I find blogrolls too static. They’re really too easy to post and forget about, and they don’t lend much insight into why you’re recommending that particular blog, or whether they’re just a friend or connection you’re wanting to give a little link-love too. (The latter is okay. It’s just not how I’m choosing to do things).

So I’ve dispensed with mine, for good. Instead, I’m going to try and post once in a while  on who I’ve been reading lately and why. Some will be obvious. Some may not be. Most will be about my industry – social media and community – but there will be off-topic or more personal recommendations from time to time because I think we all need multiple dimensions, don’t you?

Here’s a few I’ve been reading lately and why. And please feel free to add your recommendations in the comments.

Dave Fleet

Dave is an account director with Thornley Fallis (and for full disclosure, they’re a client of my employer, Radian6). Dave’s insights into the new and complex world of PR and social communications are deep, and often leave me chewing on things for days. His writing style is succinct and clear, and he brings a mix of content from both ends of the spectrum: social media 101 to the really advanced “what’s next” type discussions. I’m never disappointed by sifting through his posts in my reader.

Conversation Agent

Valeria Maltoni is a consistently killer read. The depth of her thought leadership and experience in branding, marketing, customer experience, and community makes her one of my absolute “must reads”. Not only does she inspire me to think more deeply about how I approach my business, but she challenges me to think about where I’m going next. I can’t get through a post of hers without saying “damn, I really wish I’d written that”. She comes at the social media world from a fresh, deeply thought out perspective and I appreciate how much insight she manages to pack into every post.

Christopher S. Penn’s Awaken Your Superhero

Chris Penn is the only person I know that could successfully and artfully draw a parallel between the World of Warcraft and marketing, and have it make complete and utter sense. Chris is a groundbreaking marketer, podcaster and leader in the financial aid industry, and he’s more relentless about finding business value in everything he does than almost anyone I know. Chris’ posts range from basic to advanced in terms of content, but there is always an actionable takeaway from everything he does (that includes in his speaking engagements, too).  Plus, he’s a super geek. How can I not love that?

Convince and Convert

Jason Baer is one of those guys that’s scary smart. I mean that in the best way possible. You have a conversation with him and not only do you always walk away laughing hysterically (Jay is super funny), but you can almost feel your brain expanding. Jay is a veteran of the online marketing industry and has solid perspectives on email, marketing, and social media. And they’re all based in common sense, without the fluff and BS you can manage to find elsewhere. He’s one of my favorites, bar none.

Annarchy

Most of you probably know Ann Handley from her work as the Chief Content Rockstar of MarketingProfs. She’s awesome in that professional sense, and I’ve immensely enjoyed getting to know her both as a colleague and a friend. But her personal blog is a MUST. I mean honestly, she posts, and I will drop everything to go and read it. She’s intensely human and often incredibly funny. I’ve cried multiple times reading her posts. Why this woman doesn’t yet have a gig with The New Yorker is beyond me.

in over your head

Julien Smith isn’t just “that guy who’s writing the book with Chris Brogan”. Julien is an accomplished media creator, and he’s one of the most articulate communicators I know. Conversations with Julien over coffee or breakfast (or hot tubs) are entertaining, enlightening, and thought provoking. He has a sharp sense of humor and a relentless curiosity about the world around him. Posts on his blog are simple, straightforward, and arresting. Please do yourself a favor and pay attention to what he’s doing.

Servant of Chaos

Gavin Heaton is an Aussie with an insightful, deliberate perspective on marketing and social media. I love that he artfully blends social causes with his commentary on the new media age, and has a level-headed perspective that often makes me feel like an irrational hothead. Gavin has a wicked sense of humor but don’t let that deter you from his pointed and nail-on-the-head perspective about how the marketing industry is shifting under our feet. I’m still waiting for him to get his ass to Chicago.

Suze Muse

I’m utterly convinced that Sue Murphy and I share some part of our DNA. We share an edgy sense of humor that comes complete with laughing at straw sounds (#fwoopfweep). She’s gregarious and fun and exceedingly smart. Sitting down to read her blog posts always feels like a dialogue to me, a comfy conversation I’m having around a cafe table somewhere. And much like the wolf in sheep’s clothing, Sue’s approachable style belies her fierce intelligence and new media savvy. I’m a fan.

So that’s this episode. I’ll keep adding more as I go along, and highlighting others on my radar. But you know more than I do, anyway. Won’t you share your favorite reads here in the comments for others to find?

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