Re:Influencers don’t really influence anything or anyone
by isubkhankulov on Thursday February 01, 2018 @12:02AM
(#16279734)
I think the author is using the word influencer to specifically refer to instagram influencers aka fashion/muscle/whatever models. theres a reason comedians dont hock products over instagram, but kim khardasian and co do.
in other words, influencers' fame was gained through static imagery over the internet.
You're referring to actual influencers.
So in the end you both agree.
Re:Influencers don’t really influence anything or anyone
by mc32 on Thursday February 01, 2018 @12:12AM
(#16279753)
Fair point. I think what those people can do is "bring awareness" to a brand, etc.. but not make people buy it because of them. If they like it, they'll buy it because of the value the product offers rather than because instagrammer X had it --thought it may be the case in some areas.
In other words their value may be in "surfacing" something. Akin to ranking something higher on SERPs.
Re:Influencers don’t really influence anything or anyone
by ahdroit on Thursday February 01, 2018 @12:16AM
(#16279762)
"There is (always has been) an alternative — It’s called “Genuine Thought Leadership”...
The concept of “thought leadership” is completely different than “influencing” anything or anyone. In fact, I would argue it’s the exact opposite. Because while influencers are about follower numbers, thought leaders are about expertise and knowledge." -top highlight
But maybe it's one of those things that work when it's unstated. Soon as you declare yourself an influencer, then unless you have bona fides, you cease to be an effective influencer.
Influencers in tech: Woz, Jobs, MarkZ, Musk, Ng.
Influencers in other areas: LeBron, Kardashians, Obamas, Sanders, Trump, Brady, Kanye, Jenner.
Most/all of those are influencers not because they seek to do that explicitly, but because it's a byproduct of other achievements.
When it's your main thing, then you're not so much an influencer but a promoter.