The Bloggies and the Value of Self Promotion

The sixth year of the Bloggies is here and it's time for everyone to do their little song and dance. Of course, you are going to swing by and nominate snook.ca for best Canadian weblog, aren't you? (or maybe weblog of the year if you're feeling really generous)

Some characterize it as a Canadian trait but I've always shied away from self-promotion. I've often hoped that if I just tried hard enough, everybody would just notice and would come to me. Since that didn't happen, I have been making more of an effort to ask for things. As a result, I've had the opportunity to write for Digital Web and most recently got a day in the 24ways advent calendar.

Self-promotion is a form of advertising. One that can feel cheezy and off-putting but, on the other hand, can feel honest and endearing. It's certainly a tough line to walk. But if done right, it can create more passionate readers/users who can carry your message for you and that value is priceless.

Where do you sit? Are you all for shameless self-promotion or do you prefer to just do your thing?