Would I link to a 16-year-old who asked for a link?

by on November 21, 2006

Christian Long asks whether I would link to a 16-year-old’s blog just because he or she asked.

I can’t promise a link. Hell, I can’t even promise I’ll answer the email (I’m only answering one out of 20 emails lately). But, I do read every email and I do consider it, even if only for five seconds.

To earn a link, though, I’d like to see more than just a couple of posts and I’d like to make sure that they add some value for my readers.

What’s tougher than getting a link? Getting me to subscribe. If you get me to subscribe it’s far better than earning a link. Why? Cause then you’ll get on my link blog over and over.

  • Hey Robert, are you going to share you OPML list from Google Reader? I'd love to know which blogs you're reading.
  • Dear Mr. Scoble,

    I'm not asking for a link, but can you please give me some advice on my blog?

    However, if you do have a chance to read my blog, and you do like the content, feel free to add a link or subscribe.

    Thank you.

    Sincerely,
    Corinne
  • Robert, well said.

    Had to take a 'how many Scoble links can I add to get him to notice' chance on this one. Heck, email is so last 1000 unread questions, so I'll leave a comment, tell you that I appreciate you making a larger point based on the "16 year old blog link" question du jour.

    I'm hoping that "E" (who has you in his blog roll...imagine that, high school kids who are learning as much from you as they are from their daily teachers! -- forget that secondary dream of getting a teacher's certification, Robert!) checks his Scobleizer feed soon. Sees himself in the reflection.

    As you knew well, my post wasn't really asking for you to link to him (heck, I'm not willing to until he ponies up some currency in terms of contextual content, not just a request because he's a kid), but to make a larger point, to show the viral 6 degree connections one can make today...even if you're 16.

    Imagine 10 years ago. You're a 16 year old. How do you go about the act of connecting with one of the uber-voices and leaders in a professional realm you want to join one day? How do you get noticed? How do you get a legit platform to explore ideas and meet your mentors and be published? Answer: you don't.

    But today? In today's world, this 16 year old kid I've nicknamed "E" managed to send out one email and by some blog conspiracy and connections he was suddenly talked about by you, if vicariously.

    A wild world our digital native kiddos are growing up in.

    Best to Patrick (who is living it in Apple Store real time) -- hope all is well with you and the Scoble Show (I still think you should have gone with the "Talking Technology with a Dancing Monkey" show name that was mentioned in the hot springs river in Montana this August; maybe your next show!).

    Cheers,
    Christian
  • PS - I'd just like to point out that I'm not 16.
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