77 Comments to “Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs — Recap Week 1”

1. March 5th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
   bj said

   One of my design clients has taken the tool I helped build for her and created a delightful community. The conversation is lively, funny and often very provocative, and the interaction is strong, especially when you consider this blog hasn’t yet seen its first anniversary, nor has Robin’s novel been released yet, which was the blog’s reason for being.

   http://robinbrande.com

2. March 5th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
   ME Strauss said

   bj,
   That sounds fabulous. I can’t wait to see. If you had something to do with it, it’s got to be something special.

3. March 5th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
   bj said

   Thanks, Liz, but I really don’t deserve the credit for anthing but making it look good. Robin, with just a hint from me on starting the conversation really did this all herself. Actually, I’ve heard that Robin Brande is a great speaker, which you might keep in mind for NEXT year’s SOBCon, since she’ll be a bestseller by then.

4. March 5th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
   ME Strauss said

   Hey bj
   I hear you! Let’s get this year’s SOBCon done. I’m tired already.

5. March 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
   John said

   You are too kind, Liz - thank you! Of course, you can’t swing a cat in the blogosphere without hitting a little clumsy self-promotion, but there’s nothing more educational than making mistakes. It’ll be fun to see where this goes. -j

6. March 5th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
   ME Strauss said

   Hi John,
   I think it may be stuck. I don’t know whether folks are ready to try some more or not. Great blogs deserve to be found, but I’ve set the bar pretty high and maybe folks don’t have time to find the onces that are really remarkable.

   I know that you’d know one when you saw it.
   I’m going to make a big deal if I find 200. Maybe I’ll have to find them all on my own.

7. March 5th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
   Anne Kilmartin said

   I would like to suggest a standout blog who also happens to be an SOB.

   Craig Harper at http://www.craigharper.com.au

   As an example, I just read his amazing ‘tongue in cheek’ spin on Stephen Covey’s original version of ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ called
   The Seven(teen) Habits of Highly (In)effective People

   I think his original content is up there with my other favourites - YOU, Steve Pavlina, Alexander Kjerulf, Ririan Project, and Steve Olson.

   I think Craig’s Blog was best described by a recent comment from a visitor which said:

   YEAAAAAAAAAAH!
   Another Tough Love epistle from the blogospherical pulpit of the velvet sledge hammer, Rev. Craig Harper. Your blog picks me up and shakes me till I hurt. Hallelujah!!
   Anice, Aberdeen, Scotland

   Have a great day!!

   Anne Kilmartin

8. March 5th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
   ME Strauss said

   Ah yes, Craig’s blog. Thank you for putting me in such great company!

9. March 5th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
   Polli said

   I’ve been lurking over here at your exceptional blog for awhile. I usually don’t have time to comment anywhere (six kids!) but I had to de-lurk to let you know about two blogs I feel are stand-out blogs. One is a 6 month old humor blog that has made me laugh and smile all the way through this long, dark winter. I see a lot of humor blogs out there, but this one is consistently funny, and he does cool things with words to boot!

   bobbarama.com
   http://www.bobbarama.com

   My 2nd outstanding blog recommendation is an inspirational blog that is written so beautifully that I feel like each blog post is a work of art in itself.

   Evenstar Art
   http://evenstar-art.blogspot.com

   Thanks for doing this. I hope you enjoy the blogs I have listed.

   Polli

10. March 5th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
    Benjamin Bach said

    Hey Liz
    This time I’ll move from category three to category one.
    Scott Ginsberg has a unique blog. It’s awesome. http://hellomynameisblog.com/
    I tell everyone about it.

11. March 5th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Polli!
    Welcome! lurkers who find their voice are particlarly nice.
    I just heard about babbarama for the first time this morning
    An inspirational blog is always welcome

    Thank you Polli!

12. March 5th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Ben!
    Great to see you! Can’t wait until we can talk again. Glad to hear you’re still with us on this one.

    Scott’s blog is a great choice!

13. March 5th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    ann michael said

    OMG - I just read several posts in HungryforHunger. That has to be one of the most amazing stories I’ve ever read. Great writing, heart-breaking yet kind of hopeful. I just want to go hug that guy!!!

14. March 5th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Ann,
    An outstanding blog, definitely.

15. March 5th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
    Dio said

    Liz, it is the quest that matters most. This will be wonderful journy of yours.

16. March 5th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Thank you, Dio! I will find them.

17. March 5th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
    HART (1-800-HART) said

    I would really hate to have to pick only one from the 1800 feeds in my Bloglines .. although, my own http://PapillonLvr.com/blog/ should qualify, right? I mean - who *wouldn’t* want to see pictures of my cute Papillon dogs every day .. eh?

    But, alas .. I even though I can be a pig at times .. I still consider myself having enough social responsibility to NOT list the URL of one other site that seems to fit all of your criteria .. (for the sake of the women and children reading this) .. But .. it’s tagline is: “Beautiful girls found on Flickr, YouTube and other Web 2.0 sites”

    It’s like other mindless sites that amuses the masses on a daily basis (in my opinion) .. Dilbert, or Bank Locater, or Cute Overload and PapillonLvr

18. March 5th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
    HART (1-800-HART) said

    PS.. that “Dullest Blog in the World” is hillarious .. but, is it really a blog with only ONE post in 2006?

19. March 5th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
    ME Strauss said

    HART!!!
    Thanks for saying me from the beautiful women on Fliker. I guess that makes it worth it have to get the other uURLs. I know them all except Bank Locater. Hmmmm.

    I’ll check them and shee if every one is a winner.

20. March 5th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
    Tim said

    Hi Liz, thanks for linking to my bla.st blog article - I was actually expecting you would link directly to the blogs I was wrote about instead of my blog article! (which is hardly remarkable)

    http://daringfireball.net/
    A mac and technology blog

    http://www.informationarchitects.jp/ia-notebook/
    Web design and usability blog

    Those are my two favourite blogs on the planet thanks to their design and content.

    Regards,
    Tim

21. March 5th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Tim!
    Welcome. I’m really interested in why you would think IA is oustanding and unique and that bla.st is not? bla.st maybe a service site, but it’s a twist, well-executed with high production values. IA may be high on content and minimalist design, but it lacks in imagination or passing on a feeling that the developer had a high sense of investment.

22. March 5th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
    HART (1-800-HART) said

    If you need any of those URL’s .. just let me know

    I used to really like a site in the Shiny Media group - before it shut down last November 2006 .. a sad day indeed .. Propellerhead .. it was also in my daily top amusing sites to read.

23. March 5th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
    Tim said

    Ha, I was talking about the bla.st blog hardly being remarkable. The main bla.st site is of course fantastic
    Thanks for the complements and keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing the top 200.

24. March 5th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Tim!
    I’m looking to list Blogs — so I link to the blog. They will be 200 unique and outstanding ones. There is no top or bottom. All will be outstanding and unique. I have to keep saying that so that no one misunderstands.

25. March 5th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
    candice said

    Lists done by groups tend to turn into popularity contests…

    I would suggest you make your own, keeping it as a back-burner idea.

26. March 5th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Candice,
    That’s why they’re not making the list. They’re only making suggestions. If you look at last week’s post you’ll see how many blogs were offered of those I took 12 and add 3 of my own to make the list of 15 you see above. Which, by the way, I should go note are only number to count how many are there — they are in no order. Nor is it certain that all 15 will be in the final 200.

    PS. I think seeing what is offered is an interesting experience in learning how the bloggers who participate think over the progress of this endeavor.

27. March 6th, 2007 at 12:02 am
    A 10 Minute Task That Ate 2 Hours » CogDogBlog said

    [...] I sat down to the computer tonight to take care of some quick tasks. What a cool surprise in that one of by blog run projects, the NMC Virtual Worlds site got included in a list of “Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs” (Ouch, sounds a bit like a 5% Point thang). [...]

28. March 6th, 2007 at 1:11 am
    candice said

    That sounds better, then.

    Like the new layout, by the way. Haven’t been around much for various and sundry reasons…

29. March 6th, 2007 at 1:13 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Candice,
    You know me. I can’t live by group think. I’m the one who’s looking at the elephant in the room when everyone else is painting the ceiling.

    Hey thanks for the kind words. My son did the header. Sean did the design. I’ve missed you, but I knew you’d be back when you had time.

30. March 6th, 2007 at 1:48 am
    candice said

    What color is the elephant?

    I’ve read but not read the comments lately, time is at an absolute premium.

    Oh, and a second to knifegunpen, robert bruce does good work over there.

31. March 6th, 2007 at 1:52 am
    ME Strauss said

    Well Candice,
    The elephant I usually see is the color of putty, but now and then a pink or blue one will show up. I figure it must the first elephant’s day off.

    Yeah, I like Robert too. Those were the days when he lived downstairs from Chartruese.

32. March 6th, 2007 at 2:57 am
    John said

    Okay, you’re going to glance at the following blog with its standard blogspot.com Minima template and begin to roll your eyes.

    BUT. If you look a little closer, you’re going to see some rather demented-yet-compelling content. When I say compelling, I mean that this somewhat insane lady really knows how to get people talking. 80 comments. 50 comments. 60 comments.

    And she doesn’t get all that much traffic, either, from what I can tell. Her participation ratio must be through the roof. Something to be learned there.

    Anyway, without further ado, I submit:

    http://othejoys.blogspot.com/index.html

33. March 6th, 2007 at 6:06 am
    Yan Sniim said

    I saw this blog taking off last week and already it is widely recognised across the blogosphere. I’m talking about a lady Sania Wyatt who is trying to help others achieve happiness. Although you may think it’s like the other personal development blog out there, this lady describes simple practical ways to put a little joy in your life with a human touch. Her posts about her life experiences are a must read for their simplicity and inspiration. Here it is:

    http://saniawyatt.blogspot.com

34. March 6th, 2007 at 6:16 am
    Judy said

    Hi Liz -
    I’m recommending this blog - Sand in the Gears - for its content. I don’t know Tony Woodlief, but he’s a terrific writer and his posts never fail to touch my heart, my head, and sometimes my conscience. The URL is:
    http://www.tonywoodlief.com.
    Thanks.

35. March 6th, 2007 at 7:09 am
    ME Strauss said

    John,
    I trust your judgment at bloggy goodness — with participation like that, I should be interviewing her!

36. March 6th, 2007 at 7:13 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Yan Sniim,
    Welcome! I just stopped over for a quick look and she does have a certain energy that is appealing you can almost hear it before you start reading.

37. March 6th, 2007 at 7:15 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Judy,
    Welcome! I don’t know Tony, but putting head and heart together is important to great writing. What a compliment you pay him to say that he puts you in touch with yours.

38. March 6th, 2007 at 7:50 am
    Jason of "Kim & Jason" said

    Liz, My blog http://www.kimandjason.com/blog is about helping people to fight Adultitis and Escape Adulthood. How can I not throw it into the mix?

    But also I’d like to comment on the idea of “manufacturing” a great blog. I think it could be done, but not in an artificial way. “Manufacturing” sounds robotic and repeatable to me. If someone were to try and manufacture a GREAT blog, I think the process itself would be more of an unearthing of the uniqueness of the actual person behind the blog. Sort of like getting a diamond out of a piece of coal. Good design is nice, but I think the best blogs are the ones that are unique because they most exemplifiy the spirit of the writer, rather than trying to ascribe to some higher standard of what a blog should be.

    This blog http://whatmykidsdontknow.blogspot.com by Chris Hollenback is a good example. The design is pretty template-based, but hs writing is top-notch and I love the way he uses images for comedic impact.

    This blog http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/ is a highly niched blog, but her passion for the subject matter is very apparent, and she’s been able to build quite an audience.

    So I’d say design is the best way to get someone’s attention, but in the long run, the best blogs are the ones that are so in tune with the blogger’s personality and passion that they are uncopyable (is that a word?)

    Jason, I added a link to your blog and freed the other links so that readers could easily access them. –Liz

39. March 6th, 2007 at 9:02 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Jason (of Kim & Jason)!
    Welcome!
    Your blog sounds clever. I can’t wait to take a look. I like the reasoning for your other choices as well.

    What you say about design is so true — it works the same way with books. It’s the design and the title that gets us to pick an unknown work, the content is what gets us to come back again.

    Having said that, design is pretty darn important — it needs to be inviting and to underscore the work, not fight against. I have no problem with a template if the content is compelling . . . however, it it’s a popular templete a great number of folks will never get to the ocntent to find out.

40. March 6th, 2007 at 9:57 am
    Laura Collins said

    Oh, I just knew Hungry for Hunger was the kind of thing you were looking for!

    (quick note: the url points to another site, not HfH)

41. March 6th, 2007 at 10:30 am
    ME Strauss said

    Thank you, Laura!
    The link was being overtaken by a missing tag in the link right before it. I really appreciate your alert about that.

    I found Hungry for Hunger so compelling when I read that in three days I told five people about it. And yesterday I contacted the man who writes it to see how I might help. A blog that moves me to action like that is remarkable. Thank you for recommending it.

42. March 6th, 2007 at 10:59 am
    Rick Cockrum said

    Another suggestion I have is the nakedpastor. David posts artwork, cartoons, and writing that draws you in. The template is clean and draws attention to the content, rather than the bling on the blog. It’s not so much an “I wish I had thought of that” blog, but an “I wish I could do that” blog.

43. March 6th, 2007 at 11:26 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Rick,
    “I wish I could do that” blog is a great standard. I’m looking forward to it.

44. March 6th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
    Dave said

    Liz - I am honored to be on this list. I started in October and wonderful things have been happening as I am learning this art form. But this tops the list of great experiences. And it really means something coming from you, a person I have really grown to enjoy reading, learning from and respect. I feel like I want to put this on the fridge under a magnet

45. March 6th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Dave,
    You think of it as an honor. I think of it as an acknowledgment.

46. March 6th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
    inspirationbit said

    I’m curious to find out how long will it take to locate 200 outstanding blogs. But I’m looking forward to seeing the final list.

    Who knows maybe my blog shows up there (*wishful thinking*)

47. March 6th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
    ME Strauss said

    HI inspirationbit!
    I think it’s going to take a few weeks, but I’m holding out for the very best and I’m sorry that wishful thinking won’t get me to look. Passion and committment are stronger than that.

48. March 7th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
    CB said

    I’m going to list a few blogs that I read daily that have very interesting topics, post frequently, and keep me interested. (I know there are a lot but I did put thought into them, I didn’t just randomly throw blogs on this list!) I’m not associated with any of these blogs.

    This one is really fun. It’s “about the city in which you live”…
    http://thecitydesk.net/

    An inside look at being on lighting crews in the film industry in Hollywood:
    http://filmhacks.wordpress.com/

    Neat stuff, usually with links to more neat stuff:
    http://www.neatorama.com

    Chronicling of hoaxes and possible hoaxes:
    http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/

    This guy has so many interesting ideas:
    http://www.ironicsans.com/

    Just discovered this one, I guess the theme is design:
    http://www.funforever.net/

    This guy’s goal is increasing people’s happiness at work:
    http://positivesharing.com/

    And this one is about “word of mouth” marketing and the power of the customer:
    http://www.churchofthecustomer.com/

49. March 7th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi CB,
    The original rule was one, but we eased it a bit. . . . you are an overachiever.

    I know some of the blogs on your list and some I do not. All of them are top-notch blogs. It’s a strange position to love a blog there and know that I don’t think that it’s one of a kind.

    Thanks for time you spent, CB, I appreciate that you didn’t just randomly compile this list. I’ll be looking these over with care.

50. March 7th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
    Don Ray said

    Have a look at Kineda. Not only is the design compelling, but the articles are highly entertaining and often has me yearning for more.

51. March 7th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Don Ray!
    Welcome!
    I will have a look at Kineda. I’m delighted to hear someone mention design as well as the articles. Thank you for sharing your yearning.

52. March 9th, 2007 at 3:05 am
    Robert Bruce said

    Since the day I met you, you’ve done nothing but back me. You are an entirely generous woman.

    Thank you Liz. I sincerely appreciate this.

53. March 9th, 2007 at 4:34 am
    Maryam in Marrakech said

    I have a passion for beauty and design. I have a commitment to sharing my passion and telling some tales along the way. My blog is the only one of its kind in the country and the region where I live. Come take a look.

    Maryam I added your link:
    http://moroccanmaryam.typepad.com/

54. March 9th, 2007 at 8:30 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Robert!
    You deserve nothing less. I didn’t put you up for this. Someone else suggested you. I only ocnfirmed their admiration.

55. March 9th, 2007 at 8:33 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Maryam,
    I am happy to take a look. I believe that blogs all over the world are beautiful, unique and outstanding.

56. March 9th, 2007 at 9:02 am
    Mike said

    Hi Liz,

    I would implore you to consider tdaxp. Whether it’s his series on how Jesus’ and Paul’s philosophies were the archetype of 4th generation conflict, or his discussion of how to reform education by structuring classes as representative democracies, his work is beautifully written and deeply thought provoking. His writings about the loss of his grandfather and then his father were so poignant that I wept more than once. He is truly a gentleman and a scholar.

    Mike

57. March 9th, 2007 at 9:21 am
    Mike said

    Aw, nuts! Lost another comment. Maybe this one will unleash it.

58. March 9th, 2007 at 9:46 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Mike!
    I don’t think anyone has ever implored me to do anything before. it’s an odd feeling. Sure I’ll go look and seriously consider it.

59. March 9th, 2007 at 10:38 am
    Mike said

    I still can’t figure out why those comments show up after a half hour. My brain hurts!

    I realize that Dan’s stuff may not make the cut (a heck of a lot of great blogs haven’t, as you pointed out). The consideration is all I was imploring for.

    Have a great weekend!

60. March 9th, 2007 at 10:41 am
    ME Strauss said

    Mike,
    It didn’t show up because it took a detour to visit the monster. It shouldn’t with only 1 link, but for some reason it did.

    Of course, any blog your recommend would be considered.

61. March 9th, 2007 at 10:54 am
    Mike said

    ‘Visit the monster’ What a wonderful euphemism!

62. March 9th, 2007 at 11:36 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Mike,
    I was feeling euphemistic today!

63. March 9th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
    Mike said

    It’s probably an aftereffect of something the dentist used on you yesterday!

64. March 9th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Good point! I’ll soon be waxing poetic!

65. March 9th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
    Mike said

    I’ve heard tung oil is good for that! (and now I’m stopping)

66. March 9th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Thanks, Mike! I look into it.

67. March 10th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
    Virtual PreConference Bring-a-Link Event! : SOBCon 07 said

    [...] Oh yeah, and I’ll be there too. [...]

68. March 11th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
    ilker said

    Hello.. Did you know? I recently got a shiny new dot com domain name. =)

    Would you be so kind to change the links from ilkeryoldas.blogspot.com to http://www.thethinkingblog.com ?

    Thanks a million!

69. March 15th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
    Marianne Richmond said

    Hey Liz,

    Toby Bloomberg has a blog called Blogger Stories http://www.bloggerstories.com that is truly unique and outstanding. Its a blog where individual bloggers tell their own story of how blogging has touched their lives, created new relationships and opened up opportunities..

    In Toby’s own words, “I wanted to do this because I think stories are the fabric of our lives; quilted, silken, burlaped, or braided, stories give us warmth and hope, they provide memory and reflection, and they help each one of us weave a blanket of many colors and textures - that is uniquely our own.”

    If you haven’t sent her your story, you should!

    Marianne

70. March 15th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Oh Marianne,
    Thank you, that sounds so exciting! Toby has done something that really needed doing. I can’t wait to see it. Wow!

    Thank you, really.

71. March 19th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
    Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs — Recap Week 3 - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Related Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs — Recap Week 1 How Many Truly Unique Blogs Can We Find? [...]

72. March 20th, 2007 at 2:40 am
    Trevor said

    I love this site:
    http://nomoreblanktapes.wordpress.com/
    it’s by the girl that runs this blog:
    http://www.momofreaksout.com

    Her writing style is gripping and unique, and I love her ‘VJ’ style of putting the music videos together! Truly creative!!

73. March 20th, 2007 at 10:19 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Trevor,
    Thanks for the additions to the list. I’ll be going over to take a look that them tonight! I love the words gripping and unique

74. April 19th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
    Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs — Recap Week 7 - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Related Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs — Recap Week 3 Truly Unique and Outstanding Blogs — Recap Week 1 How Many Truly Unique Blogs Can We Find? [...]

75. June 16th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
    Mike said

    I just landed on your blog because I too am also looking for unique blogs to write about for a project I’m doing for charity. I’m leaning mostly towards sites that are doing something creative, fun or are simply authored by someone truly unique and worth getting to know.

    At any rate, I don’t know if it’s too late by now but one of my favorite blogs I’ve discovered lately is In Cinq. It’s a very simple concept, but for me at least it’s memorable and a place I always return to:
    http://incinq.blogspot.com/

    Also if you’re interested I author a little comic blog where I draw cute little aliens. With so many blogs out there writing about how to make money, how to optimize your site for Google and so on, I thought I’d just create a blog to make people smile

76. June 17th, 2007 at 6:16 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Mike,
    Never too late, I’m still working on this project, I was in fact, going to update it in a few days. So welcome!

    I’d also like to hear about yours. Perhaps we can help each other? If you’d like to talk, email me at lizsun2@gmail.com

77. January 28th, 2008 at 2:01 am
    What Everybody Should Know About Self-Promotion at Henricus said

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