Blogging: Do you really have to write with authority? How about curiosity?

When it comes to advice on successful blogging (however one defines that), a couple of Common Truths you’ll often read are:

“Be an expert on what you write about.”

“You must write with authority.”

Bull.

Write about whatever you want. Just don't be a poser.

That’s the thing about blogging -- and, for that matter, a lot of marketing today. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. Not much to lean on in the way of universal truths. There’s a lot of experimentation going on, a lot of learning. And I think, after four months of writing, that’s what this blog is about. A lot of learning.

Honestly, I don't feel like an expert on much of what I write here. That’s the truth. What I am, though, is extremely curious. Curious about the seismic shifts taking place in marketing and media. Curious about what other people and other companies are trying. Curious about what’s working and what isn’t.

And when I’m curious, I research stuff. I retain what I research by writing about it. Sounds like a formula for a blog. And maybe that can help some other people, too. If so, great.

I’ve hated posts where I try to come off as an absolute authority – even on topics I have lots of experience with. It doesn’t work for me. It feels phony, because there is always, always so much more to learn. But being curious, researching, trial and error, sharing what I discover? That fits.

The economy is topsy-turvy. The media and marketing apple carts have been overturned. There aren’t too many pat answers out there. Most of us are just trying to figure out the new rules -- if they exist.

That’s the honest truth. For me, there’s no point in blogging anything else.