Comments on: 6 Ways to Spot False Gurus

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:01:30 +0000

Thanks, Mike. I agree that social media is probably harmed by its most fervent advocates. There’s a lot of value there, but it’s got to fit in with everything else.

- Greg

By: mike_mcgrail

mike_mcgrail — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:14:25 +0000

Great post! I have been bumping my gums about so called ‘gurus’ a lot over the last couple of weeks. They are so damaging to the industry. You can read my thoughts over on The Social Penguin Blog – http://bit.ly/cqVkK9

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:35:35 +0000

Good advice. Thanks, Chris!

- Greg

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:43:51 +0000

When I was younger, I was brilliant. As I got older, for some reason, Watts are continually being shaved off the old light bulb. I look back at when I was called a “guru” on servers and storage. I have to admit that I had such contempt for those who put me on that pedestal. All I did was tell them what they already knew but were either too scared to trust their instincts, too lazy to do their job or suffered from what I affectionately call “selective ignorance” (choosing not to know on their own).

I’m with Diane. Smart people usually give others the benefit of the doubt and trust self-proclaimed expertise only to be consistently underwhelmed. Consequently, I developed a little social experiment about 15 years ago that changes everything. Trust people up to a point where beyond that point, the damage they could do couldn’t be undone. Basically, have no expectations that people will follow through with what they have to say–verbal flatulence. If they follow through, they have exceeded your expectations. As a result, the morale boost is huge! I always feel like I won the lottery when someone follows through.

I guess you could call my demeanor “cynical.” I prefer to call it pragmatic. If you ever want to have some fun with a “guru,” pick a subject that you don’t know anything about. Approach the subject matter as if you were going to start up your own business with it. Ask lots of basic questions. Gradually, increase the complexity but don’t leave a question unanswered to your satisfaction. If they don’t get speed wobbles, they might be for real. It’s a great practice to use if you have to evaluate research: The methodology tells you what it’s really saying.

Thanks Greg! I enjoyed the reading!
Chris

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:36:52 +0000

Stanley,

Thanks a lot. I just checked out your site and it’s extremely impressive! I’m always amazed with what truly creative people can come up with. Best of luck to you and Simona

For everybody else, Stanley’s site is a great example of how flash can be used well on a site that doesn’t suck (and isn’t heavy either). You can find it here: http://www.lylofilm.com/

- Greg

By: Stanley Lozowski

Stanley Lozowski — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:49:57 +0000

Happily, I discovered your great blog at the end of 2009. You always display a great deal of “common sense” and I love the thought that goes into your subjects.

As a retired teacher, I started blogging seven years ago about the same time I formed LYLOFILM to produce 2D and 3D CGI films. After thousands of blogs on several sites (many of my blogs just involved abbreviating and relaying information that others had written), I began interjecting my own thoughts several years ago and that led to writing longer articles.

I was always a teacher but I never considered myself a guru until I noticed that someone had called me a “new media guru of sorts” (whatever that means) after reading one of my first articles. And now, after reading your article, I question if I am a “true” or a “false” guru “of sorts”.

In 2008, I simply noted the dramatic changes that have taken place and looking for a scapegoat, I blamed everything on George.
http://www.what-hath-george-wrought.synthasite.com

In any event, congratulations on your birthday, God bless and keep up the great work.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:46:06 +0000

Actually, like many “gurus,” it’s a false t-shirt:-)

- Greg

By: Linda Poole

Linda Poole — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:04:11 +0000

Where do I get the t- shirt?

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 04:26:46 +0000

Marie,

Thanks! And great post on the anatomy of a brand.

- Greg

By: Marie still

Marie still — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:01:11 +0000

Thanks for such a great post! I always tell my team to beware the expert and never think of yourself as one. If you get it in your head that you are an expert then you run the risk of cutting yourself off from learning, and no matter where you are in your career, you can always learn more.
Marie still´s last [type] ..the anatomy of a brand