The addiction is not as bad as Facebook, but it's becoming a little worse day by day.
Ever since I was introduced to the Shortstat portion of our blogging Web site (by Katie, one of our newsroom goddesses), I have found it hard to not check it at least a few times a week.
It's just such an interesting set of statistics to look at. Part of the problem with writing for newspapers is you lose touch with your audience. There comes a point, no matter how many eyes see your work, that you feel that the hard work you put in is going unrewarded and for the most part unread.
With new technology and the World Wide Web, this will never be the case for bloggers. They never have to wonder how far their message is going. They can see how far right on their computer screens.
From checking the site frequently, I can tell that technorati likes our Web site the most. We have had multiple blogs make it to their site from the class, though oftentimes it takes a specialized search to pull up our individual blogs.
But we're still on there. It's in writing -- and there's no disputing that. Those who visit that popular Web site have the opportunity to hit upon our work as students and eventually be taken to our own KU journalism blogging Web site. For me, that's pretty exciting. This instantaneous spread of information has never been possible in the history of time. Think about it. The work we do in this class -- the work I do in front of my own computer screen here at home in what seems like the most isolated part of my day -- is merely a correct (or errant) search away from anyone with Internet access in the entire world. One click and done. Five seconds and there.
The possibilities really have become endless.
So how important is it to make A-lists? Well, it depends on your focus and on your goal.
In this class, I'd say any linking is good linking. We are not based on profit, so if anyone feels the desire to post up our links, we are pleased that they will do it.
However, if one is looking for real publicity and maybe even a profit, frequent visits to the front pages of major Web sites (such as Drew had earlier this year) would be desired.
All one needs is a voice. Sometimes it's easier if that voice is well-developed and perhaps a bit controversial, but a voice is all that is necessary to have your information linked to all across the Web.
Drew knows this. So does Rylan and also Patrick.
There's been no better time in history for Patrick to be a grumpy, Irish pirate.
In fact, that unique voice might be all he needs to become the next Internet blogging sensation. It's only a few A-list links away
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