by Brian Solis
It seems that every week lately, we have a new meme on Techmeme – from how it’s brilliant, how it is a cesspool, and how people consistently game it, to how it gives equal voices to new and traditional media and even how it tracks and empowers the new world of thought leaders.
I think what everyone agrees on hoever, is how it offers a unique and “open” platform for the discovery of topics and people as well as the ability to enjoy the spotlight with a popular story.
While Techmeme founder Gabe Rivera keeps a tight lip about the secret sauce in his meme tracking recipe, I believe that there is some sort of rite of passage one must unknowingly undertake in order to join the Techmeme club.
It all starts with of course, being a great storyteller, but I believe that that one must also “get noticed” in a way that earns the right to be part of the conversation.
Some say Techmeme is a narrow view of the tech landscape, told only by the same voices over and over. Others, including me, find that Techmeme provides direct access to the new Paul Reveres who bring with them an interesting, first-hand perspective and analysis of how the “people” view and interpret current events, and in turn, attempt to predict the future.
Indeed, I believe this to be true. And, so do others.
I was recently having dinner with Robert Scoble, Jason Calacanis, and Gabe Rivera following the Graphing Social Patterns conference, where we discussed how some bloggers are consistently “gaming” Techmeme. If I were only taking notes, you would be reading one incredibly different and insightful post right now.
I did however, ask a pretty frank question, “How many of the top 100 were simply Techmeme Whores?”
Whether bad or good, think about it though. By that I mean those who simply track the top stories and republish and summarize the information without adding value, all in the name of gaining airtime on the list.
You’d be surprised at the answers. But that’s a separate discussion.
Nevertheless Techmeme, at the very minimum, is a looking glass into the thoughts and minds of those driving and defining the new Web economy and ecosystem whether they’re a-list bloggers, award-winning journalists, or passionate bloggers. And, I can tell you this, based on what I know is coming, Techmeme has much more in store for all of us. In fact, I’ll say that Techmeme has only shown us a glimpse of why it will remain the conversation hub for all things tech, now, and in the future.
Jason Calacanis on the subject:
Smart cats like Walt Mossberg, John Markoff, John Battelle, Jason Pontin, and Steven Levy all had print publications that helped them set the agenda and tone for the entire industry. Great guys and friends of mine all, but they were part of small group of folks with a voice. I know, because I had one too in Silicon Alley Reporter (and I used it!).
TechMeme has leveled that playing field, and truth be told you don’t find most of those names leading the conversations any more. How often does Markoff, Mossberg, or ANY long-term print journalist take over TechMeme? Hardly ever. In fact, no one really “takes over” TechMeme… it just keep chugging along, giving everyone their 15 minutes of fame (maybe six hours if something really catches heat).
Stowe Boyd:
Techmeme is a microcosm of the larger world: a true high fidelity fractal of that greater context. While that does not exonerate the participants from its shortcomings, it’s easy enough to just not come at all. There are other ways to keep up with tech news, or to participate in the community. This isn’t a kindergarten, after all, where we need protection. And I don’t agree with some that it’s an old boys club, excluding the worthy in favor of the privileged.
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