Why I Trust Chris Brogan More Than Seth Godin

As a social media newbie a few years back, I decided to follow and make friends with a lot of different types in the Twitterverse and blogosphere. Some were just average people, some were students and I also choose to follow a few "superstars."

Among my superstars were Laura Fitton, David Meerman Scott, Wendy Piersall, Mike Sansone, Brett Trout, Gary Vaynerchuk, David Armano, Todd Defren, Drew McLellan, Christine Young, Brian Solis and Chris Brogan. My coach Mike Sansone also urged me to follow Seth Godin.

I also made a quick observation: Seth Godin's blog does not accept comments, nor does he interact on Twitter. My only way to contact him was via email. I asked him what his speaker's fee was, because I was thinking of inviting him to speak in Iowa for a professional development event.

The short email I received back was not rude, but it was a little terse. "Sorry, I don't speak outside of New York City." Translation: "there is no way in hell you could pay me enough to speak in Iowa." Instead of just sending me his rates, which I'm sure I would have figured out were too rich for my blood, he cut me off at the pass.

Seth's response also matches the temperature of interaction on his blog. The only way to share his messages are to Digg or tweet, share on Facebook or email. But no comment feature, no way to message him on Twitter. So basically, his legion of followers are one-way communicators on his behalf. Flattering, for sure. Godin allows other people interpret and comment on his ideas with no further interaction. Sure, most are positive comments, because he is brilliant. But, not exactly practicing what he preaches. In other words, "Word of Mouth," but just not his.

On the other side of the superstar equation is Chris Brogan. Along with the other folks mentioned in this post, he allows himself to walk among the masses in the social media space. He interacts with everyone and leaves the impression that he is one of us. He is, by definition, a "creator" on the Li-Bernoff scale of social media creatures. Sometimes, I don't know how he does it. I imagine it's exhausting.

I don't think it's possible to be a Trust Agent in this space without getting your hands dirty. Which is why I highly recommend that you follow Chris and the others mentioned in my post. They will answer your questions, respond to your comments, thank you for your help, and even go beyond the call of duty. Chris acknowledges that he cannot possibly sit and answer email all day, so put up this stunningly frank contact form on his Web site. Refreshing.

Using social media as just another way to push information one-way does not make sense to me. The difference is conversation. Two-way is here to stay.

Comments

[Phil Baumann]

I totally understand your well your points about the differences in communication means between Chris and Seth.

But: I don't understand what that has to do with trust. Trust isn't just about how you communicate. For *what* are you trusting either man? Social media role modeling or marketing wisdom or something else?

I trust Seth as much as Chris. But the *kind* of trust is different. Why? Because I have totally different *expectations* from them.

Chris' goals with his readers are different than Seth's. That doesn't mean I should trust one over the other.

Just because Chris is more social online than Seth doesn't make him any more or less trustworthy. It may make him a more practical role model for how to participate across multiple social media. But there's a lot more to social media and marketing and producing trustworthy content than being a nice guy.

Seth's goal in earning the trust isn't in being social - it's offering perspectives and ideas and resources about how the web changes things and what we can do about those changes. And that's as trustworthy as being a remarkable presence on social networks.

[Claire]

Phil: I agree that both Chris and Seth have something to offer and I believe I pointed out that Seth is brilliant. But Seth is essentially a book author with a well-followed Web site. Chris is more true to the social media ideal of two-way conversation. Since he is out here discovering things with us (like his recent discovery, through his fans, that a large part of a recent piece he wrote had been hijacked), I trust his first-hand observations more.

Thanks for your insightful comment. Claire

[Chris Brogan...]

In defense of Seth (I consider him a friend, though I've never moved his couch), I think he prefers not to fly. As for no comments, he wrote a post years ago (I'm too tired to Google) about why not, but essentially it's because he encourages others to blog about their reactions to his posts or to talk via email. In my experiences (which might be atypical), he responds faster than I do to email, though very briefly (when you get hundreds a day, it's all one can muster).

So, I love the love, but I also love Seth and think he just comes off that way. Hey ,he's a New Yorker. : )

Hugs next time we get together.

[Claire]

Chris, I trusted that you would stop by. :~) Thanks for reading. Claire

[AdMavericks]

Seth Godin first made his first impression on me during the permission marketing era. Ten years later, I find it rather amazing that Godin can have a strong voice in both direct marketing and social media, so kudos to him for still being highly relevant in two entirely different mediums.

I agree with you - the lack of access to Mr. Godin is not ideal.

I think the fact that Chris Brogan is aware enough to have heard, read and put together a thoughtful reply on your post is a great example of practicing what you preach.

I think Brogan, and some of the other names you list are probably an exception to the celebrity/famous marketer rule. And for that, they deserve a serious golf clap!