When I launched out into the social media scene, my main purpose was to see what it really takes to build some sort of digital presence, so that I could say to my authors, "You really should have an online and social media presence," without feeling like hypocrite. I realize not many editors blog on a regular basis--or at all--and some do not have any presence on any social media sites. Yet, the common response to aspiring authors wanting to know what it would take to begin building a platform is start blogging and join Twitter and Facebook.
Is it fair that many of the editors suggesting this don't do this or know what it's like to try a build a platform from the ground up using a blog and social media profiles?
I ask this sincerely.
I think it would be cool for more editors to make themselves the guinea pig in this technological experiment so their advice is coated with a bit of empathy and first-hand advice. Just saying.
What do you think?
Should more editors blog and become more actively involved in social media?
Is "do as I say not as I do" OK for editors?
March 12, 2017 Update
I'd have to say that I have found my own social media and blogging experience very beneficial to my advising authors on how to build a social media following. I can empathize first-hand with their struggle with figuring out which platforms work best for them, how to find time to engage, and what exactly to say in each space. So in my view, I do think editors should break out and give some of their own advice a try. I am even self-publishing a book Spring 2017. More on that later. ;)