Are You a Microcelebrity? Act Accordingly

In December 2007, Clive Thompson wrote in Wired magazine about microcelebrities, which he defines as people who are extremely well known to a small group. Your fan base could number in the tens, hundreds or even thousands and be made up of friends, customers, or strangers who know you through blog posts, personal websites, and participation in various social media.

Remember that image is everything - digital image. Armed with the knowledge that your photo will be snapped – by pocket camera, phone, or tollbooth monitor, don’t come crying to me if you end up as a Don’t on someone’s amateur fashion rag.

That old ethics advice about not doing anything you wouldn’t want printed on the front page of the newspaper is truer than ever – and now extends from actions to words. Employers, in-laws, and potential first dates are all Googling your name. Think about the message you want to project. Beware of ranting online. That’s what long walks and prepaid long distance are for.

It’s a new world out there. While you still may only get fifteen minutes under the big lights, your image grows everyday online. Make the most of it.