Blogging Year-Ender: The Top 10 Happenings

Around this time most newspapers will be preparing their end of year reviews of the major events that took place around the world during the year. They call it the "yearender" which is usually a special pullout section recollecting those news events.

Similarly, a retrospective view of some of the "major events" that took place on the wired world of the Internet will help to jolt memories (good and bad).

The year 2007, up till now as I write, is not without its fair share of controversial issues and other shenanigans on the Net. It has been a year of corporate takeovers of Internet ventures, an awakening of blogging savvy among the newer comers, and the proliferation of bloggers with a keen eye on making money online.

That's my view of it and I'm sure other commentators will have their own takes on the happenings on the Net during the year.

When I started blogging back in mid-2006, the only controversial issue I knew then was about those bloggers who are "political activists" playing on the minds of their readers about good governance, corporate transparency, freedom of speech and so forth.

The blogging experience widens its scope as I read up on other English-language blogs from all over, and soon came the realisation that there are countless, diverse opinions about blogging and its objectives.

"To each his own" is probably the best way to describe the blogging experience.

So, here's a list of some of the events and developments that have sparked off heated debates and conversational sideshows, and also created a blogospheric impact on bloggers in one way or another:

1. The Google PageRank Slapfest












This was the blogospheric tsunami that swept away the pageranks of hundreds, if not thousands of sites that were supposed to have paid links with DoFollows and other "taboos" not favoured by the "Do No Evil" empire of Google. The Google slapfest was one of the most talked about topics.

2. The Rise of Social Networks








Photo Credit: luc legay

Social networking sites have increased in numbers and are considered the "in" thing for bloggers. Many see it as a great way to drive traffic. To be seen and heard within a community has become a trend that will continue into the new year.

3. The Blog Re-Design Fetish











Photo Credit: .renato querra.

New-look, new lease of life for some "fading" blogs. When A-list bloggers re-designed, the rest followed. For better or for worse, pay a visit to those sites that underwent a redesign of their blogs and see for yourself.

4. The Over-Hype of BlogRush








A syndication network widget that rushed in and created one of the biggest Internet hypes of the year and it could well end with a whimper.

5. The Proliferation of Money Blogging "Gurus"

There's a surge of blogging newbies and wannabes coming on stage, and in no time, they are preaching and teaching other bloggers how to make money online. To these "dime-a-dozen gurus", welcome to the Blogosphere! May the truth triumph in the end.

6. The Mystery of CashQuests












A blog riddle that has caught the imagination of most bloggers. Who is the actual individual behind this popular make-money-online blog that was eventually sold for $15k? And where is Kumiko now?

7. Blog Memes & Link Love Buzz












Photo Credit: Randy Son of Robert

It was a big buzz in the first half of the year when almost every "Tom, Dick and Harry" blog was jumping on this bandwagon. Linky love was the name of the game. Do you still have your linky love list on your blog? Just don't let Google see it.
8. The Guest Blogging Mania


Photo Credit: Hyla

Somebody got this bright idea to invite guest bloggers to write on his blog. In no time, the idea took off and became a craze. It's all about getting backlinks and free publicity. Guest blogging wannabes were not in short supply. The host blogger sits back and enjoy some quality time. Please pass the bubbly!

9. Parody & Comedy: JohnCow.com









This upstart cow rides on the fame of Big Beef (aka JohnChow.com) and successfully mooed its way to celebrity status. The herd really poured on the milk. Give it to the guy with great cowsense.


10. The Mike Arrington Tirade Against Paid Posts
















Photo Credit: molleyeh11

This guy from TechCrunch has got something against paid posts and PayPerPost posties. Whenever he gets the chance to shoot off his mouth, he gets a fusillade of the same in return. You know what I mean.

Note to newbies and noobs: If you're still wet behind the ears and can't tell a splog from a blog, then I would suggest you visit more sites especially the good ones and do some reading to widen your blogging experience.
Disclaimer: If I had missed out some other great blogging happenings of the year, I was probably not there to witness them and, therefore, not in a position to describe them. Maybe I'll make it a point to be at the right spot at the right time next year.

Of related interests:
Is This Herd Mentality Or Judgmental Decision?
Zen And Blogging: Are They Aligned?The "Do No Evil" Empire Strikes Back
BlogRush Making Waves On The InternetRumblings About Guest Blogging
It's The Year Of Blog Re-Design
Link Popularity: How, Why, & What To Do About It
There's A Lot Of Cow Sense At JohnCow.comMad Cow Disease - A John Cow Sequel
Social Networking: Tailing The Long Tail
How To Succeed Online? Have The Right Focus
Sayonara CashQuests! Sold For $15,000