The Top 10 Generation Y Blogs

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 via e-mail.

UPDATED RANKINGS: 10/6/08
-- Previous Ranking in Parenthesis --

1. Personal Branding Blog (1)
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.

2. Hard Knox Life (NR)
It gets tougher each update to stay on this list, especially with phenomenal blogs like this one making such a high debut. We're big on earning your stripes, but if you deserve it, you deserve it, and Dave's blog has earned this spot. [Or maybe we're just attracted to shiny new blogs we were previously unfamiliar with.]

The blog is a brand manager's view at the crossroads of marketing, media and technology. A good chunk of what he writes about pertains directly to things that influence Gen Y, will influence Gen Y, etc. With lots of real life experience in marketing to Gen Y and digital marketing, I suspect Dave's blog will continue to be very relevant.

3. Employee Evolution (6)
The knock on these guys is that with both Ryan's focusing much of their attention on Brazeen Careerist the updates haven't been as frequent. This is potentially what keeps them from challenging Dan for the top spot. The blog is a hot bed of great information for Millennials making the transition from school to the workplace.

It's also probably targets Generation Y better than any other blog on this list. Don't miss some of the real gems in the "Top Articles" section of their side bar.

4. Driven Leaders (NR)
And here's another blog with a ridiculously high debut. [Is it sustainable guys?]

Anthony's about says it better than I could so here you go:
"Driven leaders is a blog devoted to personal and professional development for the emerging leaders of tomorrow. The pressure on new leaders to hit the ground running has never been greater, and the likelihood and cost of failure is escalating. As Gen-Y continues to become an increasing force in the workplace, the need to develop the necessary skills to be a successful leader grows ever more important."

5. Newly Corporate (4)
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 remains in the top 5 this month in spite of a drop in post frequency. Like, Employee Evolution, it benefits from having content that is very Gen Y oriented.

6. Ben Casnocha (3)
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.

Ben's blog has been falling a few spots the last couple of updates after debuting on the inagural list as the #1 blog. There's no question that Ben's blog is one of the best on this list, and while it's certainly a valuable read for Gen Y, it's not necessarily targeted that way.

The next two blogs on this list are similar in that fashion.

7. Brazen Careerist: Penelope Trunk (5)
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.

8. I Will Teach You To Be Rich (NR)
Ramit knows his finance. Like both Ben's and Penelope's blog his aim isn't directly at Gen Y, but they could certainly benefit from his blog on personal finance (banking, saving, budgeting and investing) and personal entrepreneurship.

9. PR Interactive (8)
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.

Fortunately for Meg, much of her hiatus during her internship, move, etc. was also during our inability to find time to update this list. That's fine with us, because we feel she deserves to be here!

10. Guru Gilbert (10)
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.

His continuing ability to obtain votes from readers (whether his or ours) enables him to hang onto the 10th spot, instead of relenquishing to one of the other great blogs that just missed this weeks list.

*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
Perhaps the only thing keeping Daniel off the list this week was the fact that he hasn't had a chance to update in some time. He's got some great content targeted directly to Gen Y. He's REALLY improved the aesthetic of his blog, and provided he can find the time to make more frequent updates I envision him back on the top 10 in no time.

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.

Y Pulse
A great site that is very informative, and a great resource for marketers trying to reach this demographic. Though the focus is on Gen Y, it is more on teens and tweens than the young professionals that this site considers its target demographic.

Derrick Kwa - Sui Generis
Bert Hart - Bert Thinks Thoughts
Charlie Hoehn - Hoehn's Musings
Richard Millington - Feverbee
Jeff Widman
Aidan Nulman - Two Notes Ahead
Kangai Mwiti - Makeup :: Marketing :: Musings
Bjoern Weidlich
David Isaacson - Indie Muse
Sebastian Graham - The Odd One Out

And my own:
Ryan Stephens

Ryan:
I suppose the best way to describe me is an aspiring marketer/entrepreneur (and current Texas A&M graduate student - last semester) who is extremely passionate about both marketing and helping people. I believe in the power of web 2.0 and its ability to cultivate conversations, relationships and the spread of ideas. As cliche as it sounds, I sincerely believe generosity is the key to a successful business.

I blog at Ryan Stephens Marketing

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.