9th may 2008

Guy Kawasaki).

One of the things that I like about the list is that the top 42 blogs are individually researched and measured against a number of elements (you can find the full list here). This is how Joe describes the criteria.

• The number of posts in the five most recent posts prior to and including March 31, 2008, that pertained to a content marketing topic.
• Substantiveness of Posts. Here we worked to weed out posts that fell short of adding value to the collective body of knowledge about content marketing. For example, blogs that simply linked to other blogs or articles without adding new information, perspectives or ideas to the commentary received lower scores than did blogs that consistently delivered unique ideas, thoughtful insights, deep coverage, rich media and the like - you know, high-value content - to the community.
• Regularity of Posts. Here we looked at the frequency of posts throughout the month of March. Those posting on 3 or more days per week (12 or more days throughout March) received the highest number of points.
• Google PageRank. All blogs were checked on the same day to record Google PageRank.
• Junta42 Member Ratings. Blogs ranked on our previous Top 42 list received points for their position and their Hitch! popularity. Blogs that were newcomers to our list received a first-round quality score instead.

Lists such as the Junta42, Mack's Top 25 Marketing and Social Media Blogs and Ad Age's Power 150 have an important role to play. They are a great source of "go to" knowledge -- and can prove invaluable for new and experienced bloggers alike. When I first started writing this blog I used Mack's list and aspired to one day be ranked there. And to this day I use it as a reference and reminder of the great blogs that are freely available to us all.

And while no ranking methodology is without its flaws, the most important thing is that lists allow you to identify where it is that you do (or want to) belong. At the end of the day, the list is about community, or as Drew McLellan would say, "tell me your friends and I''ll tell you who you are". Think about it ... where do you belong. Oh, and thanks for belonging here!

Laurel's domain, but this one came across my desk today so I thought I would share it with you all. Now, I don't know how many of my regular readers are web designers, but it seems like this may be the sort of opportunity that is rarely seen outside of the capital cities.

An agency in Newcasltle looks set to shake up the industry ... and by the look of things, they want to do it by being more than just a little provocative.

If you know someone who fits the mould -- or likes to break the mould -- then let them know. Visit sh1thotdesigner.com to learn how to apply.

Good luck.