The End of a Website

I was recently at a luncheon where my friend, Pete, was speaking. Pete, you should know, is the foremost social networking guru in all the world. Also, he once fired me from a job that I hated. Also he is a man in his 40s who is wearing braces for the very first time. So clearly, my relationship with Pete is complex.

But he really is a respected professional in the world of digital public relations. He knows how to maximize the use of all things Internet-y to build your business. (P.S. Don’t tell him I said “Internet-y.” He hates that word. It’s like nails across his virtual chalkboard.)

Facebook, YouTube, blogs, RSS feeds, Twitter, websites – Pete knows what all those things are!

So, anyhoot, after the lunch I went up to Pete to compliment him on what  a fine job he did firing me those many years ago, and also on what a great job he did speaking on this particular occasion. We began casually chatting when he actually brought up my blog. I know! Genius Media Expert and current brace-face Pete Codella reads my blog! I was flattered.  And then, like slap in the face, he suggested that my blog wasn’t a blog at all, but actually a website! Like HE would know! He then explained that by definition a blog should be open for comments.

“Blogs are interactive,” he pointed out, “and should allow visitors to leave comments and even message each other. It’s the interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.” To which I totally saved face by responding, “Uh…no-doy, Pete!”

Well, who am I to argue with the metal-mouthed master of all things web-based? Nobody, that’s who. I am ashamed. I have only rarely turned my comments on, but I’ve been calling this thing a “blog” this entire time. Well NO MORE, my blog/website reading friends!

I have decided that 2011 will be The Year of the Comments.

So from now on, I’m listening. To everyone except Pete “Smarty Pants” Codella. So there.