Wow…for the last couple of days I’ve been entertained by reading various posts concerning the A-List Gatekeeper theory. You know that’s the one where there’s a conspiracy by the A-list bloggers to keep all the other less read but more worthy bloggers trodden down in the trenches. Heady stuff!
I’ve been blogging for less then a year so maybe this doesn’t give me the experiences or viewpoint to have a reasonably knowledgeable opinion on this subject. If so, please forgive me. But then again, maybe being “fresh” makes my viewpoint even more valuable and if we count my years of life experience as a human observer and analyst then maybe I qualify.
There are a few thoughts, conclusions, and/or beliefs that I’ve gleamed thus far from reading these interesting word duels.
1. First, no one really understands what the hell the Blogosphere is or can define it. It seems much like an iceberg with only a very small portion above the water line (A-Listers) but the warm currents are constantly changing it’s shape so tomorrow it may well roll over and then there will be a new portion breaking the surface.
2. Of course there’s some level of effort by A-Listers to keep the status quo. It would be against human nature if there wasn’t, and so what? People tend to protect what they have gained, whether it was gotten due to hard work or shear luck. If you don’t believe this is happening I guess you also don’t believe that “Good Old Boy Clubs” and “Glass Ceilings” exist in business and politics. Life doesn’t have to be fair, so why should the Blogosphere be any different. After all, it’s made up of people, so what do you expect? You play on the field you’re given and if it’s the other teams home field then those are the breaks.
3. A few of the A-Listers may not have been entirely responsible for getting where they are. They may have been at the right place at the right time and it happened. This doesn’t mean that they are not qualified or talented, it means that they were also lucky. This makes them even more anxious about keeping what they have. Personally, I’m happy that luck can work in the Blogosphere, it’s probably the only chance I have. :-)
4. It’s still possible for someone new to become an “A-Lister”. I feel the key ingredients for reaching that level of success in blogging is passion. Not passion born of bitterness or envy but a passion born of love for what you do and belief in yourself. A passion that will make you hone you skills and take all opportunities to market yourself. I’m a dreamer, I know.
Enough of intermission…let’s get back to the show!
Update: In all honesty, this subject matter has generated some of the most well thought out and well written post I’ve read recently. Educational! I’m not linking to any of them because there are too many to even begin.
Technorati Tags: gatekeeper, blogosphere, a-listers
Interesting:
“In all honesty, this subject matter has generated some of the most well thought out and well written post IÄôve read recently. Educational! IÄôm not linking to any of them because there are too many to even begin.”
Ummm … what?!?
Don’t you think you just might be engaging in the exact same kind of behavior that the conspiracy theorists are talking about? In other words: appropriating the ideas of others while refusing to credit them with a link?
In other news, yes, I’m one of those who have posted on this tempest in a teapot:
http://www.sparkplug9.com/bizhack/index.php/2006/08/16/a-lister-conspiracy-theories-and-dreams-of-easy-success/
:-)
John,
You have a valid point…what’s worst than a z-lister acting like an a-lister! LOL But then if you look at any of my other post you will see that if anything I probably over-link…if that’s possible.
Besides, I see myself as more of an observer in this issue. There’s obviously some deep seated resentments here built up over time. I don’t have the blogging time to seriously participate. With so many posting who do I choose to link to? All or none, and I happened to choose none.
Enjoyed your post.
Oh, C’mon. ALL the people posting serious critiques take pains to say it’s not a “conspiracy”, that it’s about structure and dynamics and social systems. Strawman #1 in this discussion is to scream “CONSPIRACY THEORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.
It poisons the well.
Seth,
Hummm…”serious critiques.” We’ll then, that leaves me out and free to say whatever I think. I think probably the “conspiracy” consist of an accepted mode of behavior by those selected few. Or a conspiracy based upon the “right” structure, dynamics, and social system…..results are the same.
Agreed that it can poison the well.
I think there’s another point to add: Personal cultural biases that end up affecting behavior.
That A-Listers (or whatever you want to call them) feel a little bit of class bias and don’t want to be bothered with opinions of regular “peasant class” bloggers. I’m sure some feel defensive in the same way wealthy folks might, wondering about the various agendas — the “What do they want from (princely) me?”
It doesn’t even need to be malicious. It could simply be a matter of disinterest in what the little people might have to say. Bloggers aren’t immune to benign feelings of self-importance.
Then there’s the social circle aspect. If the A-list bloggers are peers, then they pay attention to each other. The rest of us are not peers.
Then there are the gender aspects. After all, guys don’t link (in an overgeneralized way), and then wonder about their biased perspectives.
It’s all rather unexamined, and people with privilege are very good at avoiding examination of those privileges. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s human nature.
Media Girl,
All good points. We are all in one way or the other biased.
I feel the act of examining is important in that it exposes, “to the light of day,” results of actions that may or may not be intentional or wanted. Sometimes this in it’s self can bring about small changes. Thanks!