Why I am not sad. Because I have no reason to be! - 26 comments
Earlier this weekend, someone used the Alexa web stats service and compared the daily reach of GigaOM with that of my friends at Techcrunch and that on Mashable, and wondered if I was sad.
Now I could have easily answered this question over on GigaOM, but instead I am leaving that for what it is for — news, analysis and the unfolding story about business of technology. For everything else, I have this blog and that includes questions about my perceived sadness.
For now I wouldn’t bother to point out that we are actually a network of seven blogs and are syndicated to mainstream publications such as The New York Times, BusinessWeek, CNN Money and Salon. Instead, I will just focus on our philosophy and business strategy which doesn’t revolve around mere page views.
When we relaunched the brand new GigaOM design in November 2009, I wrote that “we’ve tried to do is strike a fine balance between what is a blog and what would be an online magazine.” It was so because we wanted to focus on more analysis and in-depth posts. It was not to just compete with other technology publications, but was also standout amongst what has become a very crowded market.
That is why I have admiration for Michael Arrington and his team at Techcrunch and what they have been able to do to dominate the technology news market. Everyone from Techcrunch to Business Insider to Venturebeat to Readwriteweb and not to mention technology blogs from mainstream publications such as AllThingsD and Bits have their own unique playbook to covering technology industry. We have our playbook. What we do is focus on what we do best: take years of experience, a professional approach and use our sources to present the best news analysis and informed opinions in near realtime. In a post last year, I wrote:
As Twitter has become increasingly ingrained in our everyday lives, its value as as source of information tidbits has become clear. Think of it like that plate of chips and salsa you get before the entree arrives: tasty — spicy, even — but not entirely satisfying. Meanwhile, blogging has become the main course — the source of context. And the evolution into that role has injected new life into the blogosphere.
In this age of instant information, thanks to the rise of Twitter and Facebook, the demand is for tools of context, and that is why I think we are on the right path. Jeff Jarvis, a noted media critic and veteran of the publishing business writes:
If you are selling a scarcity — an inventory — of any nonphysical goods today, stop, turn around, and start selling value — outcomes — instead. Or you’re screwed. Apply this rule to many enterprises: advertising, media, content, information, education, consultation, and to some extent, performance.
That is what we are offering to our readers: value.
You know the biggest reason why there is no reason for me to be sad: our community of readers know exactly what we stand for and what they get when they come to GigaOM.com. In response of the said post , several commenters on the Hacker News reflected how we think of our publication. To them I say thank you for making it all worthwhile by noticing our efforts. That is precisely the encouragement we need to keep doing better for you.
To me their comments are a reason to be elated: we are in sync with the needs of those who we serve.
I read this on HN too and immediately discounted it because the dude making the post didn’t account for the fact that you’re a network rather than a single destination.
Om, you will always be a success because you are a class act.
I could never take anybody seriously who actually quotes Alexa stats — ignore them.
You know how to cut to the chase. Thanks for that blunt and direct assessment.
What the guy doesnt seem to understand is that its not a race about pageviews. Quality matters, in a big, big way. Over time, the quality of posts is what will make the difference rather than simply getting more eyeballs.
Keep going Om — you’ve got the full support of at least one loyal reader !
I like and respect your business model, value in quality not quantity.
Also, you’re producing better quality content than either of them. And quality will ultimately always win out.
You my friend are the envy of smart-thinking would-be online media and analyst entrepreneurs everywhere. Intelligence and depth last forever.
Cynthia,
Thanks for your comment. I am hoping that like us, others would also take a quality-centric approach.
as with the real things in life, it’s quality not quantity.
It is tough to break out of a traffic plateau even with great content. ReadWriteWeb, VentureBeat, etc are also way behind Techcrunch and Mashable, and they also have high value content. It is a strange fact that in the media industry, if you hold a pole position in your area, it is very difficult to get thrown out — this is independent of quality.
Ain’t that the truth. But again saying that it can’t be done would be admitting game over. I know (and you very know) Tom, it is always about pushing the rock to the top of the hill. It takes a lot of effort.
Back in my corporate days, when agencies would come in with their media plans and present them to me, if they showed me an Alexa chart, they would be shown the door. Alexa made tweaks to their structure last year at about the time that tc/mash show the increase. As Patricia says, I wouldn’t trust Alexa at all.
Om, I value what you write and it’s always easy to tell the work you put into your stories.
I like the idea of Twitter as the appetizer leading to a main course. Hopefully it does whet your appetite for more. With lots of dining options, however, the main course has to be fulfilling. I consider myself a serious reader but am sometimes aghast at how much skimming I do, day-to-day. Obama rallying Dems on health care? Check. Power plaint explosion in CT? Check. Super Bowl winner? Check. Done. Just curious as a business model if you’re not racing for more page views, does the GigoOM Pro paid subscription model work? Slashdot, I know, often has information rich commenting that an advertiser can look at and say, yea, it’s worth being involved. What appeals most to GigoOm advertisers if not page views? Do they value quality?
Jesse
Let’s just say our model is working for us including our GigaOM PRO business. If you read the comments on our blogs — you know exactly why advertisers want to work with us: they are engaging with the right kind of audience.
Anyway i appreciate you keeping me honest.
Thanks for the answer, Om. Much appreciated.
Om,
I first got to know you at Startup Camp a few years back through your interview with Jonathan Schwartz. I appreciate your journalistic integrity and thoughtful insight when reporting. As someone working endlessly to flush out opportunities, I appreciate your challenge to balance life and work.
I hope this finds you well.
cheers.
Om – I love the open commentary on how you are building your business.
You’ve been at this business of journalism for a long time – longer than most. You’ve seen the landscape change dozens of times and the cycle of change accelerate. Yet, you adapt to the changes and continue to produce quality material. It is obvious that you love your work. Good on ya.
-Matt
Thanks Matt. You are too kind.
I read a lot online. Mostly newspaper sites around the world. There are several blogs I read on a daily basis – 3 of the GigaOm blogs in particular.
TechCrunch and the others? Not only do I read them rarely, I care so little for the egregious attitude of a few of those, I look for alternate sources if they’ve broken a story I wish to Post about at either of the blogs I’m involved with.
GigaOm? Intelligent, insightful, learned writing. The right place for me to send people seeking thoughtful answers.
Amigo, thanks for giving us the props. It is testament to my team which is the reason why we do what we do.
Dear Om
I still remember you discovering our startup about 10 years ago (Ipverse) when no one had gotten a wiff and then your understanding of the issue was so much beyond a regular tech reporter. Your site is still a reflection of you – news yes but with a more indepth take on issues and of course your staff embraces the same culture. Keep up the good work. In a market as big as technology there is room for many news sites and styles everyone has their unique blend and so do you and hope you stay true to that.
What’s there to be sad about. I’d be mighty proud if I were you.
Rock on, Party King!
Look where I ended up (you know me).
Gigaom was the first tech blog I started to read years ago…in the menatime, I found others, like Techcrunch…but Gigaom still stays in my reads.
Your twitter-as-appetizer metaphor is interesting, but for even more fleeting readers like me, twitter is more of a fishing line that reels me in to your products since I haven’t committed more loyalty to your main sites. more hardcore tech business people have you bookmarked, whereas I only come to your sites when twitter snaps me in. Maybe it’s more like a frog’s rapid tongue, or maybe flypaper. In either case, I’m a fly.
How can OM be sad and can make his reader happy?
… only because he is happy, he makes his readers happy! You got to completely ignore such pointless stuffs!.
More importantly, thank you for actually caring and responding to my post. I appreciate the time you spent with us.