February 25, 2006

Picture This: Are Self-Pics in Blogs a Curse?

I’ve come across several blogs that include a picture of their author. In addtion, I know this is a very excepted culture in the blog community, however I often ponder the drawbacks of doing so.

How do I know that my self-pic will have a positive effect on my blog readership? What if my readers cringe every time they read my post after they know what I look like?

I relate the above situation of having the same effect of an owner poster’d as the spokes person for the company. Sometimes it works well…really well. Look at how Dave Thomas represented Wendy's or Colonel Sanders for KFC. Not only did their self-portrait communicate their self-image, but their faces also became national icons for their respectful brands.

But I can’t image that this works well for every company or author. Do you remember that guy on the TV infomercial with the question marks on his jacket trying to sell you government grant opportunities? Would you actually trust that guy with your money? Comon now!
I’m sure you can think of some authors that drive you nuts every time you read their latest column. For me its Shari Thurow, a well respected search engine marketing expert. Im not questioning her authority, but as an Internet marketer myself, I feel as though she is talking down to me. Moreover, her self-pic really kind of drives the point home for me.

Now for Lee Oden, another respected authority who owns a well-respected PR agency along with an SEO company, this might work. (Which is tough to say, since he one of my local competitors) I’m sure some of his readers may feel closer to his writing given that his image is on most of his Internet properties. But for others, it might give them another reason not to ever come back.

I have been reserved of the whole idea of adding my picture and don’t plan on adding one anytime soon. My belief is that its just safer to play the under the radar. Plus I think it give readers a sense of the unknown. So, if you want to see me it will just have to be patient and meet me in person:)