Comments NOT Allowed on Seth's Blog

Seth's not allowing comments after all—Here is his rationale:

"I think comments are terrific, and they are the key attraction for some blogs and some bloggers. Not for me, though. First, I feel compelled to clarify or to answer every objection or to point out every flaw in reasoning. Second, it takes way too much of my time to even think about them, never mind curate them. And finally, and most important for you, it permanently changes the way I write. Instead of writing for everyone, I find myself writing in anticipation of the commenters. I'm already itching to rewrite my traffic post below. So, given a choice between a blog with comments or no blog at all, I think I'd have to choose the latter.

So, bloggers who like comments, blog on. Commenters, feel free. But not here. Sorry."

I respect Seth's POV—but I don't think this is consistent with the marketing principles that he evangilizes.  So, I'm taking him off my blogroll.  For authenticity—please see Jaffe Juice. 

Oh yeah—Mr. Jaffe is also a published author.

Comments

[Mack Collier]

"I respect Seth's POV—but I don't think this is consistent with the marketing principles that he evangilizes."

It isn't, and Seth should know better. I'm sorry but I can't take any marketer that willingly turns his back on community, seriously.

[Ed Lee]

Found my over via Jaffe and I have to say...his house, his rules. At least you know what you're getting with Seth - great content; one way conversation.

Personally, I love comments - I love checking my junk mail and finding that someone's taken the time to respond to me; but that may not float everyone's boat.

Ed

[David]

I respectfully disagree. It's not just his house. Think of Seth as a brand. In fact, he is. As a brilliant marketer, he has succeded in becoming a brand and that is no small feat.

Now think about the revolution we see going on with consumers. They are empowered. They know better. When Apple had a crummy policy regarding iPod batteries—the Apple faithful revolted. As much as they loved Apple—they rebuked the brand over a policy they didn't feel was in the spirit of Apple.

And Apple handled it the correct way. In the age of consumer enlightenment—we are co-owners of the brand. We have direct access to "Brand Almighty".

Seth still thinks he has complete control over his brand. I don't see it that way.

-D

[J.D.]

Well, if Seth doesn't want me talking to him, then I don't want him talking to me.

Therefore, marketing genius or no, I wouldn't touch his blog with a ten foot pole.

[Toby]

I heard Seth talk a few months ago and his rant was that marketing has changed and if you're not listening and talking to your customers you're out of the game. Do not pass go. Do not collect your $200.

What is Seth's game? Gives me cause to wonder when he says, "Second, it takes way too much of my time to even think about them, never mind curate them." And I thought my life was overwhelming. What does this dude do that thinking about comments takes too much of his time. Certainly does not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling that he values my opinons as a prospect customer.

This remark really makes me wonder if Seth is the Dali Lama in disguise and should be living on a mountain top in Tibet. But then again, the Dali Lama does walk among the people.
"And finally, and most important for you, it permanently changes the way I write." Of course the input from other people and the exchange of ideas will change your writing -or one would hope that it would.

[David]

Toby.

Excellent points. I can't say much more than that. PS. I still owe you my "blog story". it's coming.

:)

[Yvonne DiVita]

Who cares if Seth has comments open or not? Seth who? Last event I attended locally, NO ONE had ever heard of Seth Godin. I'm moving on...as so many here seem to be. BTW, found this via Toby. Now, she's someone I listen to.

[David Armano]

Yvonne,

I've moved on as well, Bloggers like Toby, Jaffe, Mack and others are much more interesting and relevant.