Am I Being Selfish?
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This week I joined in another of the Writing Projects that Darren Rowse is running. I have seen an increase in hits every time I write a post for one of the projects.
Every Tuesday night Liz Strauss has an Open Comment Night, and I join in each and every week. I have seen an increase in regular visits by people I have met in these conversations.
I have been a member of a few Forums for quite a while and I do get a lot of visitors looking for information about Working at Home.
I link to other sites to share information with my readers, all the while knowing that could lead other potential readers back to me.
I comment constantly on other sites, although they are relevant to the conversaion, I still know that could lead to additional traffic.
I really enjoy participating in these type of interchanges with other Sites and I also enjoy the additional readership they bring. But am I doing them for the wrong reasons?
Back in October of 2005, when I was just starting out, I would have said No. As a person trying to make a living on the internet, I needed all the traffic I could get (and still do). Now, going on a year later, I still do all of the above. I think the advantage of doing all the linking, participation and interchanges has worked out for the best.
The point I am trying to make is… It’s OK to be a little selfish. If you are trying to run a business on the internet, you have to take advantage of every opportunity to get your site exposed. You will not make any money if you don’t.
I’m not saying to be totally selfish to the exclusion of common decency (No Spamming), but to the point where you can feel good in what you do and still succeed in business.
Do you ever feel selfish in trying to get an advantage in business? Am I being selfish doing the things I do?
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I don’t count that as selfish at all. And remember, when you comment on other sites, and visit other sites, not only are you leaving your link and trying to increase your traffic, but the owner of that site is also benefitting because you are traffic to their site and you are possibly going to link or trackback them.
Dorene
http://www.creativenotebook.com
http://www.busymomonline.com
Input by Dorene | August 15, 2006 @ 4:57 pm
Hey Dorene,
Welome, I sometimes just get that feeling, even though I know that trackbacks and links go both ways.
Even comments with links (as long as they aren’t spam) are welcome in most cases, as long as they contribute to the conversation.
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the kind words.
Joe
Input by Joe | August 15, 2006 @ 5:06 pm
You’re not being selfish for writing on other sites anymore than you’re being selfish for writing on your own. You’re contributing to the web, putting out your ideas and information for free. Others benefit from what you write, probably more than you benefit from the increased readership.
Remember, if you weren’t benefiting anyone, they wouldn’t come here in the first place.
Input by Jesse Skinner | August 16, 2006 @ 5:27 am
Hey Jesse,
Thanks for the kind words. I always try to contribute something on the sites I visit, or I won’t write anything at all.
How are things going in your new business? Hope all is well.
Joe
Input by Joe | August 16, 2006 @ 8:59 am
The only question I would ask myself, Joe, is am I giving more than I’m getting? Am I playing a zero sum game where there are winners and losers? The fact that you’re aware enough to ask yourself this question, and honest enough to talk about it, says a lot.
Input by Rick | August 16, 2006 @ 9:52 pm
Hey Rick,
You made my night, I did start this endeavour to make money, but I do want to help others trying to do the same thing.
Sometimes, I just feel that I am taking advantage even though I try to let people know this is my Business.
I think I’m getting at least as much as I put in, so it can’t be all bad.
Joe
Input by Joe | August 16, 2006 @ 11:08 pm
I think there is a bit of “selfishness” in any internet presence - a website or blog because we are putting ourselves out there and for a reason. The reason is less important that what comes of your effort. The value of your comments, your forum posts and blog entries is what brings the traffic and when the people that find you come back again - and again… you are showing you are giving as much as your getting.
It’s your growth as a business owner and person (we change with each new friendship, connection, mentor and exchange of ideas) so you will learn to accept that your motives and goals change. That is what is so amazing and dynamic (especially with blogs) about online networking.
We change with each post we make, each person that comments on it, each blog we read and discover then comment there too - it’s an ongoing path of growing and learning.
Your contributions show well and it is paying off for you which means you are doing it right - for yourself and those that connect with you.
Input by Tammy | August 17, 2006 @ 8:55 pm
Hey Tammy,
Thanks, I thought I may be over doing it with selfishness, but after reading your response, maybe it isn’t all that bad of a thing if what I am doing helps others and myself.
I guess sometimes the ends Do justify the Means, huh?
Thanks,
Joe
Input by Joe | August 17, 2006 @ 11:18 pm
Joe - so far so good. I won’t be completely full time until September 1st, but after that I’ll have a full plate for a little while at least
Input by Jesse Skinner | August 18, 2006 @ 3:20 am
Hey Jesse,
Cool, just keep you nose to the ole grindstone. Work hard and you’ll do fine.
Keep us updated, and if you need help, you know where to come.
Joe
Input by Joe | August 18, 2006 @ 9:15 am
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