What is this "We" thing?

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by theredgiant, Apr 1, 2008.

?

How many of you use "WE" even though it is just YOU?

  1. I do

    18 vote(s)
    51.4%
  2. No, I don't

    17 vote(s)
    48.6%
  1. #1
    I have noticed a number of blogs using the word "we" even though it is run by a single person. Like, Advertise with us, We have done so and so, Our website is this and that, etc.

    I assume they are trying to give their blog some kind of a pro look by making it seem it is run by an organization and is not a one man show. I'm not sure whether it's any helpful. What is your viewpoint on this? Does it help in anyway to improve the image of the blog/site?

    And how many of you are doing it?
     
    theredgiant, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  2. Thoughtless

    Thoughtless Active Member

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    #2
    If you are selling services or products then the "we" thing might give you some extra points. Even if its an one person company.
    I wouldn't but ...
     
    Thoughtless, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  3. MoneyMoose

    MoneyMoose Peon

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    #3
    I assume it's just that they're trying to appear more professional.

    Personally, I write from a pretty informal first person perspective and it's been working for me so far.
     
    MoneyMoose, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  4. Erzulie

    Erzulie Peon

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    #4
    Thoughtless

    Right you are :)

    Me too, also in real life often use "we" :) Our majesty, Queen :>
     
    Erzulie, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  5. SEOLinker

    SEOLinker Banned

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    #5
    Lol, so true. Especially when it "we have a team of 100 people" and other BS. I stay away imideatly. If you have 100 people you will not be looking on forums for jobs.
     
    SEOLinker, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  6. Scorpiono

    Scorpiono Well-Known Member

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    #6
    That was in early 2000, nowdays I think it has the opposite impact, especially on a blog.

    Blogs are made for personal writings, and well, WE do not offer advertising, but some of us, use the WE thinking they look more professional.

    I personally run away from "WE"s sites, I preffer an honest "I can do it man!"
     
    Scorpiono, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  7. cool_78

    cool_78 Guest

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    #7
    I guess most use we to make it sound more professional and make your site appear to have a bigger staff.
     
    cool_78, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  8. carol.prime

    carol.prime Active Member

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    #8
    Using "We" in a blog, depends on your specific topic, or the person and product involved. If you are representing someone/something preferably you should use it.
     
    carol.prime, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  9. Legendary11

    Legendary11 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    i use we becuase not all of my articles are done by me, around 80% are so i give a little bit of credit to others who have made my website
     
    Legendary11, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  10. CanadianEh

    CanadianEh Notable Member

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    #10
    For us married people, the Royal "we" gets overused. Examples are "we put in hardwood floors". Picking the color gets equal credit as the actual installation part.
     
    CanadianEh, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  11. allout

    allout Prominent Member

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    #11
    It is two fold. It looks more professional to say we. It also makes it sound like the whole blog or website is a team including the readers.
     
    allout, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  12. rigg419

    rigg419 Peon

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    #12
    For me, even when huge blogs like engadget use the term "we" (which they do all the time) it annoys me. I mean, I know Engadget has like 20 editors between the various sites, but are they ALL reviewing this product, or writing the story? NO.

    So, when Ryan Block does HIS review of some gadget, but says something like:
    "We don't remember anything as cool as this gadget," I find it disingenuous and off-putting.

    just my .02
     
    rigg419, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  13. Legendary11

    Legendary11 Well-Known Member

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    #13
    its the same thing where you work, when you refer to your to where you work you sometimes say sorry we cannot get the stock in . . its not we, Mr noob at the stocks department carnt
     
    Legendary11, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  14. Sam 735

    Sam 735 Well-Known Member

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    #14
    I strongly feel that "person" doesn't mean anything. So it can't help to improve the image of the blog/site...But I prefer "I" for my blog...I have no alternating personality...
     
    Sam 735, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  15. PHPGator

    PHPGator Banned

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    #15
    I use we even though I'm a one man show. Most people feel as though if there is more than one person responsible then it offers a sense of stability and professionalism. I think it depends on the type of business as well. A blog probably isn't necessary.
     
    PHPGator, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  16. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #16
    Maybe they have a multiple personality disorder :D
     
    Pixelrage, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  17. Proximity

    Proximity Banned

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    #17
    "We" is mostly used to look professional
     
    Proximity, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  18. xmartel

    xmartel Active Member

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    #18
    sometimes I do. I used to all the time, but now am starting to say I. I think it's more personal and honest, and I don't think it will cost any sales if you use I over us or we.
     
    xmartel, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  19. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #19
    Just because you see one person on the site's / blog's front end, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a one person operation. Sometimes there are people dealing with the tech side, people dealing with the site's marketing, etc who don't post anything publicly.

    And as someone else mentioned, it depends on if you're treating your blog as more of a personal journal or more as a community. If your blog is very active with readers, using "we" isn't always inappropriate. For example, if I were doing a review, I'd use "I" in it, because it reflects my own opinions. But if I were going to make some sitewide changes, and I posted about it, I might use "we" b/c it's a change for the whole community, and the readers should feel a part of that, and able to give their feedback knowing it's valued.
     
    jhmattern, Apr 1, 2008 IP
  20. theredgiant

    theredgiant Well-Known Member

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    #20
    No, it's fine when they use "we" (Notice that i used "they" and not "he" ;) ). When a blog has many writers it's appropriate to use "we". Besides, you never know how many people actually reviewed the product. Do you really thing only one person was using/commenting on an XBox and other's were just twiddling thumbs?
     
    theredgiant, Apr 2, 2008 IP