Frank's not on the A+ list

Frank Arrigo is looking to create more class-based stereotyping of bloggers by calling for names to include on his A-list of Australian bloggers. Except the catch is he's game enough to suggest that this list should *not* include journalists, who I'd like to point out are not merely observers of the blogosphere, but active participants and contributors.

Well Frank, Charles Wright (who is sitting next to me in the media centre here at Kickstart) and I have decided that we will go one better and compile the "A+ list" of Australian bloggers who are not vendors, and preferrably journalists, or at least content producers. It just seems like the right thing to do because you have upset our oh-so fragile sensibilities.

So in addition to Charles and yours truly, our approach will let us include Cameron Reilly (across the table from me at the moment), Phil Sim, Ben Barren, Darren Rowse, Paul Mongomery, Richard Giles, Shane Williamson, Trevor Cook, and Mike Walsh. Oh, and there was some debate in the media centre here about this, but I think it would be unkind if we did not include our mate Brad Howarth.

Who else should be deemed worthy of being included in our highly exclusive list of non-vendor Australian bloggers? Don't be shy to self-nominate and join the revolution.

ps. Oh dear, Cameron clearly does not share our sense of humour. Don't worry Frank, we still love you.

Comments

[Des Paroz]

Hi Mark - what is a "vendor blogger"? Because, unless I can tell if I am not one, then I can't nominate myself for your list!

[Frank Arrigo]

isn't a journo a vendor blogger too??

seriosly, an A+ list, or a B List or a Z List would be good.

where are all the aussie bloggers! that's what I'm on about!!!!

[Frank Arrigo]

BTW - in my defense

i was asked to compile a list which DID NOT include journalists.

as far as i am concerned, i believe that all the local journos who blog (and those that dont too) would be terrific contributors to the discussion.

i was responding to a request.

[kevin leversee]

Mark, Frank... sniff sniff

What about us business consultants and software developers who advise media all over the globe?

What are we? Not good enough cause we don't stay in oz?

;p

Kevin Leversee

[Trevor Cook]

C'mon Frank who asked you to compile the list, what were there motives, were there sponsorship contracts involved - let's get this out in the open - oh its just abit of fun lets not get serious about lists and stuff

[Paul Montgomery]

Geez, poor old Brad doesn't deserve that treatment.

Oh, and it's Montgomery with a "t". At least Brad would get my name right!

[Mark Jones]

Sorry for the typo Paul!
Don't worry, Brad and I have shared the joke. He even told me prior to posting that he should not be included because he didn't post enough, hence his amusement at my "charity inclusion."
Des - well, your very fine TPN contributions aside, you do work for an IT company...
Hi Kevin - I did think about your good self, but sorry, rules are rules. You've left us behind!
Frank - mate, it's all tongue in cheek. But of course behind every joke is some truth. Why would whoever asked you to do this want to exclude journos, or anyone else?
Anyway, I reckon this comment string has proved my point about the A-list meme.

[Rob Irwin]

I would not join any club that would have someone like me for a member. Sorry Groucho ;-)

Yes, that was a joke. More seriously, however, the whole A list, B list, whatever, thing is very subjective. Theoretically, it should be about hits -- which few people openly disclose -- yet it seems that the criteria you're using here is who knows who, and who talks up the topic in the media the most.

Is talking it up the same as having a readership? Sometimes the two go hand in hand and there eare examples in some of the names you cite... but not always.

[Mark Jones]

btw, a notable inclusion that I should have included earlier! Splatt. http://www.splatt.com.au/blog/
How you going down there in Melbourne, Mick?

[Cameron Reilly]

I got the joke Mark. You just got out-gamed. Beware the blogger.

[Mark Jones]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, oh learned colleague. :)

[Mick Stanic]

Nice to see i haven't been totally forgotten Mark ;)

Melbourne is great...busy/mad/hectic...but great...not that much different to Sydney really :)

[Des Paroz]

Ah yes, I may be a vendor, but my blog is personal.....