What compels someone to blog daily? Why should one pick up a microphone and record themselves or others for hours at a time? Who are these people who turn their cameras backwards and film themselves? And why should YOU create personal media? Understanding that the readers of [chrisbrogan.com] are mostly already in this camp, maybe I’m just reinforcing the point. But then again, perhaps you know someone who’s questioning why they should bother creating media in some form or another, and maybe this will help them understand better what they can accomplish.
Tell a Story
Want basics? The beauty of this day and age is that we are all EQUIPPED to publish media in any format we can imagine. We can tell the simplest stories, from our personal lives to what we see around us, to what matters to us in the world. Having these tools, we are now able to talk about what matters to us, instead of consuming what companies believe might interest the lowest common denominator in our midst.
Because It Gets Consumed
We not only publish our work, but we now distribute it easily. Our words, pictures, audio, and movies don’t stick to one website down a quiet dirt road in the corners of the Internet any longer. You can put your media right where you want it, and better still, your audience can find it.
Personal Media Conveys Your Message
Instead of an advertisement, people can interact with the story of YOU. If you’re a business, this is stronger than a marketing campaign and a tagline: it’s a direct relationship with the creators of the product or service. If you’re someone who seeks to build an audience around what you’re doing, this is your platform. Whatever message or story you want to tell, you now have the tools to make it happen.
You Can Reach the Deep Niches
You might have a very singular interest in the world. Before, these fringe cultures weren’t easy to reach. Today? There is definitely someone out there into the crazy weird unique thing you’re passionate about. If you’re into underwater knitting, someone out there is making a photoblog about it, I’m sure. And if not, start. Your fellow underwater knitters will rush to join the site.
It Answers A Basic Human Need
Communicating through these digital platforms, creating personal media of whatever variety, gives you the opportunity to connect with others and be seen (understood / recognized for what you are / accepted). There are other needs that come first (food, safety, shelter, etc), but this is still a very basic, human need. And through creating media, participating with others in their creations, and sharing stories back and forth, you fulfill some version of this need.
Create: It Makes a Difference
The saddest thing people tell me in any given day is that they don’t blog (podcast/photoblog/videoblog/whatever) because they figure no one cares about what they have to say. While it’s true that learning how to connect using these digital methods isn’t always easy, it’s less true that someone doesn’t care what you have to say. Create something. Share. Participate with others telling their stories on these tools. And if you have questions, or want help or advice, reach out to me, or the people who participate actively in this blog. We’ll help you.
Share this with a friend. If you have a coworker or friend who hasn’t yet taken the plunge, consider sending them this post as something to think about. And if you want more, please consider subscribing for free to my blog. And thanks!
Photo credit, JeffPulver
Related posts:
Pingback: Shaine › Chris Brogan asks, “Why Create Personal Media?”
Pingback: Best Social Media Advice From This Site | chrisbrogan.com
Pingback: So What Do We *Do* With All This Information?