Tim McCall Weblog

Everyone loves the underdogs right? Our favorite movie characters and sports stars are that much better if they have a little adversity again. The competitive nature in us or jealousy for others makes us want to take out the person on top. Even if he/she/it is positively benefitting us we want to be in charge, or at least in on whats going on. Then you have to consider the he/she/it that is on top and is in control of things. Sometimes this position can cause he/she/it to lose track of the main goal. Even with good intentions, issues can be overlooked. This is where the outsider comes in and brings the issue to attention. I’m not saying that this is a bad thing I just think it’s the way we are. I think the Microsoft story is a great example of this underdog theory.

Microsoft

The people at Microsoft aren’t superhuman. They are no doubt very smart, and very human. This does leave room for error. While publicly criticizing the error is effective, it is also humiliating and probably wont shed a good light on either Microsoft or the harsh critic. The realization that can help designers create better usability in our software through civilized, and most importantly, two way conversation is incredible. You know someone is listening, and I think that an overlooked aspect of customer blogging is the extra motivation a designer has to create a better product. It reminds me of the saying, “talk to me man to man” because instead of being angry at “Microsoft” which is a emotion that will get nowhere, you can criticize someone who works there in a blog and get a response that will more than likely clear up your confusion. The underdog aspect goes out the window and both sides benefit.

Gilbert

One of the coolest things about Blogging for me is that everyone is on an even playing field. A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t be able to talk to a professional basketball player without paying to go see a game and ask for an autograph. Now I can go on a favorite players blog and tell him what I think. It is up to me to get his attention in order to receive a response, but the fact that this person will read my comments is fufilling just the same. Not just athletes, Movie stars, singers, politicians are all blogging and this is also helping both sides. No one can say that their voices aren’t being heard if they are going to the right places.

Gilbert Arenas is famous for his alter egos on the court and his blogging antics. I visit his blog often, and it is usually good for a laugh.