Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, once the printing press had become more common, there was a self-publishing phenomenon. Books, yes, but from what I understand a great deal of pamphlets, or what we might understand as articles, white papers, and booklets. For political purposes. For scientific glory. For vanity. For scandal.

Great titles like "The Migratory Habits of the Peruvian Mudhatch, Modestly Proposed by a Gentleman."

The means of publishing had become accessible enough that people were willing to fork over some money in exchange for getting their ideas in print.

We are obviously going through a similar phenomenon today.

80,000 blogs are apparently being created everyday. That's a lot of people with something to say. Of course, most will not rise about the digital noise to be heard, but many will, and more could. I daresay the gentleman who would write something like The Migratory Habits wasn't intending on all of London reading his pamphlet. In fact, if he was smart, he was probably hoping for a few key scientists, natural philosophers, and nobles and merchants with money to read it. He probably had a target audience.

It is a wonderous time. Our ability to broadcast what is on our mind is an opportunity.

I wonder whether we are at a peak in popularity for self-publishing, or whether this is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

How can you use this opportunity to develop your career? What do you have to say? Is it going to be more and more of a requirement as things develop or will it stay a nice to have for a small sub-set of the market?

I don't know. As you can see, I have been at it, broadcasting my message, my ideas, my voice for close to 4 years now here at BoldCareer. it is an integral part of what I do.

How about you?

• Build and maintain a personal online portfolio

• Explore your area of expertise

• Develop you interest in your professional area, even becoming a thought leader, or influencer

• Start conversations. Conversations that help, or support, or provoke debate.

• Be a hub for something you are passionate about.

This just scratches the surface. Of course, I am thinking of writing here. But the same goes for giving presentations. Bringing people together for real-time conversations. And on.

Your voice. Your message.

Interesting possibilities, Modestly Proposed, of course.