Yesterday, I read this post suggesting a list of the most influential bloggers of 2010.
At first glance it seemed reasonable, but it set me thinking. A couple of years ago we were all reading the top bloggers, lapping up their wisdom and experimenting with thier ideas. But the world has changed. Today experts have sprung up all over the internet. Whatever your niche, you can now find plenty of bloggers offering direction and guidance.
Recently their has been some debate regarding the ‘get published’ space and the wealth of conflicting advice. Yes, some of it is rubbish, some of it is OK and some of it is pure gold. The point is that as a writer you don’t need Chris Brogan, you need your own guru (or gurus). You need to be listening to an experienced voice, which has achieved what you are looking to achieve and is consistent and trustworthy with their advice.
So, for 2010 I would suggest you forget the ‘top 10 influential bloggers’ and instead construct your own list of experts who speak your language. Yes, read the big boys but be prepared to look beyond. Go out of your way the find the smaller blogs and focus your attention on these. Leave comments, engage with them daily, stalk them on twitter.