You hear the word “rockstar” a lot today.
It is used far too frequently in the PR/marketing world.
Todd Defren wants to hire rockstars. Mitch Joel is one (or at least wants you to know someone has called him one).
I get why Defren uses this word in ads designed to attract talent. I get why Joel uses it too (though in his case it leaves a more sour taste in my mouth).
I am not a rockstar and will never call myself one.
There’s something so profoundly un-humble about the word. It has connotations of grandeur, excess, and the implication that one has “fuck-you” status.
In the Internet age, perhaps more than ever, we need to promote ourselves, get hired, get noticed, etc. But can these things not be achieved without hyperbole and excessive language that makes us sound like self-aggrandizing jackasses.
Think about it:
When you met your wife or husband did you tell them that you were “a rockstar” (or that someone had called you one) in the first 10 minutes?
Would you say these words to a prospective client?
Can we please put this damn term to bed???
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
An appropriate song for this topic (if you’re an Oasis fan, I suppose): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znJFWyZQ048
Add “guru” and “maven” to the list, please.
Michael – Thanks – too funny!
Diane – those are def two that should also be put to rest. I adore the Peter Drucker quote about how “guru” is an easier way of spelling “charlatan”
Have a great day!
Please add “Change Agent” to the list. No clue what it’s intended to mean, but comes across as egomaniacal. And I doubt that’s how people want to be perceived.
Bingo. Cross the goal line and just hand the ball to the ref.
I couldn’t agree more. I saw a job posting that stated they wanted a “rock star” I laughed and immediately eliminated that company from my job search radar. The term is a joke (and not a very funny one)
Mike – great addition. I too doubt that egomaniacal is how people wish to be perceived. Well…unless they are jackasses.
Jay – Stop! You are making me too anxious for the NFL season. Thanks for checking out the blog
Diane took the words right off my keyboard…
it drives me nuts when people try to hype themselves up as “the” experts in the industry…like you said charlatans…