Is V.I.B. an appropriate blogger title?

Last night I came across a post making fun of a Facebook group called VIPs. The question posed, in a somewhat sarcastic tone, was would you join a group called “Visionary Important Writers?” I’m not sure why the “P” is in there however it caused me to wonder whether BlogCatalog’s VIB upgraded membership acronym sounds overblown, pretentious, obnoxious or something that makes some even uncomfortable signing up to be a BlogCatalog VIB?

My mind tossed and turned mulling this over. Is VIB a name reserved for an enlightened breed of blogger? Is it appropriate for BlogCatalog members that financially support BlogCatalog?

I am not 100% certain about whether it sounds negative. I am sure to some it may. The fact though is that without VIB members BlogCatalog would not exist. This is not hyperbole. It’s is fact. BlogCatalog’s servers would not get paid and the site would go down but for the support of VIBs.

So is VIB inappropriate? I cannot think of any other name that means more to me than V.I.B. Those 3 letters are what reminds me every single day how important VIBs are to this community. I believe changing VIB to some other or name would be the wrong decision both to the BC team, this community and to the blogosphere. Yes, to the blogoshpere.

Since we created the BlogCatalog community in 2007 countless bloggers have started off their blogging “careers” and businesses on BC. From writers to social media gurus, BlogCatalog has been and continues to be a place where bloggers connect, make friendships, find readers and countless numbers have launched their brands from here. Many writers and social media gurus became who they are today in part because of their roots in this community.

While we will never know the true impact of the BlogCatalog community on blogging and social media, I feel certain that this community has played a positive role in influencing many people’s lives. Without VIB member support this would never have happened and would not be possible today.

I would love to hear what you think?

About Antony Berkman

Passionate about social communities, blogging, new media and how to use them to make a positive difference.

Ellie K

Hello @AntonyBerkman ! If you have established V.I.B. as your designation for BlogCatalog's paying members, then it would better not to change. Google and Facebook change service/product names so often that it confuses users and customers. Confusion is bad! People will sigh, accept it from Google and FB, for now.

Yet consistency online is important, as there's so much stuff, most of which is nearly indistinguishable! V.I.B. isn't pretentious. It is memorable, and has no embarrassing connotations in other languages, or other words. I'd say, Keep!

JasonTeitelman

2 Like

I think in the Facebook context, it may be a little more pretentious that at BC. On Facebook, you're joining a group that is declaring themselves to be important visionaries. That's not really for them to decide. Society will choose who the important visionaries are based on their body of work. As you pointed out, however, at BlogCatalog these VIBs are just that. They are very important bloggers. They're important because they keep the community running. So I see no reason to change.

AntonyBerkman moderator

@JasonTeitelman hey Jason thanks for putting it into perspective. That helps!

uspandeyy

2 Like

Cynics play an important role in the society. Unipolar worlds tend to get dysfunctional. So, never mind them. What I mean to say, 'VIB' does sound cliche but since there must be a moniker, it does sound cute!