Two Slashes

Last weekend, Justin decided to award me with one of the “Kickass Blogger” awards that seem to be making their rounds like a particularly bland chain letter.  (I would have posted sooner, but I’ve been getting ready for school and it’s been hard to get some free time while I’m still unpacking.)

Not to demean the award or anything, but I’m of two minds about the concept (neither probably what the people who came up with the award are looking for, sadly), and I might as well get everyone else’s opinion.

As you might have guessed, I can see similarities between this award making its rounds and the chain letters my mother ever-so-happily forwards (directly into my Spam folder, mind you ) or the tripe you might find on MySpace, sans the “death penalty” for not forwarding it to anyone.  (I hope Justin doesn’t have to stab me with a spork under a blue moon in the middle of November for not passing this on.)

I also think it’s a little ridiculous to single out just a few people when there are probably a ton who deserve recognition.  (Of course, the exact number is up to the post authors, but all the same it seems like people are going for two or three at a time.  Interestingly, though, the original site requests that you suggest five blogs.)  Favorites games never work out well, though, so why should people be asked to put them into the spotlight?

I add blogs (and other sites) to my blogroll if I think they’re worth your attention, not because I need a “finalists” list for games like this.  Also, I realize that my blogroll is a little on the longer side, but rest assured that just about everything on that list finds its way into my browsing a few times a day.  (And people say they have problems…)

People shouldn’t need to write up posts suggesting where their readers should check up next; that’s the role of the blogroll (or whatever they happen to call their links section, if they have one), and I think that’s a start as far as recognition is concerned.  (Response posts would be another form of recognition, but that’s a different animal for a different day.)

So, given that little rant, instead of me rolling the dice and having to choose from that expansive published list in my sidebar, how about you try visiting a few of the glorious links in my blogroll of your own accord.  They’re all winners in my book, and they may very well be in yours as well.

(On the other hand, though, there are some great opportunities for a “Six Degrees” game here.  I’m just not motivated enough to follow through with it, though.)

I don’t mean to sound rabid with this post, so I apologize if you’re offended or otherwise put off by what I’ve said, but I’m standing by it.