Whilst it would be nice to meet interesting people and attend conferences its not always possible due to various reasons, time, distance and money (or in my case all three), and whilst I can see the tip making sense its important to also recognise though that blogs don’t have to be personal in their branding to be successful, look at the Weblogs Inc., blogs for example, the branding of the blogs comes before the writers, and although some of the writers are well known many are not, and may not even wish to be so. Success can be built on a relationship of quality and is not dependent on 3D as suggested, quality can build depth in its own right.

Fred – you’re onto something there. It’s an interesting distinction actually.

Interesting. However, the question is: is blogging my primary activity or a satellite activity? I mean, personally, blogging is only a hobby; it is another way to make contact with people of interest. I think it is the same for Robert, because he is in reality a Microsoft Evangelist and his blog is a satellite activity to expend his social network. He does not use his blog to evangelize Microsoft, no, he use it as hobby to extend his social network (and I think that it works really well!). But in your case, it is deferent because you are a pro blogger. So it is sure that blogging is your primary activity and other activities like participating to Gnomedex ,or any other conferences, or hosting blogging diner at your house, will be your satellite activities to expend your blogs’ activity.

I think that this corporate blog tip depend of what you is your primary activity.

Salutations,

Fred

The more you are see about with other respected members of the web/niche community the better this will be for you.

Its all about branding and perception.