Chasing The Guru Ghost

Tee Riddle Old Archives

Sep 19

Chasing The Guru Ghost

It seems that a good number of bloggers seem to be under the impression that one path to success is to follow the guru ghost. If that’s your blogging business model keep reading.

The truth is most of what you read on those mega blogs is outsourced content written by hired writers. That doesn’t mean the content isn’t worth reading and learning from. What it does mean if you are following and commenting in hopes of getting the guru’s attention your chances are slim and none. Take a look at their comments sections and notice how little they even take the time to respond to their commenters.

This post isn’t to attack the blogging gurus, I just want to clear up the misconception that your blogging success depends on them. Quite the contrary, your success depends on developing relationships with other bloggers within your niche and interest. As a blogger, success can be measured in many ways but I’m referring to traffic, comments and money earned.

Blogging is a two-way street and most mega bloggers quit that game long ago. How many of these gurus have emailed you or even taken two seconds to comment on your blog? How many have clicked the link to check your site out?

I’m not going to attack John Chow but he is very well known so I’ll use his blog as an example. One of his featured posts, How I Make $40,000 a Month From a Blog, currently has 191 comments. Out of that only 10 are John Chow’s replies. I’m not saying he’s doing anything wrong, I’m saying you are more than likely wasting your valuable time commenting if it’s to rub shoulders with the Guru Ghost.

One more point on John Chow’s blog while I’m on the subject. In that same post I referred to above, John Chow wrote, “The video contain information that I have never written about before – it revealed my blog business model“. Isn’t that amazing? With all of the ‘make money‘ posts he has published why would he leave out the things he does to make money? Now do you think the video is showing the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

For all you marketers out there that have purchased thousands in ‘life changing‘ products pushed by the marketing gurus has a single purchase paid off? Do you think Mike Filsaime is such a good guy that he’s going to give away the golden goose for $97? I think not.

The Truth

You have to find your own way because the path is your own. That’s not some Kung Fu Confucius quote but the truth. You should start with your peers. People you have a common bond with and who you admire. That’s the only why to develop sincere relationships. Anything less is simply trying to take advantage of someone and no one is interested in being a victim, not even the guru ghosts.

Would you like to see who I admire and follow? Who I consider friends? Check out my friends list. Are you on there?

About the author

Tee Riddle wrote 33 articles on this blog.

Tee Riddle is a social media enthusiast and co-founder of a weekly Twitter chat, dubbed #gardenchat. He has many hobbies and also blogs about vegetable gardening at Veggie Gardener.

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  2. Interview with Yan Susanto, Blogger Turned Internet Marketer
  • Wow, very revealing facts and arguments but I agree with your point of view. Being in the internet means "active' interconnection or interaction. There are sites which are really exaggerated but there are lots of sites that are sincere and intends to help.
  • While I'm sure these Guru's are not reading every single comment I make, I do think that I learn a lot from other bloggers as well as other people's comments.
  • Brian,
    I used to relentlessly comment on "famous blogger's sites. It didn't take long after returning daily to see they really don't care about my comment, they just want me to click on an ad (which I do click ads to help hardworking bloggers).

    In a comment above me you described it perfectly (commenting/interacting). I have built actual relationships that follow me with multiple sites I have built and sold. These "online relationships" started from interacting on blogs, twitter, friendfeed, digg, stumbleupon, etc... Any backlinks that I get from commenting on blogs is just a bonus, the networking and discovery of other great blogs is why I started commenting and is still true today. I have discovered 3-4 excellent blogs from the comments left here over the last couple of weeks.

    Just my $.02
    .-= Keith@SuperiorFenceProducts´s last blog ..Vinyl Vs Wood Fencing =-.
  • Your $.02 is important and appreciated here Keith. I'm glad you found our site.
  • hey Brian,
    I am an X-men movies fan too. I will do my best to remember to only use my secret guru powers for the good of mankind (and not for any evil)... :)
    ~ Steve, the just-trust-me trade show guru
    .-= Steve | Trade Show Guru´s last blog ..Are Trade Shows Obsolete? =-.
  • hi Brian,
    I can't believe I call myself a "guru" and I haven't responded to this post earlier!
    Actually, I can't disagree with you. I think 95% of what the "gurus" (present company excluded) say is just hot air. There are much better ways to spend your time than chasing the guru ghosts! ~ Steve (the trade show guru)
    .-= Steve | Trade Show Guru´s last blog ..Are Trade Shows Obsolete? =-.
  • Well said Steve. BTW, the term 'Guru' is, as you know, a teacher. I know I'm using the term in a somewhat derogatory way but there's nothing wrong with being a Guru - just use your powers for the good of mankind and not to corrupt our minds for evil purposes. (sorry, I love the X-Men movies) ;)
    .-= Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..News Related AdSense Site – First Month = One Hundred Dollars =-.
  • It's true, you can attribute way too much significance to what gurus say. They can only learn so much themselves in a short space of time, after all. And I think that a lot of them are pumping out rehashed - and often substandard - information because they feel pressure to keep producing new content. (They're also making lots of money doing this!)

    With that in mind, I think it's best to go your own way and learn from experience. That's a good policy when you are learning about how to promote stuff on the internet, and it's also good advice for life generally.
    .-= Matt@Aussie Business Blog´s last blog ..Google Earth a blessing and a curse for criminals =-.
  • I agree Matt but I think we can learn a lot by watching what they do but not necessarily what they say.

    We see it everyday, a marketer that, for example, makes his money with membership sites while he's promoting completely different affiliate programs every week that have nothing to do with what he's doing. "Make Ten Grand A Month With this Simple Three Step Document" while he probably hasn't even read the thing.

    I talked to a well known marketer recently that personally told me the product doesn't matter, it's the ad copy that sells. We already knew that but it was sobering to hear someone flat out admit it like that.
    .-= Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..Get Featured With Our Promotional Buttons =-.
  • Hmmm.... you got me thinking! what i would suggest is that referring to such Gurus is not a bad idea after all you are gaining some knowledge and you cant get the whole thing cooked and served to you right away, a newbie will learn by applying different techniques and deciding upon what works and what not works for him. Being scrupulous enough to weed out unwanted information is the right way. Or may be as you said associating with your niche blogger s and discussing about the new technique you just read bout is also a great way of knowing right and wrong.
  • I agree Mike, you can learn a lot of great things from many of those super bloggers and I read them myself. I'm not talking about just reading and learning, I'm talking about networking and building relationships.

    Let me put it like this. If someone comments on John Chow's blog at least one time for every post published, what does that person gain? Does John Chow return the favor and post a comment on their blog? Does the commenter gain a quality link back? Are the comments even acknowledged? See where I'm going with this?

    Sure, read and learn and even comment if you feel like it. You're wasting your time if those comments are to rub shoulders with the successful because they don't know you exist.

    Leave comments here or on my friends http://extremeezine.com/friends/ blogs and you will normally get a reply to your comment and after a little time you will find most will visit your blog and comment. Then things grow from there. It's a two way street, friends helping friends. Not just sucking up to the big guys in hoping to get a kind word or something. That's what teenagers do with they're teenage idols.


    As a side note I'm also of the opinion that it's good to do what the successful do, not what they say to do. That includes me, don't do what I do or what I say to do. Watch the wealthy and do what they do. If you are fat and want to get thin, do what the skinny do. Want a long and happy marriage, do what the happily married long term couples do. See how easy that is? Make sense? If a guru says you should buy a ticket to attend their seminar, don't! Do what they are doing, speak in a seminar and sell tickets to your list. Just my opinion :)
    .-= Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..Get Featured With Our Promotional Buttons =-.
  • I'm with Yan,
    I have beat my head against the wall a few times trying to voice my opinion about being a friendly courteous neighbor. Forming real relationships is bank in every way.
    I can add I am also the crazy busy one, try to take some time each day to interact though.

    Great seeing someone else doing it.
    Brad West ~ onomoney
    .-= Brad West´s last blog ..Cute Dogs of the Week: Rolly Polly French Bulldog =-.
  • Well said, Brian! Enjoying the conversation here...
  • Thanks Yan, I appreciate that. :)
  • That's the best article I have read this week. I totally agree with you. John Chow mentionned that A true dot com mogul let other people doing his job. I'm still wondering if John Chow is writing his articles himself (except machial kwan review, and guest post) because he uses his videos within some posts. What do you think about Problogger, Yaro Starak and Shoemoney, do they also use Ghostwriter?
  • I really have no idea Benjamin. I wouldn't be bothered if they all use ghostwriters, as long as the content is good I'll read it. I'm not saying we shouldn't visit these blogs to read and learn. I'm just saying that when it comes to building relationships and networking it's probably better to concentrate on people that acknowledge you exist. If that's the reason for commenting there it's probably a waist of time.
    .-= Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..Get Featured With Our Promotional Buttons =-.
  • I love to read posts like this as it tells me that not every blogger is sucking up *everything* given by the guru bloggers, but instead try to keep it real by *thinking* twice about the content provided.

    You make a very good point about his video. Now the video is free, but I see it way too often when somebody wants to sell you something, then they go on and on about how many secrets are inside their product and how it has never been revealed before. I don't like it, just makes me stay away.

    Thanks for a good post.
    .-= Klaus @ TechPatio´s last blog ..Friday Flick Find: My Own Video – Shooting Cans In Slowmotion =-.
  • Speaking of videos I was just visiting your site TechPatio checking out your latest video and I'm very impressed. I have subscribed so I don't miss another post. I'm glad you stopped by and took the time to comment. Thanks.
    .-= Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog ..Get Featured With Our Promotional Buttons =-.
  • Thanks :)

    I should probably point out though, that I only have two videos that I made myself and only one of them being featured in my "friday flick find"-series. The rest in the FFF series are other cool YouTube videos.

    But I like to shoot videos myself so it's very much likely that I'll post more in the future.
    .-= Klaus @ TechPatio´s last blog ..Top 5 Ways To Make Money On The Internet =-.
  • Thanks OK Klaus, you do a great job. It's all good.
  • Wow this post blew me away and it was hard not to immediately send it to John Chow :)
    But skip that the more important thing is to notice the awesome convergence of some very cool people.People that will go out of their way for you.I wanted to tell you to check your commentsbyBrian email when you get a chance.
    Hmmm this was a good post :)
    Now I'm charged back UP :)
    stumbled and RT
    thanks
    PS I did write that POST below before coming here weird huh ? LOL very cool
    .-= John Sullivan´s last blog ..Do you really read your comments ? =-.
  • Thanks John, I appreciate that. Great photo too, I'll definitely use it.

    You are one of the most interactive bloggers I know. Great minds think alike :)
  • Thanks Terry, that's kind of you. I'm very lucky to have such good online friends. We have a great bunch of bloggers commenting here.
  • With Sheryl's, Sire's and Mitch's comments that long, I don't think I have anything to say.

    But here's my two cents nonetheless: You should add a note after the post saying "For an example of how to do it the right way, see comment section below".

    Because you are practicing what you are preaching by interacting with your peers...and your discussions provides even more information to your visitors.
  • What Guru? Who's JC anyway? Sorry I've been away from the blogging scene for too long but Brian, this is a good wake up call.

    @Sheryl

    If I remember correctly who JC is, the only thing I guess I've learned from him is "the fine art of selling something I don't use myself."

    It just dawned on me somehow that, contrary to common belief, it really IS possible to sell something you know nothing about.

    In all honesty, that's what I've learned and I moved on to "the next level".

    PS: I'm yet to master *that* ART....;)
  • Hi Yan, it's great to see you. I was just on your site today to see what you've been up to.
  • I'm guilty as charged! The more I'm at TKA, the further I am away from my blog...

    I guess it's time I outsource my "content written by hired writers". LOL

    How was your experience with TKA so far, Brian?
    .-= Yan@Blogging Tips´s last blog ..How To: Become A Blogging Ninja =-.
  • Hi John. You mean the part about this post isn’t to attack the blogging gurus? I have no problem with those that found success. Success is a good thing and that's what we're all shooting for. I want some myself :mrgreen:
  • I really like this post and not just due to the great news that I am listed on your friends list, thank you so much for considering a friend. I consider you a friend as well.

    The main reason I like this post is because of the third paragraph in this article, it says it all.
    .-= Extreme John´s last blog ..Sunday Smash-Alexa Ranking, Constructive Criticism, Twitter Marketing =-.
  • I understand missing a few comments when life gets busy. ~But as in any conversation, if the other party isn't responding, it's time to talk with someone else. I move on after a few "misses".
    .-= Heather Dugan ("Footsteps")´s last blog ..In-Town Tourist: Secrets at Inniswood =-.
  • Hi Heather, it looks like we were on each others blogs at the same time. I was just on Footsteps when you left this comment.

    I agree, blogging should be a two-way street.
  • Brian

    I think the reason John Chow gets so many comments is from internet marketers trying to build backlinks from his site. But if people are trying to get a conversation going with John I think they will not get much of his attention.
    .-= Kris@camping folding chair´s last blog ..Folding Chair in a Bag =-.
  • Hi Kris, I'm sure many are for back links although he uses the no-follow tag so it's not going to help as far as seo for Google.
  • The thing about the gurus and comments is that all of them are nofollow, so people don't get anything from posting a comment on those blogs if they're not in the top 10.

    I actually got into the top 7 once with Problogger and he responded to me, after I asked him a question that kind of called him out on something.

    But that's the only way I'd write on one of those, though I will still read them because, as you said, even ghost written stuff might have something good in it.
    .-= Mitch´s last blog ..Twitter Tools =-.
  • It's true Mitch, there's a lot of good stuff on those blogs. I'm a big fan of Problogger and read it all the time. I will even comment if I get the urge but I know not to expect much from it.

    I do like reading the comments. If I see one that impresses me I'll click over to their site and check it out. I think that's how I found I'm Just Sharing. I was on this guru's blog and followed a comment you left there. I think the Guru's name was Sire :P
  • Yeah, there's just something about that guy, isn't it? lol
    .-= Mitch´s last blog ..President Obama Calls Limbaugh A Racist! =-.
  • OK, there is now way I am going to match the length of Cheryl's comment but I will say that I've been thinking along the same lines as your post for quite some time now. I may even alluded to the idea on some comments I've left on other blogs.

    When it comes down to it, it's all well and good to keep an eye of the guru blogs, get whatever you can from them, but in the end it's what you do that counts.

    As for the comments on those guru blogs, you can tell they're not really keeping an eye on them as I would have deleted some of them ages ago.
    .-= Sire´s last blog ..WassupBlog Alive And Kicking After Transfering To BlueHost =-.
  • Hi Sire, I'm glad you got the WassupBlog up and running on the new server. BTW, I got the info and will be sending a button first thing Monday morning. Thanks for participating :)

    It's funny you mentioned you have alluded to the idea in blog comments because it's from reading posts and comments that got me thinking about the subject. I know one of the blogs is PotPolitics. It's possible that you influenced my post. If so, keep it coming, I'm determined to look smart :idea:
  • All I can say is you are VERY lucky that I am on that list of friends post. I'd hate to have to call you out.

    Ok, I do have more to say.
    This is MY opinion!

    You need to read/listen to others that are more advanced in a technique, more successful, or does things differently than yourself.

    You can not move forward if you do not associate with people on a higher level. Kinda like the 'no child left behind', if you sit & wait for everyone to catch up you will still be sitting in the same spot at this time next year.

    So you do need to sometimes have a changing of the guard. By this I mean that those you once listened to may start sounding like a repeat. That is because you have learned all they are willing to share. When this happens you need to move on.

    You also need to remember that just because 1million other people are singing someones praises does not mean crap. MANY people sing praises to be with the 'group'. Most of those people will still be waiting with baited breath for the next post. That is because those people read the 'what I can do' but, they never go & put it to their own test.

    I don't read JC but, what if I took everything he posted & really applied it - If I then made the $40,000 a month then BAM, he is the man.
    But, if I found that what I was learning from him got me nowhere (even when applied)then I know it is time to move on. He is either not talking in a way that I understand, he is not telling the entire story, or I am just a failure!

    Instead of #3, I would just go find someone that did give me the missing piece. The missing piece could be that I just found a person who says things in a different way.

    I have recently went through a 'changing of the guard'. I have dropped some of the 'experts' that I did follow and now spend more time with listening to a few that are not even known to most bloggers but, they have info that when I have put it to the test - it works! In the past they kind of talked over my head but, I am catching up & understanding more.

    Yep, moving up to the next level.
    (That is why we are making changes at the forum).

    If all you do is repeat what a 'guru' says then you will be found a fraud. You have to be applying & getting results if you want to be a value to your community. Even if the results means you learn that it doesn't work.

    My thought of the day -
    There will be thousands of people that will buy shit in a squeeze bottle just because a 'guru' said it made their sandwich taste better. Those that can think on their own will not make a 2nd purchase because they know shit when they smell it!
    .-= Sheryl Loch´s last blog ..How To Set Up BING Webmaster Tools =-.
  • Wow Sheryl, that was better than my post 8-O

    I agree with everything you said. Read and learn from everyone willing to share useful information as long as it's real. Too many are saying 'take the service road via my affiliate link' while they never left their home.

    Sneak peak into the next Social Edition...
    Not So Famous Quotes, "You need to read/listen to others that are more advanced in a technique, more successful, or does things differently than yourself".
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