
Photo Credit: Miserteacher @Flickr
There are lots and lots of lists profiling bloggers that would be cool to read or the best of 2009 or are considered the most underrated.
Those lists utterly annoy me because time and time again, it’s like rating the best foods or the places to raise kids.
They can be totally irrelevant…to the reader, that is. Not to mention, taken out of context.
And – stop – I know that they’re only suggestions. Or, voter’s choices. Or…whatever. I think in the blogosphere, it may not always be a good idea to have such rankings – because rankings are just opinions.
And, I think the blogosphere is too big to separate – and rank – out a few from the million.
I much rather have someone tell me why they like something, why it would be relevant to me and – that’s it. None of this best, top, worst of the year crap.
Furthermore, these compilations lack purpose. And some bloggers forget to clarify whatever that purpose is in their lists. How is that? For example, they tell me what the blog is about and why they read it. As a reader, I could care less about that – how do you think it will benefit me?
It sounds contradictory.
In fact, it is.
Yet, that’s the point. And, perhaps the blogs I list below have made lists elsewhere and I’m not saying anything differently about them. I’d like you to keep in mind that this list is made for people who want to gather bits of information from everywhere for everything.
I hope I add something a little bit new to that gathering.
I know I sound like a total hypocrite because I am writing a blog post on blogs that I read. Yet, I’m thinking if you follow my blog – you have the same kinds of interests (and peeves) that I do. You may like children’s literature, but you’re not only (and always) going to read stuff by Kate DiCamillo.
I like to peruse stuff that appeals to certain moods I’m in. And just like you, when I want to gain a certain perspective on the world or inflate a certain mood – I can’t just got to one place, I go to several:
My Human Rights Muses/NPO work/Social Change
Nicholas Kristoff/On the Ground
I think a lot of people are seriously out of tune with what goes on outside of the United States – well, in the world, period. And NO, you can’t get all your news from the Daily Show – even though I’ll be the first to try. Generally, there is a very weak grasp of the political machinations in our own country, therefore, understanding stuff beyond that can be overwhelming. We’re also at a disadvantage because we are distanced (or better yet, create the distance).
Nick writes about those various (dis)connections and bridges the gaps, specifically on human rights issues.
Allison Jones/Entry Level Living
I have not come across too many (good) blogs that detail the work of twenty somethings in the NPO world. Nor, I haven’t run across as many that are as insightfully opinionted and as well-informed as Ms. Jones. If you are a twenty something looking to understand social change (as a profession), please visit her blog.
It’s well worth the time.
Karyn/The Fabulous Giver
What can’t be more great than finding chic ways to do charity? Karyn’s writing is sweetly engaging. The site fosters a lot of opportunities to learn new things about wonderful philanthropic social events and causes. If you are interested in seeing how advocacy turns into action, The Fab Giver should be one of your places to start.
Beth Kanter/Beth’s Blog
This is kind of the “grown up” version of a blog about NPO work and social media usage. Ms. Kanter is pretty straightforward and her advice is practical. I may not always know what she’s talking about – but her blog is like the individual contrast (perspective?) to K Street Cafe.
Career: Good, Bad & Funny
Marci Alboher/Hey Marci
I had just begun following Ms. Alboher’s blog, Shifting Careers, before she got booted from the NYT. Her blog focuses on the multiplicity of careers and jobs. You’ll enjoy it too if like to read about workplace trends and the redefinition of career life.
And, she’s a nice contrast from Ms. Trunk – I can only handle one career blog that details the sex life of the author.
FFN/Fired for Now
This is a fairly new blog. I hope it sticks around. FFN writes about the realities of getting canned from a rigidly honest and insightful view point. The definition of unemployment is changing and this blog seeks to challenge the assumptions of its “social meaning.”
In other words, this blog doesn’t make me feel so bad about getting fired – ever. I suggest this become a must-read for all people still griping about being canned, worried about getting a job or otherwise happy with their career (read: EVERYONE).
Lillit & Ashley/Save the Assistants
This blog appreciates admins from across the world. The Bossary should be the first stop for anyone visiting. Administrative work can be tough – and mind crushing (if you let it). This site can be your saving grace. If you feel you are wasting away your soul in a crappy administrative job, read this blog and become inspired.
Go ahead and be saved (no worshipping of another g-d required).
John Henion & Tania Khadder/Unemploymentality
Weird. Slightly offensive. Scathingly sarcastic. Those are the first three descriptions that come to mind about this site. And, it’s hilarious. It’s an extremely fun read – and the best thing?
You can actually laugh in the face of joblessness (er…maybe).
Jodith Allen/Administrative Arts
Kind of cheating on this one because I already mention a blog that profiles admin work. Yet, I think this is a good blog to read for anyone no matter what stage of their career they’re in. Admin work is part of any job you do – from being the president of a company to the mail clerk. Paperwork is paperwork – don’t fight it.
Ms. Allen’s blog talks about time management, technology and various facets of (admin) career development. You can try that or the Crabby Office Lady (bonus!).
Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down – Inspiration Blogs!
Alexander Kjerulf/The Chief Happiness Officer
Being happy is important (especially at work) – ’nuff said.
Stephanie/Stephmodo
Besides having the same name as my little sister – this blogger and I have another thing in common: an appreciation for all things beautiful and appetizingly sensual. Stephanie’s blog is absolutely gorgeous.
And, it’s not nearly as terrifying as GOOP.
Erinn/The Happy Living Design Blog
I’m a big fan of having peaceful spaces. I admit, I just go here to check out whatever photos might be up, but the writing is very interesting, as well. Go here to get ideas on (inexpensive) interior design for all types of abode living.
Not to mention, her blog’s layout has a “soothing” quality.
Cheryl Porro/ The Cupcake Blog
Ok, this blog has been “closed.” But you can still view recipes, photos, etc. Furthermore, anything featuring a cupcake is bound to make you feel better.
No matter what.
Ev-Yan/Apricot Tea
Besides being ridiculously cute, Ev-Yan is a sensibly chic fashionista. If you like reading about fashion, Ev-Yan can be your muse. She also writes about married life, vegetarian and vegan eating habits and ripped shorts.
She posts photos quite a bit of the various outfits she wears, she pulls off the androgynous look quite well – better than most.