Your Opinion is Power

The other day I was reading a book during my evening commute back in to Jerz when the guy sitting next to me started the following conversation:

Commuter – Sorry to interrupt but how is that book so far?

Me – Eh, it started off really good but then got repetitive and is starting to fall off close to the end. You could probably just read the blog.

Commuter – Thanks alot man.

A pretty simple conversation and one that honestly should be quite forgettable. However, I can’t seem to shake it from mind. In just a few seconds and with literally one thought, some stranger will no longer read a book, spend his money, and ultimately support an author because of my opinion. That’s power.

I agree, stopping someone from buying a book isn’t the power boyhood dreams are made of but you’re just not using your childhood imagination. Think about all the other places and situations you’ve been in where your opinion led to a certain outcome. A comment on Amazon, a recommendation on LinkedIn, an employee referral, a partnership with a vendor or client, and so on and on and on…

Stephen - Rat Race Trap

Rikin, I never really thought about that before. However, now thinking about it I think we have to add in the fact that most people are followers and not leaders. I suspect most people in fact are influenced heavily by what others around them say or do. A minority are probably not so much influenced. Those few are most likely the ones on the web writing blogs and influencing people with their actions and words on a daily basis.

floreta

great thoughts! this is why i love to write book reviews on my site if i feel the book deserves it.. i actually wrote a book review for "Courage in Patience" a newly released book (2008) and the author personally contacted me and commented on my blog! she had asked me to post a review on amazon.. still haven't gotten around to it.. but it's nice to know i've influenced someone or introduced them to a great find. i like doing this with films as well.. or artists, etc.

rikin

@matt phew I was hoping someone would draw the comparison to blogging and online journalism and our role as opinion influencers regardless of how small or large of an audience we reach.

@floreta i'm the same way with movies almost annoyingly. Last netflix movie was "brick" I recommend it =)

Matt Cheuvront

So simple but true Rikin. I think at times (a lot of the time) we forget the influence we can have on people. And your story here is a prime example. While he may not have actually followed through and bought the book if you recommended it - you can almost be assured he won't go near it now that you shared your thoughts on how it was lacking. This is a concept we should take as bloggers and online writers - our words can greatly effect and/or influence someone, even if it is unintentional - but luckily that power can be harnessed for a lot of good things! Great post.

rikin elsewhere on the web

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