My favorite part about blogging is conversing with the naysayers. Even the rude ones totally make my day. Because as soon as they start cursing, I know I’ve hit a topic that’s worth talking about.
With that said, there is a certain breed of haters out there that I could really do without – the ones that think age and experience always trump a solid, well thought opinion.
I think that most Gen-Y bloggers know what I’m talking about. In some fashion we’ve all been sized up based on years spent in the real world. And it usually leads to a comment that goes something like this:
In 10 years you’ll regret saying that.
Sure, in 10 years I’ll regret a lot of things. But what I won’t regret is making my voice heard as a young professional. Especially when there are tons of others out there just like me without the resources to do the same.
Will my perspective change within the next 10 years? Yes. Will I regret that I ever opened my mouth in the first place? No. If your argument is that a company might not hire me for something I said back when I was 24 years old, you may have a pretty good case. But there’s an equally good chance that a company does hire me because I challenged the norm. And that’s the type of company Generation Y wants to work for anyway.
What a lot of people don’t realize about blogging is it’s okay to be wrong. And while it’s important to check your facts, you don’t need to be an expert to state an opinion. That’s the beauty of blogging. When I started blogging over a year ago, I would have never guessed that I would experience hardcore resistance. And in most instances, it’s been a pleasant surprise.
So if you’re going to be an active presence in the blogosphere, wear your boxing gloves. A few blows to your ego are definitely game. But there’s one more important thing that you have to be ready to do.
Accept the New Authority
Social media has changed the way we give and receive information. News and opinion is no longer just being spoon fed to everyone by media moguls—it’s being created and duplicated and passed around by everyday people. Think of it more like a buffet. But if the buffet makes you nauseous, you’re more than welcome to order from the regular, everyday menu.
Challenging a blogger by asking where he gets his authority is pointless—you won’t likely find a list of credentials. Instead, size him up by checking out who is reading, linking, subscribing and commenting on his blog. Besides gaining trust, that’s the only basis of authority in the blogosphere.
What it all boils down to is the realization that you can’t evaluate a person in the blogosphere the same way that you would in the corporate world. Age is meaningless and the only titles we have are the ones we give ourselves for the sake of it. And still, people stop by and read.
Granted, as a young professional, sometimes I do need a good reality check. And I’m happy when it’s given to me.
As long as it’s done with an opposing opinion in mind, not my lack of experience or age, I’m willing to take a few jabs. I learn something about myself from every insightful adversary I have. But the ones who question authority, ability, and intellect based on old-school ideas about what makes someone credible are weak and useless to me.
Read this author's blog.
“Challenging a blogger by asking where he gets his authority is pointless”
It’s only pointless because most of the time you already know the answer: as mentioned, many bloggers (especially in our age bracket) don’t have much in way of credentials. However, I feel it’s a very valid question. Why should you be taking advice from someone who just “sounds good”? I’d like to see a proven track record of what has actually worked.
I’ve been thinking about this lately as I notice a lot of circular referencing in the Brazen Careerist community. Thus, “Accept the New Authority” is a little strong for me. I think about Stephen Colbert defining Wikiality; the fact that you or I say something as a “New Authority” doesn’t [necessarily] make it true or valid, so as always, advice should be taken with a grain of salt and the source is of utmost importance.
“together we can create a reality that we all agree on — the reality we just agreed on.”
-Stephen Colbert
Cheers!
Ian, you are talking about experience, not authority. As young people we don’t have credentials, but that almost makes the situation better for us, because it means we don’t need years of experience to share our opinions.
Once you hit 30ish, people expect you to have credentials. You can’t be an “expert” in something without ten years of experience to back it up. All the more reason for young people to record their opinions now, because blogging is a new way to demonstrate experience.
Authority is more about power, and it’s given to you by the masses. The government is an authority only because we all go along with it. If you want to disrupt that power you have to organize a mass protest.
I do like your last quote, and I think it’s a good reminder to all of us to make friends outside the BC community.
Ian,
I think you’re right. And I think a big part of this new authority is the notion that everything you read/hear doesn’t need to be absolutely true. Or maybe it’s true, but only in a certain context.
Credentials may be a valid question, but if you already know the answer, you need to get off your high horse and contribute something valuable to the topic. Maybe it’s just me, but I get fed up with people who attack my opinions based on my age.
What I really like about this is the fact that we can debate. It’s not just streamlined information. And it’s nice to see that mainstream news sources are starting to utilize some of these techniques as well.
In a way, that’s a better reality that just listening to expert advice. Or Steven Colbert.
Thanks for the thoughtful post Ryan. When you mentioned regrets in the post I thought of part of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten song lyrics -
“I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We’ve been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can’t live that way.”
I would have to say most of my regrets are what I didn’t attempt to do.
Ryan, great post.
“What a lot of people don’t realize about blogging is it’s okay to be wrong.”
I think that is a real hidden gem in this article. In fact, I think that is one of the key STRENGTHS of blogging as a medium. A lot of the bloggers that I generally enjoy to read, and what I generally also try to share when I’m writing as well, is that experiential learning curve.
Much like Edison’s thousands of attempts at inventing the light bulb, failure isn’t a negative unless you make it that way (or you are tasked with actually saving the world, but that’s probably not a common occurance). As long as you learn something from the experience, you have experienced some success. It might not have been the initial goal you had set, but that doesn’t lessen the fact that you have moved forward. And if others are willing to share what they’ve learned, even if they learned it by being wrong, then more power to them.
Ryan -
Credentials aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Just because someone read a few more books and maybe passed a test or two doesn’t make them smarter or more authoritarian than anyone else. What matter is a well thought out opinion, position, or argument.
Most of what I read on blogs could be open to debate. It’s one person’s opinion or position versus another. And what happens in a debate? The person with the position that convinces the most people usually gets the larger following. Think Lincoln - Douglass here.
It’s not about right or wrong, correct or incorrect. It’s about position, opinion, and the ability to persuade.
People will be wrong. People’s opinions on topics will change. What matters more is not that change happens but that people took a stand in the first place.
Keep writing. We’re all learning along the way.
Ryan:
I agree that attacking on the basis of age is wrong. The important thing to remember is that the blogger needs to be willing to change his / her opinion if someone with experience can present valid evidence that the blogger is wrong.
Regards,
Scott
Monica: Thanks for pointing out the different between authority and experience. It’s important to realize that they aren’t one in the same.
Mark W: Thanks for sharing those lyrics. Very thoughtful.
Adam: And just like the lightbulb, ideas evolve and become better. Which is why it’s okay to be wrong or not quite right.
Jerry: I think credentials are important, but you’re right, they aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
Even when looking for a job you can’t just rely on credentials. There’s more to a good candidate than that. For instance, being able to take a stance and state an opinion shows a lot to an employer. Just don’t overdo it
Scott: Yes, bloggers need to admit when they are wrong. It’s tough for anyone to admit they’re wrong.
But it’s also okay to argue with the experts too. And if you truly don’t agree, don’t give in.
Monica - Based on your “Authority comes from attention” line of reasoning, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are authorities [in their own way] right? I will agree.
However, would you be taking book recommendations from Paris or Oprah? That’s my point: The fact that you have 1,000 subscribers might mean people find you interesting, but I’m not sure if that makes you an authority on a topic. Know what I mean? I’m just thinking out loud at this point…
Ryan - Agree completely that being judged solely based on age and people not contributing anything valuable is ridiculous.
“In a way, that’s a better reality that just listening to expert advice.”
It’s better because differing viewpoints can help make more informed decisions. Would you take career advice from a kid coming right out of school or from Bill Gates/Meg Whitman/Jack Welch/Larry Page/whoever? Although everyone’s opinions might be insightful, who are you most likely to listen to?
While I consider certain bloggers authorities on various topics, most (myself included) are not. The good news is: these topics tend to spark a good discussion!
Ian, pretty much any book in Oprah’s book club becomes an instant best seller. Anywhere that Paris Hilton parties, anything she wears, becomes an instant trend.
So yeah, people do respect their authority. And while I don’t personally love Paris Hilton I will admit she’s probably an authority on partying. =D
I think 1000 subscribers makes you an authority on that topic, at least to those subscribers. 1000 subscribers demonstrates that there are 1000 people who trust you and want to hear your opinion. Which makes 1000 more wonder what’s so great about you, and willing to find out.
Does a degree in Finance or the title “Associate Vice-President” at a bank give you authority? Only if people trust the source. If they think your school is a joke, then probably not. If they think your dept. is a joke, then probably not.
Authority = Trust, not Experience.
Monica -
“I think 1000 subscribers makes you an authority on that topic, *at least to those subscribers*”.
Right. I always appreciate the debates!
I agree with most of what you said.
“Authority = Trust, not Experience.
How is it that one builds [true] trust/authority? Oprah’s show first aired in 1986 and the book club segment in 1996. Do you believe that her authority would have been the same in 1987 as it was in 1996 or today?
Yes, her experience is not in books, editing, or publishing right? Correct me if I’m interpreting your stance incorrectly, but by your logic she should not recommend books because she has no experience in the book industry.
The only reason she can recommend books is because she has a lot of fans, and because her fans like her past recommendations and trust that they will like her future ones. Then they actually do, so they keep listening to her. Authority = Trust.
If you think about it, Oprah doesn’t have any authority with non-fans. Non-fans don’t watch her show, don’t read her magazine, don’t buy her stuff. Which speaks to my subscriber sentence you highlighted.
This is all healthy boxing glove material here.
I love it.
…by your logic she should not recommend books because she has no experience in the book industry.
LOL - At what point did I convey this??? Please read the final question; I was pointing out the time difference between 1986 and today. Maybe it wasn’t clear:
Her authority/trust has been built for the past 20+ years. Oprah can pretty much recommend whatever she wants!
Now, in case it’s still not clear, let me reconnect the dots…
It took Oprah 20+ years to build that trust/authority; what makes you think that a young blogger (again, myself included) should be an instant authority on workplace issues*?
*If you’ve somehow managed to acquire 20+ years of experience in the roles you’ve had OR it’s a very specific/new area of expertise (e.g. young entrepreneurship, personal branding, Web 2.0, blogging, etc.), then sure perhaps you can call yourself an authority.
Most of the BC bloggers write about general workplace issues. While I [obviously] encourage this network and the good advice/discussions it generates, I find it a little pretentious to refer to yourself (even indirectly) as an authority.
Ryan - LOL!! Care to chime in?
This language is what gave me that impression:
“…don’t have much in way of credentials”
“Why should you be taking advice from someone who just “sounds good”?”
“I’d like to see a proven track record of what has actually worked.”
Oprah’s authority has not been built on degrees or credentials… it’s been built on trust.
She doesn’t have to tell people she is an authority - People know she’s an authority because she has so many fans. Fans are an indicator, much like subscribers are an indicator of good blogging.
So if you are young and have a ton of subscribers, why can’t you be an authority on a topic? People want to listen to you, and as long as you keep it real with them about your age and experience, admit that you’re wrong when you are, disclaim that what you write is your own opinion, and open yourself to criticism and discussion, you can be a valuable voice of the community.
And I actually own boxing gloves from my karate/kickboxing days.
Fun stuff.
Haha…whenever anyone talks about Oprah I tend to steer clear. She does a lot of great things for the world, but she’s that buffet item I just can’t stomach. Maybe it’s a guy thing.
Here’s what I think…
Expertise is gained by the individual. Authority is gained by people surrounding the individual. So it’s possible that an expert is not an authority, an authority is not an expert, or an expert is an authority.
…that hurt my brain to write…
Anyway, whether we like it or not, this is the way the power structure is set up. Sometimes it sucks because someone who doesn’t deserve authority gets it, but hey, that’s life.
I mean Ashton Kutcher is a producer now! What’s that about? Do I think he deserves to be one? No. I think he sucks. But he has sweet hookups so what can you do?
Me: “I find it a little pretentious to refer to yourself (even indirectly) as an authority.”
You: “She doesn’t have to tell people she is an authority - People know she’s an authority …”
Exactly, so based on this, it’s unnecessary to say things like “Accept the New Authority” or “…and in doing so you’ve given me authority.”.
If someone is really that good, people will know. If they have to assert (or defend) their authority, I always think twice.
“Those who know don’t speak; those who speak don’t know”
-Lao Tzu
“Expertise is gained by the individual. Authority is gained by people surrounding the individual.”
This makes sense, but once again, if you’re an expert, people are more likely to listen (and then surround you). Think about the people who can say: “I wrote the book on [x]”.
“So it’s possible that an expert is not an authority, an authority is not an expert, or an expert is an authority.”
Oh no, I’ve gone cross-eyed…
Expertise is gained by the individual. Authority is gained by people surrounding the individual. So it’s possible that an expert is not an authority, an authority is not an expert, or an expert is an authority.
Ryan, that was remarkably insightful and well-said, and I think the distinction you showcase is important.
I think it frustrates some people when a person without expertise is given authority. That may be the crux of the (fascinating) debate between Ian and Monica. It may also be why so many people have a problem with Millennials asserting their authority where they (rightly or wrongly) feel Millennials have no expertise.
It might be interesting to investigate the role of fame in this equation. Does fame create authority? Often. Should it? Well …
I was going to stop, but Sean got my mind going again…
Sean - “Does fame create authority?” Excellent point. You’ve brought out something interesting…
Monica - After Sean’s comment, I realized that (intentionally or not) you’ve used one of the oldest debate tricks in the book!!
You started off by stating my definition of authority was wrong and proceeded to define it yourself. The conversation was now framed and continued with your definition.
While I agree experience and authority are not the same, I say that authority is more about experience/expertise while you and Ryan seem to believe it’s more about popularity/fans.
Authority or expertise without reach is pretty useless, but look at the various definitions of “Authority”: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=authority
You frequently see words like: expert, experience and practice. There’s not much about population or number of fans.
You can argue that the dictionary isn’t an authoritative source, but then we end up back to my starting point of Wikiality!
Ian, this all started with a discussion about accepting the new authority. “New” implies there is an old version of authority, which is the definition you found in the dictionary.
It’s fine with me if you don’t agree with the new authority. But before dismissing my arguments as trickery, consider that I might just be very persuasive ;). And like you said, authority without reach is useless, so why are we discussing it still? Seems like we pretty much agree.
I’ve done so much writing here today and I haven’t updated my blog, so I’m going to write an entry about Authority since it isn’t the central point of this article!
Will let you know when it’s up!
Ryan, you know, you’re really not that young anymore. I met a 20-year-old blogger just the other day. Now there’s someone who has a hard time projecting authority!
I’m just teasing you. People older than you will always play the age card. I was somewhere not too long ago with 4 people who were turning 50 this year. I said something, and they were like, “Oh she’s just young.” And I thought, “shit, I’m almost 40. When do I get to be the grown up?”
The nature of Web 2.0 means that there will not be one authority on anything. People will check around with a bunch different “authorities” and then make their own opinions.
Don’t get too hung up on the age thing, though. Before you know it, they’ll stop carding you when you buy beer and you’ll wonder what they heck happened.