Joel Postman has written a insightful piece, which takes the blogging community to task for being ‘elitist’ (a virtual restricted membership club, with its own qualifications, rules and jargon) while purporting to be inclusive (hey come on, everybody join in the conversation and while we’re at it let’s all sing, ‘I think it’s so groovy now that people are finally gettin’ together’).

And it’s true, the PR/tech communications blog scene is a bit like an open-code-closed-culture with an underlying snob factor, where you’re either in or, as Joel says, too far out ‘in the hinterlands’ to get it. I remember when I first got started I felt overwhelmed by all the references till I learned the vocabulary and realized how small this world actually is.

I think that along with these in-crowd sentiments comes a mentality that combines equal doses of self-pity with self-aggrandizement. And this, in turn leads to in-fighting, petty feuds and hurt feelings.

Sometimes the blogosphere reminds me of country music…without the tune. It’s not a lot a lot of fun to listen to.

I say open the windows. Unlock the doors. Let some fresh air in. This is an amazing place to be. But we should try harder to speak in a language that anyone can understand.

Just imagine where (or how far) the conversation will take us.

About Martin Waxman


Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, teaches digital strategy and social media at McMaster University, the Schulich School of Business, University of Toronto SCS and Seneca College. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.