Does Blogger Equal Wannabe?

Jon Morrow has made an interesting (possibly inflammatory) assertion that the word “Blogger” is being construed as “loser” or “wannabe” over in hist post 11 Meanings for “Blogger” You May Have Never Noticed

Doesn’t the word “blogger” just refer to someone that “keeps a web log (blog)?” After all, that’s what the dictionary says. Not anymore.

Over time, the connotation of a word changes, and its meaning expands. In the case of blogging, it’s taking on an air of failure, almost like being called a musician or actor.

In those fields though, we’ve developed separate terms. We call successful musicians rock stars or pop stars. We call successful actors movie stars.

Certainly amongst bloggers this is not true. Bloggers use the dictionary definition I would say, after all that is the traditional meaning and we don’t think of ourselves as losers.

I do though think there are those in the mainstream media who love to propagate the idea of thousands of slackers in their underwear posting thoughts nobody cares about while sitting in their parents spare room.

See Also
MacBook Air beside gold-colored study lamp and spiral books

When talking to larger corporate clients I don’t use the word blog until a representative of the company does, even though many leads come via my blog. It just confuses the situation, plus can actually serve to push your perceived value down. Outside of the web-savvy, in large companies the word “blog” is often mistakenly equated with ephemeral and throwaway. It’s thought of as a leisure activity, no more valid than the “content” from AOL chat rooms, just gossip and chatter with no lasting benefit. For those board room discussions I talk about “web publishing”, “viral content” and “articles”. I might talk about Social Media.

I don’t particularly think the phrase “pro blogger” can be used to distinguish between degrees of blogger either, for me the phrase (rightly or wrongly) describes someone who makes money out of blogging, or maybe Darren Rowse as an individual :)

Do you think “blogger” has a negative image outside of fellow bloggers? If bloggers have a tainted name what would we replace the word “blogger” with? Please share your thoughts in the comments …

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett

Chris is a professional blogger and internet marketing consultant. You can get more of his blogging tips, internet marketing advice and copywriting articles and a FREE ebook just by subscribing at chrisg.com

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

The art of living well: 7 ways to cultivate daily happiness

The art of living well: 7 ways to cultivate daily happiness

Hack Spirit

8 daily habits of people who consistently get eight hours of sleep a night

8 daily habits of people who consistently get eight hours of sleep a night

Global English Editing

7 signs someone secretly dislikes you but hides it behind a smile, according to psychology

7 signs someone secretly dislikes you but hides it behind a smile, according to psychology

Global English Editing

10 rare signs you’re highly respected by people (more than you realize)

10 rare signs you’re highly respected by people (more than you realize)

Global English Editing

The art of not overthinking: 8 simple ways to live a happy life

The art of not overthinking: 8 simple ways to live a happy life

Hack Spirit

7 phrases people who are afraid of being abandoned tend to use without realizing it, says psychology

7 phrases people who are afraid of being abandoned tend to use without realizing it, says psychology

Hack Spirit