10 Questions with Robert Scoble
Well it’s Friday and I thought I would end the week just right. In todays 10 questions segment I have an interview with the Scobleizer Bunny himself Robert Scoble. First Thanks to Robert for taking time out of his day to answer these questions. As usual this interview is like the rest there is a good deal of information in it. I hope you all enjoy.
Ok easy first question, How long have you been blogging and what has changed sicne you started blogging?
I’ve been blogging for five years, started December 15, 2000. Quite a bit has changed. Back then only a few hundred people were blogging, that I could find. Microsoft didn’t have any bloggers (now we have thousands).
What impact do you see your blogging have on Microsoft’s practices?
Microsoft’s employees are easier to find now. You just use MSN Search or Google and search for, say, “OneNote blog” and you’ll find Chris Pratley, the guy who runs the OneNote team. Then you can ask him questions on his blog or see what he’s thinking about. This makes Microsoft more approachable. Also we have many bloggers who watch blog search engines for any mention of Microsoft. Write about Microsoft on your own blog and chances are we’ll see that within a few minutes so we’re able to listen to you in a new way.
How has blogging affected you personally?
It’s made me friends around the world. 120 people showed up in London Saturday night for a geek dinner with me. Plus, I’ve met geeks around the world.
What do you enjoy most about blogging?
Trying new things and sharing those. Oh, and the conversation with other people.
Where do you see blogging in say 5 years?
That’s tough to know, but I’d expect to see much better tools and many more services for bloggers. Plus, we’ll be able to put our stuff on top of maps (like a restaurant review).
Why is blogging so disruptive in your opinion?
Because of Google’s ascendancy.
Who do you think some of the most influential blogger are and why?
I don’t like that notion. Any blogger can start this morning, publish something, get discovered within their first 24 hours, and change the world. Or, at least, get published on the front page of the New York Times. But, I read 743 blogs right now, I can send you the OPML file if you’d like.
What is the most important aspect of a person’s blog to you?
Is it passionate and authoritative about what they are writing about.
What would you tell someone who is just starting to blog?
Read blogs first, if you care about fitting in. Otherwise just write about what you know and love.