MappingTheWeb //

Almost every blog has a blogroll. It is the notable list of links to other blogs that the author finds interesting and/or valuable. Most bloggers find it easy to add blogs to the list. But for some political reason, many find it hard to delete such links as they want to steer clear of potential tension created with the affected party.

Further cementing the blogosphere as an incestuous pool of diplomats, bloggers continue to put emphasis on status rather than content. Often, a blogger may add a given blog to their blogroll, not because of the content, but rather to associate themselves with a popular entity. They believe that this association builds credibility and may ultimately lead to similar success.

My belief is that big blogs will pay attention to you if you write good content, not because you link to them. Content rules the land, although many believe that flattery is a more productive tactic.

In the end, this all leads back to blogroll politics. Maybe I’m making a big deal out of nothing, but I think it’s a sensitive spot that no-one likes to touch on. Personally, I love being added to a blogroll. I think it validates the legitimacy of my content and provides added reach. I also don’t mind being deleting from a blogroll, as it means I may be out of touch with my readers/content and I need to re-focus and re-establish my priorities. I treat it like a wake-up call.

So, next time you’re logged into your blog admin dashboard, I encourage you to revamp your blogroll. Add a few… delete a few. Determine what you actually read from who you want to be associated with. After all, content is more important than status.

I dare everyone to delete at least one blog from your blogroll… or are you afraid of hurting someone’s feelings?