In this hectic world of blogging where all we want is acceptance, we often tend to do things out of the ordinary to gain this feeling of “fitting in” and “success” into our heads.
As redemption for these things we do, it’s time for someone to stand up and make fun of these people. That’s going to be me, and in this post I will point out five funny things that we do as bloggers to give us that professional look.
Some of the things listed below are that which we do subconsciously, and others because we think someone will be impressed.
1. Referring to themselves as “we” instead of “I” or “me”
This may not be the case for some bloggers who have multi-authored blogs, but I read a lot of blogs who have just one author that often refer to themselves as “we”. I always thought this was funny, and wondered why they did it. I mean, I have done it myself a lot in my time so I can understand on some level.
Why We Do This
I think for the most case we all do this because it sounds more reassuring. Come to think of it, saying that there is a group of people trying fix a massive possibly-blog-ending problem is way better than saying one person is working on it.
But is that always the way we use it? When there’s a problem to fix? I have seen it in site slogans “We Strive For Your Success”, on About pages, “We here at…” and so many more places. Maybe it happens out of impulse — we don’t even know we do it (did I just do it!?).
2. False Labeling
We’ve all seen those annoying self-proclaimed “guru’s” before telling us how we can become an expert at the field just like them if we read their blog. The funniest thing about this is that those “guru’s” don’t know jack and instead have been preaching stuff they think might work instead of stuff that will work.
Why We Do This
It’s just like if I was to say I am “we” in a blog post, we do this to build trust and possibly a name for ourselves. No one would read a blog of the person was honest and labeled their self as “Make money online with stuff that might work”, but more people will buy into “Make Money Online with a Guru” title. It’s a shame the honest guy won’t get much attention, but I think it’s kind of funny that people buy into false titles!
3. Going Into Specific Versions
This is probably the funniest thing I will ever see in the blogosphere. People who constantly upgrade their blog feel the need to get into the specific versions. I understand “Version 2″ and whole numbers like that, but it always interested me that people would start going deeper and saying they are at Version 2.5 of their blog.
I think if you decide to “Versionize” your blog, stick to whole numbers. Unless you are developing software, plugins, or a theme — don’t get into the specifics.
Why We Do This
I know not everyone does this (hell, I know I don’t). But this is why I think people do it to feel more like developers. Developers (people who make themes, plugins, software, etc.) are usually very organized when it comes to their projects. Bloggers who are supposed to be extremely organized as well can sometimes get specific with what version their blog is at.
Even if it’s for a good cause, I always find it funny to read a headline stating that someone has just “performed heavy maintenance” to their blog (which I guarantee is not much work at all) and are now at Version 2.4.6 BETA. Adding BETA to their title always confused me more, but it’s even funnier in my opinion.
4. Part of the “Name” Network
I always thought it was cute to see people put their blog into a network of what I was promised to be “amazing super blogs”. You know how you see in some blogs footers “A subsidiary of the Whatever Network”. Don’t get me wrong, there are tons of successful networks of sites on the Internet, but there are always those networks made of like one blog.
Why We Do This
Again, so we can be looked at as more than just a blog, but as a very trusted site. People see you’re part of a network, you earn some respect (hopefully).
5. Conforming to the industry’s “standards”
I just wrote a blog post about conformity and blogging the other day. Pretty much everyone is a conformist to another blog on some level, and most of the time we don’t even know.
Why We Do This
Often, we see what others are doing as the “right” way of doing something rather than our own way of doing something. Every blogger wants success, and by looking at other blogs with that success (but what is success?) we try to copy them in hopes of getting what they have achieved.
So maybe it’s not always funny, but kind of sad.
What Are You Guilty of?
Besides point #1, what else are you guilty of? How do you think these little pet peeves I have mentioned here have an effect on your blog and how a reader intakes your message?
68 Discussions
I really enjoyed this light hearted post. You are dead on with your comments. I know I have many times referred to myself as we for the reasons you mention. Seems that it would imply to the readers there are many people working when in reality there is only me. Odd how we think people will pay more attention if they think there are hundreds of people behind whatever it is there interested in.
I think everyone does that Peg, it’s just something that we do without even realizing it!
I have come up with a theory though. When people say “we are working on fixing this problem”, they could be including a 3rd party. For example, a hosting issue would involve yourself and the company itself which is a “we”.
Just a thought.
Very cool and Well written Post Alex. Agreed on the “WE” point.. I’m the only author of my blog still I write WE in case of I did.. that really shows something kinda honour like group of people are working and like that.
Very well written and Good Luck with the 31days Pro Blogger !
Enk’s last blog post..Create Custom Sidebar in Wordpress Blog
Thanks for the good luck wishes. Are you participating in it too?
I’m in the mailing list.. I read the mails, but dun know if I have enough time to participate. Well, Good Luck to you !
Enk.’s last blog post..Create Custom Sidebar in Wordpress Blog
Ah crud, I did the last one. I pretty much copied the design of a successful blog for my design upgrade…although I really do like it, I could have been a bit more creative. My blog still looks like every other female blog.
I’m participating in the better blog thing too.
That’s cool Sarah, I wish you the best of luck in the 31DBBB challenge.
So isn’t this post being part of ProBlogger’s “31 Days to Build a Better Blog” Project a case of #4, Blogger’s being part of the “Name” Network?
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
In a sense, yes, it could apply to the same idea. But it’s also extremely different. Good point though.
Extremely different? I think thou doth protest too much.
(But don’t take me too seriously here, just giving you a good old fashion ribbing.)
BTW, I really like the design of your site. Did you do it or someone else?
Mike Schinkel’s last blog post..Atlanta Web Entrepreneurs learn about Twitter
No worries Mike, I don’t take many people seriously and it’s always interesting to read comments that say more than “Great post!”.
I did the design, check the last few posts on the blog homepage for more details because I just redesigned the blog a few days ago.
Haha, you can almost tell when bloggers are lying.
“I’m from the network such and such…” and they give you a link and then there’s nothing there. I’ve seen that MANY times!
I almost did that on a past blog. Here’s the kicker: it was a personal blog.
Actually my blog is particularly targeted at those self-proclaimed gurus who sell rubbish online… I kind of state it very clearly in all my signatures files, about pages etc…
It make me sick, not only the fact that they self proclaim themselves (oh yes, sometimes they will show you a photoshop touched up snapshot of their clickbank account as proof…), but really that most of what they are selling and telling is actually rubbish and doesn’t work in real life.
Anyway, like you Alex, I have posted my list post as required in the 2nd day assignment!
Nicolas Prudhon’s last blog post..The 10 key elements of an optimized post
I just think it’s a shame really that people buy into that. I mean, I know not everyone (especially new bloggers) will know any better, but hopefully they soon realize that these people are fakes and they should be kicked down. =/
@Alex: You rock man
Specially that image 
. I write my blog in first person but often use ‘we’ when I refer to my group. Part of so and so network point is really funny.
Jeet’s last blog post..Are you tired of looking for dofollow blogs?
I know, isn’t that image awesome?
At this blog, literally it is a “we” situation (because it is co-owned by two people). However, we try our best to keep things in 3rd person unless it was something we have both been involved in. But still, it slips out and it’s hard to stop it sometimes.
I’ve made a lot of informational sites to either keep or flip in my time, and because of that I’ve got very used to trying to look professional by using ‘we’. Now, with my new blog Teenius, I’m trying to be more informal and really connect with my readers, so I’ve started using ‘I’, but it’s really hard to get into the habit of it
Nice article Alex
Simon | Teenius’s last blog post..Picking The Perfect Name For Your Website
That’s a good point Simon, “we” does sound more professional. I guess it’s helpful to use “we” when you are doing things like marketing and selling things isn’t it?
Yeah, and also if you’re making a website that requires trust, you should really put ‘we’. For example, I made a site about Contract Law. Not very interesting, but quite specific, so you really need to sound professional. But then on Twitter I won’t refer to myself as ‘we’. I suppose it’s just the different scenarios
Simon | Teenius’s last blog post..Tips On Finding A Good Domain Name
Yea, honestly I see many people(myself included) do these things. Good, funny blog post.
teenwebguru’s last blog post..40 Common Negative Thoughts
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m glad to say that I am only somewhat guilty of #4 (I’m actually developing multiple sites for my network). However, I have seen plenty of people do this. The “we” instead of “I” thing seems kind of stupid in retrospect.
Corey Freeman’s last blog post..Quick Tip #9
I don’t see an issue if you have a group of sites just like you do Corey. I just think it’s always been funny how people have like one website and put them in a “network” by their selves and never really add any other sites.
Yes yes I am guilty of wanting you to visit OUR other blogs when it’s my other blogs. lol
Seriously though, a lot of times when I use “we” or “our”, I mean it in a community sense. Example – please leave your thoughts, we would love to see them! I’m referring to myself and all other readers.
And yes, I too have a growing network of blogs.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..9 Qualities You Should Find In A Good Web Designer
Haha, there’s another one I love – “our”.
So you basically speak to your community as your community, right Dennis? Interesting view on the subject, I like it.
Exactly right. Include them or lose them; then you’re just talkin’ to yourself.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..9 Qualities You Should Find In A Good Web Designer
Number one point is infact a persuasion technique called ‘inclusive language’, something I picked up before our annual english speeches!
It’s quite interesting, like most of us use that to help the readers connect with what we are saying. Unknowingly we are actually creating that sense of belonging. It’s hard to explain but from what I see; the bottom line is; it helps readers connect with your perspective
Awesome read, Alex – I can assure you I’m guilty of a couple these Pet Peeves too
especially number one and number four 
Yeah man, it’s definitely something that sounds more persuasive and reassuring…it’s just a funny thing to see sometimes.
First of all: This is a great looking blog. I noticed that you are using Chris Pearson’s Thesis Theme. You really did a nice job on the design customizations. I am playing to switch to Thesis on my blogs at the end of the month.
I also enjoyed reading your posts. They are very informative.
I am doing the Problogger 31 Day Challenge as well.
Clara Mathews’s last blog post..Movie Adaptations or When Good Books Go Bad
Thanks a lot Clara, I’m glad you like the design! I really think I made this place stand out from other Thesis blogs, and that was my goal.
Let me know if you do ever switch to Thesis, and if you need any help don’t hesitate to ask.
Good luck in ProBlogger’s challenge!
lol I do see a lot of blogs that go by “we” even though it’s always the same author. I would never call myself Guru even if I get millions of traffic to my site because there are so many more real Pros before me. Version numbers sound awesome. I would like to be Kai Lo 2.549384 square.
Funny post!
Kai Lo’s last blog post..Squidoo Traffic and Backlink
So basically even if you were at John Chow’s financial level, you wouldn’t consider yourself a guru then? I love the sound of that Kai, it’s so…different! I know how success fills up someones ego, and the first thing that they do is start calling their selves gurus. Maybe they’re right, but I never think a self proclaimed guru is actually a guru.
If I were to put a version on Blogussion, I think it would definitely be version 2, but to be more specific, the decimals would go out as far as 2.x.x.x I think as I am always updating this place haha.
Awesome and really funny point you mentioned there Alex. It was interesting. I have seen “We” instead of “I” in many blogs. #1 was interesting. And I have also seen people boasting off on their blogs. It sound funny as no good content will be there on their blogs.
Harish’s last blog post..Why You Should Promote Your Contest? And How ?
Have you ever caught yourself using “we” instead of “me” at all Harish?
i have to admit i am guilty of some of the tips mentioned in the post but yet were all human because no one’s perfect but yet we try
almir’s last blog post..Vital Tips That Can Aid Any Blogger
I know that I’m a bit late to post on this one. I was actually working on something else and remembered part of this topic.
4. Part of the “Name” Network
I actually have this on a few of my blogs and, for me personally, it’s more for fitting it in with tax purposes. While I don’t run an ‘actual’ blog network some of my blogs are setup just to generate my supplementary income so they as part of my business. Granted, this isn’t usual the case but I’m sure some other bloggers out there do the same thing.
I’ve been guilty of the ‘we’ thing but not because I wanted to establish some authority or anything, I think it was just pure slackness.
You can usually tell which one are the false gurus just by reading the posts and looking at the site itself. If one doesn’t give it away the other one will.
Sire’s last blog post..Are Google’s Days Numbered?
But “I” is less to type than “we,” so technically you weren’t slacking, but doing more work. :p
You’re right, and I don’t know why people don’t see it – it’s all in the way they word their articles and present their blog. I could never understand how people would start a brand new blog and call themselves “gurus.” It’s embarrassing. :S
Slacking in the sense that I didn’t put enough thought into it. Sometimes I pick up on it and I take the time to edit it out, but not always.
As to the gurus, I reckon they prey on the newbies in the blogging world of which there are so many and more are added everyday and so they have a big market. The sad thing is that some of them have probably convinced themselves that they are indeed gurus. Bit of a joke really.
Sire’s last blog post..Are Google’s Days Numbered?
Aw, I see you are getting into reposting. It’s funny, because I just learned of it too. I’m sure that you have a lot of articles that are under appreciated and due for a repost.
Great articles BTW. I remember reading it before, but I don’t think I commented.
Jake | Web Journey´s last blog ..Creating the Perfect Notebook
I’m actually performing an experiment and will be doing the same thing again shortly with another post. Stay tuned.
Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only
Cool, I’m interested in anything related to reposting. It interests me.
Jake | Web Journey´s last blog ..Michael Jackson Can Make Us Better Bloggers
Well I guess people just want to portray something in order to win more readers to their blog, but more often than not, it backfires on them, lol…
Charles´s last blog ..Why You Should NOT Try to be Original
You’re right, and it’s always funny to see these things out there. After I wrote this, I started to look for these things, and to my surprise – I saw it a lot!
Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only
Many bloggers seem to tend to get caught up in rankings & stats. Google PageRank & Alexa scores are interesting, but they’re not much of an indicator of the quality of your blog. And those same bloggers are often consumed with getting “clicks.” I don’t want traffic for my blog; I want visitors or readers – people who connect or enjoy the content, may be interested in coming back again, and who will, hopefully, leave a comment occasionally to help validate the blog author’s efforts.
Rob O.´s last blog ..All Atwitter
Excellent comment Rob! If only more bloggers could think like that then I think more progress would be made in getting READERS rather than VISITS.
Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only
Oh Alex, you didn’t have to blow open to the winds the ‘professional’ thingies we cook up behind the curtains, just to give our blogs the CNN’ish kinda look. Hmmn, am hardly blown now. Lol
The offence I could get booked on (probably by a blog police) is the ‘wE’. I found it hard to go with the ‘l’ when i was trying to make an elevator pitch for my blog. I won the ‘cold war’ any way.lol.
On the 31DBBB, am just on the day 2. I’m pretty bugged down trying to give my blog a unique design. It’s kept me from updating for ages, and yet my designs are not near being a bit of being okay. I only wish i had the $$ to hire some1 with the experience, so i could face creating my list post.
Finelly chalked post Alex. You rock!
WARNING: be careful not to expose ‘us’ with further posts as this in the future anymore! Lol.
I agree with you, I feel like its a whole lot harder for me to sell someone I do this, rather than We think that this is the best way.
Matt Harris´s last blog ..I’ll show you how I made $300,000 last year on Twitter
Hey man, the “we” thing is totally subconscious and we do it without being really aware of it.
I stopped 21DBBB because I left this blog for a week in about day 7 and got totally behind. I am going to be continuing one day though!
Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only
Damn you nailed me, We’ve been saying we on our website that I almost forgot It wasnt just me. We were hoping that no one would catch on, but touche. We have been nailed
Matt Harris´s last blog ..I’ll show you how I made $300,000 last year on Twitter
Oh the irony. :p
I’m going to have to get out the habit of saying “we” as this blog is only “me” now. Not “us” anymore.
Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only
Hey man, what about your partner? Why are you going to be a loner soon?
It will all be explained today, hopefully.
Alex´s last blog ..Young Blogger Interviews #1: Simon Rogers of Teenius.com
very funny
The Divine Miss White´s last blog ..Microsoft and blogosphere tremble every time Google sends out edict
I never want to go under false labelling. That’s why it took me TWO YEARS of hard work to gain trust and authority to start being labelled as a “blogging guru”. It’s never easy. Somewhat unfair too, because those who are just new in the niche (like less than 6 months old) already thinks they have what it takes and gets around with calling themselves as “pros”. It misleads a lot of people, I’ve seen it around so much that it just annoys me a little compared to before.
Their is tough competition and people just tend to get over you as soon as they think you’re “worthless”. My goal? Well, I just try to keep sharing good stuffs, those that will make readers love the blog more
In the end, they’ll realise who’se really the true one and who’se the faker. Amazing post Alex, all praises for this one!
P.S. I do find the “we” thing hilarious too
Liane´s last blog ..YoungBlogger is Haggard | On The Process of Finishing Excel Blogging Version 1.0
We are glad that we read this post. It made us think about not talking about our self as multiple people. LOL! I think that we are Gurus in our field.. All jokes aside I think that bloggers should just be themselves when blogging. Newbies and oldies make these mistakes all the time. We are all guilty of at least one of these.
shaunjudy´s last blog ..49 Reasons I Hate To Blog
The first time I read this post, I didn’t like it. I am guilty of #1. Now I think it’s funny but every once in awhile I still catch myself using “we.” However, come this fall I’ll be able to use “we” as much as I want!
Nick Tart | JuniorBiz´s last blog ..How Entrepreneurship is Like Climbing Mountains – JJ Entry #21
I’m liking your ideas! In relation to number 3, as a designer, I would add version numbers (not whole numbers) if the design has been changed– enough to make a difference, but not a new one. A lot of designers have their own systems, so it varies. This is very important, because you can’t say you have a new design– it’s not new. It’s just “improved”. You can’t have two of the “same” designs. Lots of designers like to keep their designs on file, so version points help organize the list.
Beta is like “testing”. I haven’t really seen it on blogs, but it’s pretty much saying “excuse any bugs, and we may close down at ANY time with or without notice”. The version numbers are just development milestones.
You’ve got lots of great ideas! Keep it up! Thanks for sharing.
Grace´s last blog ..What do you want to see on NeonScent?
most of the times, that “we” comes out, on my blogs
dinu´s last blog ..Google Chrome OS for dummies : all about Chrome OS in 150 words
Funny things made me laugh. Yeah. Me too see such a things in some blogs. but i have no idea of collecting these things on my blog as you did. Thanks.
Joel christ´s last blog ..Welcome to AJ Classifieds V3
“As redemption for these things we do, it’s time for someone to stand up and make fun of these people.” Well said, lol. Yes about their “we” as they say, there is power in numbers, even if it’s a bunch of idiots. As is the whole network thing, makes you seem more powerful. It’s all about power, and showing it off even if you really don’t have it.
Till then,
Jean
It might be worth mentioning that, regardless of whether these things amuse you or not, they can be effective. You correctly point out that readers look for social proof when weighing up a site. Are lots of people commenting, does the author seem to be respected, do they know what they are talking about, etc? Anyone who is Internet savvy can spot the fakers but Joe reader is probably not going to.
So yes, faking it might annoy people like us who are already established, it doesn’t seem quite fair so trying to humiliate such people by laughing at them seems an effective way of trying to discourage it. But the reality is I would argue that these techniques give you a better chance of getting somewhere and getting there quicker.
The one that always stand out to me is fake RSS feed counts that use a static feedburner image stored locally! The feed count says 70k yet the blog just doesn’t look all that great!
I’d always recommend that bloggers try and make their site looks active, don’t try to fake millions of readers, you’ll look silly and will lose trust, but you don’t want the site to look dead either.
BLOGERCISE´s last blog ..The Adsense SEO Guide
We’re just guilty of being new and not that good at blogging.
Tom Baker´s last blog ..Comment Luv: With Great Blogs Comes Great Responsibility…
I am sure there a lot of funny things people do to appear more ‘guru’-like.
As for myself, I do use “we” sometimes but not to appear that we are a team of people but if I am selling my own product, I do not feel comfortable to use “I” as it sounds kind of self-centered, as if I am proud or something. So “we” sounds more appropriate.
Maybe its like the Queen will “we” to refer to herself.
For Bloggers Who want to Stop Writers’ Block
I really enjoyed this light hearted post. You are dead on with your comments. I know I have many times referred to myself as we for the reasons you mention.
Authors are responsible for almost every message is a reply, people are happy, the next still want to read your blog.
What I love about blogs is that they spark an idea in my brain. When that occurs, I really feel as I require to comment using the hope it may be interesting to some individuals. Because you will find lots of blogs and forums with many points of view, they question your comprehension. It is at these moments when you have important insignt other people may not have had, together using the blogger him/herself. I find myself coming back again to to your writings only simply because you have a number of very good insights and also you have been at this a really long time, that is really inspiring and tells me you understand your stuff. Keep triggering imagination in others!
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