Content Is _____
Posted 14 years ago by C.C. Chapman | 41 CommentsI have a pretty clear definition of what content is in my head. But, I also know that it is something that is hard to put into words when you need to so I was curious how others might describe it.
While attending Blogworld Expo last week I carried around my video camera asking friends and strangers to complete the sentence “Content is ____”. I had a blast sitting down this morning and pulling out some of the nuggets to share with everyone. It was fascinating how many different directions people went with their answers.
You might see some familiar faces in the video like Scott Monty, Todd Defren, Maggie Fox, Steve Hall, Jenny Cisney, Ewan Spence and Steve Garfield. Thanks to everyone who allowed me to film them. I ended up with so many great answers I couldn’t fit them all into the video.
Now, if I asked YOU the question how would you answer? What is content to you and how do you describe it? In the comments answer the question: Content Is _____
Update 11/19 – Adding links to content that people in the video are creating. If I forget someone, please let me know and I’ll add them.
- http://www.averagebetty.com
- http://foodieslive.com
- http://www.adrants.com
- http://tpnrock.com
- http://jennifercisney.1000words.kodak.com
- http://thecampdirector.com
- http://jeremyvaught.com
- http://jessicarmurray.com
- http://socialmediagroup.com/category/blog/
- http://www.scottmonty.com
- http://www.stevegarfield.com
- http://www.pr-squared.com
- http://fororchestra.com
Tags: business, bwe10, content marketing, Content Rules
October 21st, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Content is impossible to automate.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Content is… substance over CSS.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Content is THE GOODS. If you don’t have it, your users will find someone else who does.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
*grin* Leave it to you my friend to go there. LOVE it.
And you are right. It is up to each individual to provide content because if you don’t then I bet someone else in the space will!
October 21st, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Content is EVERYTHING. What are you marketing/selling/etc, if not content? Bad content is impossible to sell; good content is impossible to hide.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Content is creation
October 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Simple and on point!
October 21st, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Content is defined by the consumer not the creator. Content is media that was chosen to be consumed.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Content is defined by the consumer not the creator. Content is media that was chosen to be consumed.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Content is defined by the consumer not the creator. Content is media that was chosen to be consumed.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Wait, aren’t you the King of all Robots? *laugh*
I agree with you. If your content doesn’t have a pulse than no one is going to pay attention to it.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I LOVE that last sentence!!
October 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
is the things that keeps people coming back for more.
is what turns “followers” into advocates.
is crucial when the competition provides bad, wrong or misleading information.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I wonder if that is why CSS has always baffled me more than it should.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Content is KEY!
October 21st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Content is KEY! 🙂
October 21st, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Now THERE is an interesting angle on the whole argument that I really like and think I need to wrap my head around some more.
Damn you! Now you’ve got my mind in overdrive.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Content is a secret code for business-minded people to not be scared into thinking they’re doing ‘art’.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Those are my personal definitions. I define media as information that holds value. All information holds value to somebody.
But the question that most people should consider more often when it comes to the value of their content is which end of the production line considers all this stuff worthwhile? The CEO or the customer? The creative director or the blogger than might share it with 100,000 readers?
Looking forward to the book man.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Content is connective tissue that when shared, it brings people (brands, consumers, etc.) together. Like the video, someone used the “it’s like porn, you know it when you see it” line, I use that one when defining social media. FWIW.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Are you SURE you didn’t sneak read a copy of our book? *laugh* Your point
about who is the content for is a CORE part of what we cover in the book and
try to drill home. Sure, you need to be internally happy about anything you
create, but if it isn’t exciting or engaging to the people you hope to reach
then what is the point?
An ongoing balancing act for sure.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I love how you genuinely follow your own rules CC, of having conversations. This is the few places you can genuinely have a conversation. Practising what you preach should be one of the rules for internet commentators!
October 21st, 2010 at 6:35 pm
The internet is the road network, websites are cars and content is the gaz that power the cars 🙂
A car without gaz is useless.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Content is everything… because, well, Content Rules!
(You knew I was going to say that!)
October 21st, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Content is substantive information subject to interpretation. One man’s content is another man’s crap. I believe George Carlin said it best. “My stuff is stuff. Your stuff is shit.”
October 21st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
AMEN to that!!!
It is the one rule I’ve always personally and professionally followed. If
I’m not myself or do something that isn’t right for me then everyone will
know it.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:47 pm
*hugs* THIS is yet another reason why I love you to death Ann!
October 21st, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Content (adj.) is desiring no more than what one has; satisfied.
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:23 am
[…] More at Content Rules. […]
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Content is king when the web is ubiquitous
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
That it does Ann 😉 ….To be honest, I’m still jealous of that book title, it’s literally perfect…Tell me, whose flash of brilliance was it, your or CC’s?
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Content is any thought, doubt, question, or concern that a consumer(of your product or service) has had, may have, should have, or will have in the future. 🙂
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Ann gets all the credit on the title.
October 24th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Content is capturing a moment that you will never feel see or touch again , it creates questions and soothes the soul
November 11th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
[…] Content Rules by C.C. Chapman and Ann Handley: Content Is _____ This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← Stever Robbins on How to Live on Purpose […]
November 17th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
I’m bothered by the fact that credit is given to “familiar faces” and not the content creators themselves that contributed to your video, CC. Why not take the opportunity to mention Walt Ribeiro (:29) who arranges pop songs for orchestra and link to his site? That’s some pretty cool content. Why not take a second to acknowledge Beth Cochran (1:22) who does a live cooking show and link to her site?
If the “unfamiliar faces” in your video were good enough to “use” why not give them credit? I feel as though you have broken the first rules of creating and using content – site your sources and give credit where it is due.
November 17th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Wow, I certainly didn’t mean to offend anyone and didn’t mention everyone in the video because…well I don’t know why I didn’t mention anyone. When I posted the video I put in a few names of people. Wasn’t an effort to leave out anyone or forget anyone, I just didn’t put everyone.
And while I am a huge supporter and advocate for always giving credit where credit is used, all the video clips used here are used with permission. I asked before filming everyone that was in the video if they were ok with me doing this and the few that were not ok, were not filmed. As the creator of this video I feel comfortable that I covered myself completely fine.
Sorry if you feel slighted in any way. Walt, Beth and everyone in this video (minus one who I didn’t know until I filmed this) are friends and that is why I asked everyone to be part of this. If I offended you or anyone I’m truly sorry and that was not my intention.
November 18th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
I’m not offended, I’m concerned. You are a friend, CC and I have a lot of respect for you in the new media space. I believe your actions influence others.
Permission is different than credit. Let’s say a fellow food writer emails me and asks if they can use one of my photos. I say sure. Then the fellow food writer uses my photo but doesn’t give me credit for the use of my work. They have my permission… but their readers probably just assume that the photo is that of the other food writer’s, not mine. The other food writer didn’t give me the handshake. They didn’t share the love. And that’s all it takes.
At the very least, I think we have the opportunity everyday to introduce new viewers, readers or listeners to other content and content creators through our own content. My reader doesn’t have to do anything but click on a link and suddenly they might be your reader too. This is just something I practice and I wonder why this is not something you do?
November 19th, 2010 at 3:05 am
I have never seen a highlight type of video ever link in the way you are mentioning anywhere so it is not the norm. But since it seems to bother you so much I will go and grab everyone’s links and update the post with that information. I love directing people to other great content and everyone in this video certainly does this. Thanks for sharing your concerns.
November 20th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Well, CC for the sake of debate – Thank you for adding the links. I appreciate the sentiment. It’s strange I got so fired up about this topic and that I’d choose to debate it with the nicest guy on the internet (well, I suppose you’re tied with Steve Garfield). Thank you for taking the time to discuss this with me and for your consideration. Don’t hate me lol 🙂
November 20th, 2010 at 1:40 am
I don’t hate you at all. Constructive debate is always a good thing.