Blogs: Are you a lurker?

By Heather Yaxley
The 1% rule says that in a group of 100 people online, 1 creates content, 10 interact with it and 89 will view it.

Recent research from Forrester, proposes a Participation Ladder to classify online engagement. This shows that 13% of people are “creators” and will publish web pages, maintain blogs or upload video to sites like YouTube. Nearly one in five (19%) are “critics” – prepared to comment on blogs or add ratings/reviews to sites. “Collectors” comprise 15% of those online – they use RSS and tag web pages. That leaves 19% who are joiners (will use social networking sites, such as LinkedIn), one-third who are spectators (readers, listeners or viewers online) and 52% who have done none of the above.

So what stops people creating or participating online more? Attendance at professional social media events shows marketing and PR people are keen to get involved, but aren’t sure how to take their first steps up the ladder. If you haven’t joined the conversation yet – the best place is to read and listen to what is going on. But if you are reading this, you know that much. Your next step is to add comments – from a creators point of view, there is nothing we like more than getting a response. We are keen to make connections with those who stop by online. If you agree with what we are saying, let us know. If you disagree, then present your counter-argument. We won’t ridicule your views - although we may wish to debate them.

This is like being in a classroom and afraid to stick up your hand – everyone is probably thinking the same thing, so be brave and post a comment.

From Heather Yaxley, passionate about online PR and social media – visit www.greenbanana.wordpress.com