Unfollow the Leader

Over the last few months I’ve been gradually unfollowing some of the “big names” in the web community on Twitter for what I initially thought were a variety of reasons, but which all turned out to be for one underlying reason.

Before I say anymore, I want to point out that I’m not going to name any names as I have no intention of bad-mouthing anyone in public, as what I’m going to say is entirely subjective and simply a matter of personal opinion.

The underlying reason why I have unfollowed these people is perceived arrogance. Too many in my opinion, have become a bit too “preachy”, acting like the class “know-it-all”. I know, of course, that Twitter and blogs are largely personal, and in most cases where people express their personal opinion. I of course do the same. But if you’re someone of note in your industry, and someone who others look up to for advice and opinion, then “arrogant” headlines such as “if you’re doing X, then you’re doing it wrong” and “why everything you’ve learnt about Z is wrong”, aren’t very friendly or constructive.

In my blog I aim to simply put across my thoughts on different subjects, perhaps describing what I’ve done so that others might see my thought processes and how I reached results, and perhaps give them their own ideas of what can be achieved. I definitely don’t tell people that they are wrong and shouldn’t do things a certain way, or if I do I intend to do it in a constructive way. I hope that I succeed in this, perhaps some of you might think otherwise, and if so, please do let me know.

I’m now also painfully aware that the above paragraph might sound exactly like that which I am complaining about, as it sounds a bit “my way is best – do what I do and ignore everyone else”, but the language is intended to encourage others to find their own way, and not telling them the way that they should follow.

These “big names” build things and think about things others don’t, and we can all learn from them for sure. But I do wish some of them would be a bit more polite about it.