OK, I apologize for the cryptic headline. But basically what I'm trying to say is that Seth Godin created a Squidoo page for Mack Collier's "Z-list meme". I'm still not exactly sure how Squidoo works though I did sign up for it a while ago. All I know is that I started getting page referrals from this Squidoo "lens" and checked it out (as any blogger would).
On it was a list of blogs under the heading "The Z List". Directly above that it says this:
"Blogs you might want to check out, but haven't heard of
Worth a look! There is no A list, so there can't be a Z list. There's just good blogs."What does this all mean? Well, I'll provide a personal perspective. When I first registered with Squidoo many months ago, I did so purely out of buzz—meaning I'd seen it on Typepad and heard about it, so I signed up. But I'd never actually used the service since setting it up. So, this serves as an interesting reminder of the service and how it actually works in context.
One of the features on this page is that you can vote (up or down) for each blog (but you have to be a registered Squidoo user). So this could be a very interesting marketing move on Seth's part.
Well, that's my 2 cents. The "Z-meme" that Mack started has certainly spread in some unique ways—ironically it's become "the gift that keeps giving". :)
I created an OPML feed of the Z-list at http://www.knowhr.com/blog/2006/12/24/z-list-google-reader-and-opml/
Posted by: Frank Roche | Sunday, December 24, 2006 at 07:21 PM
It is amazing how much this has taken off. For months I debated whether to move from Blogger to Wordpress (and lose my links and technorati ranking - not that it was anything huge but it was something).
I made the switch about a week before the z-lister meme came out. I had 2 blogs linking to me at the time and ranked about 275,000. Now, I have ~65 blogs linked and a new Technorati ranking of ~51,000. It's been an awesome way to be introduced to new blogs and people. It also shows the power and vulnerability of Technorati.
Posted by: Nick Rice | Monday, December 25, 2006 at 11:06 AM
I am all for sharing the love ... but the original impulse and driving force behind this meme was to share some really great (and under trafficked) blogs with others. It is a shame that it has degenerated into a vote-fest ... but then we can always refuse to vote ;)
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 05:24 AM
Gavin,
Dealing with Seth is a double edged sword. From his perspective this is a no brainer as he knows folks will register to vote which is all good for him and squidoo.
Was this the original intent? No. But you've got bloggers out there who are running mini-campaingns to get their blogs ranked higher. And it's working.
My take? I'm pretty pragmatic about these things. I voted for the blogs that I know and love, and I did so becuase the list exists, so I might as well do my part to make it look like something I actually agree with.
The list will soon loose steam and when it does, it will have served it's purpose which was to promote Squidoo and increase registration.
Yes, the meme has evolved past it's original intent. At the end of the day, it still helped many bloggers extend their reach. That's the good part.
But if there are bloggers out there who really have a bad taste left in their mouth about this, you can always take it up with Seth.
Posted by: DA | Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 07:11 AM
So what the heck is a Squidoo? I, too, visit Seth regularly, including his Squidoo stuff, but I don't know what to do with it.
So if smart people like us don't get Squidoo, what's the point?
I'm serious. This is not a rhetorical question. Help me, please. I am feeling left out.
BTW Enjoy this week of quiet.
Posted by: Lewis Green | Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 09:10 AM
Thanks for posting this DA :-). It gives me another opportunity to recognize Mack and give him a pat on the back for creating something for the community that is pure in intention and full of kindness. That's a meme I can rock with.
Proud to know bloggers like he and you...and through the meme I'm getting to know of all sorts of good new blogs. Haven't the heart to rate anyone since I need the time to get to know the blogs. But bloggers overall get my vote.
Happy New Year to all.
Posted by: CK | Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 05:55 PM
I'm enjoying the new blogs too. Hasn't had any effect on my technorati rating though. Still good to get all these lovely new things to read.
Posted by: Marcus Brown | Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 10:10 AM
i have to admit that my readers number is skyrocketing, as well as links, etc. etc.
i tell you: i feel good.
Posted by: gianandrea facchini | Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 11:04 AM