namedropper name‘-drop‘per n.
To mention casually the names of illustrious or famous people in order to imply that one is on familiar terms with them, intended as a means of self-promotion.
How often do we do this? I’ve noticed a growing trend in people I follow on Twitter that ‘name drop’ on their updates and it got me thinking…do I name drop for the sake of self promotion? Do I associate my name with the names of other people in order to feel validated in some way, shape or form? I know I have in the past knowingly and most likely unknowingly. Let’s clear up the facts though.
Here are instances of name dropping. (These are all made up in my head for the sake of unity)
“Just talked to @christomlin on the phone and we’re setting up something HUGE this coming weekend!”
“So…I was talking to Dave Grohls management team last night and they want me to come by the studio this Thursday”
here are some examples of how to reword those pride-inviting sentences into something a little less “me”
“@christomlin is leading our body in worship this weekend. it’s going to be a joy filled night so bring a friend!”
“Hey man, if you think of it…throw up a prayer this thursday, I have something really important I’m trying out for and it could be really cool”
What’s the difference? You’ve shared your excitement about both situations but the second time around was less about you and more about what was happening and by inviting other people and incorporating the need for prayer says that what’s happening in your life is bigger than you.
I love humble people…probably because I work on humility in my own tiny brain all day everyday, pride is the BEAST in my life! More importantly though; I love BRAGGING on humble people….it makes them so uncomfortable and brings me so much joy to build them up since I know they are doing everything they can to deflect that attention.
Example: M. Lot
M. Lot has shared the stage with people who sell lots of records (Trying not to name drop) and I still haven’t even pulled out of him the really BIG names he’s toured with. But you would never know this kid Garrett from Boston was even a rapper unless you found his myspace or saw him at a show. You wanna know why? Because Garrett knows it’s not about Garrett. I’ve been working alongside Garrett on some music stuff and not once has he glimmered a hint of pride or arrogance. It’s rare, especially in the rap game, to find an artist that isn’t completely about himself. So, there you go….wanna know what humility looks like walking around? Wanna know what it’s like to not read a twitter or facebook status that is self promoting? Kick it with Garrett for a day and you’ll see what that looks like on a tangible level.
Ok, Josiah, you’re an artist and blah blah blah so how am I supposed to promote my music/art/poetry/website/book if I’m focused on not name dropping or being prideful?
pride
noun, verb, prid⋅ed, prid⋅ing.
–noun
| 1. |
a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. |
inordinate - 5 dictionary results
in⋅or⋅di⋅nate
–adjective
| 1. |
not within proper or reasonable limits; immoderate; excessive: |
Now…in case your deductive reasoning has lost it’s way this morning. I say go ahead and promote your music/art/poetry/website/book! Just be careful. There’s nothing wrong with marketing!! However, if your music/art/whatever is truly “good” then you won’t have to do much leg work. For example, I just read this little gem:
Anne didn’t call me up or twitter about how awesome her new book is. She didn’t post all over her facebook about how everyone should go get her new book, no, I heard about it from other people. I read about Anne’s book on
Los’s page and saw it at the
bookstore.
Ps, this book rules and I’m going to do a full review of it soon!
See what I just did? I promoted Anne’s book for her. She didn’t ask me to, I wanted to, because that book is of great worth to me.
The disconnect is when we allow our anxious hearts to force our lack of validation on others by promoting ourselves without warrant. I don’t need snap crackle and pop to come to my supermarket and tell me how good their cereal is because I already know because I’ve tasted it. It’s the same with you friend.
I don’t care that you know so many people in the industry, you’re my friend because we think
Love is Hell was better than
Heartbreaker, not because you know
Ryan Adams personally.
How does this add up in your life? Do you name drop? Will someone please love me enough to let me know when I am name dropping?
Thoughts? Comments?
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