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 … ;)