Nathan Hangen

Great post Nathan! I'd like to echo all of what you've said and agree that the amount of bloggers touting their expert knowledge without really having any is vast. I just had a conversation about this very subject. Weeding through the crap of self-proclaimed experts is a large undertaking where the true experts within an industry must find new ways to remain relevant and unique. Once the dust settles, the true players will remain.

Glad you said it my friend!

It really is an undertaking…and it's frustrating to watch.

But it's a good thing, because it forces us back down to the grindstone, where we can prevail

I just raised prices on my installations, topping out at $1800 now.

I'll take a 90% reduction in traffic to pick up 3 qualified customers per month.

It's funny how all the top people admit they are voracious consumers of the same sorts of products they sell. They purchase from their competition. At retail prices.

Game on.

Good post Nathan. Every couple of months I find that I do some serious purging from my RSS and Twitter feeds of people that just don't add value. There's such a rush to be releasing new content all the time that there's no consideration for releasing content that actually says something. I enjoy your posts because of your deliberate efforts to go against the grain a bit. Keep up the good work (and no, I actually read your post and am not just saying that to make you feel better about yourself).

Seriously. “Expert” might be the most overused word in the social media space (although “Rockstar” is up there too…).

For my stuff, I'm going with “consultant.” I'm no expert. I'm still learning. I don't have all the answers and there are people way above my level in the social media thing.

However, I think “consultant” is no reach. I know more about social media and marketing than a lot of the businesspeople that I'm targeting. As long as I can provide value to them, I've got no problem ethically positioning myself as an authority on the subject.

Dave that's a great attitude to have, ultimately it's your business. Off to visit your site as I need more educating.

Nice post!

…

But seriously, I'm with you. I always rolled my eyes at the music seminars with “expert panels.” Yet the artists are a bunch of B-level no-names. Where are the Chemical Brothers and such?

They're too busy rockin' shows and making insanely great music to do a seminar.

Not snobbery, they just have limited hours, and they'd rather spend it doing what they're great at.

And people love them all the more for it. They don't like Chem Bros because they do seminar circuits or whatever – they love them because of their WORK, their music, their shows.

It's a lot easier to round up a bunch of “experts” and talk about stuff everyone already knows but just isn't doing and instead they want to hear it one more time to trick themselves into thinking they're making changes in their life… *gasps for breath* … than it is to put your head down, do amazing work, and get it out to the people that want it.

To doing great stuff that matters, rather than posturing,
Oleg

Those who can't teach will leach….

Isn't it the nature of the beast though? I'm not sure any of us can change it as long as blogging has such a low cost of entry, there WILL be people who come along and set themselves up as experts, who WILL mislead their small core of people by spouting nonsense. They'll end up taking a few down with them as well.

But there will also be people who rise above that, because their innate drive and business sense takes them there. And then they'll have to redraw.

In the meantime the next bunch will arrive and start the whole process again. Some will simply fade away, some will peddle bullshit and fail, some will rise above it all.

It's a never ending story.

I just looked back a year ago on my own blog at the people who were commenting on it then. About half of them are still blogging, but not doing anything different than they were a year ago. Of the rest, one has made some real progress, is making money and is probably someone you've heard of. And the rest have just……stopped.

“So if you are a true gamer, it’s time to get your hustle on.”

Well said Nathan.

I don't agree that all “teachers” in the context of this post are automatically those “that can't”, but I understand the point you're making. I think the Internet lowered the barrier for entry into the “teaching” game to the point where it's too easy to claim yourself an expert in something.

That being said…

Some teachers “did”, or “are doing”, and genuinely want to teach because it suits them better in some manner.

Nice Post!

Nathan,

I was recently at a conference for the travel industry which was focused on social media for travel. One of the Forrester analysts spoke and he had a great quote. “Anyone who says that they are a social media expert is lying to you.” Maybe the term should be social media experimenter. Who knows? You make a great point about the brick and mortar world and the fact that it would never work there. I think that it's ok for people to share their knowledge based on their own personal experiences. It would be ridiculous of me to write a post on “How fortune 500 companies can embrace social media” considering I don't work at one and don't have tangible experience per se. But if I wrote a post called “lessons from my first year as a blogger” that would be valid because it's based on something that I actually have experience with. It's about credibility in the end. I think that the people who hustle are the ones that make it. They are the ones that ride out the rough patches and don't give up.

Good point Oleg.

I have a friend building a great company but he doesn't have time to blog about it because he is work 12 hour days managing a talented team.

He should be blogging because he has the most lessons to teach but his time is better spent earning real dollars servicing real customers.

Totally true Nathan. I reached your blog reading another blog. And i liked (as i said to you at the begining) the clear an direct language you have. And that's why i'm here. When i see your post in facebook i come back here at your site in order to read it and make some comment because i like to share my ideas.
I have a blog, it´s in spanish, and i don´'t have much expectations that it is promoted making comments here.
Yes Nathan, i´m a true fan of your work and ideas.
Saludos amigo!

Great Post!

With all the generation X and Y debates I still think that it is important to point out that this everyone is an “expert” or a “rock star” mentality is a relatively new phenomenon.

When I graduated university there were no 20-something VPs in startups with zero customers or revenues. “Consultant” meant unemployed. Now everyone is an executive, even if their company can't afford to pay salaries.

The ultimate question is,
What do you focus on in a world when everyone is an “expert?”

It is not about sharing knowledge anymore. Most bloggers write about the “expert' they aspire to be. This is a wannabe world where everyone is deluded to believe they are uniquely talented geniuses.

Hey Nathan,

I couldn't agree with you more on this- and just want to add my two cents (but do have to ask….Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?).

I've seen this a TON in my niche (obviously WP is a big niche)- with people I've done customizations for have now being 'experts'…(not that I've ever claimed to be an expert). These same people hop from each latest trend- while never showing or sharing anything from their latest 'venture'.

The other thing I wanted to add is that there are TONS of people out there who aren't Gary V. or Chris Brogan (nothing against them…think they're both great)- who have tons of value to add even though they don't have big names or have hit that level of recognition. I don't think you have to be making a certain amount of money or be a big name to have something to offer. It all comes down to walking the talk.

I love finding sort of 'diamonds in the rough' (for lack of a better word) blogs that I now subscribe to and have taken over over-hyped marketers in my inbox (and sharing these with my readers!).
Thanks!

I agree that there are way too many people out there claiming to be experts and teaching nonsense. But I don't see harm in people teaching people who know less than you do about certain things. I am no SEO expert, but I know waaaaay more about SEO than the average person. So, if someone asks me some basic SEO questions, I can answer them.

I think this is where social proof comes in. Most people are skeptics by nature, so they always check a person out by googling them, seeing what Twitter lists they are on, etc. to determine what they are all about. If other people call them experts, then they are more likely to be experts. I am wary of anyone who claims to be an expert in anything, though, unless it's painstakingly obvious that they are experts.

Reminds me of this cartoon I saw on gaping void – so funny! http://gapingvoid.com/2008/11/24/youre-a-social...

“I fully expect both of them to come out of the woods looking like Gandalf did after his battle with the Balrog.”

That is the most vivid line I've read on a blog this week – only Kelly Diels gets more colourful on a regular basis. Next gig, fiction-writing 'rockstar' perhaps?

Hey Kathleen,
I totally agree with you- the key is the integrity in which you teach people what you know.
Love your site btw…

Nice post, Nathan.
I agree wholeheartedly, far too many “Experts” in the space. I've noticed that those who could really claim that title seldom do, if at all. Teaching what you know is one thing while faking it is something that always comes out in the wash. Authenticity can only be “faked” for so long.

And who said you had to be an “expert” to teach anyhow? Simply teaching others something that you have more knowledge about than they do, does not in any way make one an expert. When you say expert to me, it means that you already know all there is to know about a particular topic. I see longevity as the leveling force, where only people of authority will remain.

I feel your pain, Nathan. Today we have zillions of sources of information at our fingertips. It’s a beautiful thing except that it’s like drinking from a fire hose.

I have narrowed to about 25 trusted information sources. While I sometimes peek at the hundreds of feeds in my RSS reader, I often get behind so I just click “Mark All Read” and move on.

For the 25 people I trust and choose to learn from, I read almost every email newsletter. I also spend money on their products (and those they recommend). Would I still subscribe if they start charging for their information? Honestly, I might, but it would depend on the topic and the price.

Ultimately, the point you raise is the same one facing many industries today. Example: Politics aside, is news better from the USA Today or N.Y. Times? What if one starts charging $0.10 per article, but delivers in a way that is perfect for your lifestyle? Is the extra value worth paying for?

Like it or not, we are all playing the value game. If Ruth's Coffee Shoppe gives more value (better coffee and better service), Starbucks won't stand a chance even if Ruth charges me an extra $0.50. If Nathan gives more value than Chris, Nathan should win. If Apple computers give more value than Microsoft’s, Apple should win. If Lexi the programmer gives more value than Bob, Lexi should win if the company eliminates a job.

The best customers migrate to the businesses offering the best value (quality + service + price + convenience). I think that is as it should be.

Isn't it the nature of the beast though? I'm not sure any of us can change it as long as blogging has such a low cost of entry, there WILL be people who come along and set themselves up as experts, who WILL mislead their small core of people by spouting nonsense. They'll end up taking a few down with them as well.

But there will also be people who rise above that, because their innate drive and business sense takes them there. And then they'll have to redraw.

In the meantime the next bunch will arrive and start the whole process again. Some will simply fade away, some will peddle bullshit and fail, some will rise above it all.

It's a never ending story.

I just looked back a year ago on my own blog at the people who were commenting on it then. About half of them are still blogging, but not doing anything different than they were a year ago. Of the rest, one has made some real progress, is making money and is probably someone you've heard of. And the rest have just……stopped.

“So if you are a true gamer, it’s time to get your hustle on.”

Well said Nathan.

I don't agree that all “teachers” in the context of this post are automatically those “that can't”, but I understand the point you're making. I think the Internet lowered the barrier for entry into the “teaching” game to the point where it's too easy to claim yourself an expert in something.

That being said…

Some teachers “did”, or “are doing”, and genuinely want to teach because it suits them better in some manner.

Nice Post!

Hey Nathan

I can’t say I disagree with you, but I still have this nagging “so what” attitude trolling around in my head.

I love your example with brick and mortar business. When I was active in the entertainment world, I competed with a lot of hacks who thought they were professional magicians because they knew where to buy magic tricks and were able to print business cards. Then after performing a show or two would create a “business in a box” product to sell to their peers.

Fortunately, people have pretty good bullshit-detectors and were able to distinguish the pros from the wanna-be types when it came time to book gigs. That’s what ultimately mattered to me. I really have to think the same would apply in web space.

I admire people like you that take a stand and are not afraid to call people out on their crap. I don’t mind the extra work to distinguish myself from the rest. Seems like it’s always been that way. I’ll focus on what I know I’m good at. I figure if I pay it forward, I ultimately win.

Glad we have guys like you to put people in check.

An expert, I am not. A guru, I am not. A fairly knowledgeable and interesting web designer who happens to love WordPress? That I be.

I think that we need to stop pandering to the people who claim expert status without the credentials to back it up (certificates, degrees, experience, etc.). If they’re in the process of learning and want to write about their trials and tribulations, fine. But if what they’re doing is based on social media circle jerking, then it’s time to kick those folks out on their digital arses.

But, y’know, I’m no expert on such matters.

Nathan,

I was recently at a conference for the travel industry which was focused on social media for travel. One of the Forrester analysts spoke and he had a great quote. “Anyone who says that they are a social media expert is lying to you.” Maybe the term should be social media experimenter. Who knows? You make a great point about the brick and mortar world and the fact that it would never work there. I think that it's ok for people to share their knowledge based on their own personal experiences. It would be ridiculous of me to write a post on “How fortune 500 companies can embrace social media” considering I don't work at one and don't have tangible experience per se. But if I wrote a post called “lessons from my first year as a blogger” that would be valid because it's based on something that I actually have experience with. It's about credibility in the end. I think that the people who hustle are the ones that make it. They are the ones that ride out the rough patches and don't give up.

Good point Oleg.

I have a friend building a great company but he doesn't have time to blog about it because he is work 12 hour days managing a talented team.

He should be blogging because he has the most lessons to teach but his time is better spent earning real dollars servicing real customers.

#Webrepreneur Those Who Can’t – Teach: There are too many experts. Everyone has an opinion. Everyo.. http://bit.ly/d1BR6s

Totally true Nathan. I reached your blog reading another blog. And i liked (as i said to you at the begining) the clear an direct language you have. And that's why i'm here. When i see your post in facebook i come back here at your site in order to read it and make some comment because i like to share my ideas.
I have a blog, it´s in spanish, and i don´'t have much expectations that it is promoted making comments here.
Yes Nathan, i´m a true fan of your work and ideas.
Saludos amigo!

Great Post!

With all the generation X and Y debates I still think that it is important to point out that this everyone is an “expert” or a “rock star” mentality is a relatively new phenomenon.

When I graduated university there were no 20-something VPs in startups with zero customers or revenues. “Consultant” meant unemployed. Now everyone is an executive, even if their company can't afford to pay salaries.

The ultimate question is,
What do you focus on in a world when everyone is an “expert?”

It is not about sharing knowledge anymore. Most bloggers write about the “expert' they aspire to be. This is a wannabe world where everyone is deluded to believe they are uniquely talented geniuses.

Hey Nathan,

I couldn't agree with you more on this- and just want to add my two cents (but do have to ask….Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?).

I've seen this a TON in my niche (obviously WP is a big niche)- with people I've done customizations for have now being 'experts'…(not that I've ever claimed to be an expert). These same people hop from each latest trend- while never showing or sharing anything from their latest 'venture'.

The other thing I wanted to add is that there are TONS of people out there who aren't Gary V. or Chris Brogan (nothing against them…think they're both great)- who have tons of value to add even though they don't have big names or have hit that level of recognition. I don't think you have to be making a certain amount of money or be a big name to have something to offer. It all comes down to walking the talk.

I love finding sort of 'diamonds in the rough' (for lack of a better word) blogs that I now subscribe to and have taken over over-hyped marketers in my inbox (and sharing these with my readers!).
Thanks!

I agree that there are way too many people out there claiming to be experts and teaching nonsense. But I don't see harm in people teaching people who know less than you do about certain things. I am no SEO expert, but I know waaaaay more about SEO than the average person. So, if someone asks me some basic SEO questions, I can answer them.

I think this is where social proof comes in. Most people are skeptics by nature, so they always check a person out by googling them, seeing what Twitter lists they are on, etc. to determine what they are all about. If other people call them experts, then they are more likely to be experts. I am wary of anyone who claims to be an expert in anything, though, unless it's painstakingly obvious that they are experts.

Reminds me of this cartoon I saw on gaping void – so funny! http://gapingvoid.com/2008/11/24/youre-a-social...

RT @nhangen: #Webrepreneur Those Who Can’t – Teach: There are too many experts. Everyone has an opinion. Everyo.. http://bit.ly/d1BR6s

RT @nhangen: #Webrepreneur Those Who Can’t – Teach: There are too many experts. Everyone has an opinion. Everyo.. http://bit.ly/d1BR6s

“I fully expect both of them to come out of the woods looking like Gandalf did after his battle with the Balrog.”

That is the most vivid line I've read on a blog this week – only Kelly Diels gets more colourful on a regular basis. Next gig, fiction-writing 'rockstar' perhaps?

Hey Kathleen,
I totally agree with you- the key is the integrity in which you teach people what you know.
Love your site btw…

Nice post, Nathan.
I agree wholeheartedly, far too many “Experts” in the space. I've noticed that those who could really claim that title seldom do, if at all. Teaching what you know is one thing while faking it is something that always comes out in the wash. Authenticity can only be “faked” for so long.

And who said you had to be an “expert” to teach anyhow? Simply teaching others something that you have more knowledge about than they do, does not in any way make one an expert. When you say expert to me, it means that you already know all there is to know about a particular topic. I see longevity as the leveling force, where only people of authority will remain.

I feel your pain, Nathan. Today we have zillions of sources of information at our fingertips. It’s a beautiful thing except that it’s like drinking from a fire hose.

I have narrowed to about 25 trusted information sources. While I sometimes peek at the hundreds of feeds in my RSS reader, I often get behind so I just click “Mark All Read” and move on.

For the 25 people I trust and choose to learn from, I read almost every email newsletter. I also spend money on their products (and those they recommend). Would I still subscribe if they start charging for their information? Honestly, I might, but it would depend on the topic and the price.

Ultimately, the point you raise is the same one facing many industries today. Example: Politics aside, is news better from the USA Today or N.Y. Times? What if one starts charging $0.10 per article, but delivers in a way that is perfect for your lifestyle? Is the extra value worth paying for?

Like it or not, we are all playing the value game. If Ruth's Coffee Shoppe gives more value (better coffee and better service), Starbucks won't stand a chance even if Ruth charges me an extra $0.50. If Nathan gives more value than Chris, Nathan should win. If Apple computers give more value than Microsoft’s, Apple should win. If Lexi the programmer gives more value than Bob, Lexi should win if the company eliminates a job.

The best customers migrate to the businesses offering the best value (quality + service + price + convenience). I think that is as it should be.

I get what you're saying. I'm drinking from a firehose myself, and running as fast as I can to keep up with what's out there and make the most of my time. But dude, retire the “those that can't, teach” BS, please? Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU

Lynne,

Please understand, this is a blatant use of extremes in order to reach a conclusion. I've seen that video, and it's amazing, and true. I have nothing but respect for teachers.

However, it's one of those cases where a few bad apples can spoil the whole bunch.

That's a smart point Mike. The problem I have is that these days, the eyeballs don't always go where the value is…they follow the hype.

Of course, good marketing with good value wins hands down…every time…but it takes a hell of a lot of work to get there.

Obviously, you don't have to be an expert to teach…and that's something I've talked about here before…but sometimes the audience commits fraud by labeling someone as such…you changed my life once…now you're the expert. Know what I mean?

I think teaching, on every level is important, but the difference is that eventually, the real teachers get to work when they have to.

Thanks Katie, I took special care to craft that one.

Kelly really is inspiring like that…I'm trying to learn from her in that way.

Truth be told…I've been trying to plan a fiction novel for years.

The problem I have with social proof is that sometimes it lies.

Sometimes we act on emotion…on buzz…on hype. Not always, but sometimes. Then, if a few people I trust are promoting something…I'm inclined to do the same.

It's kind of a strange paradigm really, because you're right…we are skeptical by nature…but deep down I think we're desperate not to be so…so sometimes that “social proof” misleads us. Does that makes sense? I tend to ramble

Love the cartoon, and keep teaching SEO. Nothing wrong with teaching, especially when you do the work to back it up.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: Military alphabet for WTF

I bet that drives you nuts…helping someone and then watching them become an expert.

Here's the thing…I like watching (and helping) people become successful, but I don't like seeing people skip the hard work part and thinking the can just jump in. Especially when they're taking people's money…at that point, you better know what you're doing.

As for the diamonds in the rough…it's funny that you say that, because I just commented yesterday on a blog about how there are so many lists of marketers using the same names over and over again. It's hard enough to get noticed, especially when no one will take the time to find people outside of the norm.

Yes, we know Chris and Gary are all-stars, but like you said, there are tons just dying to be found. We need to find them. When you do, let me know, I'd love to help.

I'm guilty of the rockstar thing. I've even thought of trashing my fb and twitter products for that reason.

You said some really cool stuff there. The world has certainly changed…we're giving young guys with zero experience millions of dollars to work with…scary thought.

I love writing about what I'm learning, but at some point, I have to implement that right? I can't hate wanna-be's…but they've got to evolve and start working if they want to keep doing it.

Thanks Samuel, that means a lot. It's strange, but I've found that the more nervous I am about hitting “publish,” the more people like my posts. Guess I'll have to stay nervous

Absolutely,and that's why I like what you've been writing lately. It's also a LOT more confident and direct, which I think is a sign that you know where you are coming from and where you are going.

Thank you sir

We've talked about this, so you know how I feel, but the low barrier to entry is a both powerful benefit and a powerful curse. Use your power wisely my friends!

Well, it's not about change as much as it is about getting your head down and busting some ass. You're my partner, so I know what you're doing, and I know you can back up your message…but there are a lot of them that can't and that's why they keep trying harder to mask it.

If it looks like ass, smells like ass, and tastes like ass, then it must be ass. Right?

It's a cycle for sure, but the trick is realizing that and then making the change.

Mostly, I just wanted to talk about why Chris and Gary had to change their approach. We can't be everything to everyone all the time.

So true man, we both know how that goes

Oleg,

I love the way you end every comment…superb. It's really funny how we met too…via commenting.

That insight is going to make you a lot of money someday

The world's most successful mobile musician

“With great power, comes great responsibility.”
–Uncle Ben from Spider Man

You're right, and as I've told you before…consulting is the gateway to bigger and better things. Nothing wrong with teaching, but just keep the learning going at the same time.

I stopped reading my RSS…just didn't have the time. There's sooo much good stuff out there, if I stop to read one, then I get lost all day.

Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate that.

Make it happen man…I know with your drive and attitude, that the world is within your grasp.

Yikes, I need to check for typos before I hit the post button.

Thanks for the kind words, Kim! )

I agree with you too! You don't have to be rich and famous to have something to offer. I don't think we should go around beating our chests, but it's also not good to underestimate ourselves either. If you specialize in something and do your homework, you already know more than the average Joe.

No worries, I'm a rambler too .

That's true! Sometimes, promoting via social media just becomes a knee-jerk reaction. And it's easy to get caught up in hype.

I guess what I mean is that what others say about you has a lot more weight than what you say about yourself.

I understand what you are trying to say, but I don't agree with the way you say it. For instance you wrote, “So we mass produce it. It doesn’t matter if it’s garbage, people still want it. This is why Rupert Murdoch is pissed off…because two-bit hacks are pretending to report the news and worse yet…they’re getting away with it.”

The base assumption underlying that statement is that Rupert Murdoch produces GOOD stuff. Come on, we all know he has a major agenda and his co produces a lot of 'two bit hackery' news stories.

Or another base assumption underlying that statement is that if it doesn't come from a major news source then it must be crap.

Come on, we all know that is baloney. I mean, isn't that why so many blogs got started in the first place? Because people don't want to listen to/or agree with the status quo. We are constantly questioning what society (and the media) tell us and we are breaking new ground to live the way we want to live. To say the ideal is to be like Rupert Murdoch is ridiculous!

I think it is good that there is a lot of bloggers, and a lot of junk out there on the web. When I started out blogging I read just about everything I could, good and bad. It forced me to make my own judgement calls, and to understand what I wanted a little bit more. If you only read things you agree with, that is not a recipe for growth…that is a recipe for conformity.

Like others have said, the good stuff rises to the top, and the bad stuff fades away. But you know what? Maybe the person who had a bad blog learned a whole lotta stuff and will come back again another day stronger. It's all part of the learning process of life, and it is all baby steps to try to live the unique lifestyle each of us wants to live. I don't think you should be making people feel bad about themselves if they aren't amazing life changing bloggers of entrepreneurs right out of the gate.

I'd say that Rupert Murdoch produces better content, at least from a production and research standpoint, than a lot of bloggers do and really…doesn't everyone have an agenda?

That being said, I don't recall saying that anything not coming from major news sources is crap. If I believed that I wouldn't be blogging. I'm simply saying that Rupert Murdoch put decades into building his company, while in the last year, thousands of bloggers have jumped into the fray as “experts” and diluted the pool. There might be a ton of good content, but there's also a lot of crap.

I think it's on the consumer to see the difference between the two.

Now, the rest of your comment concerns me because you must feel like I'm bashing you…which I'm not. The tone of this post is meant to inspire people to take action instead of just talking. The difference between a bad blog and a fraud is that at least the bad blogger isn't lying to anyone…the frauds are.

I've got nothing against people trying..but I do have something against people that don't play the game that they're coaching.

Perfect response. I especially love the part about social media circle jerking…far too much of that.

Like I said to Becky, it's up to us to keep people honest.

Love the fire Tim, that willingness to work hard and overcome is what separates people like you from the garbage out there.

I have a question for you…do you think it's harder to judge bullshit online than it is in person?

The word 'expert' involves a massive load of responsibility. I don't think I'll ever proclaim myself as an expert but an enthusiast who's dying to learn as much about social media. That's why I blog in the first place – to experience and share. I agree with Srinivas about those who hustle are most likely to prevail. We have our own gauge to identify the 'experts' in our midst, sometimes they may not be the big names but those who impacted & guided us in our career. As I just came across an article, something about 'being popular is not all good'. Likewise, not all so-called-experts are real. Time will be the judge.

@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker

Kim, I recast my branding on my site specifically to prevent that exact sort of confusion.

It turns out I can handle the WordPress side hands down, what I don't know I can figure out by reading the source code, wp-hackers mailing, and writing experimental code.

But I had to explain one too many times that “Yes, I know WordPress, but no, I can't make you a pretty blog.”

Because I don't do graphics design work.

So I rebranded away from anything smacking of “expert.”

Ching Ya, you're an “amateur” in the best sense of the word, and I believe I'd trust your knowledge in your domain more than paid experts.

Great points Dave!
I think that's why I stick with 'chick'…for me it keeps my options open and doesn't scream expert (at least I hope not).

I also tend to keep my content relevant to what I know… (novel idea, huh?).Saw in your comment above also about increasing your price – good for you.
IMHO- the people that want to pay the least expect the most.

Like the acronym!
I'm sure you've seen these guys- I just discovered them about a month ago and have listened to all of their podcast episodes…
but Dan and Ian from http://www.lifestylebusinesspodcast.com/ are just cool! I love their perspective & energy…just wish the episodes were longer!

I'll keep you posted with anyone else I come across.

Yeah, there's a lot to hide behind online. A handshake and a look into someone's eyes sure makes it easier.

It sickens me to see people get taken by the scammers. I'm fortunate to have a pretty decent BS alarm. I've been online since 'pre-www' days. If nothing else, I have learned to do my due diligence when dealing with self proclaimed experts.

Nathan,How true that blog is! Your right about people will find you out! If your true, your true if your false you will be found out! Also you forgot to mention that a lot of people want to ride on the coat tails of others in hope that they will get to the top, sometimes scraps pay, but sometimes not enough. Like your said your friends may have been burnt out but they will recover. This is only the internet, it is not like being actually injured! Burn’t outs can recover….we all do! Thanks for sharing!

RT @davidrisley: RT @nhangen Those Who Can't – Teach | Nathan Hangen http://bit.ly/czlCyW

Looks like @nhangen didn't finish the post title – Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, teach gym. http://bit.ly/czlCyW

There is a big problem with people giving bad advice in the making money online niche. Most of them aren't making money themselves so the methods they are teaching others are counter productive (hence the dofollow and pro-commentating brigade),

You'll find that the people who are making real money are too busy to do any of the methods they promote because they're too busy and because they know they don't work.

great post

Reading Those Who Can't Teach http://nathanhangen.com/blog/those-who-cant-teach/

Those Who Can’t – Teach by @nhangen | http://bit.ly/cWnfnh #business #blogging #community

So much passion behind this post. I definitely agree with you in the sense that too many people call themselves experts that are not. That's why blogging is about being real. I am definitely no expert. That's why I learn and do so through interviews. I am learning just as much as my readers. One thing I notice, is the phonies and the claimers don't stick around for too long

[...] 2nd “Learner” volunteer was located in an isolated room – communication from “Teacher” to “Learner” was via a microphone and speaker [...]

Thank you Dave, that's a very nice thing to say. I appreciate your friendship and encouragement a lot. You're doing well too and it's a privilege to know you.

Now here's a post that had me nodding. http://bit.ly/drvkAf Well done, Mr. @nathanhangen

You know exactly how much I agree with this post, Nathan, and more. Quite frankly, I'm ready for that transformation – been working on it for a while now – and like you said… it's time for change.

RT @nhangen Those Who Can't – Teach | Nathan Hangen http://bit.ly/czlCyW

RT @nhangen Those Who Can't – Teach | Nathan Hangen http://bit.ly/czlCyW

I find it painful when people come to me with SEO plans created by big agencies. In some cases, these agencies put together plans for a lot of money and offer no implementation. Yikes. They client doesn't know how to do what the plan says, so little gets done.

Thank you for your raw and honest approach. A potential client recently said she preferred to work with me because she knew me (and knew I'd be honest).

“just looked back a year ago on my own blog at the people who were commenting on it then.”

“…one has made some real progress, is making money …”

That says it all. Entry level $$$ may be a low. The bust out rate is as high or higher (probably higher) than the brick and mortar world. Sounds more like a chance at a $500.00 lottery win than a business that sells a product worthy of the name or a service worthy of the name. Just a thought. As long as
“Empire building” is the come on line it seems to me the seekers after the cheap, quick and easy will follow the bird seed. Could be, online marketers are pulling in the very people they don't want on their block. “Sit on your butt and make a fortune.” Stated or implied seems a bad mistake to me. My guess is lazy is what is going to show up. Unless I've missed the point totally and that is a very real possibility there is not going to be any leveling anytime soon. I like people with fire in their belly. You seem to be one of those. Hope you find the key again and again. Me. I don't have a blog and nothing to sell. What I do is live life.

[...] or titles in my head. Just the other day I found a post idea from Dave Doolin’s comment on Nathan Hangen’s site, which actually formed the foundations of a post that got a stack of traffic and [...]

I thought it was… those who can't… review.

I thought it was… those who can't… review.