An Invitation for Emulation: Make it Your Own

By on November 5, 2006 in Blog Coach with 2 Comments

One of the things I try to do here is experiment with blog posts.

I’ve done Whistle Stops and Quotes n Notes, poetry and pictorials, imbedded tools and short tutorials. Part of the reason for doing so is to give my audience and my customers ideas, hoping they can find something to emulate.

I recently shared this fantastic Amateur Gourmet post with a client (found it on Guy’s blog). This client has a real talent for graphics and imagery, he said he loved the post – wished he thought of it. I asked him to give it a go. He declined.

"Now that it’s been done, I’m not going to do it. It will look like I’m just a copycat."

I disagree. The World is Flat doesn’t mean the world is so tiny only one person can do each thing well.

  • Your audience is probably different (though some paths may intersect)
  • Your voice is different (and unique),
  • Your subject matter is different
  • Your delivery is probably going to be different

Give a shout back to AG for the inspiration – and then do your own thing. You think the Amateur Gourmet invented that style of message?

This week, pick a style of posting you like to read and make it your own. If it’s a carbon copy, give attribution and let it grow. Watch your stats – see if your audience likes it. Let it evolve. Maybe soon, folks will emulate you.

Imitation is the best form of flattery, emulation is a great form for creativity.

Aside: Does anyone know how many subtitles Guy Kawasaki has had for his blog?

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  • http://www.OwnYourBrand.com Michael Wagner

    Interesting challenge – thanks for raising the subject.
    I can understand someone saying, “It will look like I’m just a copycat.” That is certainly a possible outcome. Especially if it is just copying.
    But what I hear in your advice is take something good and make it yours by adding to it, enlarging it, combining a new point of view.
    In other words – do a little improv!
    Reminds me of what Johnny Cash did with the Nine Inch Nails song Hurt. (You remember that post Mike?)
    Thanks for shakinng the tree, as always!
    ——
    Sansone responds > Exactly Mike W. And yes, here’s the post I think Don’t Blow Your Cover, right?
    Another example could be with movies like “The Magnificent Seven”, which was modeled after “Shichinin no samurai” – a Japanese classic.

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