Are you a consumer or contributor? – Internet Inequality and the 1% Rule

Written by: Jordan Tinney

Published On: November 17th 2011

There are many reasons to blog. What compelled me to make the move was a series of articles which talked of the 1% rule. This rule suggests that if you have 100 users online, 90 of them will lurk, 9 may modify or comment, but only 1 will create content. The article I read simply was a call for more creators and contributors than consumers. From this, I decided to make an effort to contribute to the discourse and not just to consume content.

It made me think about conversations in general, public discussion, debate or dialogue on social issues or policy. When we’re only hearing from 1% of those who view/listen (or 10% max including those who may contribute), then we certainly are missing a vast percentage of our participants.

The rule of internet inequality, based in research , gives us things to ponder as we continue to seek advice, solutions, and feedback online. We consistently need to seek out the voices we are not hearing and to find ways to engage people in meaningful dialogue about the things that matter most. In the meantime, the next time you read a blog or article, consider the importance of your chance to contribute.