Will's Blog This is why you have internet filters

Industry Wish for 2010: Stop Using the Term Rockstar

I don't understand why people in tech industries need to use the term Rockstar to make it sound like they do something cool. For instance, in search marketing, we tend to use the term to make it sound like someone 1) actually knows what they are doing and 2) is so good at it that they are miles above everyone else.

That's not the case of course. All of these so called rockstars offer up the same tired advice "Write good content and you'll get links. Oh and have good page titles." In fact to be completely honest how can anyone in SEO refer to themselves as a rockstar in an industry that is all about timing and guess work. Furthermore, I've discovered that people who refer to themselves as "rockstars" in the industry are just self-serving wannabes who are more "one-hit wonders" than rockstars.

So I propose that all tech industries drop the term. Honestly, what sounds better?

"I'm Joe, I'm a rockstar at SEO"
or
"I'm Joe, I have a proven track record of optimizing sites and generating leads and revenue for clients"

The first line basically says "I'm never getting laid" while the second line says "I'm good at what I do ... oh and the shiny Benz, that's mine too. Let's get a drink"

I mean come on, the closest any tech rockstar has come to doing a speedball is downing a red bull and vodka.

I liken the fascination with the terminology to people who become good at Guitar Hero and think they can actually play. The truth of the matter is that you can't, but don't let that take away from the fact that you can ace the game at the highest level of difficulty.