Pass It On : Why Evangelize?

Jackie Huba at the Church of the Customer Blog says Evangelists work for free.

Evangelists spread referrals, recommendations and word of mouth freely because they believe in an idea, product, service or brand.

* Affilate program: Amazon Associates. Get paid for referrals.
* Evangelist program: Maker's Mark Ambassadors. Spread buzz freely.

If we are excited about something we'll talk about it without wanting anything in return - in contrast with affiliate programs where we're promoting something with the hope of profit at least on some level.

But how do things like blogtipping and the Indie Virus fit in here?

What think you? Are they examples of evangelism or altruism or neither of the above?

Comments invited; talk to me folks.

Speaking of giving things away, Mike Singer Sigers, originator of the phrase Link Leak would be proud of me for passing on the link to Torie's blog just because her photos are lush. I wonder if she's interested in publishing on Gather.com. Gatherites love photos so it might be a way for her to do some networking.

Comments

[Easton Ellsworth]

Blogtipping and link leak are opportunities for bloggers to help each other in a memorable way. I hope that we all use such tools unselfishly!

[Susan]

I'm so glad that you popped in but don't like it that my dislexic fingers and 'creative' eyesight restructured your name. I hate it when I do that. Since I'm nothing if not discombobulated myself I hate to see your name in the same boat and will do a little touch up. I'm flattered that you're willing to read the blog of an opinionated artist / media type, at least for a trial run.

[Mike Sigers]

As a matter of fact, I'm dang proud to see you blogtipping, link leakin' and such.

I love the header on your blog and I'm gonna add you to my feed reader for the usual 2 week trial....do some fantastic stuff in that 2 weeks and you got me...come up a little lame and, well, er..... let's don't say what key I'll hit, 'cause I think you'll make it !

The fact that my last name got a lil bit discombobulated is of no consequence, just don't call me late for dinner !

Seriously, thanks, keep up the fine work and make the other SOB's proud.