We are still currently formulating a more precise ranking algorhythm and a more specific criteria in terms of what we want this list to encompass.

As of now the list is determined by the authors of this lens taking into account...

CONTENT

frequency of updates

valuable and interesting links (embedded or in the blogroll)

aesthetic (i.e navigation, functionality, and to some extent looks)

ability to incite conversation, thought-provoking comments/discussion

And finally we want to encourage interaction on this lens so votes on this lens are taken into account.

We welcome individual submissions and explanations and hope that eventually there's a committee of respected Gen Y individuals that help determine the rankings. If you are interested let us know.

UPDATED RANKINGS: 6/13/08
-- Previous Ranking in Parenthesis --

And this week we thought'd it be interesting to add a -bit- of our commentary as we were discussing the rankings this week. If this is something you'd like to see more (or less) of let us know in the comments section please! Also note: Please keep in mind we love all of these blogs, and not to take anything out of context ... your blogs are better than ours, and we're no experts!

1.. Personal Branding Blog (2)
Dan Schawbel's blog is more concentrated than most on this list and that enables him to really hone in on his particular niche, personal branding.

The self proclaimed #1 resource for personal branding online has been featured in a number of publications, and featured on a number of 'top lists.'

If you're a member of generation Y and looking for career development via personal branding, look no further.

"for me it's number one, a very comprehensive view, with a bunch of different angles and viewpoints with respect to personal branding"

"I think that this deserves the #1 spot, as it is very consistently a strong blog with relevant and enjoyable content"

2. The Marketing Student (5)
A blog highly targeted to the Gen Y generation and the way in interacts with marketing. Best described as a "conversation about how future marketers see the present." A vast array of insightful posts that encompasses current trends and the effects of Gen Y and intertwines the two remarkably.

"Dave is bringing in some really cool and interesting content with respect to Gen Y and marketing -- he's infusing his own stuff very well with stuff he's finding in the online spectrum. Good stuff.)"

"its more educational than some, but I think the content is great"

3. Ben Casnocha (1)
Considering Ben established his own software company at age 14, it is safe to say that he understands the nuances of being an entrepreneur. One look at the "Best of Ben" posts and you will understand why he was #1 on our first two versions of this list.

Ben's blog covers a wide variety of topics, and his deep-thinking approach makes it a stimulating read whether the commentary involves business or ping-pong.

"still great"

"one of the most consistently updated"

"probably falling out of the top spot in my honest opinion. A lot of the posts during the traveling didn't seem -as- pertinent as usual...The connections are still there to be made, but you have to connect the dots... which is sometimes a great thing"

4. Newly Corporate (3)
Newly Corporate is a blog for young professionals by young professionals. Its six contributors each bring a distinct style and background to the blog, which enables it to have various dimensions of personality.

One of the best things about the blog is the fact that it does not take itself too seriously, and that lends itself well to its Millennial audience. With an efficient design that is conducive to the sharing of some great information, NC was deserving of their high debut on the top Gen Y blog list last update. They dropped one spot this week.

"great aesthetic and lots of valuable content - but sometimes seems to lack that charismatic writer that makes it really makes it that much more fun to read"

5. Brazeen Careerist: Penelope Trunk (8)
Penelope's blog is in your face authentic with posts such as "Plastic Surgery is the Next Must Have Career Tool. Maybe," and check out the end of "Start Up Skill," where she's discussing an interaction between her and new partner Ryan Healy. Nothing is off limits, and her perfect meshing of work and life makes for an intriguing and beneficial read to the Gen Y demographic.

"She's probably one of the best writers and one of the most interesting reads on here. How focussed is she on Generation Y? Eh not as much as others... As with most of these though you can make the connections - her dots aren't as far apart as others."

"Sometimes you need Penelope in small doses though. You get the impression Penelope is sometimes all about Penelope."

"I put her here because of how well she writes, even though it doesn't exactly cater to gen y"

6. Employee Evolution (9)
With founders Ryan Healy and Ryan Paugh focusing much of their attention on Brazeen Careerist the updates haven't been as frequent, but the blog is still a hot bed of great information for Millennials making the transition from school to the workplace.

Their archives and top posts have some real gems, and all of the articles (including the many guest posts) sound as though they were written by seasoned workplace veterans and not fresh-faced twenty-somethings.

After a 6-spot drop last update, they're back up three spots!

"I think this one is very focused on gen y and I've personally gotten a lot out of it."

"I think it probably remains on the list.. the updates have held relatively steady from the last post - something I was concerned about with their stake in Brazen Careerist...solid content, solid outside resources, solid aesthetic..."

7. Personal PR (NR)
Tiffany's passion leaps off of the page as she explores relationships and how they can work for you. With lengthy posts about public relations and how you can utilize it to build your network, energize your career, etc. Tiffany provides immense value, supported by a ton of thoughtfully embedded links that also prove to be very valuable resources.

"This is one that has been steadily growing on me... her passion jumps off the page...and it's a valuable resource featuring tons of great links embedded into her posts."

"I haven't read this one before, but going through it I like it a lot, and I think we need to keep adding new and different blogs to the list (provided they deserve it of course)."

8. PR Interactive (7)
Meg Roberts does a great job interjecting her own personality with some very valuable insight into PR industry. As a current Millennial just starting her 'official' career, we are confident that her most interesting posts are in front of her as she negotiates one of life's big transitions.

She moved down a spot due to the lack of updates (and we're cutting her slack because she's in the process of moving), BUT her readers helped keep her in the mix as she dominated the last voting period.

"I agree that the posts aren't as regular as they could be, but she did very well in the poll this time...

"...it is nice when the bloggers encourage their readers to participate and interact with the site, which will enable them to find solid new blogs they be unfamiliar with"

"simple, but clean. the posts aren't updated very frequently, but I know she's in the process of moving..."

9. Bert Hart (5)
Bert thinks thoughts; lots of them, primarily about music and business. He has a unique voice and some innovative ideas (not unlike most of these blogs). The best part about all of Bert's rants is that they aren't merely frivolous banter, there's always a logical rationale supporting each claim. More bloggers should aspire to have this approach.

"I love Bert's content - content is there and it should prevail. That said, there's not a bunch of other links that I'd come back for and the aesthetic is significantly behind some of the other top blogs -- I love his sense of humor though."

"I'm hanging onto this one, but dropping it a little lower with the amount of great established blogs on the list."

10. (Tie) Guru Gilbert (7)
Adam's blog is another blog that might not be as targeted to Gen Y as some of the others, but his passion for entrepreneurship and helping people shines through and makes his blog well worth the read, particularly for Millennials. And keeping things well rounded, he also posts about questioning the status quo, happiness, and the meaning of life, which always keeps us on our toes!

Adam is featured in the book Millennial leaders, which is actually in our Amazon queue below.

"I like what Adam writes, I do, but the more I read the more I'm not convinced it's really targeted at Gen Y much (eventhough Adam is Gen Y) -- it's more about his passions, quite a bit about health and fitness, etc."

"Like Meg, Adam has done a solid job encouraging readers to interact with the top 10 lens, thus enabling him to remain a part of the top 10 for this update."

10. (Tie) YPulse (NR)
As one of the top 50 blogs on AdAge's top 150 list, YPulse was bound to crack the top 10 eventually. Though it seems to target the teenagers of generation Y more so than the young professionals, it still provides great news coverage, commentary and resources for marketers.

Some of the information will not interest our readers, but much of it is a fascinating look into Generation Y!

"Certainly interesting, but really targets a younger demographic than our target audience I think."

"I think that this one is interesting because it talks about and to gen y, so it offers information about them to marketers while still keeping them informed..."

*NOTE - If you are the author of one of these blogs and want something re-worded, added, etc. let us know and we would be happy to accomodate your request provided that it is synonymous with our own goals and objectives. -- Ryan

Young and Frugal (6)
This blog doesn't have as much history as the ones before it on the list. It doesn't have an expansive archive, or even a great aesthetic. What it does have is a unique and honest voice about business and personal finance for Millennials.

Big Slice of Awesome
Neal is a cool cat. As the director of marketing at Flying Dog Brewery (can you think of a cooler job?) he has embraced web 2.0 and some very innovative marketing strategies.

I'm not completely convinced he's targeting Gen Y, but they can definitely learn from the conversations he's trying to facilitate on his blog, and that's why Neal is represented on this list.

Work.Love.Life.
The best way to describe Holly's blog is honest(possibly to a fault) and authentic. The blog covers any number of issues that bombard Millennials including commentary on corporate and start up life with her own infusion of life and love.

I Want to Work for Seth Godin
Richard's blog is a fresh breath. Gone are the long-winded posts that don't hold your attention unless they're brilliant. Short and to the point, but also insightful and profound.

His blog will make you think just as much as the next, and it's always littered with relevant examples that most Gen Y readers can relate to.

Ryan:
I am aspiring entrepreneur who is extremely passionate about both marketing and helping people. I am currently branding myself as a 'relationship marketer' that sincerely believes generosity is the key to a successful business.

In my spare time I'm a graduate student at Texas A&M University, an overworked graduate assistant for a couple of classes, and a coach of the College Station 12 Select Baseball team.

Jess:
I am an advertising student at the University of Georgia, and I am very excited about learning more and more about marketing. I stay busy working at Borders, studying and mentoring.