Comments on: Self proclaimed social media gurus? The very idea of it

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:57:22 +0000

OMG. I have just read through this entire debate and can’t believe so many people have their knickers in such a twist about SMW and the definition of a guru.

The people who are clearly hottest under the collar about it all should perhaps take a deep breath and relax…. I mean, seriously… too much time on your hands?

Ann, I agree with you –
Aren’t all gurus self proclaimed? Doesn’t self proclamation attract followers who then “second” the self proclamation? I mean all websites are essentially a form of proclamation. And social networking is group-facilitated self proclamation.

Everyone else…. go and do something useful! This navel-gazing is killing me.

By: mumbrella

mumbrella — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:16:45 +0000

Hi Joe,

I know of very few people who actually use the word guru to describe themselves.

Their press release took aim at “self proclaimed social media gurus”. From the context, it was clear their focus was on those who profess to be experts at social media (nobody is yet, of course). I don’t think they were focusing on those who “dictate and lead through cryptic riddles”.

However, it’s clear from their own sites that all three make a living from offering advice in the digital world themselves. That’s not so different from the people their release took aim at.

Cheers,

Tim – Mumbrella

By: joe

joe — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:18:26 +0000

Shame on you Mumbo!

These people do not claim to be Gurus yet you bait a conversation to get some traffic, of which I am now a participant.

None of these people you mention claim to be Gurus. As others point out, and I’d like to reiterate, there is a difference between Guru, and Professional. I come here to read professional “journalism” (ok, gossip) about this industry, which many professionals vociferously comment on. Gurus don’t have discussions, they dictate and lead through cryptic riddles. I challenge you to show me where these people claim Guru-ness.

I guess you’ll bait us with some Mac/PC comment as soon as the iPad comes out?

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:57:48 +0000

There’s no doubt these are intelligent women who command a great deal of respect in thier own right. But I can’t help but feel that defining themselves as a womens group will work against them as it smacks of prejudice against men who have to be 50% of thier market, no?

By: Tarzan

Tarzan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:57:37 +0000

metarzan dot com – would be a good name for a dating site…

By: Tarzan

Tarzan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:55:49 +0000

“Me Tarzan…”

By: Tarzan

Tarzan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:55:28 +0000

I’m Tarzan, you Jane!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:52:03 +0000

This reminds me of a group that was set up in New Zealand a little while ago called WIFT (Women in Film and Televison).

A mate of mine who is a leading TV producer over there promptly set up an alternative, informal group called MIFT (Men in Film and Televison).

A surprising number of people failed to see the humour in this …

By: Mr It's a Joke

Mr It's a Joke — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:52:58 +0000

I am considering setting up a social media group purely for men. The meeting will take place every evening in a pub. In the bar where the meeting occurs, women will not be allowed in that bar. I might organise for a dart board and a pool table to be included so that us blokes can occupy ourselves further, perhaps some cribbage too?

We can crack jokes, chat about how our day went and generally kick back without any women asking silly questions and ‘breathing down our necks…’

(Have a look at the video I am linked to.)

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:27:31 +0000

Aren’t all gurus self proclaimed? Doesn’t self proclamation attract followers who then “second” the self proclamation? I mean all websites are essentially a form of proclamation. And social networking is group-facilitated self proclamation.

By: Tim P

Tim P — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:19:07 +0000

Jeez, Tim, ‘ever think of changing “mUmBRELLA” to “Solipsistics Daily”…?

By: Gavin

Gavin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:28:03 +0000

proud to say the wonderful Kristin Rohan arrived to #digicitz last night while the conversation was still happening. As I thought, there is room for everyone! (Who would’ve thought it!)

By: Anon1

Anon1 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:46:40 +0000

Creating a gender ghetto is not the way to redress imbalances and increase integration.

By: OtherAndrew

OtherAndrew — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:30:03 +0000

You’re right Liam.

And everyone, after all this to-ing and fro-ing between camps, I am pleased to declare the winner… MUMBRELLA!

By: Liam

Liam — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:01:26 +0000

58 Comments.

This is the most popular subject on here.

It does suggest that social media does quite like a chat. Still it is ‘social’media.