Guy Kawasaki on Sucking Up

John Dowdell has an interesting viewpoint on Guy Kawasaki's article on How To Suck Up to a Blogger.

First off, Guy Kawasaki is truly an amazing speaker.  He could sell sand in the Sahara.  I was fortunate enough to hear him speak to our group at the Apple Assistance Center in Austin, Texas a few years back.  He owns the title "Evangelist".

Most people can determine if a blog is all about spin or about passion.  As technologists, the passion is usually evident.  I think most people would assume that any corporate supported blog will have some tilt toward the products that the company sells. 

If you thing Schwag is just for Influential bloggers, think again.  It's common practice for inter-company schwag trading of NFR's (Not For Resale products) that share a common interest.  Just go to any computer convention and watch as packages change hands.  For me, that was the best way of supporting my technology addiction, I personally can't afford all those wonderful packages.  

Scwhag (as in product)  is an excellent way for the blogger to gain knowledge on new  technologies that they may not necessarily be exposed to.   If the product deserves a good review, it will get it.  And if you really want to send a T-Shirt, at least check the size of the recipient first.  Sending a X-Large to a 4X guy is rather useless.

The most influential bloggers with the biggest following are those that write about their experience and their passion.  It just comes through in their writing.  As Joseph Campbell put it , "Follow Your Bliss".