There seem to be a lot of blogging sites springing up everywhere, some good and some not so good. Truth be told that only the ones who really go above and beyond will make it. It's sad because the majority of the content is excellent. I surf the web daily checking for news or anything related to the gaming industry and find myself reading some really great material, some better than those found on the big boys of games journalism. Then I look at the comments, zero. Insane! How can such good, quality content be unseen!? It's not like comment on something is very difficult, once an article is viewed the reader has already committed and typing in their thoughts only helps them feel better about taking the time to read the article. So, why no comments? I strongly believe its derived from lack of exposure. Sure, not everyone will comment. If a post is viewed 3 times then the chances are low, but if it's viewed 5 or 10 then the chances rise. One legitimite comment from a reader (not a staff member, which just seems like you are being desperate) could spark another reader to comment and pretty soon your site is a frequesnt visitor, it's a snow ball effect.

     If you read the paragraph above then you might be asking, what's this guy doing? We know! So here is where I believe the next step in establishing yourself as a note worthy outlet for video game information, Public Relations and Marketing. Just as future journalists and bloggers write for indie sites, there are a substantial amount of PR/Marketing majors looking to apply their skills. Regardless of level of degree they have, if you can find them then you know they are dedicated. None of us just one day woke up, typed this site, and started writing about games. The majority of us are independent but have a strong grasp on what we want to contribute. Independent PR/Marketers are the next step.

    Like Editors who focus on providing the content, having dedicated personnel to the PR/Marketing aspects of a publication is essential. We all want to live in the fairy tale world of "my content is so good that I'll be sought out." Unfortunately there are too many variables working against you to make that plausible, if you want to be heard you have to be one step ahead of the competition. There is a reason why the major outlets get the hits they do, it aint luck fellas. It also can't hurt having one or two staff members' focusing on establishing relationships with other aspects of this side of the industry. Micromanaging will make your site that much more powerful, Editors focus on content, PR/Marketing on exposure, Web designers on the look of your site, Video/Audio Producers on quality of web 2.0 content, and so forth. There are extremely talented, independent, dedicated individuals out there, and on this very site, wanting to get out there and do what they feel they do best. 

    I am one, a dedicated individual looking to do some PR/Marketing, the other qualities I'll leave up to you to decide. Being a PR major I am willing to offer the skills I am currently learning, it benefits both parties and it baffles me to see a lack of interest or attention to this side of running a publication. Perhaps I'm not seeing something or am I looking in the wrong spot? I would really like to get some input from you fellow bloggers on this topic.

Thanks for reading,

Bryan

PS. This entry is in no way related or directed towards any specific individual. This post is all due to my desire to see skilled people to get the recognition they deserve.