TechCrunch and Mapping The Web

Today warranted two posts because the blogging community never ceases to amaze me. I’m always looking for ways to improve this site, so I decided to seek some input from people well versed in the world of blogging. First, I fired off an email to Aidan Henry – an up and coming blog expert and author of one of my favorite blogs: mappingtheweb.com. I have incorporated a lot of what I’ve learned from his posts and our conversations into this site. Thanks Aidan! You’re a star. My site wouldn’t be the same without your hard work, ha ha.

I’d also like to send out huge a thank you to Michael Arrington, the founder of TechCrunch (the 6th most popular blog on the Internet). Who better to seek input from than someone at the top? I sent him a random email and he literally responded within 45 seconds: I was very impressed. We emailed back and forth a bit and I found his insight very, well, insightful:

“Just write about whatever you like. That’s what I did, and it slowly evolved into what techcrunch is today. The key thing to remember is that you are just a node in a community. You have to be a part of the discussion for others to notice you. So I always take a lot of time to read other blogs and link to them when they have something interesting or controversial to say.

What you write about is completely up to you. Just make sure you love it, or else you won’t stick with it.”

And that very well may be what I am missing. I am not participating enough in the blogging community, and that has to change. Starting now, I am going to make a concerted effort build relationships with bloggers, participate with comments and link love, and be more active in the community. Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help.

As one final note, I thought I would highlight another lesson Michael provided me through his emails:

“you are welcome, and thank YOU for reading my blog.”

I am a blog nobody, but he responded to my emails, took time out of his busy schedule to give suggestions to help me become a better blogger, and personally thanked me for visiting and reading his site. Wow. I’m also going to make a concerted effort to be a helpful, friendly, and genuine blog community member.