Blog Memes, what are they? I just got tagged with another Meme. Last time I mentioned Memes I got a bunch of emails asking what they were, so before answering this Meme let’s clear up what a blog meme is, shall we?
In science, a Meme (pronounced to rhyme with “theme”) is a self-propagating unit of thought that is spread from one host to another. Richard Dawkins invented the term as a kind of idea-gene. Like genes, as Memes spread they mutate or die. Only the fittest Memes survive.
For bloggers Memes have become synonymous with internet quizzes, surveys, and novelties that people link to and pass around on their blogs, forums and via email, things like the “which superhero are you most like” test…
You are Spider-Man
Spider-Man 100% Superman 65% Green Lantern 60% Robin 50% Supergirl 45% The Flash 40% Wonder Woman 30% Catwoman 30% Hulk 30% Batman 25% Iron Man 0% You are intelligent, witty,
a bit geeky and have great
power and responsibility.
Fun or just interesting, it is only those that capture your imagination that you will take part in and propagate, apart from those you do out of a sense of duty to your friend who started it. The latter don’t tend to get very far.
Why Meme?
Memes are interesting content when done right, and can give you an insight into others personalities and histories that you wouldn’t ordinarily have access to. But it’s mostly about links. The initiator gets a ton of links (all participants link back to the person who started the Meme) and everyone else gets some amount of link love too. You link to the next in the chain (“tag” them) and they link back when they complete what they have to do to participate.
How to start your own Blog Meme
Just think of something interesting. What would you most like to know about your fellow bloggers? What would readers find interesting or amusing? How can you sweeten the deal? What can you add to make it even more attractive?
Example Meme
So as I said above, I have been tagged again. George tagged me with a Meme that has gone around in various ways before; “Why do you blog?”. The reason why I am answering this now, again, is partly to give you an example of a Meme that is happening right now and also because I have come to a realisation since I last answered the question.
I was talking to Liz and it dawned on us that what I was really about was teaching. Something in me gets a kick out of teaching people stuff and sharing my experience. I’d never really acknowledged that before. So I blog to teach. Weird, huh?
Meme Me
In conclusion, I have an experiment and an offer for you. If you think you would like to start a Meme, tag me along with anyone else you want to take part. The best ones I will complete and tag some others and let’s see how far it will spread. As well as the obvious benefits of links, if I like your Meme and take part, to sweeten the deal I will send you a free preview copy of my much-delayed next ebook.
What are you waiting for? Get Memeing! 
I dunno what’s up with me, but till now in 16 months of blogging I’ve responded to only one meme. Most of them doesn’t seem to be original and I feel the memes won’t add value to my blog.
Yes most of them have little thought behind them, I only take part in the interesting ones and they are few and far between. Hopefully there will be some interesting ones from this experiment but if not we still learn something
I took that comic book one about six months ago. I too was Spidey — probably has something to do with being a geek, eh?
What would have been most interesting is if the person tracked what job profession matched what hero. For example:
- computer developer: Spiderman
- high school teacher: Catwoman
- iron worker: Hulk
- stock trader: Ironman
or something to that effect…
Yeah I think the geek-factor ups the chances of getting spider man, but I guess it’s also one reason I liked him so much growing up
Let’s face it though, taking the test is proof enough of our geekiness
Chris,
Thanks for answering the meme. I had no idea you had been tagged with it before.
My favorite meme to answer so far was the “5 things that you did not know about me” meme.
I really enjoyed this post, now I am tempted to come up with my own meme. Hmmmm….
I’ll take you up on your experiment. I have a bookstore/blog aimed at web developers and would be interested to know what books others have read.
It may be especially interesting to learn what the Gurus, Authors, and Marketing Professionals submit.
http://webdevelopersbookstore.com/books-blog/top-5-reads-of-web-developers-blog-meme/
Meme! Worth experimenting! Knowingly or unknowingly we are memeing!
Rajesh
Someone should start the “Top 5 Reasons To Read Chris Garrett’s Killer Flagship Content” meme
Cool idea, Chris!
I’ve never initiated a Meme before, but I’m in… consider yourself tagged! Here’s the link to my Meme post:
http://www.best-earning-strategies.com/general-strategies/multiple-choice-meme/
Anyone else who wants to jump in, please consider yourself tagged as well… no invitation necessary.
Thanks Chris… I hope I qualify for your new ebook!
Chris, I took you up on your offer and tagged you in the Charity Link Meme.
I’d love for that one to take off and really do well.
Thanks!
Keep them coming folks, great stuff
I go through stages with a meme, first it’s flattery, second it’s, oh no, not another thing I have to do. Third is, I really like writing this stuff. Fourth is, I am so glad I finished it and I am never going to do another Meme ever again.
But it’s like the second donut, you know you shouldn’t, but you have to.
Another good post Chris.
I’ve joined the charity LInk Meme by SEOrefugee.com Im a sucker for charity work.
Tag!
http://pajamaprofessional.com/2007/05/16/meme-five-for-blogging/
How do you tag – is it the same as a trackback? If you just link people at the end of a blog, they won’t get any message to say they’ve been tagged.
People know via technorati and inbound links in their stats. See the “Blogs that link here” link in my sidebar?
Usually people send me a comment on my blog. Sometimes they email as well. Sometimes I find out on Technorati, although I have had hard time keeping up with my inboubd links recently.
Thanks for clearing up what the heck a meme is!
People throw that term around and i’m assuming a few don’t really know what it means. I definitely never bother to google it.
Aloha,
Erik
Hey Chris,
You asked for it- you’re tagged! Who has inspired you in your lifetime, maybe even to create chrisg.com? That’s the blog meme I’ve just kicked off-
http://jobmob.co.il/blog/5-people-inspired-creation-jobmob/
Jacob