This piece of information doesn’t surprise me in the least. Maki, over at DoshDosh.com, explains in a post how certain top, elite bloggers are stating those of us who participated are gaming the system. Their claims take on a new meaning when they state the newer blogs give less credibility to the Top100 Favorited blogs. Let me get one thing straight. Sure, I now have 130+ people who added my blog. Has it helped me? Yes and no. I have gained a few new readers but as far as statistics go, I’m still the same or going down. Where I was once in the 800s for total links back on Technorati, the number has been rising since I joined in on the experiment. The only flaw I see is the fact not everyone will favorite those who favorite them-thus negating the entire premise of reciprocal Technorati Favorites. Maki wanted to try an experiment. It worked for some, it didn’t work for others, thus showing it truly was an experiment. The social services are available to bloggers to be utilized, not for those select few who believe they are the only ones who deserve to be read and linked to. I will admit sometimes it hurts when I read other blogs who are highly ranked/rated, who have content similar to mine or worse. I’ve blamed it on the same curse I have in real life- some like me, some don’t want to get to know me and I’ve never been part of the “in” crowd. The blogging world should not be a competition. We should support each other, debate issues, start new trends and go on. My idea on why these so-called top bloggers are so upset? For one, they didn’t think of the idea, (although as I stated in a comment on DoshDosh, if we looked back at some of the first posts made by these bloggers, we would see the request for comments, linkbacks and feed readers), and a new group of bloggers are threatening their status as the top dogs. My advice? Get over it. The only differences between your blogs and ours, aside from writing style and topics, is the longevity and the amount of time it took you to get to where you are now-in contrast to let’s say me, where it only took me a few months to hit a Page Rank of 5, (and I’ve been stuck there for so long I’m sick of it). We all have a voice, we all deserve recognition from time to time and if you consider it gaming the systems, then so be it. I as well as 500+ additional bloggers gamed the system. Get over it and move on with more important topics.
Windows Vista Sidebar: The Pretty Version Of Google Desktop.
I wasn’t thrilled when I fired my laptop up for the first time and watched yet another sidebar widget-enhanced program appear on the screen. I have not been a fan of Google’s Desktop, mainly due to the fact it uses, (or did on my old PC), a huge chunk of memory and the indexing process takes forever and a day. However, I will give Microsoft some kudos for coming up with their own, beautified version, (mostly due to Aero, which I will post on at a later date). I thought I would give it a try and guess what? No spikes in CPU usage, no hogging of my RAM. Due to the fact the sidebar is new, most of the gadgets need a little work, although I’ve had no issues with those I have installed. The gadgets showing in the screenshot, (below), are my favorite. Gmail, Wordpress-which allows me to go to my blog, the dashboard, write a new entry even moderate comments, of course a weather gadget because, well, I have a thing about knowing the temperature outside, (and yes it’s a whopping 86 degrees F today in Charleston, WV) and a program launcher- I can even launch my Firefox bookmarks from the sidebar. If you’re tired of sidebar/desktop items then the Windows Sidebar isn’t for you. But, if you want a functional little gadget-holding bar that does not waste CPU or RAM- you’ll enjoy it. Windows got something right-finally.
Are You Up For A Backgammon Challenge?
One board game I played as a child was Backgammon. It’s been a while since I have played and to be honest, I have forgotten the rules. Years have gone by and the technology has allowed the game to be introduced online, so playing Backgammon online has become easier than ever, not to mention more entertaining. See the picture in the corner? That is JC, the number one player at Backgammonmasters.com, the place to go if you want to play the game, learn Backgammon rules, tips and tricks, strategy, play in tournaments and even play for real money if you want. He happens to also be the official mascot who will teach you everything from how to succeed in Backgammon to fulfilling one’s dreams. A great promotional tool, right? Viral marketing at its best-but it works. When you view his five part animated series, (what can be more entertaining than watching a mafia type tiger dressed in 70s clothing, complete with bell-bottoms), as a user you have the chance to win prizes for answering trivia questions and if you offer ideas for a script for the series you are also rewarded. In order to play the games you will need to download the free software, install and away you go. Not only is Backgammon offered, but the site recently launched a three in one game lobby, featuring Perudo (Liar’s Dice) as well. So if you’re up for some gaming- old style, this is an entertaining site to visit.
This has been a sponsored post.
Feed Assistance.
I just added my own feed for the first time and noticed something. I use Snarfer as my feed reader and for some reason it has only picked up the last day’s posts. For those of you who do happen to subscribe to my feed- have you seen this problem? And people better be adding me since I am adding not only those who are participating in the Technorati experiment, but the Feed My Feed exchange as well. It’s only fair.
