One of the things I find so great about Digg is that it lets you see the top links shared for today, this week, this month, last month, and this year. In addition to my personal aggregator, I visit the Digg lists everyday.

These lists are far more valuable to me then the Technorati Top 100 blogs list – not because they inform me as to what’s popular as an aggregate of all time – but because they give me choice of seeing that, or what’s being talked about right now.

Of course these lists are different then the A-list in another respect – they cover conversations and not publishers/personalities. It still would be helpful to have similar lists to see who are the up and comers – this week, this month, this year, and today – or see the most influential within a certain topic space.

I feel the Top 100 “A-List” causes so much concern and controversy because it has a slow change rate. By its nature it won’t track with the growth rate of blogging. It’s an “all time” list. It is self-reinforcing. Newer blogs have little chance to show up. Even if they are becoming as influential as those already in this list.

That’s one of Jason Calacanis criticisms of the Top 100. As a response, he is providing a $10,000 cash bounty to someone who will develop a new list he feels would be more useful. Check out his post and responses. David Sifri was among the first. NZ, of Truth Laid Bear, an implementor of one of the earliest forms of this list, hops in as well with ideas for ecosystem specific sublists.

Speaking of lists – I’ve been maintaining my own blogroll for ages. Most bloggers do. In addition I help maintain Philly Future’s list of best Philly blogs. And now, added to those lists, is the list of blogs in our Philly Ad Network.

Speaking of lists, Daypop’s Top 40 has been in fine form these past few weeks.

This discussion can depress me at times. But I admit I can’t help but be fascinated by it as well.

… Neon lights, A Nobel Price
The mirror speaks, the reflection lies
You don’t have to follow me
Only you can set me free
I sell the things you need to be
I’m the smiling face on your T.V.
I’m the Cult of Personality
I exploit you still you love me
I tell you one and one makes three
I’m the Cult of Personality

Living Colour’s “The Cult of Personality“