You can now include Tyrant to “Firefox Snob” in adjectives to describe me. Why you ask? A few days ago I got a polite email from a Trae McNeely, blogmaster over at berrybusyblog.com asking if I could give him a “Shout Out”, as I have occassionally done with other blogs I have liked in the past.
JohnChow.com was a recent recipient. I think Liz Strauss of Successful-Blog.com was the first (and needs to be congratulated on her 1 year blogging birthday!).
Well, Trae — I’m sorry, to tell you at this time I can’t.
There’s a sophisticated vetting process, whereby potential applicants for the “Shout Out” are analyzed through a 36 parameter algorithm. Since this is done electronically, I then have to rank applicants according to softer non-quantifiable factors such as “If this site was a texture, how would it feel against my skin?”(obviously silky soft ones rank higher) and “if I was a hitchhiker, would this site give a lift home?” (creepy ones rank lower).
Of course I kid. ;)
Basically I choose them based on the mood I’m feeling that week, and a vague set of criteria that I thought would be useful to put down in writing.
So for the 1.5 of you that are interested in getting a Shout Out are … well, interested, here are bare minimum requirements:
1. Original design: I don’t really care if its a hacked up/ cobbled together theme, but kubrick just don’t cut it
2. Original content: As in, are not ripping off (or stealing content) from others, and not too many repostings — you know what I mean, requoting someone else’s article with a one liner opinion.
3. Passionate content: You have an opinion about things and don’t hesitate to wear it on your sleeve.
4. Regular content: This means almost every day for a few months
And If there’s enough interest, maybe I’ll … oh, I don’t know draw up a badge or something. ;)
While I tend to have a bias towards things that I enjoy, you’ll notice that there’s no mention of what kind of content. Yes, if I find a blog about rutabegas that is passionate, original and regular then it’ll get recognized too.
So if you’re interested, just contact me and I’ll let you know toute suite!
PS — Trae: keep at it, I’ll return to it in a little while, but it fails the last qualifier — while its almost every day, its only a month old. I’m sorry! I’m a Tyrant! I know … ;)


October 26th, 2006 at 11:54 am | Permalink
I had no idea that I might have been your first. [blush]
October 26th, 2006 at 12:42 pm | Permalink
Ok Liz … let’s keep this PG-13 … heh heh ;)
October 26th, 2006 at 9:59 pm | Permalink
lmao PG-13
Rutabegas just don’t have that same sweet taste that a turnip does.
October 26th, 2006 at 10:02 pm | Permalink
Tony,
What were YOU thinking? I was blushing to think I held a place of honor.
October 26th, 2006 at 10:21 pm | Permalink
Uh … of course, Liz. I, uh … thought that … erm …
Let me remove that boot from my mouth. ;)
And Jessica — I thought rutabetas WERE turnips!
Man … I gotta find that rutabega blog so I can sort that out… ;)
October 26th, 2006 at 10:35 pm | Permalink
Oh okay, that’s what I thought all along. I think that’s what I thought anyway. :)