Comments on: We Are Killing Social Media

By: Hal Brown

Hal Brown — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:20:31 +0000

This is a relevant post at this point in time. And I agree and appreciate what you said. The key is critical thinking. I come from the generation of 'question everything' and I do. Being a 'made man' is less important to me than being true to myself. I do blog, and yes, it would be nice to have people read my blog – and my tweets for that matter.

The point of all this is simple for me. Just because I read “made men' doesn't mean I believe everything they say. Nor will I do all they suggest. I wish I could add more to what you said, but I can't.

By: Hal Brown

Hal Brown — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:20:31 +0000

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:28:55 +0000

Man talk about food for thought! This reminds me of the fanboy/fangirl thing. You like what somebody is saying, you see others are “following” them so to speak and then you never question there motives, what they say, or do. All the while, following along with usual path.

Innovation is going to be key. I don't see how we are going to move into a Web 4.0 world (or any field with Made Men for that example) if you don't have that.

By: micah

micah — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:27:53 +0000

We need innovation. The decision to “follow” Made Men removes critical thinking. Both the guys you mentioned, Chris and Darren continue to come up with interesting ideas, but they are (expectingly so) not far afield from their individual thesis's.

Ive seen it in the SEO space, where the industry killed itself. The same is happening in the Social Media space.

By: Aaron Hockley

Aaron Hockley — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:24:46 +0000

Eh, good point, and as I reread my comment I don't think I said what I meant. The Made Men usually reached that status by taking risks, but once there, they tend to have a groove that works and they stay within that groove as you noted... I failed to note the risk-taking was before becoming Made.

That said, it raises an interesting question: would we rather see the Made Men out there taking new risks, or is it better to let the Made Men continue down their mostly-predictable paths and let new voices rise up with differing ideas and adventures?

Folks need to stop trying to become Chris Brogan or Darren Rowse and instead become something great in their own way. Chris and Darren are awesome at what they do, but instead of a bunch of clones, we need fresh new ideas and the people behind them.

By: micah

micah — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:13:22 +0000

It actually the exact opposite. Once Made, there is less incentive to become
“unmade” therefore there is less innovation and risk taking. Its easier (and
frankly smarter) for the Made Men to not deviate from message or brand.

By: Aaron Hockley

Aaron Hockley — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:58:24 +0000

Looking at who I would consider Made Men, I see a common theme of taking some risks and trying new things. You note the need for intellectual curiosity… yes. Made Men don't sit around and follow a well-described path to certain success. They'll step off the beaten path, and sometimes get beaten as a result.

The risk takers will reap the biggest rewards.