So what exactly were my criteria for this list? First off, I used some common webmaster tools such as Alexa ranking, Google PR, and link popularity. However, these tools are often nothing more than useless benchmarks. In order to truly get a feel for each of these sites, I rated them on several Web 2.0 characteristics, the most important of which is community. Obviously the whole impetus behind the Web 2.0 philosophy is to build a strong community driven web site.
I'm sure many of you will be familiar with some of these sites, but at the same time, many of these sites may be new to you as well. Take your time to explore these sites as they represent the cream of the Web 2.0 crop. Of course our site, TagOOn.com, is a great way to keep track of the latest Web 2.0 news and also keep track of your blog's ranking, so make sure you bookmark us. Anyway, without further ado, here's the top 10 under rated Web 2.0 sites on the net today:
1. Reddit.com
While not the most under-rated Web 2.0 site, after all, it is pretty popular, we felt it deserved the number position because it is so popular, yet it still gets no respect. Reddit's interface reminds me of Google - simple, plain, and straight to the point. As you vote you train the Reddit filter to know what you like and dislike, and you'll get recommended links based on your tastes. When you make good submissions that become popular you earn "karma" - essentially points earned to rank you against the rest of the herd.
2. Linkfilter.net
The interface and graphics at Linkfilter are a little strange, but once you get past that it has some nice features. Everyone has the ability to post a link, vote, comment, chat, post a poll, and keep a journal. They have a detailed point system based on experience points and contribution points, but let me just cut to the chase. You get points for everything you do on Linkfilter and those points can help you unlock special features.
3. Shoutwire.com
Shoutwire is lacking on personality or cool features, but is a good place to find newsworthy, interesting stories. By participating frequently by posting links, voting, or commenting you can earn a spot on the Top 200 Shouters list. What separates Shoutwire from the pack is that it's stories are mainly political in nature. Also, the site's frontpage is mirrored on TorrentSpy and a few other large sites.
4. Flurl.com
Flurl indexes video from more than 1000 video sites on the web, including YouTube. You can rate videos as Flurl or Hurl. When submitting videos, you don't have to wait for approval, so you can let the Flurl community decide. Did you know the developer of MySpace bought controlling interest in Flurl? Hmmm... should be interesting.
5. Ma.gnolia.com
Ma.gnolia has a few more features than your average del.icio.us site. It lets you rate your bookmarks with a 5-star system. The site also has a feature called Roots. It utilizes a browser bookmarklet that you can click on while you're surfing to see how many Ma.gnolia users have linked to that site with their ratings and descriptions.
6. Blinkbits.com
Blinkbits is not just a link site because it allows users or "blinkers" to start a space to add blogs, pictures, videos, or whatever bits of information you can find on the subject. Blinkbits also has a neat Google Toolbar Add-On that allows you to save and share news, pics, tags, and feeds on any topic.
7. Simpy.com
Simpy is simple and useful. It allows you to store and search your bookmarks and other people's bookmarks. Simpy constantly crawls, and re-indexes your bookmarks, so you can see all your broken bookmarks and fix them. You can join groups called Watchlists and stay in touch with like minded people. The only downside to the site is the large number of "Untitled" links, so you need to sift through sometimes.
8. StumbleUpon.com
StumbleUpon, or SU as users call it, is unique. This is one of my favorites. They've got a cool toolbar for Firefox and IE where you push a button and you can stumble on sites based on your preferences from your voting or by recommendations from others. It was ranked 51st in the 100 Best Products of 2006 by PCWorld - Not bad for a Canadian startup that now has over one million registered users.
9. Blogmemes.com
Blogmemes has almost 9000 registered members, so while its still a small community, it has some nice features. It displays a thumbnail image of each site along with the link and description which is nice when sifting through sites. It also has six different language networks with its own content on each network.
10. Squidoo.com
Squidoo is like a social networking blogger developed by Seth Godin. The site allows you to create a page called a "Lens" about any topic you want, add different revenue generating modules like Amazon links, Adsense, and others, as well as links to your other websites or favorite resources. People can rate your lens and you earn visibility based on your ranking. It's a clever new site with loads of potential.
No comments:
Post a Comment