How to go about building reputation in .NET circle?

Question

I am planning to write .NET articles, start a forum and add blogs to build reputation and contacts within the .NET community. I have incorporated a business and have a company website. I am skeptical of blogging under the company name as I would rather not have my employer know about it. Some options I can think of:

• Publish on the company's website anonymously and build the reputation of the Company
• Publish on the personal website and when ready, associate my name with the company (Move the blog over?)

Any suggestions on these or other approaches?

Q2: While we are talking about blogs/articles, is there a recommended online management system to easily publish blogs/articles or to start a forum?

Answer 1

I'd suggest you need to build your reputation before the company (a.k.a the Joel on Software / FogCreek approach). Of course, you can build your reputation by posting in the wider community (a.k.a. the Jon Skeet effect).

Answer 2

Just do something good for the community and the reputation will follow.

When i say good I mean contribute to projects, forums, etc...

But do it right. Nobody needs more garbage, but if you have something real to bring to the table bring it. The rest will follow.

BTW if you are going to do the social stuff (blog, forums) dont forget twitter.

Answer 3

Are there local .Net groups in your area? Maybe putting on a presentation or two could help give your name a boost if you want some local attention.

Some other questions that come to mind:

• Why do you want to build a reputation?
• What would having a reputation allow you to do that you couldn't do now?
• How long do you think it'd take to have a reputation?
• Last but not least, what are you calling a reputation?

Answer 4

To start a blog, try something like Blogger or geeks with blogs.com

For forums, take a look at Ning.

As for reputation, JB King has made some good comments...