Value Comes in at Least Three Forms

Like many web-based citizens, I have a certain number of sites from which I consume — as the cliche goes —  content high in value. I spent so much time in the early days learning how to filter out the stuff I didn’t need that now I’m quite efficient with what I read, listen to and watch.

Aside from informative content, two other commodities also grab my attention: entertainment and community. Both of these carry immense value because they satisfy my desire to laugh and my desire to feel connected to others. If a site can deliver all three in some appropriate proportion, you’ve got a winner.

Here again is my site list with comments (**please note I’m not too informed on community yet since I’m still not totally out of my shell):

1. Huffington Post: informative and timely with an editorial strategy that subverts the actions of certain individuals into a ridiculous spectacle, which is indeed entertaining.
2. Gary Vaynerchuk: this guy “kills it” as he says with such valuable motivators all wrapped up in a raw Jersey attitude. He’s so naturally genuine and funny that to ignore him would be a challenge.
3. Rich Schefren: must-know stuff on Web 2.0 success combined with that “doomsday” tone makes for some serious one-on-one engagement. When Schefren speaks, many listen.
   
4. John Chow: “I make money online by telling people how much money I make online” says it all.
5. Seo Book: paid subscription offered very rich content and community, entertainment is minimal except for the appreciated honesty of Aaron Wall.
6. Shoemoney: he covers good ground on web monetization while flaunting a definitely dynamic and controversial persona. No fear, and that’s good.
7. ProBlogger: content overload backed up by an editorial sincerity. For me it’s a site I have no choice but to follow. Entertainment level is pretty low, though.
8. CopyBlogger: similar to ProBlogger but with less postings. Entertainment level is moderately higher but doesn’t quite make the connection with me.
9. Yaro Starak:  may theoretically be the best one here because he balances out content, entertainment and community pretty equally. The irony is that I listen to him the least.

For sites that aren’t devised to entertain, I still think it’s important to do so. The way to accomplished is through clever editorial strategy, which can set the tone of the writing to be entertaining even if the subject matter is serious.

HuffPo is a master at this technique. Just go to their homepage and chances are the lead headline, captions and graphic will make you crack at least a smug smile. For me it’s a refreshing way to try and cope with the ridiculous headlines of our day.

Community is huge, and I’ll have to treat this with much greater attention in the future. Stay tuned.