche - but i don’t THINK it has anything to do with persuasion.
If that were the case, people would stay reading their newspapers.
Blogs are about interaction. Bloggers write what they THINK and readers comment on that. If your thoughts are intriguing your readers will stay (and increase).
Graham, that is one of the most confusing comments I have read today
@Matthew - I’ve never heard of that guy, but its good to know that we’re emphasizing the same point.
@Graham - Should I even try? haha you must have thought a while on that comment.
@Robojiannis - I’m going to have to disagree with you on that one. Keep an eye out for my next post and I’ll talk about persuasion. But thank you for the comment and your opinion - it’s always nice to see the other side of the picture.
BRIAN> Sadly no, thats quite typical of what goes on in my head-most of the time. Trying to be more ’sedate’ in my writing is actually very hard, Im more able to express myself in a random sort of as it happens kind of way. I’m in therapy at the moment.
GARY> Thanks.
Graham Smith
ImJustCrazy
“Manic Ramblings from ‘my’ Gutter”
@Brian
Actually when it comes to discussions like this one, it is also about persuasion. But in principle, the fundamental purpose of blog post isn’t (or at least shouldn’t be) about persuasion.
I will keep an eye on your next post. Glad to see an intriguing discussion!
[...] you haven’t been following the discussion that has been going on at my recent post, Top Bloggers Don’t Think, head over there and check it out. In the discussion, a commentator, Robojiannis, brought up an [...]