Janette Toral‘s Ten Emerging Influential Blogs Project is easily the most democratic and arguably the most controversial competition for blogs on the events calendar. People love to pick on upstart bloggers because no one would hardly stand up for them and for the most part, it’s quite hard to establish oneself in the community. To fully understand the process and the sentiment of voters (and how wrong or right has the project gotten it), let’s look back at past editions of the weeks-long compilation of ballots and lists.
Violent reactions are very much welcome.
(Countdown after the jump)
We aren’t exactly off to a strong start. This blog doesn’t even exist anymore! I don’t recall voting for it and I don’t really remember visiting it much when it was still up.
Verdict: In terms of influence and popularity, this blog failed to capitalize on the boost that it’s top ten finish could have provided. There’s no other option but to say that this blog is DOWN two years out.
#9 Gibbs Cadiz
Gibbs Cadiz name gave the list a unusurpable credibility that made it harder for critics to slam the entire list without batting an eyelash. He didn’t really need to win this – everybody already knows that he can influence people through the way he writes — but he had to win (even at a dismal 9th) to show that the voting pool could somehow come up with a list that would meritoriously award those who are truly great with what they do.
Verdict: Let’s see. He was a Philippine Blog Awards Finalist even BEFORE making the top ten list. And yes, he managed to win the Arts and Culture category during the second PBA. He has definitely lived up to the title and most would probably say that he didn’t need it to begin with. He just was what the competition was all about from the get go.
The bulk of the criticism certainly fell on Anitokid’s shoulders during those dark days. The now-infamous comment calling his page a mere blog of lists comment has already been immortalized – or buried in the past with me merrily exhuming it for everyone to enjoy. People back then didn’t give him a second look but given how his sports writing has held up, I think he has more than proven himself.
Verdict: It’s very weird that even if there aren’t really a lot of good Filipino sports websites, blogs are still at the fringe when it comes to sports-related content. Maybe we can attribute this to waning interest in RP sports (especially outside of Manny Pacquiao’s exploits). Make no mistake about it though, Anitokid’s passion for sports (especially billiards) bleeds through his very comprehensive coverage and analysis. This one definitely went up.
Personally, I think finishing better than ninth is a curse in this year. Having to prove that you had any business beating Gibbs Cadiz is tough. You won’t have much to work with if you want to compare Cadiz’s blog with this one though – this blog is no longer extant.
Verdict: Went down.
#7 Pinoyblogero
Like him or not, Pinoyblogero made its mark by having a distinct look. The person behind it utilized his talents to put a visual signature through his posts and blog themes. His niche wasn’t exactly clear, but he definitely had the following. The guy is a real upstart – he has had blogs before (?) but this one was the one that caught fire and boomed to make him one of the more recognizable urls in the community – at least during that time.
Verdict: Pinoyblogero managed to do these things – win at last year’s PBAs, speak at iBlog4 and design for a handful of prominent bloggers. He may be polarizing, but his achievements speak for themselves. Up.
#7 Fruityoaty
She had a fairly steady readership before but the numbers right now have definitely jumped out of the charts. And I’m willing to bet that winning top ten had nothing to do with her success.
Verdict: The numbers simply speaks volumes.
#6 Kubiertos
The lone food blog on the list continues to run strong. It’s quite amazing really. I remember voting for this site and if anything, a finalist slot during the last PBA proves that the people behind this blog are more than qualified.
Verdict: Up.
–Watch out for the big guns in Part 2–
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Hey Benj thanks for the mention and for the history. 2007 and my entry into blogging feels like sooo long ago. Glad to see you (and most of those I do read)are still very much out there. Cheers!
Many thanks for the kind words, kabayan!
It has been one exciting ride for me! For all of us!
And I kid you not!
I have realized so many blessings through the sport
that I really love – through the blog, the forum – everywhere!
Truth be told, your words has brought about something in me…
something that has made me wanting to do more!
More power!
AK
.