With no intent to be disrespectful of the self-proclaimed “List of the Top 200 Education Blogs,” I share the following email as a press release…over time, I’ve managed to make a few of these lists–although I’ve missed the Edublogs Awards list year after year and entertain no hope (or interest) in making the list, except as an opportunity to reach new readers–I’ve decided my attitude needs changing.

Ok, I’ll be blunt. I think these lists are a waste of time…except to folks who need a list as a starting point. Yet, placement on the list must mean something. At least, someone was kind enough to include the blog in what they perceive as the top 200. But what about the rich variety of new bloggers with less than 2000+ subscribers, whose voices are undiscovered? Or, who can keep up with the 10 blog posts per day by resource/tools enthusiasts that make one wonder, how the heck can anyone learn to use 100 tools they share in 10 days?

As a veteran blogger, I hope I’m not slipping into the cynical point of view that afflicts middle-aged folks (I turned 41 last month, and noted my marked lack of enthusiasm for blogging these past few months with a bit of unconcern, a reason for worry, were one given to worry). As a blogger, I also appreciate the ebb and flow of the “blogging tide,” which is natural to me as a writer and worker. Sometimes, I’m enthusiastic as all get-out, and some days, I find myself wondering why the heck did I accept an assignment or begin writing. I find myself flitting back and forth between the two extremes as I reach for keyboard and/or pen, or agree to a speaking engagement.

It’s fascinating to watch, and as a result, I decided to write about that feeling. Why do I feel that way about projects? I notice that it appears right before a project begins, whether it’s a writing or speaking engagement. I have to “work my way through it” and get engaged by the content or work. Blogging helps me to accomplish that (for example, I’m working on a project now and this blog entry, like the previous one are helping me get to the point).

Ok, that said, here’s the email announcing Top 200 Education Blogs. My apologies to the rest of the blogs that didn’t make the list. While you may aspire to be put on a list, I encourage you to be grateful that you are not on a list. You have the freedom to explore a variety of topics and ideas, without fear of having to live up to what 2 sentence summary that appears after your blog on a list.

Hi Miguel,

I’m writing to inform you that Around the Corner has been featured on Guide to Online Schools’ Top 200 Education Blogs list found here: http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/tips-and-tools/top-education-blogs. We’ve gone through and created a list of our favorite education blogs and your incredibly useful tech insights and commentary made your blog an easy choice for our list.

I’d love to get your feedback on our Top Education Blogs list and it would be fantastic if we could work out some cross-promotion. I’ve attached a badge that you’re welcome to use anywhere on your site to let your readers know you’ve been recognized on our list.

Cross-promotion. It’s all about linktribution, isn’t it?

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure