TopOfBlogs TopOfBlogs is my second discovery in as many days. I have already registered this blog with them and I'll try to explain why I like the service.

TopOfBlogs is in a beta status, so a few things may change as time progresses.


The Discovery

I knew that Twitter was good for a few things other than "What are you doing?". In this case, I saw a tweet appear from K InTheHouse of ShanKri-la mentioning his blog had made it to number one in the computers category there. I investigated and his blog was indeed at the top. At last look, however, it had dropped down a notch.

I looked around for a bit and then decided to register this blog. I followed the steps and several hours later, my blog was accepted into the writing category. Hey, I know this blog isn't only about writing, but there wasn't a category for "miscellaneous tripe" available. The competition in the writing category isn't very tough right now, listing only 25 blogs (including mine). Amazingly, within a few hours, my blog rose to the number 4 position. It's currently at number 1.

What I like and don't like about it.

I like this ranking service for the same reasons I don't like it. Call me a waffler if you wish, but they're using some of the same tired old metrics that other ranking services as well as advertisers use. I like the fact that they using page views and feed counts but I don't like the fact that they're using Google PageRank, Alexa and Technorati. In the absence of other openly reported data, though, I guess they'll have to do. I have no idea what "Sent Out" means. Perhaps they're talking about blog URLs that are clicked on.

The reason I don't like the PageRank portion is because it's controlled by Google and not by traffic. Alexa is too wishy-washy and won't disclose the new traffic sources (that aren't counted by people using one of the toolbars or add-ons). Technorati is just plain inaccurate and I know that from personal experience.

Can the service be gamed? Sure, but so can any service out there. Just take a look at Digg and you'll understand exactly what I mean.

My Recommendation

Even if you don't like the service, it has one thing going for it. The link to a blog doesn't have the "nofollow" attribute attached to it. It's a free backlink! It's not a great backlink, but it's a backlink nonetheless.

I think you should take the time to register your blog, if you have one. It certainly can't hurt.