The Navel-Gazers tend to be online diarists and other introspective types who aren’t concerned about gaining an audience or readership. They find Strivers, those bloggers who believe they have something worthy to say and want others to hear it, as being rather pathetic and needy.

The Peers are those who have already established themselves in the media elite. Take, for example, James Lileks. He doesn’t often add a new meme nor is he typically the first with a newsworthy story. He doesn't do those things because he doesn't have to. Lileks gains readers, not because he sets the topic of conversation in the way a Matt Drudge does, but because he has a quirky, humorous voice that is unfailingly interesting. Lilek's has the ear, and is on almost every blogroll, of the Agenda-Setters.

The Agenda-Setters are the ones on the top rung of the ladder. They decide which news stories and topics will gain widespread attention in the blogosphere. The Instapundit is the king of this group. When he gets loads of email on cookware it isn’t because the blogosphere is infested with Martha Stewart-wannabes bur rather because the King has an interest and the Strivers believe if they can play cupbearer they will earn a spot in the royal court. Once they have the King’s ear on pots and pans, they reason, he will take notice of their profound insights on the foreign policy of Myanmar.

The question, at least for the Strivers, is how to move to the level of Agenda-Setter. In my opinion, there are two ways to go about this process. The first is to possess an interesting viewpoint and build a small, but solid audience that is willing to spread your ideas and opinions. Once you start setting micro-agendas you will increase your chances of broadening your audience. This is why it is essential for Agenda-Strivers to have as many interactive tools as possible. Without the ability to collect comments and feedback, you are unlikely to be able to shape the “cultural conversation” in any significant way.

The second approach is the old Suck-Up method. While sucking-up to one’s superiors has always been frowned upon by peers and subordinates, its effective track record is hard to ignore. The key is to find a common interest and put a unique spin on it. For example, since most of the top tier bloggers are lawyers and journalists, a Striver must have something worthwhile to contribute to discussions of law and media. Take an interest in the interest of powerful people and they will take an interest in you.

As a last resort, however, you could simply change your blog’s name to “Paris Hilton’s Video Tips on Law, Blogging, Howard Dean, George Bush, and the Media.” You may not gain much of an influence, but the Google traffic should provide some consolation.

[Note: You can find the rest of the Notes on Blogging series here.]