Monday Morning Jane Review: Seth's Blog
April 04, 2005
We are still on the road, dear readers. We are sorry we did not post from the LexThink gathering in Chicago. Trust us-- it was all we could do to get there, be awed by our compatriots, and then, hoof it home. We will update you with the details later this week.
This post is being written on Friday, well before you will read it. We are writing this particular post for several reasons: 1. We have little time to devout to blog posting today, so this will be short. 2. Our little blog and our marketing to women online website are getting a bit of attention lately--which is very nice, but somewhat embarrassing because we have not updated the website in such a long time (note long face full of guilt), and 3. We think it's time someone stood up to Seth Godin!
Our #1 reason is self-explanatory as we're busy getting ready to leave for our trip. Our #2 reason is something we will get into more later on-- the fact that the women's market and the power of marketing to women online is growing exponentially. Our #3 reason is just because...
We read more blog posts citing Seth's advice, than any other marketing guru. We like Seth, really we do. We think he's creative and outspoken and self-confident enough to take the occasional slings and arrows thrown his way. But... you knew there was going to be a but... we don't think he, nor his blog, are the be-all and end-all of marketing, online or off.
To be more specific, let's look directly at his blog. Why yellow?
Yellow is not a good color for the Internet. It just doesn't translate well-- on anyone's monitor. It's washed out and it conveys weakness. Seth's book covers, which are yellow-- or gold, depending on your eyesight-- are fine: offline. Online, they, too look washed out and uninspiring. (yes, this is merely Jane's humble opinion.) We can only give him a C+ for blog design. At least it's simple. Simple is good.
Let's move on to his posts. Well...a review of recent posts leaves Jane with egg 
on her face. Seth has written some great stuff! Neat stuff! Useful stuff! Why haven't we been reading this stuff? (maybe because we have been consumed with our new business, WME Books, and we are sooooOOOOOO behind in our blog reading!)
We still think he could improve his blog design, but we can't find fault with his posts. He knows how to get to the meat of things-- and he doesn't spout redundant, common sense advice. He shares information designed to get us all thinking-- and that's what blogging is all about, isn't it-- sharing information, thinking bigger thoughts-- being part of the whole instead of standing on the sidelines waiting to be invited to join in?
Which now leaves Jane with only one thing to say: Seth is a professional. He gets a lot of press. He is quoted by everyone, everywhere, because he is worth quoting.
Still, we think even Seth would agree that he isn't the be-all and end-all of marketing. He's one voice, a powerful voice, but not THE voice. There is NO 'the' voice. 
As far as Jane is concerned, 'the' voice is YOURS. Make it heard by joining the rest of us out here trying to. Just be really sure of what you're sure of, and be honest when surety fails you.
What's not to like about that?
Seth knows what he's doing. I expect that he has comments turned off for a reason-- my gut tells me too many folks were writing foolish or nonsensical comments. It's one thing to disagree or open a discussion...it's another to try to start an arguement for arguement's sake. Thanks for your thoughts, Rosa. I value your input more than most. Seth is a valuable resource, but...I think YOU, and many others, offer advice that's just as good.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | April 04, 2005 at 10:23 PM
Yvonne, I have a lot of admiration for Seth Godin, for he certainly is perceptive when it comes to marketing and he shares information freely, although like you I think we all need to remember he isn't perfect - and none of us are.
Like many others I continue to watch what he does because of the marketer he is. Lately I wonder about the fact that comments are turned off on his blog. Is it because he simply could not hope to keep up in light of his popularity, or is it that the smart marketer in him prefers to force the more viral nature of trackbacks and inbound links? Perhaps a combination of both?
Interesting side note: There was a point where the tone of his blog was starting to turn me off a bit, then while I was on a trip I picked up an audio version of his Survival is not Enough because it was such a steal in a bargain bin. Listening to his voice helped me overcome the tone thing and tune back into his ideas again.
Posted by: Rosa Say | April 04, 2005 at 01:54 PM