You Don’t Want to Be Famous | As A Dude Thinketh

If you have taken my advice on making your products available and explaining value, then you are now a famous Internet Superstar. What? You aren’t an Internet Superstar yet? No? That is a relief to hear, because you do not want to be famous.

Are you one of those people on Twitter or in other blogging circles, that want to be the next Seth Godin, Chris Brogan, or Tim Ferriss. You have read all the books, taken the courses, and have attended the conferences. You are blogging, are going to launch a product, and are eagerly awaiting your invitation to speak at SXSW 2010.

So what happens if you actually become famous online? Imagine if your manifesto gets promoted by an A-list blogger, your book gets signed to a major label, and your blog gets sponsored by an online media empire.

What happens next?

1. People Google your name to find out the most embarrassing or damaging information they can about you. Because you are famous now, people will point out your flaws on Twitter, in blog comments, in YouTube videos, and on message boards.

2. Your e-mail inbox goes from 1 unread e-mail to 10,000. Don’t be surprised at the number of random people that want you to help them for free or will tell you how much they hate you.

3. People will try to find out where you live, how much money you make, and other sundry details that might make people who enjoy privacy a bit paranoid. They will then post the details of your life to their blog or on a social media website.

4. You will get sued. Someone will disagree with what you are saying, will misuse your advice, or they are just plain crazy. Because you are now visible online, you will be a target for their lawsuits.

5. People want you to promote their products and services. You will get packages of questionable material, e-mails, phone calls, and messages from people that want your name attached to their project.

Isn’t fame wonderful?

Putting yourself, your products, and services on the Internet is a daunting challenge for many people. Think about how you perceive your privacy at this time. Do you feel safe and secure putting everything online?

If so, then go for it.

If not, then consider what steps you can take to ensure privacy as you grow your business.

Do you want to be famous?

Are you ready to handle being famous?

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