Friday, September 12, 2008

Technorati and a Celebrity

What is Technorati, exactly? I think I'd heard of it before. But the other day, when I did a Google search for Something She Wrote (which is also the business name of my writing and editing service - though I haven't sought out any jobs in months), I was surprised when views of and links for my blog popped up. Is it a search engine of sorts? Do your blogs come up as well? I haven't registered mine anywhere, so I just wondered how it came to be listed.

ETA: A little virtual memory just stirred... that a friend or writing co-hort registered me. Is that right? Who was it? Ack. I can't remember!

And in unrelated news (though I saw the blurb on Technorati's main page)... Lauren Conrad, a girl made famous by reality tv, just signed a three-book contract. It's to be a fictional series about a young woman whose life is much like Lauren's own. This is all fine and dandy, and I'm not going to pout or talk about how easy it is for celebrities to get published but... *pouts* Why is it so gosh-darn easy for celebrities to get published? *ahem* I know, I know. They have established names, which means they already have an established fan base. Which means they're sure to sell lots of copies, and publishers bank on that.

I just have to wonder - and not in a holier-than-thou sort of way, honest - but, does she really have an interest in writing, for the craft itself? Does she know how much work it takes? Will she be able to do it alongside her television show and budding career as a fashion designer? I mean, who am I to judge, because I write alongside raising a family, maintaining a house and marriage, bolstering a spiritual life, etc., etc...

But does being a celebrity automatically make her a writer?

12 comments:

WendyCinNYC said...

Of COURSE being a celebrity makes you a better writer. Just ask Paris Hilton's dog.

(I know, it's very frustrating, isn't it? But you can't let it bother you.)

Janna Leadbetter said...

I know it makes me sound so whiny, and I don't like that. I'm with you, that we have to get over it and persevere. Sometimes it's frustrating, though. I've read some things written by celebrities (as I'm sure we all have) and, to be honest, if they hadn't had their name, chances are low it would have seen print.

Joshua said...

no, being a celebrity does not make you a great writter. I can't stand the media who will ask dumb rich blondes questions as opposed to people with actual knowledge.

sad times

colbymarshall said...

Gurgh- *mumbles angrily about celebrities publishing*

Janet said...

In all fairness, the people likely to buy and read something just because a celebrity wrote it are probably not serious readers any more than the celebrities are serious writers. In other words, they're not really cutting into your market. Aaaaaaaaaaand, the profits from those books probably provide publishers with the comfort margin to take risks on unknowns.

So don't sweat it. It might actually be working in your favour. And some of those "novice" readers might decide to keep going with other things.

Melissa Amateis said...

Hmm...I think that there's a possibility that she might hire a ghost-writer. :-)

Joanne said...

Well, I guess she's a brand name with a name-recognition and a readymade audience. More of a guarantee on publishing investment? But there's always that segment of books. There's also the segment where the writing sells itself. Keep writing!

Anonymous said...

Technorati is a site that aggrigates blogs. It's a good place to check out what is going on in the blogosphere.

As for celebrities, I find that annoying too. You have to remember that they have a name or a brand, so people will buy it regardless of the content. This is how an actor can be a singer, writer, TV show host, ect. It doesn't mean quality work though. Just think of Paris Hilton's CD. *shiver*

Angie Ledbetter said...

Yup, ghost writers.

I wonder if I wrote under a pen name (say, like someone famous) if it'd be easier to get an agent/publishing contract?

Hmmmm. "ABC Women's Fiction Novel", by the Author Formerly Known as Princess? hehe

Janna Leadbetter said...

You're on to something! It had crossed my mind that she might have help, but I hadn't considered the possibility of ghost-writing. Very interesting.

And Janet, you bring up a valid point, too. Thanks. :)

Terri Tiffany said...

I vote for ghostwriting too. You know how hard it is to write something and it would take a writer with experience to put it together.
But I like the idea of writing under my own name--lol--that's why I married my husband:))

Unknown said...

Yes i also agree that constructive approach always leads to success. It is not necessary that being a celebrity you can be a good writer also but yes this can happen that being a good writer you can become a celebrity. It is a complete story of success. There is an e-book http://www.succcess.org/
which depicts the information about success in life. I think if you are really interested can go through it.