Thanks Rick and Alwin for the mentions, and welcome Erik... ;~)) 

Jonathon Delacour:  Ego and arrogance in blogging 

Sometimes, there's a point to all this shameless promotion...
Dave Winer points to a new thing called "NextBlog!" from Evan Williams (the guy behind Blogger), calling it "an idea we have to implement on Weblogs.Com."  Though randomizing is nothing new, what's unique about Evan's idea is that it sends the user to a "random recently updated blog."  He suggests you bookmark it (i.e., add the link to your toolbar) for "endless blog surfing goodness."  I like it, but there's something missing.

Were it up to me, I would also have suggested that you add the link to your sidebar, especially if you're a Blogger blogger.  That way, a user who digs the randomizing idea just might find the link on the page of the NextBlog! it takes him to, then could continue exploring randomly selected sites without having to go to their bookmarks or toolbar. 

That's the key idea behind my little randomizer network, though I'll admit that site updates aren't taken into account.  What is taken into account, though, is providing the user with a continual surfing experience facilitated by the common button found on each member's site.  There's a sense of community built into the idea as members are willing to link to other members' site via the button - they give hits to get hits, and all members know that everybody gains.  It also gives 'em a chance to evangelize a little about their favorite blogging tool.

Unfortunately, I've got to say I'm somewhat disappointed that there's only 38 Radio weblogs out there who have been willing to give it a shot so far.  I'm probably idealistic to think that it would catch on in a bigger way.  In the end, people love to get linked but many are not willing to spare space for a little 16x16 image above the fold.  Another problem is that only a few higher-traffic blogs have been willing to join, though I've put more than a few hints out there.  My humble little blog only gets so much traffic, so more high flow members sure would help get the word out.  But I am pleased that it's off the ground and greatly appreciate those who have joined.

With all that said, I hope that Dave does implement a similar idea at Weblogs.com.  If he does, I'll be the first to add the randomizing link to my sidebar and will actively encourage others to do the same.  Making it more than just a link on one page, or on one's toolbar, adds a whole new dimension.  Implementing the idea on the RCS is even a better idea, IMHO.

In the meantime, please contact me if you have a Radio blog and wanna join my little network (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), or at least, please consider helping me get the word out.  Thanks.   

Rick Klau:  Privacy in the U.S.: Beyond the Tipping Point?  An excellent article and yes, Rick, I couldn't help but see the irony... 

CNN:  All nine pulled alive from mine 

July 2002

 


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