Why the “Techo Chamber”?

I just finished listening to one of the Internet/Phone/Chat call-in shows that I frequently enjoy. It’s always the same few guys, who I respect and have a bunch of interesting viewpoints on…stuff. They occasionally let people call in and join, but not really. The Chat Room is generally more active (and interesting) than the conversation on the call.

And in the most “meta” way possible, as it always does, the topic turned to the “tech blogosphere” echo chamber and the so-called “A-List” of writers and polemicists who write about start-ups, established companies that used to be start-ups, and…each other.

Five Thoughts for New (and old) Bloggers

During the process of reorganizing things, I had to go back through all four years of my archives, a step that kicked me into a significant introspective mode. Where have I come from? Where am I going?

Honestly, much of my content from early years is downright embarrassing. And really, it goes beyond the content. I’ve spent the weekend thinking about the mistakes I’ve made as a blogger and wondering what I would do differently if I could. Keep in mind that my goals for this site were always professional and that I foresaw a day when it would be my only job (I hope that day comes, still!).

Here is my advice for bloggers who wish to do the same thing.

Consolidation in the Blogosphere

I think we need to see a consolidation of content and advertising.

Everyone’s competing with each other because they don’t know how to give up their individual voice. What happens is we get a clamor for top Techmeme billing.

Instead, I’d like to see more federations of blogs, where content producers work hand in hand to protect the turf of the others while helping to funnel content opportunities to the best source for coverage within that federation. In the advertising arena, five sites at 150k pageviews each can’t get direct-sale advertising by themselves, but as a 750k pageview federation, the tide turns.

Thoughts on Jason Calacanis and Walking Away From It All

Jason Calacanis, a colleague in blogging with whom I very much respect, announced last week his retirement from blogging. Many others around the way snickered and assumed it was a joke. I never thought it was a joke.

In his “retirement speech”, an overly dramatic event that certainly added to the speculation of a practical joke, he says:

Western Style Writing vs. Eastern Style Writing

I have never been an english major, nor do I claim to be an expert in the topic of good, solid writing form. However, I’ve had some observations on how posts are written. On one side, most people will say, “I don’t really care if my posts conform to a certain writing style.” That’s perfectly okay. I’d argue that writing styles, though, have more impact on an audience when the psychology or philosophy of the style is considered.