It looks like while I was away on holiday, a couple of “Top Female Bloggers” lists came up: NxE’s “Top 50 Influential Female Bloggers“, where I’m ranked at #11 and Enkay’s “Top 100 Female Bloggers“, where I hold spots #22 (for JMMO) & #39 (for this blog).
NxE’s list is ranked based on the standards by the editors of the blog, whilst Enkay’s list is ranked based on number-crunching using various measurements (Google Page Rank, Technorati Rank, Alexa Rank).
And, while we can appreciate the amount of time, thought, and effort that the makers of this list put in to these posts, we all know that neither list can be 100% accurate.
What I find interesting, however, is how people react to these types of lists. Emotions seem to range from utter adoration to total disgust. I’m still chuckling from one of the comments from NxE’s list about “Asians being the New White in Tech.” Almost fell off my chair. I look in the mirror everyday and the idea never occurred to me. I didn’t realise being Asian no longer counts as being ‘of colour’ in the web world . 
Anyway, yes, of course, I’m always flattered to be included in such lists. It’s wonderful to be recognised for the work I do. I consider it a great honour to be in the company of such amazing women. Hey, I’m human. I’m not going to lie. I’m not attention-greedy, but I DO like a bit of praise and glory as much as your average person. 
However, that’s not the only reason I’m fascinated with these lists.
I like how they celebrate the work of many other people doing similar things to what I’m doing. It reminds me that even though most days it’s just me in front of the computer, I’m not on my own.
I like how they can inspire and motivate individuals, even those who’re not in such lists (and may have no desire or interest to be in one).
I like how they create conversations: “Why do people feel the need to create a ‘Female’-only version of a Top Bloggers’ List?”, “How will people react if there was a ‘Male’-only version?”, “Why aren’t there more African-American/Latin/Middle Eastern/etc etc in these lists?”, “How do we gauge ‘Influence’? Should people be more influential outside the blogosphere/web in order to be called ‘influential’?”, “Why is there a need to use Technorati/Alexa/Google PR to gauge top bloggers?”, “Why put a silly looking graphic of a woman in leopard print dress on a red carpet on a list celebrating women bloggers, as opposed to a business-looking photo when celebrating bloggers in general?” “How can someone be higher ranked in the ‘female’ list and not be included in the ‘general’ list?” etc etc etc.
I like how people end up defending/nominating the people that they like/care about who were not part of the list - and feel that they should be. Or, how people are happy to recognise those that they support wholeheartedly.
Where else can you find such passionate people? We don’t always see such passion in action at a friends’ dinner party or a regular office get-together, do we?
So yes, kudos to Jarkko Laine & Cameron Low (and the rest of the NxE Crew) and Enkay for creating these lists. They’re not easy to do - that’s why we don’t see more of them. I mean, if they’re easy to make, there will be more of such lists - and those who think they can create better lists can make their own, right?
I also want to extend a Big Thanks to all who Tweeted/Plurked/Emailed, etc their congratulations. ‘am really touched to receive your messages.
Anyway, as I started to write this post, I ended up making this Comic Doodle during my work break. I haven’t done one of these in a while. Good fun experimenting with patterns.
I’ve got no plans of quitting my day job to create comics, but I hope you like this anyway (suggested captions and/or alternative text, welcome) -
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Marjorie 07.17.08 at 1:04 pm
Shai Coggins rocks!
That’s fantastic, girl. You so deserve the honor.
I agree that while on the one hand it’s great to be singled out for recognition, it can also be marginalizing to have one’s status diminished somewhat by the qualifier “female” blogger. What’s wrong with just being a Top Blogger? Especially since the blogosphere is still largely dominated by men, it would be a step in the right direction to include the voices of women in the mainstream rather than relegated to their own “special” categories and lists.
Still, I’m glad to see you on there. I belong to another group of Linux women and am always fascinated to hear about how technical gals in particular are subtly discriminated against. As the blogosphere requires less technical skills and more marketing/networking ability — something women excel at — it’s interesting to see that men still dominate the conversation.
Or maybe they’re just louder. In which case we really need to get out there and shout at the top of our lungs.
Anyway, congratulations again!
Cheers,
Marjorie
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Heather 07.17.08 at 3:23 pm
Hi Shai,
Congrats on getting on any list, at all. Lol.
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Nicola 07.17.08 at 4:20 pm
Congrats Shai! Scientific polls or not, it’s great to see you recognised for your contribution to the blogsphere. Well done
Love the cartoon, tehe.
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Junnie 07.18.08 at 2:34 am
you will always be on my list…of anything ahhaha…Take care and ang galing galing mo! That was a short vacation indeed! Take more!
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Junnie 07.18.08 at 2:34 am
you will always be on my list…of anything ahhaha…Take care and ang galing galing mo! That was a short vacation indeed! Take some more and when you get back you will be in more list! heh!
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Liz 07.18.08 at 7:46 am
I’ve enjoyed reading your various stories because sometimes I think that why would anyone read my stuff when I have a variety of interests and lo and behold you have given me strength to keep on writing, just to keep writing.
You deserve recognition and if they didn’t see it I might have said something eventually, just to say thanks and I read you
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Chris Loft 07.18.08 at 9:16 am
Congratulations on making it into the top One Hundred. Now that you are a celebrity I will have to update your status from friend to celebrity friend.
Status is everything. Recently plurk changed my status from male to female. perhaps it is just some sort of plurk karma thing; but maybe I’ve found a way to make it onto the top female bloggers list as well.
Keep up the great work. I enjoy reading your viewpoints and commentary.
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Kari 07.18.08 at 11:04 am
I love the drawing. I think it’s great! Also congrats on being featured. You are always such an inspiration to me!
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Jami 07.18.08 at 9:47 pm
Congrats! I’m sorry I’m so behind the times, but had no idea about these lists. SO glad that you made it, you certainly deserve it.
And I love your blogstar glasses!
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Jen 07.19.08 at 1:38 am
You most definitely are a blog star Shai! Congrats and keep up the fantastic work.
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Nenette 07.19.08 at 2:29 am
I read that list this morning! And was so tickled to see your name! Congrats, Shai… you work so hard, and I truly believe you deserve the praise
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Christine 07.19.08 at 11:15 am
congrats, shai…you rock! as always, idol talaga!
hey, just signed up a joint venture with melbournians so would be in aussie quite often…kaso ang layo talaga ng adelaide from christchurch!
waaaaa
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Barbara Ling 07.19.08 at 6:38 pm
Congrats!
I agree with the question of “needing” a list….Top Female Bloggers, Top Male Bloggers, Top Coffee Drinking Bloggers, Top Twittering Bloggers…. I much prefer, Top Just Plain Enjoyable Bloggers Who Make You Think. You’d certainly be on that list!
Enjoy,
Barbara
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Shai Coggins 01.05.09 at 12:13 am
Oh wow! How did I miss saying thanks to all of you for the best wishes and words of support? Thanks, thanks, thanks! I’m honoured and humbled.
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