9rules isn’t run by a clique though. One of the reasons why I like the network is because they don’t let in people simply because they’re friends. The leaders have never been to most of the sites they accept, so it’s an unbiased opinion.

Admittedly, I know next to nothing about 9rules. My eyebrow always cocks for an evaluation/acceptance scenario, though, and like I said — I’m a web blanket.

Either way, congratulations.

Assuming that this is what you meant, I don’t agree.

My blog has nothing to do with “being good”. It’s simply a platform for me to express myself. I say what I want, and I’ll never pander to an audience. Often, people don’t like my frankness, or the things that I talk about.

Because of this, I’ll never win a Bloggie or any such award. And I’ll never ask my visitors for nominations or votes, which is what many bloggers do, and what I would definitely consider to be acts of narcissism.

Unlike the Bloggies, 9rules isn’t a competition. Members are all on the same level. There’s no egotistical “best blog” award.

The 9rules network isn’t a popularity contest. You don’t get in based on the largest number of votes. You apply. Only three people, whom I respect as significant members in the blogging community, decide whether you are accepted or not.

It isn’t just about networking with a wider audience, it’s about networking with leading members of the blogging community. Since I’ve joined, I’ve been able to pick the brains of people I’ve admired. I’ve been exposed to many sites I never would have come across before. You’re probably right in saying that I’d come across a site eventually, but this has sped up the process considerably.

As well, the 9rules network helps bring exposure to niche blogs. There are a few specialized blogs that may be “good”, as you put it, but only have a small target audience.

Thank you for your compliment though.

Having said that, I just stumbled on this site tonight; it is good.

Congratulations Jeff.