Someone recently pointed me to a forum post where I was being “attacked” about my blog.
http://forums.asp.net/t/1411645.aspx
Working with the public has some rewards, but there are allot of simply nasty people to deal with 
Normally I don’t even respond to a post by someone who wants to be insulting while hiding behind the anonymity of a profile with no name and a gmail address.
(Especially one from a “member” who hasn’t contributed to the community enough to break 100 member points.)
But since it’s now “out there” recorded for permanent posterity, I’ll explain and ask YOU.
Unlike some of my peers, much of my job is behind the scenes. This morning, for example, I spend 5 hours replying to email from both customers, and internal Microsoft people with needs, requests, questions, etc.
Part of my role is to stay on top of and understand the “state of the industry”, and very often I blog “news items” that I think are important for developer to be aware of.
Many folks tell me that these “quickies” are useful to them as they might not have otherwise been aware of the item.
We have lots of bloggers who do good “tutorials”, and some of the most popular technical blogs have included LOTS of news items (like Robert Scoble’s when he was at Microsoft)
For tutorial work I prefer to do videos, they seem popular (I’ve probably had nearly 10 million downloads)
There are only 100 hours in a week.
So my friends, how would YOU like be to spend my time.
- Delete my blog spend all my time on videos ?
- Delete my blog and write sample code?
- Blog long tutorials when ever I can find time and forget the news stuff ?
- Do whatever I want ?
So, if you were my boss, what would you have me do with my time that is most valuable for the Microsoft Developer Community ???
Please feel free to email me directly if you don’t want to post – Joe.Stagner@Microsoft.com
I do find information useful on your blog, however most of the content is very short and almost not worthy of a "blog" post. More of a forum post.Obviously, it’s your blog and you can do whatever you want. The fact that its listed on ASP.NET as a popular blog may be a overrated.
Joe,I am a novice at best with most development avenues; however your videos, blog entries, and other information has given me a huge leg up.Thanks to you I was able to program a Purchase Order database using SQL and Visual Studio from which I have earned the kudos of our CIO.So Thank You.If I were you, delete those emails and skim over the comments that are cowardly hiding behind a false screen-name.They are those people that couldn’t loook you in the eye were you to meet face to face.Best Regards,Michael SawyerAssistant Desktop Manager
Of course not !!, i think the things that you’ve done for us and you’re doing is so much valuable and helpful for all of us that nothing can affect its value,and i’m saying this from the bottom of my heart,cause it’s not just about a blog it’s about a person who’ve been nice to ppl and helped ppl as much as he could,and there’s a lot guys out there who can’t understand such things so it’s better to just ignore them :).personally,i can confess that i haven’t had any friend nicer than Joe and i have learned so much from him,and everything he does is a great encouragement to learn more.
You should definitely keep on blogging…on Graffiti CMS!
you don’t have to do that.this is a nice blog
Hi Joe, your blog and videos are really helpful and I know they benefit a lot of others just as they do to me. Just remember that for whatever good work you do, there are still some critics who try to discourage. You should not stop because of such people’s words.
We understand very well that in the busy schedule you have, it is difficult to contribute time to the articles and videos. But still you are doing all that for everyone’s benefit. Thanks a lot for that. I personally learnt much from your contributions. Keep on going and you don’t need to think too much about the persons who write against you without any reason. We are all with you and expect more from you.
Joe. I think that blogging is freedom. It allows us to speak what is on our mind to the public. Just because some people don’t like it doesn’t mean anything. Its your place, your site. Do what you do best and keep at it. That is what I think.
webx-press.co.uk/…/JoeStagner
when in doubt, post lots of videos of kittens.
I’ve always enjoyed your blog, and I believe you do a fine job. It’s always nice to take a 10 minute break to see what you’ve posted.
As you told the disgruntled user, reading is optional. Where’s his blog?
Count me in on #4. For the record, I’ve always enjoyed the videos and I still have not seen all of them.
Oh, and bring me something good from Thailand.
If I am your boss, I will ask you to teach me kick boxing
well, not all articles are interesting or valuable for everyone. may be that particular person is trying to be more geeeeeeky.. just igonre him. if he wants let him spend his time on doing some more VALUABLE articles.
Joe, you are doing good on your blog. keep up the good work
Do what you want!
I vote for option #4 … and Joe keep great work and ignore the silly obscurantist people.